| DC Motors are argueably the most useful type of | | | | mains, and use a rectifier to convert the AC |
| electrical motors, and with good reason, they are | | | | current into a DC current to be used for the task |
| designed to be used with batteries, solar cells or | | | | in hand. As a result of this, they also need to be |
| similar cell based energy sources, and as a result | | | | stepped down (voltage reduced) so that the |
| are used in systems where you don't have to be | | | | current doesn't overpower the circuit and burn |
| tied to a wall. Furthermore, even in systems | | | | out the motor. This limits their usage to larger |
| where they are tied to the wall, sometimes it can | | | | systems that require room for both a stepper |
| be more efficient and cost effective to run DC | | | | and a rectifier. But they still serve a purpose, |
| Motors even in certain situations. Motors generally | | | | particularly in systems where size nor speed is an |
| though give the impression of a gas guzzling car. | | | | issue, just reliability. One such place is in pinsetters |
| In this article, I hope to dispel that myth, and | | | | in a bowling alley, for example. |
| educate you on where and when DC Motors can | | | | High Power DC Motors |
| be and are used. | | | | Argueably the most common and useful motors |
| Low Power DC Motors | | | | are High Power DC Motors. These motors are |
| The lower power motors aren't really useful for | | | | generally used in open systems, and generally |
| things commonly associated with motors. Lifting | | | | used in systems were torque and power, as well |
| and transportation applications require more | | | | as drive are paramount. Examples of such |
| power & torque for them to work. | | | | systems include electric wheelchairs, electric |
| However, what they lack in power they make up | | | | scooters, Segways, hybrid cars, as well as in |
| in precision. Low power DC motors are particularly | | | | elevators. |
| useful as speed changes from 0 to 1 are almost | | | | Of course, with power comes great power |
| instantaneous. Therefore, they can be used | | | | usage, and whilst the most energy efficient form |
| successfully in digital systems. | | | | of motor, they can require a lot of energy to run. |
| A low speed, low power brushless DC motor can | | | | Part of the creative process of using them is to |
| be found in most turntable devices, particularly | | | | be efficient (drive systems in hybrid cars use the |
| precision turntable devices. Devices with such | | | | petrol motor's momentum to recharge a battery, |
| motors are things like personal computers (usually, | | | | which will be then used to power the DC motor), |
| with 3 motors in it, one for the hard drive, and | | | | but generally the battery will need to be |
| one for the processor cooler), CD & DVD | | | | recharged or replaced at regular intervals. Even |
| players. | | | | so, it's usually infrequently the battery needs |
| Medium Power DC Motors | | | | replacing. Furthermore, any systems attached to |
| Medium power DC Motors have a use too in | | | | the mains don't suffer from this problem. |
| systems. Generally they are connected to the | | | | |