Electrical Machines
Induction motors, alternators, big transformers — the machines chapter
Distribution / Power Transformer
Transformer
The large oil- or dry-type transformers that step grid voltage down (e.g. 11 kV to 415 V) for homes and industry — the workhorse of every substation and the classic 'Transformers' chapter of an electrical machines course.
Autotransformer / Variac
Transformer
A transformer with a single tapped winding shared by primary and secondary. The lab 'variac' version has a sliding brush that gives a smoothly variable AC output from zero to above line voltage.
Three-Phase Induction Motor
AC Motor
The industry workhorse: a rotating magnetic field from three-phase supply drags a squirrel-cage rotor around by induction — no brushes, no magnets, nearly no maintenance. Runs everything from pumps to conveyor lines.
Single-Phase Induction Motor
AC Motor
The motor in fans, pumps, washing machines and compressors. A single-phase winding alone produces no starting torque, so every type adds a trick — an auxiliary winding, capacitor or shaded pole — to get the rotor turning.
Synchronous Motor
AC Motor
An alternator run in reverse: the DC-excited rotor locks step with the rotating stator field and turns at exactly synchronous speed regardless of load — and, over-excited, it behaves as a power-factor-correcting 'synchronous condenser'.
Universal Motor
AC/DC Motor
A series-wound brushed motor that runs on AC or DC — the screaming heart of mixer-grinders, drills, vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Huge power from a tiny frame, at the cost of brush wear and noise.
DC Machine (Motor / Generator)
DC Machine
The classic brushed machine with field and armature windings — works as a motor or a generator. Series, shunt and compound connections give it the famous family of torque-speed characteristics every EE student memorises.
BLDC Motor
Brushless DC Motor
A permanent-magnet rotor chased by electronically switched stator coils — a 'DC motor' with the commutator replaced by a controller. Powers drones, e-bikes, EVs, ceiling fans and every cooling fan on a PCB.