MOTORS

Motors generate motion. The principal aim of motors is to convert any form of energy to mechanical motion or energy. This rotational or linear motion or energy can be used to power a wide range of machines, machinery and equipment either to do work or to produce electricity or electrical energy.

There are different types of motors, this includes the following; electric motors, internal combustion motors, steam motors, hydraulic motors, pneumatic motors, clockwork motors, thermal motors, piezoelectric motors, shape memory alloy (SMA) motors.

Electric motors convert electric energy into mechanical energy. It converts the torque produced by an electric current to generate motion. There are different types of electric motors, these includes; dc motors, ac motors, stepper motors, servo motor and brushless motors.

Internal combustion motors converts chemical energy from fuel into mechanical energy. They use a combination of air, fuel and a spark to ignite a mixture thereby generating torque or motion. There are different types of internal combustion motors, they are; gasoline engines, diesel engines and rotary engines.

Steam motors converts thermal energy from steam into mechanical energy. The steam generated by the boiler is used to generate or produce motion or torque to drive a locomotive. There are different types of steam motors, they are; steam engines and steam turbines.

Hydraulic motors, convert fluid pressure into mechanical energy to produce motion or torque. They use a hydraulic fluid to drive a piston or a gear. There are different types of hydraulic motors, they are; hydraulic pumps and hydraulic motors.

Pneumatic motors converts compressed air or gas into mechanical energy thereby producing torque or motion. They use pneumatic pressure to drive a piston or gear. There are different types of pneumatic motors, they are; pneumatic actuators and pneumatic motors.

Clockwork motors convert stored mechanical energy usually with springs to produce torque or motion. They use springs or weight to drive a gear train. There are different types of clockwork motors, they are; mechanical clocks and clockwork mechanism.

Thermal motors convert heat energy into mechanical energy to produce torque or motion. They use thermal expansion or stirling engines to generate motion. There are different types of thermal motors, they are; stirling engines and thermal expansion motors.

Piezoelectric motors converts’ electrical energy into mechanical energy thereby producing torque or motion. They use piezoelectric crystals to generate force or motion. There are different types of piezoelectric motors they are; piezoelectric actuators and piezoelectric motors.

Shape memory alloy (SMA) motors converts thermal energy into mechanical energy using shape memory alloys. They use SMA wires or springs to generate force or motion. There are two types of SMA motors, they are; SMA actuators and SMA motors.

Motors as prime movers have been adopted in its various forms in a wide variety of applications across many industries, including; industrial automation, transportation, consumer products, medical devices, aerospace and defense, robotics and automation, heating ventilation and air-condition (HVAC) and refrigeration, pumps and compressors, material handling, energy and utilities, agricultural and construction equipment.

The future of motors may also mirror or advance in tandem with the various technologies that contribute to its design, manufacture and operation. These technological advancement may include; sensors controls and automation, computing (A.I, IoT etc.), materials and science generally.

The type or kind of motors in the foreseeable future may include; quantum motors, grapheme motors, superconducting motors, piezoelectric motors, bio-inspired motors, Meta material motors, space motors, fusion motors, exotic matter motors, and perhaps a new physics motors..

In summary the future of motors will be characterized by the following; small, low weight with increased efficiency in power delivery, operation, precision and energy utilization, particularly in terms of pollution and environmental impact to the society.

 

SOURCES

• The motor book by Douglass Self.
• Motors and engines by John C. Dixon.
• Motor technology by Roy A. Richardson.
• Hydraulic systems and motors by J.K Thiruvengadam.
• Linear motors by J.F Gieras.
• Piezoelectric motors by S.A Naser.