A DC motor is an electrical device powered by direct current, or DC. DC is a type of electrical current that flows in one direction only, from sources such as batteries or solar panels. DC may also be produced through the use of a rectifier, which is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC) to DC. Although motor designs may vary, all DC motors perform the same basic function. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy to spin, lift, wind, or move objects.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the fundamental principles of DC motor operation
- Identify and describe common DC motor components
- Explain the concepts of torque, speed, and power