Understanding Different Types of Ceiling Fan Motors

The entire functioning of a fan lies in its motor. There are many types of motors that are being used in the most commonly found fans in the market. In this blog, we will throw some light on each type of motor so you can determine the ideal fan for your purchase.

To begin with, let us first understand what a motor is?

Basically, a motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy i.e., a rotational motion.  Depending on the application, the rotating motion can be changed to linear motion. For any electrical motor, the basic components remain the same but its design may vary based on application or power supply which is determined by a ceiling fan manufacturer.

Stator - The static component

Rotator - The rotating component

Shaft - The connector for the motor and other parts

Having learned the basics, let’s move to its types:

DC motors

DC motors use a simple magnet and coil configuration, with a permanent magnet for the stator and a coil winding for the rotor that receives a supply of direct current. The current-carrying coil in the rotor when interacting with the magnetic field in the stator results in the rotation of the motor. The direction of the rotation is perpendicular to the direction of the current and the magnetic field as per Fleming’s left-hand rule. Further, an alternating flux interconnection is formed, commutators assist the rotor is spinning in the same direction. Commutation is the process of altering the motor's current to produce a unidirectional force.

AC motors

In AC motors, the stator receives an alternating current that is three-phased. Here the stator has coils and the rotor has a permanent magnet causing a magnetic field that interacts with the electric field of the stator based on Faraday’s law.

BLDC motors

This motor is applied not only in a bldc ceiling fan but airplanes, EVs (electric vehicles), home appliances, and more for a considerable reason. Let’s find out.

BLDC - Brushless DC motors are electric motors that operate on software commands. The mechanical commutators and brushes are eliminated in this design.

By switching the polarity of the rotor windings, it functions identically to brushed DC motors. The combined effect of the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's electrical field produces the angular movement that causes the motor to rotate. The wear and tear of the commutator and brushes is a key disadvantage of DC motors, which is alleviated with BLDC motors.

Final words

Having learned about the different motors, we can understand a bldc fan proves to be more durable over years given its motor design. Not only does it overcome the limitation of commutators but offers precise speed controls and noise-less functioning.