History of the Electric Motor
An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The invention and development of the electric motor played an integral role in the industrial revolution and subsequent technological advance. The history of the electric motor from the first experiments to modern achievements will be covered in this article. For your convenience, each paragraph is accompanied with a short video clip.
Early Experiments with Electricity
The history of the electric motor begins with the first experiments with electricity conducted back in the XVIII century. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin carried out his famous experiments with lightning and a kite, which gave rise to understanding the nature of electricity.
https://rutube.ru/video/37be31e2bb32af91927d16d2c259deb1/?r=plemwd
Italian scientist Alessandro Volta invented the first chemical DC power source called the voltaic pile in 1799, which enabled conducting more systematic studies of electrical phenomena.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-94010172_456243293?ref_domain=yastatic.net
First Steps Towards Electric Motor Invention
In the early 19th century, many scientists began designing devices that used electricity to perform mechanical work. One of the first steps in this field was the invention of an electromagnet in 1825 by British scientist William Sturgeon. The electromagnet was represented by a horseshoe iron core with a winding. When current was applied to the winding, a magnetic field was created attracting iron objects.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-114735455_456241017?ref_domain=yastatic.net
Invention of the First Electric Motor
The key point in the history of the electric motor was the invention made by Michael Faraday in 1821, when he discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction. This principle formed the basis for operation of all modern electric motors. However, the first working electric motor was invented only several decades later.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-227347754_456240048
In 1828, Hungarian physicist Anyos Jedlik began experimenting with electromagnetic coils and discovered the principle of rotation of a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field. In 1831, he demonstrated the first device resembling an electric motor, however, its operation was unstable and it did not gain widespread usage.
https://ok.ru/video/6150722161261
Studies of Boris Jacobi
A significant contribution to the development of electric motors was made by Russian physicist Boris Semenovich (Moritz Hermann von) Jacobi. In 1834, he designed the world's first practicable rotary electric motor. His engine, known as the "Jacobi’s motor", was used to propel a boat on the Neva River in St. Petersburg. This event became a major step in expansion of the practical application of electric motors.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-17862264_456260823
Further Development
Throughout the 19th century, many scientists and engineers kept working on improvement of the design of electric motors. In 1873, British physicist William Grove developed the first generator capable of producing alternating current, which was converted into direct current using a rectifier. This discovery enabled producing more powerful electric motors. In the 1880s, Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla developed alternating current systems, which greatly simplified the electric power transmission over long distances and contributed to the development of more efficient electric motors.
https://rutube.ru/video/ce4b5858531e9b6aab5ef8f1831c264c/?r=plemwd
In the late 80s of the XIX century, Mikhail Osipovich Dolivo-Dobrovolsky invented the three-phase asynchronous motor.
In 1888, the engineer became familiar with a research paper of Italian electrical engineer Galileo Ferraris, which described the operating principle of a motor powered by an alternating current charge. Dolivo-Dobrovolsky did not agree with the scientist's conclusions and began working on invention of the world's first asynchronous motor. As early as in 1889, he held a patent for his invention – the three-phase asynchronous motor with a squirrel-cage rotor.
Due to its simplicity and reliability, the three-phase asynchronous motor is still widely used in various industries: in industrial production, in transport, in household appliances (washing machines and air conditioner fans), in agriculture, in the energy sector, in the metallurgical industry, in extraction of mineral resources, in water treatment plants, in the medical, aviation, and automotive industries.
The operating principle of the motor is to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The stator forms a magnetic field that starts the rotation of the rotor. The Dolivo-Dobrovolsky's invention is distinguished by its simple design, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which makes it a reliable source of energy.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-70265905_456239596
It is also worth mentioning that a specialized training center named after him operates in St. Petersburg. Established on the basis of the group of companies specialized in repair of electric motors (SZEMO), the training center named after M.O. Dolivo-Dobrovolsky focuses on proficiency enhancement and transferring the practical experience accumulated for over 20 years to employees of the partner enterprises in the field of production technologies, repair of electric machines of any size and capacity, as well as the production of spare parts for them. Thanks to such experience and high-quality education, the center forms an innovative environment for the development of professional skills of employees in the field of production, repair of electric machines and the production of spare parts for them.
https://prom-univer.ru/programs
Present-Day Achievements
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the development and upgrade of electric motors continued. In the 1930s, first synchronous and asynchronous electric motors were presented, which became the basis for most modern industrial devices and household appliances. In the 1960s, brushless motors distinguished by high efficiency and long service life began to be developed.
https://rutube.ru/video/c915fe6bfbf0c9cba89f8dfc64bd1741/?r=plemwd
Presently, electric motors are used everywhere, from household appliances to spacecrafts. Such modern technologies as rare earth metal permanent magnets and microprocessor-based control systems have made it possible to produce highly efficient and reliable electric motors that keep playing a key role in the technological development.
Permanent magnets made from rare earth metals create a stronger magnetic field than traditional magnets thus improving the efficiency of electric motors. They are used by virtually all leading manufacturers of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Microprocessor-based control systems allow using more complex software with advanced control algorithms, which also contributes to the increased reliability of electric motors.
However, rare earth metals are limited in availability and can be difficult and potentially dangerous to mine, making them a key cost factor for electric motors. Scientists are therefore looking for alternatives to rare earth permanent magnets, for example, ferrite-based magnets.
https://vkvideo.ru/video-76132954_456239589?ref_domain=yastatic.net
Conclusion
The history of the electric motor is a journey from the first experiments with electricity to modern high-tech devices. Electric motors have become an integral part of our lives, providing operation of various devices and contributing to further technological progress. Their development continues, and the future promises even more innovations and achievements in this field.
When we talk about electric motors, we should not forget that rigid sections play an important role in the operation of motors, ensuring the reliability and long service life of the equipment. The sections must be made of high-quality materials with insulation of different heat resistance classes to guarantee the stability and efficiency of operation of the motors.
Rem&Coil plant has been operating in the market of rigid sections and rods for electric motors for over 18 years, having proven to be an expert in this field. It does not matter to us how long ago your electric motor was manufactured. Thanks to the ideal geometry, the section laying process will take 1-2 days. The excellence of materials is very important to us, so we use only high-quality copper grades M0 and M00, as well as insulation of heat resistance classes F, H, C from the leading global manufacturers.
Our engineers are ready to solve any problem of our customers. They independently upgrade and produce new equipment so that you get exactly what you need. They are ready to consult you on any issues related to stator windings.
Regarding cooperation and ordering products, call us at +7 (812) 321-29-20 or email to postrem@remcoil.ru, the company's website is https://rem-and-coil.ru.