A hysteresis motor, also known as a synchronous hysteresis motor or a hysteresis synchronous motor, is a type of electric motor that operates based on the principle of magnetic hysteresis. It is a type of synchronous motor, which means its rotor turns at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field of the stator. Hysteresis motors are primarily used in applications where precise and constant speed control is required, such as in clocks, turntables, and some scientific instruments.
The operating principle of a hysteresis motor relies on the phenomenon of magnetic hysteresis, which is the lagging of the magnetic field in a material compared to the applied magnetic force. In simple terms, when a ferromagnetic material (a material that easily becomes magnetized) is exposed to a changing magnetic field, it lags behind in aligning its internal magnetic domains with the external field. This lag creates a rotational force, which can be harnessed to create motion in a motor.
Here's how a hysteresis motor typically works:
Rotor Construction: The rotor of a hysteresis motor is made of a material with a high magnetic hysteresis. Commonly used materials include alloys such as cobalt-iron or nickel-iron. These materials have a strong tendency to resist rapid changes in their magnetization.
Stator Construction: The stator of the motor generates a rotating magnetic field. This rotating magnetic field is usually produced by applying an AC (alternating current) voltage to the stator windings. The frequency of the AC voltage determines the speed of the rotating field and, consequently, the motor's operational speed.
Hysteresis Effect: As the stator's magnetic field rotates, the ferromagnetic rotor tries to align itself with the changing field. However, due to the material's magnetic hysteresis, the rotor lags behind the rotating field. This lagging creates a torque that tries to bring the rotor into alignment with the field.
Continuous Rotation: The rotor continues to rotate until it's almost aligned with the rotating magnetic field of the stator. The hysteresis effect produces a continuous rotational force that keeps the rotor moving in synchrony with the stator's field.
Hysteresis motors offer several advantages:
Steady Speed: They provide very consistent rotational speeds, making them suitable for applications where precise timing is crucial.
Low Noise: They operate quietly due to the absence of the noisy "cogging" effect found in other types of motors.
Low Maintenance: They have a simple construction with minimal wear and tear, resulting in reduced maintenance requirements.
Smooth Motion: The continuous torque produced by the hysteresis effect results in smooth and jerk-free rotation.
However, hysteresis motors also have some limitations:
Low Efficiency: They tend to have lower efficiency compared to other motor types, which might not be suitable for high-power applications.
Limited Torque: The torque they generate is generally lower than other motor types, making them unsuitable for applications requiring high starting torque.
In summary, a hysteresis motor operates based on the magnetic hysteresis phenomenon to produce a continuous and steady rotation. While it has certain advantages in terms of steady speed and low noise, it's important to consider its limitations when choosing a motor for a specific application.