ABSTRACT
This short chapter provides an introduction to the subject of electrical machines and in particular to electric motors. Continuous rotational electromechanical energy converters known as electrical machines are important because they are used as electric motors in most industries and electrical generators in electrical power systems that we make use of in our everyday life. In fact, the two actions (motor and generator) are both inherent in electrical machines. In other words, in these machines, the energy conversion is reversible. In this chapter, how this conversion of energy takes place in these machines is explained in a broad sense as an introduction to the electrical machines. Emphasis is given to electric motors rather than electric generators. Efficiency, torque–speed characteristics, and speed regulation of electric motors are discussed, and some supportive numerical examples are included for a better understanding of the subject. Also a short section is included for the two general types of electrical motors, namely, the AC and DC motors and their two essential parts, namely, armature and field windings, and their importance.
