A Universal Motor Is Universal

A universal motor is universal because it can operate with nearly
identical characteristics on both AC and DC supply
What is the Universal Motor?

A universal motor is an engine that runs on both DC and AC power
supplies. The features of this motor primarily include variable speed
and high transmission torque. It provides a high starting torque; the
speed can change, it is small in size, and cheap. The key parts of the
universal motor are armature, field winding, stator stamping, frame
and plate, and polish.
Many universal motors are designed to run at higher speeds of more
than 3500 rpm. They operate at a lower speed on the AC supply than
they run on the same voltage DC supply due to the reduction in the
AC voltage and not DC voltage.
Construction of universal motor

The construction of the universal motor is highly related to the
construction of a DC motor. It is composed of a stator on which field
poles are placed. Field coils are wound to the poles of the field.
However, the entire magnetic path, the circuit of the stator field, and
also the armature, is laminated. Lamination is important to reduce
eddy currents. The rotary armature is of a wound form with straight or
twisted slots and a brush turn sitting on it. AC switching is poorer
than DC switching. Because of the current caused by the coils of the
armature. For this reason, the brushes used have high resistance.
The diagram is pretty easy for a universal motor. By way of carbon
brushes, the stator windings are connected in series with windings in
the rotor. In the universal generator, the condition is remarkably
different. Stator windings and rotor windings are used in a universal
engine. The current in the rotor windings, as in the induction motor, is
not purely the product of inductive coupling. About its construction,
the distinguishing characteristic of the universal motor is that the
stator and rotor windings are wired in order. This helps to create a
voltage gap
Universal Motor Controller

Universal Motor Controller (UMC) is a software and hardware-based
on Arduino designed to operate a universal brushed motor. It consists
of two parts:
 software: a C/C++ code running on Atmel Atmega-328p (Arduino

Uno and compatibles boards)
 hardware: divided into three parts:
1. zero-crossing detector circuit used for synchronizing Arduino on the

main power
2. power circuit used for feed motor
3. feedback circuit used for monitoring the speed of the motor and
adjust feed power consequently
What is universal motor speed control?
There are different techniques for controlling the speed of a universal
motor:
1. One technique is used to build the engine in a system to avoid the

engine from operating at no-load condition.
2. A fixed resistor in the circuit is used as a speed regulator. The
resistor is short-circuited unless the engine is going too fast. Then
the shortening contacts open to connect the capacitor to the motor
circuit.
3. Speed controlling can also be achieved by an electronic controller.
Some controllers use a silicone-controlled rectifier.
4. Another approach is to use a gear train to minimize the speed of real
load; and
5. the other techniques are centrifugal system, resistance, and ground
tapping.
Working Principle Of Universal Motor

The working principle of the universal motor is like a DC series
generator. When the current flows into the field winding, it generates
an electric field. The same current is still emanating from the armature
conductors. When a current conductor is put in an electric field, a
mechanical force is encountered. Owing to this magnetic force, the
rotor is beginning to spin. The position of this force is provided by the
left-hand rule of Fleming.
It also generates unidirectional torque when fed with an AC supply.
Since armature winding and field winding are linked in sequence,
they’re in the same process. Thus, when the polarity of the AC varies
regularly, the direction of the current in the armature and field
winding is reversed at the same time. Thus, the orientation of the
magnetic field and the direction of the armature current are reversed
in such a
What is the universal motor application?

Regarding universal motor applications, we can mention the primary
uses, and they are mechanical vacuum cleaners, power tools, and
vacuum cleaners. Also, there are higher rating universal motors used
in portable drills, blenders, etc. Universal motors are also found in
various kitchen appliances such as vacuum cleaners, drinks, and food
mixers, domestic sewing machines, etc. Moreover, Poly Higher rating
universal motors are used in handheld drills, blenders, etc.
types of universal motor
There are two basic types of universal motor:
Non-compensated Motor
This engine can be built with two wide poles and is laminated. The
armature in the engine is a wound form, and the laminated core is
either skewed or straight slots. The winding leads can be attached to
the switch. This form of engine uses high-resistance brushes to enable
improved commutation.
Compensated Motor
This type of universal motor involves the scattered field winding and
the stator core is connected to the split-phase motor. These engines
have an extra winding in addition to major winding. Same as split-
phase motors; this type of engine requires extra winding.
Compensating winding decreases the voltage of the reaction due to
the alternating flow as the engine runs using the AC source.
universal motor vs induction motor
Induction and universal motors are the two types of motors that
control electric pressure washers. Induction motors are typically used
on commercial-grade pressure washers used for heavy-duty washing.
On the other hand, universal motors are more common in small
pressure washers, which are more suitable for domestic use. Besides,
there are other factors in which the induction pressure washer varies
from the universal motor pressure:
 Size & Weight
In terms of size and weight, the induction motors are larger and
heavier. Universal motors do not take up too much space and are
smaller in comparison. As a result, pressure washers running on a
universal motor are often smaller. The electric pressure washer with
an induction engine would be much larger and thus less compact.
 Power-Efficiency
Induction engines are more powerful in any sense they require less
fuel to produce power. Moreover, they’re not generating a lot of heat.
This is why they are suitable for commercial electrical pressure
washers where there is a strong demand for fuel.
 Noise
The induction motor is much quieter than the universal motor, which
can be very noisy. The induction motor has only one moving part, the
rotor. The fact that this is a brushless motor means that it generates
less detectable sound. On the other hand, universal motors have
brushes that can make a vibration, and that’s why the pressure
washers that operate on a universal motor are noisy. Although the
universal motor is less efficient, its sound is higher than that of the
brushless induction motor.
 Lifespan
Induction engines are very popular for power tools and can easily last
for years. Universal motors can have a respectable life cycle, but not
as long as the induction engine. They are likely to burn out and
require repairs or replacements. The lifetime depends on its parts and
efficiency, even with a universal motor.
 Cost
Induction engines are more expensive than universal engines. They
require more materials, such as copper, steel, and aluminum. As a
consequence, their cost directly impacts the cost of the pressure
washer. Universal engines are inexpensive and most widely found in
small power tools.
Conclusion
Now you know what a universal motor is and what the various types
are. This article addressed this motor as a special form of an electric
motor, and that the power of this motor depends on AC & DC. This
motor also has a high starting torque and inconsistent speed
characteristics. Moreover, we covered ways of controlling the speed
of the universal motor. However, if you have any further more queries
on the universal motor, register at Linquip and leave the comments
section below.

A Universal Motor Is Universal

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A Universal Motor Is Universal

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A universal motor is universal because it can operate with nearly

identical characteristics on both AC and DC supply

What is the Universal Motor?

Construction of universal motor

Universal Motor Controller

 software: a C/C++ code running on Atmel Atmega-328p (Arduino

1. zero-crossing detector circuit used for synchronizing Arduino on the

1. One technique is used to build the engine in a system to avoid the

Working Principle Of Universal Motor

What is the universal motor application?

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