AC and DC motors serve the same function of converting electrical energy into mechanical energy but they are powered, constructed and controlled differently. The most fundamental difference is that power source. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between AC and DC motors.
Difference :
- A DC motor's speed is controlled by varying the current of the armature winding while an AC motor's speed is controlled by varying the frequency, which is usually done with adjustable control of the frequency drive.
- AC motor uses alternating current to produce power and DC motor uses direct current.
- DC motors characterize a continuous and standard current flow while AC motors are used in different situations irrespective of the current flow quality.
- DC motors are self-starting, while AC motors require effective starting equipment.
- DC motors operate in situations where the motor speed needs to be controlled externally, while AC motors are used in a completely different process based on the type of ac motor used.
- AC motors work extremely well for hard systems as they require a lot of upstream power, while DC motors do not perform as well over extended periods of time when producing power.
- DC motors are single-phase motors, while AC motors are 1 and 3-phase motors.
- DC and AC motors work on the same principle of armature winding and magnetic field while the magnetic field remains stationary in DC motor, while in AC motors the armature remains stationary and the magnetic field continues to rotate.