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Brushed Motor vs Brushless Motor : Learn 5 Top Interesting Facts

By Mary

Brushed Motors

Brushed motors consist of a motor and a controller, which permanently supplies the motor with direct current. Inside the motor, the so-called armature plate, a magnetic field is generated via windings. Due to the magnetic field of the housing magnet, the armature starts to rotate by attraction and repulsion between both magnetic fields. 

This rotation continues until two pairs of magnets with the same polarity face each other. Now the polarity of the current is reversed in the armature winding via brushes, which serve as current supply, and the collector, which serves as a mechanical switch. This allows the armature to continue rotating by attracting and repelling the newly polarized magnetic fields.

During this process a lot of heat and sparks are generated by friction, which leads to wear and tear of the collector and brushes and finally to motor wear and tear. This in turn can cause the motor to overheat very quickly and lose power and torque.

Brushed motor have several advantages. For example, multi-motor systems require only one controller and switching effects run very smoothly.

Due to the simple construction of the motor, it is very cheap to buy and can be easily repaired and maintained.

Because of the friction of the brushes inside the motor, the motor also gives a very good sound. Due to the massive construction the higher weight often contributes to the optimal center of gravity of the RC.

Due to the constant friction of the motor brushes and the wear of the carbon brushes inside the motor, the brushed motors have a limited life span and speed, and have a lower performance level than brushless motors. The wear and tear of the motor must be counteracted by regular maintenance.

Replacing old, worn collector carbons is very important. Short old carbons must be replaced immediately, as they can easily jam in the guide and in the worst case damage the collector. Cleaning the collector increases the conductivity and thus also the motor power. The heat development can also be reduced. Furthermore, it should be noted that driving in the wet will wear out the motor even faster and should be checked after every rain ride.

brushed motors
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Brushless motors

Brushless motors or brushless motors do not have carbon brushes which change the poles in the motor, but have a controller which takes over this task.

In a 3-pole motor, the controller generates a so-called rotating field by switching a DC voltage to two of three motor coils, whereby the third motor coil serves as a sensor line and determines the respective position of the rotating permanent magnet.

Due to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and the magnetic field of the motor coils, the permanent magnet begins to rotate by attraction and repulsion of the magnetic fields. This rotation continues until two pairs of magnets with the same polarity are almost opposite each other. Now the controller changes the voltage on the motor coils and the process starts all over again.

brushless motor

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In addition, brushless motors are differentiated between internal and external rotor motors:

  • With internal rotor motors the inner part, the permanent magnet, of the motor rotates and the outer shell, the motor housing, is fixed. With internal rotor motors, the motor coils are mounted in the fixed motor housing. The permanent magnet is attached to the rotating rotor, which is also connected to the drive shaft. Due to this design, internal rotors achieve a higher speed, but have less torque than external rotor models.
  • With external rotor models, the motor housing rotates and the inner part of the motor is fixed. Here the permanent magnets are attached to the rotating motor housing. The drive shaft is thus connected to the outer housing (motor bell) and rotates with it. Inside the motor, the so-called stator, the motor coils are attached around which the motor bell rotates.

Brushless motors have a rather lower heat development, because they do not have carbon bristles inside the motor and therefore no frictional energy is generated. Nevertheless, it is recommended to install a motor cooler, as the motor housing of brushless motors gets warm.

Most brushless motors also have a very high efficiency in terms of battery life and performance.

The maintenance requirements for brushless motors are minimal. The only thing to be considered is that when you buy the motor it is well sealed against water and dirt and the rotor is properly spaced in the housing. The ball bearings should be re-oiled regularly and checked for stones and sand.

Conclusion:

An engine that is in good shape and works flawlessly is a pleasure. Maintenance and care are essential for every RC model. For beginners and hobby riders, an inexpensive brushed motor is certainly a good option. For advanced model builder, the more expensive brushless motors offer a good possibility to equip their RC model due to better performance, higher speeds, easier maintenance, and longer life.

What is a portable generator and do you need one?

By ubaizn

NorthStar Portable Generator

Portable generator is becoming increasingly more popular in the United States. They can be an alternative power source when the power goes out. They could also prove useful for camping trips in the outdoors, where power is not that readily available.

Want to learn more about portable generators? Read our information below to find out more!

What Is a Portable Generator?

portable generatorSee More Photos >>>

A portable generator provides electricity through its gas-powered engine. The device has an onboard alternator, which generates the electric current. Portable power generators are also equipped with extension cords and power plugs, enabling you to hook up power tools and even appliances when no other source of electricity is available.

How Do Portable Generators Work?

The gas-powered engine of the generator coincides with the incorporated alternator. The alternator converts and generates the power, while the actual power source is the gas-powered engine in the interior of the device.

What Are the Various Parts of a Portable Generator?

Most power generators have specific parts. We have described each of the parts in a little more detail below so that you can get more familiar with the inner workings of a portable generator.

  • Internal combustion engine:

Is an engine that provides power by burning a type of fuel. This could include petrol and oil. The fuel interacts with the air inside the engine. Subsequently, it produces hot gas to drive internal pistons or other structures responsible for electricity generation.

  • Alternator:

An alternator is a special dynamo that generates alternating current. In practice, this means it converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Most alternators will work with a magnetic field that rotates on its axis.

  • Starter:

The starter is an automatic device that starts your portable generator and interacts with the internal combustion engine.

  • Fuel tank:

The fuel tank is the internal storage unit, which stores the fuel used by the internal combustion engine.

  • Power outlets:

The power outlets are used to plug in your appliances and acquire electricity from the internal combustion engine and alternator.

What Fuel Is Used by the Portable Generator?

Portable power generators can use a variety of fuel types. The fuel type used will depend on the construction of the generator as well as its overall purpose. Common types of fuel used in generators include gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, emulsified diesel, propane and natural gas. A regards to safety, certain types of fuel are more suitable for portable generators than others.

How Do You Service a Portable Generator?

Since the generator works with fuel and combustion technology, it is quite essential to keep your generator in excellent condition. Below, we have described how you can keep your portable generator working correctly.

Portable generators should be serviced at least twice a year, even if the generator hasn’t been used. It is best to service the generator when it is not being affected by extreme heat or cold. Because, this could have a negative influence on the device.

At the start of the servicing, always check the exterior condition of the generator. Look for any loose connections and frayed wiring. Also, make sure the area surrounding your generator is clear and free of debris. Any debris surrounding your generator could get into the generator and ruin the generator in no time!

When you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to get a professional in for a fix. Remember, generators can be dangerous to work with, so leave it to an electrician or a licensed professional to fix any existing problems.

Related: Portable Generator Accessories: 9 Things To Make Them Better

Of course, there are some things you can do to service your generator if it appears in excellent condition. This includes topping up the battery with distilled water, cleaning the spark plugs, checking bolts and screws, fuel levels, and calibrations. If you do this every six months, your generator will have a longer lifespan.

Professionals recommend having some spare fuel in your home to refill your portable generator. It is impossible to predict a power outage and the length of that power outage. Therefore, having some spare fuel lying around for your generator is highly suggested.

In addition to being prepared for power outages, additional fuel is also recommended for maintenance reasons. If you have a new generator, experts recommend changing the fuel after the first twenty-five hours. Then, you must change the fuel every fifty to sixty hours upon consecutive use.

Do you need to refill your portable generator in the dark?

Make sure you have a working LED headlamp lying around, which you can strap around the head to see what you are doing. While changing the fuel, change the fuel slowly, since spills can be quite dangerous during emergency situations.

When changing the fuel in your portable power generator, always empty the tanks with a hand pump. Afterward, run the generator until empty. You can then leave the fuel tank empty until you use the generator again.

 

What Are the Safety Issues of Portable Generators?

portable generators

Most generators are safe, but misuse can lead to some dangerous situations. Therefore, always adhere to the manufacturer instructions. The most common safety issues include carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries, and burns. These safety issues are caused by the improper and uninformed use of the generator. Therefore, be familiar with your generator as well as its maintenance before you start using it.

Safety issues can also arise when it comes to storing your excess fuel. Everyone has some spare fuel in their home for their portable generator, but not everyone stores this fuel safely. There are also residential code that tells you how much of the fuel you can store. Be sure to check these guidelines before you acquire more fuel for your generator.

When storing your fuel, be sure to store it in a cool and dark place. Do not put the fuel in direct sunlight or heat source since this could have some disastrous consequences. Also, check the canister or other storage units your fuel comes in regularly. While leaks are rare with decent fuel canisters. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to working with combustible and flammable materials.

To protect your portable power generator against theft, it is always a good idea to have it secured. Fortunately, it is easy to lock down your portable generator using a heavy-duty steel chain and a heavy-duty padlock. These items are readily available at your local DIY store.

Finally, make sure you protect yourself against accidental electrocution, which happens when the portable generator is not grounded correctly. You can ground your portable generator with a special grounding rod, which will take any excess current off to the ground.

Is It Really Portable?

portable generators

Portable power generators come in all shapes and sizes, and they are portable!. Of course, they are heavier than most portable appliances out there since a portable generator contains a heavy combustion engine to generate power.

To ensure your generator is portable enough to deal with power outages or to provide energy during camping trips, be sure to check out the portable generator in person. Lift it up and determine how easy the portable generator can be moved.

What Is the Difference Between a Standby and a Portable Generator?

Standby generator

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Standby generators are installed outside your home permanently and can be compared to air conditioners, so these types of generators are not portable at all. However, the advantage of a standby generator is that they are hooked up to existing gas lines, subsequently, they never have to be topped up with fuel.

Another difference between a standby generator and a portable generator is that the standby generator will turn on as soon as the central power goes off. This could prove advantageous for areas where power outages are widespread. Standby generators tend to have more power than the portable versions. Enabling households to provide power to heating systems, security systems, and more.

Of course, the functionality of the standby generator does not mean that the portable generator is obsolete. Quite the opposite, because a portable generator could prove extremely useful in emergency situations. For example, if your home is hit by a hurricane and the standby generator is destroyed, you can still rely on a portable generator for backup power.

Portable generators can provide power to your essential appliances during extreme weather and acute emergencies. They provide power for your mobile phone and small devices such as your television, power tools, and lights.

Related: Should I get a portable or standby generator

Even though standby generators are a fantastic backup for the home, many people still have a portable power generator in their home too. If the standby generator does not work for whatever reason, the portable generator can provide the power you need. Of course, you can also take your portable generator on a trip in the great outdoors, something that cannot be done with a standby generator.

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