Hysteresis motors, also known as synchronous hysteresis motors or hysteresis synchronous motors, are a type of electric motor that utilizes the magnetic properties of materials, specifically the hysteresis effect in ferromagnetic materials, for their operation. These motors are known for their smooth and constant speed operation, making them suitable for applications where precise speed control is required.
Here's how hysteresis motors utilize the magnetic properties of materials for their operation:
Ferromagnetic Hysteresis Effect: Ferromagnetic materials, such as iron and certain iron alloys, exhibit a phenomenon known as hysteresis in their magnetization curve. This means that when an external magnetic field is applied to these materials, they don't respond immediately but show a lag in their magnetization. As the external magnetic field strength increases, the material's magnetization also increases, but when the external field is removed, the material retains some residual magnetization.
Rotor Design: In a hysteresis motor, the rotor is typically made of a ferromagnetic material that exhibits a substantial hysteresis effect. This rotor material is often chosen to have a high coercivity (resistance to demagnetization) and high retentivity (ability to retain magnetization), as these properties are key to the motor's operation.
Stator and Magnetic Fields: The stator of a hysteresis motor is designed with a set of electromagnetic coils that produce a rotating magnetic field when current flows through them. This rotating magnetic field interacts with the ferromagnetic rotor material.
Hysteresis Torque: When the rotating magnetic field from the stator interacts with the ferromagnetic rotor, it causes the rotor material to experience changes in magnetization due to the hysteresis effect. As the rotor material tries to keep up with the changes in the rotating field, it undergoes repeated magnetization cycles. This interaction generates a torque on the rotor, causing it to rotate.
Constant Speed Operation: The hysteresis effect causes the rotor to lag behind the rotating magnetic field, resulting in a constant, smooth rotation at a speed determined by the frequency of the AC current supplied to the stator coils. Since the hysteresis effect introduces a delay in the rotor's response to changes in the magnetic field, the motor's speed remains relatively constant and is not prone to rapid variations.
Hysteresis motors are commonly used in applications where a steady and precise rotational speed is required, such as in clocks, record players, and other timing devices. However, they are not as efficient as some other types of motors like induction motors or brushless DC motors, and their use has declined with the development of more advanced motor technologies.