Synchronous motor - definition
Synchronous motor - definition
Synchronous motor is a type of alternating current (AC) electric motor in which the rotor’s rotational speed remains constant and precisely synchronized with the frequency of the supply voltage. This means that the rotor rotates at a speed equal to the so-called synchronous speed, which is directly determined by the frequency of the power source and the number of magnetic poles in the stator. Unlike asynchronous (induction) motors, synchronous motors do not exhibit slip during normal operation.
The construction of a synchronous motor includes a stator with windings that generate a rotating magnetic field, and a rotor equipped with either permanent magnets or electromagnets. The rotor must be appropriately excited to enable its magnetic field to couple with the stator’s field. Synchronization of these magnetic fields ensures stable and precise rotational speed, regardless of load variations. For this reason, synchronous motors are used in applications requiring high precision in speed control or constant rotational speed, such as in precision machinery drives, generators, or servo drives.
These motors are characterized by high energy efficiency and the ability to operate with a power factor close to unity, making them an advantageous choice from an energy efficiency perspective in industrial systems. However, starting such motors requires auxiliary starting systems or inverters, as the rotor cannot reach synchronism independently without proper excitation. Modern solutions often utilize electronic control systems to precisely manage torque and speed, especially in permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives.
Due to their characteristics, synchronous motors are also widely used in power generation as generators in thermal, hydro, and wind power plants, where maintaining a stable rotational speed is essential for synchronization with the electrical grid. Integration with industrial automation systems enables their effective implementation in modern industrial applications and systems that demand high precision.
Transfer Multisort Elektronik (TME) is one of the world’s largest global distributors of electronic components, electrotechnical parts, workshop equipment, and industrial automation. The catalog includes over 1,500,000 products from 1,300 leading manufacturers. TME’s modern logistics centers in Łódź and Rzgów (Poland), with a combined area of over 40,000 m², ship nearly 6,000 packages daily to customers in more than 150 countries.
TME also invests in the development of knowledge and skills of young engineers and electronics enthusiasts through the TME Education project, and supports the tech community by organizing the TechMasterEvent series, promoting innovation and experience exchange.
