Electric Motor and Capacitor Basics Quiz

Study Notes

There are two types of electric brushless motors: AC induction and AC synchronous.
AC induction motors use electromagnetic induction to create a magnetic field in the rotor without brushes.
AC synchronous motors rotate exactly at the supply frequency or a submultiple of it.
Permanent magnet motors are typically over 90% efficient and use two designs of rotors: surface permanent magnets and interior permanent magnets.
The stator coils are stationary and the permanent magnet assembly rotates in both types of motors.
An electric motor produces maximum torque at low speeds, making it the perfect power source to get a vehicle moving from a stop.
Most hybrid and electric vehicles use one or more AC synchronous motors.
The motor-generator (MG) ECU is used on Toyota hybrid electric vehicles and controls all functions of the motor.
The current flow through the MG ECU is controlled by six insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
The IGBTs process drives current to the electric drive motor and form a rectifier bridge to change the AC generated in the electric drive motor to pulsating DC.
Electric motors use resolvers or encoders to detect rotor position, speed, and direction.
Temperature sensors are used to protect motors from overheating.
Hybrid and electric vehicles use liquid cooling systems to control the temperature of the electronics and motors.
Capacitance is the ability of an object to store an electrical charge.
Capacitors consist of two conductive plates with an insulating material between them.
Capacitors store energy in an electrostatic field that exists between the plates.
Capacitance is measured in farads, with microfarads being more commonly used.
Snubbers are used to control high-voltage surges that can occur when circuits containing coils are switched on and off.
Snubbers result in higher reliability, efficiency, switching frequency, smaller size, lower weight, and lower EMI.
Capacitors should be treated as if they are charged until proven to be discharged to avoid electrical shock.

Description

Test your knowledge of electric motors, their components, and their applications with this informative quiz! From AC induction motors to permanent magnet motors, learn about the different types of electric motors and their unique features. Explore how electric motors are used in hybrid and electric vehicles and discover the important components that help control their temperature and protect them from overheating. See if you can score high on this quiz and become an electric motor expert!