Synchronous Motors

Synchronous Motors

     Single phase synchronous motors are available in small sizes for applications requiring precise timing such as time keeping,(clocks) and tape players. Though battery powered quartz regu-lated clocks are widely available, the AC line operated variety has better long term accuracy over a period of months. This is due to power plant operators purposely maintaining the long term accuracy of the frequency of the AC distribution system. If it falls behind by a few cycles, they will make up the lost cycles of AC so that clocks lose no time.

    Above 10 Horsepower (10 kW) the higher efficiency and leading powerfactor make large synchronous motors useful in industry. Large synchronous motors are a few percent more efficient than the more common induction motors. Though, the synchronous motor is more complex.