What Is Brushless DC Motor? Understanding Its Working and Applications
Tags: dcmotors, brushlessdcmotors, electricalprojects, electricmotors
Published: 2023-02-26 15:40:41

DC motors are commonly used in electrical circuits. They are easily controlled by many methods, such as 

pulse-width modulation (PWM) 
changing the voltage delivered to the motor

They are therefore a perfect choice for applications where precise control of the motor's speed and torque is necessary. 

It is worth noting that DC motors are suitable for situations where energy efficiency is a key consideration since they are typically more efficient than other types of electric motors, especially at low speeds.

Know that, they may also produce a significant amount of power, which is essential in heavy-duty applications. These motors are an affordable option for many electronic devices since they are often less expensive to manufacture than other types of electric motors. The primary benefit of employing DC motors is their adaptability and ease of control in many applications.

**What is DC Motor?**

[DC motor](https://www.electricaleasy.com/2014/01/basic-working-of-dc-motor.html) is a type of electric motor that uses an electric current to generate a magnetic field, which, in turn, provides the driving force and allows the motor to rotate. DC motors are widely employed in many applications, including robotics, transportation, and industrial equipment.

DC motors can be classified into two main types:

·         Brushed DC Motors
·         Brushless DC Motors

In brushed DC motors, the rotor—the moving component—contains a wrapped coil of wire while the outer shell is stationary.

Permanent magnets and a set of brushes in the fixed shell make contact with the rotor and supply it with electricity. And a stationary wire coil and a spinning magnet are the common features of brushless DC motors. Although they are more complex and expensive to produce, they are more effective and last longer than brushed DC motors.

Depending on the kind of current they use, DC motors can be further categorized into two types.
 
Alternating current (AC), which changes direction, is used by some DC motors. 

Whereas direct current, which runs in a single direction, is used by others. 

DC motors can also be categorized according to their power rating, speed, and torque output.

**Working of Brushless DC Motors**

A [brushless DC motor](https://www.theengineeringprojects.com/2020/12/brushless-dc-motor.html) (BLDC motor) is an electric motor that consists of two parts:

·         A stator (the stationary part of the motor)
·         And a rotor (the moving part)

The stator is made up of a number of wire coils that are positioned around the perimeter of the motor. While a magnet that is fastened to the motor shaft serves as the rotor.

The stator coils in a BLDC motor are energized in a particular order to produce a rotating magnetic field. The motor's shaft turns as a result of the rotor following the rotating field. The shaft rotation can be controlled by changing the sequence in which the stator coils are energized, allowing the motor's speed and torque to be accurately adjusted.

One of the key advantages of a BLDC motor is that it carries no brushes, which increases its life span by reducing the wear and tear on the motor. It is also generally more efficient and quieter than a brushed DC motor. But know that, BLDC motors are more complex and expensive to manufacture as compared to brushed DC motors.

**Applications of Brushless DC Motors**

Brushless DC motors (BLDC motors) are electric motors that are known for their high efficiency, low maintenance requirements, and long lifespan. BLDC motors are employed in many applications, including:

**1: Robotics**

Since they are precise, dependable, and effective, BLDC motors are frequently used in robotics. They are frequently employed to drive the robot's limb motion or to spin its sensors or camera. These motors are employed not just to power the robot's movement but also in the power supply and control systems, among other areas of the robot. Plus, they are incorporated into many other robotic applications, including industrial, military, and consumer robotics.

**2: Transportation**

BLDC motors are used in many transportation applications, including electric vehicles, trains, and subways. In electric vehicles, such as cars, bicycles, and scooters, DC motors are used to power the movement of the vehicle.

**3: Industrial equipment**

Pumps, fans, conveyors, and machine tools are just a few of the industrial applications that heavily rely on these motors. They are frequently chosen due to their great efficiency and low maintenance requirements.

DC motors are used in pumps to power pump motion and create the pressure necessary to transfer fluids. DC motors are employed in fans to drive the blade movement and to circulate air or other gases. Moreover, they are a part of conveyors to move the conveyor belt and carry goods from one place to another. And in machine tools, they move the cutting tool and produce the high torque required to complete the machining operation.

**4: Home appliances**

Many domestic appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines, frequently use BLDC motors. They are particularly suited to home appliances because of their well-known energy efficiency and low noise levels. 

DC motors are used in washing machines to drive the rotation of the drum that holds the laundry. Additionally, they are employed in the machine's controls and the pump that circulates the water. They are used in air conditioners to drive the compressor and the fans that move the air. And they are included in refrigerators to operate the compressor and the fans that move the cool air.

**5: Medical equipment**

Numerous medical devices, such as ventilators, dialysis machines, and X-ray machines, use these motors. They are favored because of their precise control and reliability, which are essential qualities to have in the medical industry. 

These motors are used in ventilators to drive the bellows that provide air to the patient's lungs. They are also employed in the ventilator's controls. DC motors are used in [dialysis machines](https://www.davita.com/treatment-services/dialysis/in-center-hemodialysis/how-does-a-dialysis-machine-work) to move the machine itself as well as the pumps that circulate the dialysis fluid. Moreover, they are used in X-ray machines to move the X-ray tube and create the high voltage required for the X-ray beam.