Name Muhammad Sohaib Choudhary

Reg. No 2015-EE-484
Marks / Grade

Lab Report # 4

Actuators

Objective:

To learn some basic concepts of different actuators (motor drivers & actuators).

Theory:

An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling

a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple terms, it is a "mover".
An actuator requires a control signal and a source of energy. The control signal is relatively
low energy and may be electric voltage or current, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or even
human power. Its main energy source may be an electric current, hydraulic fluid pressure,
or pneumatic pressure. When it receives a control signal, an actuator responds by
converting the signal's energy into mechanical motion.

An actuator is the mechanism by which a control system acts upon an environment. The
control system can be simple (a fixed mechanical or electronic system), software-based
(e.g. a printer driver, robot control system), a human, or any other input. An electric
actuator is powered by a motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical torque. The
electrical energy is used to actuate equipment such as multi-turn valves. Additionally, a
brake is typically installed above the motor to prevent the media from opening valve.

A DC motor is any of a class of rotary electrical machines that converts direct current
electrical energy into mechanical energy. The most common types rely on the forces
produced by magnetic fields. Nearly all types of DC motors have some internal mechanism,
either electromechanical or electronic; to periodically change the direction of current flow
in part of the motor.

DC motors were the first type widely used, since they could be powered from existing
direct-current lighting power distribution systems. A DC motor's speed can be controlled
over a wide range, using either a variable supply voltage or by changing the strength of
current in its field windings. Small DC motors are used in tools, toys, and appliances.
The universal motor can operate on direct current but is a lightweight motor used for
portable power tools and appliances. Larger DC motors are used in propulsion of electric
vehicles, elevator and hoists, or in drives for steel rolling mills. The advent of power
electronics has made replacement of DC motors with AC motors possible in many
applications.

Lab Tasks:

Brushless motor:
Brushless DC electric motor (BLDC motors, BL motors) also known as electronically
commutated motors (ECMs, EC motors), or synchronous DC motors, are synchronous
motors powered by DC electricity via an inverter or switching power supply which
produces an AC electric current to drive each phase of the motor via a closed loop
controller. The controller provides pulses of current to the motor windings that control the
speed and torque of the motor.Brushless DC motors use one or more permanent magnets
in the rotor and electromagnets on the motor housing for the stator. A motor controller
converts DC to AC. This design is mechanically simpler than that of brushed motors
because it eliminates the complication of transferring power from outside the motor to the
spinning rotor. Advantages of brushless motors include long life span, little or no
maintenance, and high efficiency. Disadvantages include high initial cost, and more
complicated motor speed controllers.