Everything you need to know about electric drive motors – from basics to special applications.
What is an electric drive motor and where is it typically used?
Ein electric drive motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical rotational energy. It is a central component in numerous industrial applications, from conveyor systems and pumps to machine tools and complex robotic systems, often as a three-phase motor or servo motor executed.
Why are efficiency classes such as IE3 and IE4 so important for electric drive motors?
Efficiency classes (e.g. IE3, IE4 according to EN 60034-30-1) define the efficiency of an electric drive motor. Choosing motors of higher efficiency classes is crucial, as they significantly reduce energy consumption, which leads to significant operating cost savings and a reduction in CO2 emissions . Since July 2023, IE3/IE4 motors are often required.
How does ATEK Drive Solutions assist in selecting the suitable electric drive motor?
ATEK Drive Solutions provides comprehensive technical consulting and analyzes your specific application requirements. Through our modular system for Gear Boxes, combined with modern servo motors and brakes, as well as the capability to develop für Getriebe, kombiniert mit modernen Servomotoren und Bremsen, sowie die Fähigkeit zur Entwicklung customized special solutions, we find the optimal electric drive motor as part of a complete drive solution.
What advantages do brushless electric drive motors offer over traditional models?
Brushless electric drive motors (EC motors), like modern servo motors, offer a longer lifespan and reliability, as they operate without wear-prone carbon brushes. They are also lower maintenance, quieter, more dynamic and often achieve an efficiency of over 90%, ideal for precise and demanding industrial applications.
When is the use of a gear motor with an electric drive motor sensible?
A gear motor, the combination of an electric drive motor and a Gear Box (e.g., planetary, bevel, worm gear), is ideal when a electric drive motor adjustment of motor speed and a increase in output torque are required. ATEK offers millions of configurations from the modular system for optimal performance matching. erforderlich sind. ATEK bietet hierfür Millionen von Konfigurationen aus dem Baukasten für eine Can electric drive motors from ATEK be customized for special environmental conditions or industry requirements?.
Yes, ATEK Drive Solutions specializes in
custom modifications . This includes various IP protection classes, special coatings, the use of stainless steel components for. Das umfasst verschiedene IP-Schutzklassen, spezielle Lackierungen, den Einsatz von Edelstahlkomponenten für Hygienic Design Gear Boxes or modifications for operation in harsh industrial environments or specific temperature ranges.
A deep understanding of the operating principles, variants, and selection criteria of electric drive motors is the basis for designing efficient and powerful drive systems in industry.
Compliance with current efficiency standards (e.g. IE3/IE4) for electric drive motors is not only a regulatory necessity but also enables energy savings of up to 70% (e.g. for pumps/fans with variable frequency drives) and sustainably reduces operating costs..
The key to maximizing performance lies in a systemic approach, which regards the electric drive motor, the Gear Box, the brake, and the control as a unit, complemented by custom solutions, as offered by ATEK Drive Solutions, to achieve significant productivity and quality improvements. Explore the world of electric drive motors: functionality, application areas, efficiency, and the latest innovations. Find the optimal motor for your requirements!
Electric drive motors are the heart of many industrial applications. From precise positioning tasks to powerful drives – they offer diverse application possibilities. Do you need a custom drive solution? Contact us now at
Entdecken Sie die Welt der elektrischen Drehmotoren: Funktionsweise, Anwendungsbereiche, Effizienz und die neuesten Innovationen. Finden Sie den optimalen Motor für Ihre Anforderungen!
Elektrische Drehmotoren sind das Herzstück vieler industrieller Anwendungen. Von präzisen Positionieraufgaben bis hin zu kraftvollen Antrieben – sie bieten vielfältige Einsatzmöglichkeiten. Benötigen Sie eine individuelle Antriebslösung? Kontaktieren Sie uns jetzt unter ATEK Drive Solutions!
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Understand: Master the fundamentals and evolution of electric drive motors.
Electric drive motors are key components of industrial processes; proper selection increases efficiency and productivity. This article addresses the basics and selection criteria for optimal drive solutions, especially when an electric motor is operated, with ATEK Drive Solutions.
Definition and functioning
Ein electric drive motor converts electrical energy into mechanical rotation based on the magnetic forces of current-carrying conductors. The availability of electrical energy was crucial for the spread of every electric motor. A stator magnetic field moves the rotor.
Historical development and key moments
Key steps in development were Ørsted’s discovery (1820), Faraday’s rotation, and Siemens’ dynamo-electric principle (1866) for efficient power generation. The drive motor, often executed as a electric motor , became key technology and replaced steam engines. Modern E-motors are established.
Early experiments and pioneers
Pioneers like Jacobi (electric boat, 1834) had visions of new drives. Early designs often failed but laid the foundation. Applications like the electric hammer showed the potential that an electric motor can offer. Research led to robust motors for gear motor combinations..Analyzing: Effectively utilizing operating principles and variants of drive motors
The interplay of magnetic fields
Current-carrying stator windings generate a magnetic field that rotates the rotor. Designing fields and components determines the characteristics for every electric motor. Induction is used in asynchronous motors for the rotor field without direct energization.
- Basic principle: Current-carrying stator windings create magnetic fields that set the rotor in motion.
- DC motors: Use commutators for reversing current, enabling continuous rotation but bringing brush wear.
- Brushless DC motors: An advancement that avoids brush wear and is often found in modern servo motors. Alternating vs. direct current motors:
- Wechsel- vs. Drehstrommotoren: Simple alternating current motors are suitable for smaller power ratings, while the three-phase motor, a common form of the electric motor, dominates industry with its three phase-shifted currents.
- Synchronous vs. asynchronous motors: Synchronous motors operate exactly in sync with the grid frequency, while asynchronous motors operate with an essential slip of 2-5%.
- Starting behavior of AC motors: High starting currents require special starting methods such as star-delta starting to protect the grid and adapt to the load.
- Capacitor motors: Use operating capacitors to generate an auxiliary phase for starting, typical for 230V applications with medium starting torque.
DC motors: Commutator function in detail
DC motors use a commutator (with brushes) to reverse current in the rotor windings for continuous rotation. Without it, the rotor stops. Brush wear promotes brushless concepts, which are often considered more advanced, electric motor like modern servo motors.. More segments ensure smoother operation.
Alternating and direct current motors: Differences and nuances
Simple alternating current motors serve smaller power ratings; the three-phase motor (three phase-shifted currents for rotating field) dominates industrially as a powerful electric motor. Field generation determines performance/smoothness. Synchronous motors run synchronously, asynchronous motors with necessary slip of 2-5%.
Starting torque and starting methods for AC motors
High starting currents that a electric motor can generate as a three-phase variant stress the grid. Starting methods such as star-delta starting (starting current about 1/3) protect the grid and adapt the motor to the load. Capacitor motors use operating capacitors for auxiliary phases (230V, medium starting torque).Integrating: Optimally incorporating electric drive motors into industrial systems
From uncontrolled to controlled electric motors
Control technology and power electronics enable precise speed/torsion control. Sensors and controls turn each electric motor into a flexible automation component. Frequency converters adapt speeds as needed (e.g. pumps/fans: up to 70% energy savings).
The importance of drive systems
Ein drive motor, especially a electric motor, is part of a comprehensive system. Without adapting the Gear Box/control, a stronger motor often brings no benefits. Here, the electric drive, Gear Box, sensors, and controls must work together optimally. ATEK supplies gear motors and system solutions, for example for rapid positioning tasks.
Electric motors in various industries
drive motors, as versatile electric motor, can be found in precision machine tools and heavy-duty conveyor belts. Requirements vary (high speeds to high torques). A suitable configuration for each electric motor is crucial. Highly dynamic servo motors enable complex robotic movements.Optimizing: Increasing efficiency through knowledge of standards and manufacturing processes
The development of efficiency classes
EU Regulation 2019/1781 often requires IE3/IE4 for new motors, hence every new electric motor (since 7/2023). IE classes (IE1-IE5) reflect energy-saving efforts. Higher efficiency classes pay for themselves through lower energy costs (upgrading from IE1 to IE3: up to 40% loss reduction).
- Development of efficiency classes: EU Regulation 2019/1781 promotes the use of higher efficiency classes (often IE3/IE4) to save energy, especially since July 2023.
- Significance of IE classes: The internationally recognized classes IE1 to IE5 classify each electric motor based on its energy consumption and support efforts for energy savings.
- Economics: Investments in motors of higher efficiency classes lead to significantly lower energy costs and often pay off quickly, e.g. through up to 40% loss reduction when switching from IE1 to IE3.
- Normative basis: The standard EN 60034-30-1 defines the efficiency classes for three-phase asynchronous motors and provides a transparent basis for energy-efficient purchasing decisions and CO2 reduction.
- Regulatory requirements: For motors in the power range of 0.75 kW to 1,000 kW that are placed on the market after July 1, 2021, the efficiency class IE3 (or IE2 in combination with a frequency converter) is often required.
- Precise manufacturing processes: The manufacturing of drive motors, especially when a electric motor is being manufactured, is a complex process that requires precisely manufactured components such as die-cast housings, stamped and insulated lamination packages, and accurately executed stator windings.
- Quality factors in manufacturing: The quality of the winding and the insulation used is crucial for the efficiency, reliability, and lifespan of an Electric motor, especially of a electric motor.
Regulatory framework conditions (EN 60034-30:2009)
EN 60034-30-1 defines efficiency classes for three-phase asynchronous motors, a common design for the electric motor, creates transparency for energy-efficient decisions and CO2 reduction. ATEK ensures compliance with standards. Motors (0.75-1,000 kW, after July 1, 2021) require IE3 (or IE2 with frequency converter).
Manufacturing processes in detail
The precise manufacturing for a electric motor is complex: Housing (die-cast), lamination packages (stamped, insulated), precise stator winding. The quality of the winding/insulation determines efficiency and lifespan for each electric motor. Shafts are hardened/ground. ATEK ensures quick delivery through modern manufacturing and warehousing.Looking ahead: Identifying mobile applications and future trends in electric motors
Electric motors in electric vehicles: Advantages and challenges
Ein electric motor in vehicles offers high starting torque, efficiency, comfort, local emissions-free operation, lower operating costs (e.g., 0-100 km/h < 4s). Challenges (range, charging times) are addressed by advancements in battery/charging technology and optimization for the electric motor.
Alternative energy supply concepts
Alternative concepts for mobile applications in which a electric motor is used include fuel cells (H2 to electricity) and hybrid drives. Technological diversity shapes the mobile future. Flywheel storage or range extenders are additional options. Stationary are Electric motors with brake partially necessary.
Future trends and developments
The importance of drive motors, especially of the electric motor, in automation and industry is growing (energy efficiency, environment). Integration of sensors/AI for predictive maintenance/self-optimization is expected. New materials/manufacturing technologies bring more compact, stronger electric drives. ATEK delivers innovative electric rotary motors.Specializing: Selecting special motor types for specific requirements
Three-phase motors: Robustness and low maintenance
The three-phase asynchronous motor (squirrel-cage), a widely used electric motor, is robust, low maintenance, and simply constructed. Star-delta starting reduces starting current; frequency converters regulate speed continuously. They move loads from kW to MW (e.g., cement mills).
Brushless electric motors: Low wear and quiet
Brushless DC motors (EC motors), a modern form of the electric motor, without brushes (electronic commutation), are quiet, durable (e.g., medical technology). Advantages: low maintenance, long lifespan, efficiency >90%, low noise. Internal rotors for high speeds, external rotors for high torque.
Gear motors: Combination of motor and gear
Gear motors combine a electric motor with a gear (e.g., planetary, spur gear, servo-planetary gear) to adjust speed/torque. Gears reduce speed and increase torque (e.g., 100:1 gear ratio). ATEK offers modular systems for many configurations.
The right selection for a electric motor is crucial for performance and efficiency. This article illuminated the fundamentals and special designs for the electric motor. Understanding the drive system is central. ATEK Drive Solutions advises on optimal solutions.
