Electric Motor

Invented by : Michale Faraday

Invented in year : 1821

An Electric Motor is a device which uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy. This process almost and always involves interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors. There are two different kinds of motors, Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current.(DC) Motors. These kinds of motors use the same parts as a basic electric motor, only using two different kinds of current. Electric motors are found in countless devices such as industrial fans, blowers, pumps, machine tools, household appliances, power tools, computer disk drives and in various other devices. The invention of Electric Motor went through a process of development and discovery beginning with Hans Oersted's discovery of electromagnetism in 1820 and involving additional work by William Sturgeon, Joseph Henry, Andre Marie Ampere, Thomas Davenport and a few others. But it is Michael Faraday (1791-1867), a British physicist and chemist who is known for the invention of the electric motor.

In 1821 Michael Faraday was the first to come up with the concept of the simple DC motor. Faraday's breakthrough came when he wrapped two insulated coils of wire around an iron ring, and found that upon passing a current through one coil, a momentary current was induced in the other coil. But it was only ten years later, in 1831, that he succeeded in building the first electric motor. The invention was a result of his great series of experiments in which he discovered electromagnetic induction. These experiments form the basis of modern electromagnetic technology. In his experiments he used his Induction Ring and was able to produce Electromagnetic Induction or generation of electricity in a wire by means of the electromagnetic effect of a current in another wire. The Induction Ring was the first electric transformer. In a second series of experiments in September he discovered magneto-electric induction: the production of a steady electric current. In these experiments he attached two wires through a sliding contact to a copper disc. By rotating the disc between the poles of a horseshoe magnet he obtained a continuous direct current. This was the first generator. From his experiments came devices that led to the modern electric motor, generator and transformer.

Development in the invention of Electric Motor

Joseph Henry an American Scientist built some of the first experimental electric motors in 1832. In 1837, Charles Grafton Page worked on improving the electric motor and created a model of his own. In 1887, Nikola Tesla introduced the Alternate Current (AC) motor. All other motors up to that time had been using direct current. Michail Osipovich Dolivo-Dobrovolsky later invented a three-phase "cage-rotor" in 1890. This type of motor is now used for the vast majority of commercial applications. Electric motors of increasing efficiency were constructed throughout the 19th century, but commercial exploitation of electric motors on a large scale required efficient electrical generators and electrical distribution networks. Today, motors are used everywhere. They are used in cars and many household appliances. Inspite of the lack of understanding of the working of a electric motor, it has become a very useful invention.

Role of Electric Motor in the Improvement Of Human Life

• Electric Motor is a revolutionary invention which found it's major usage in rotating machines such as fans, turbines, drills, the wheels on electric cars, locomotives and conveyor belts. All these reduced Human effort and also saved time.

• It made transportation convenient which also became a source of business

• Household appliances were made which were based on electric motors and these reduced heavy labour in the home and made higher standards of convenience, comfort and safety possible

• Electric motors play a very important role in the safe and efficient running of industrial plants and processes.

• Electric motors are also increasingly used in robotics.