Single-phase motors are electric motors that operate on a single phase of alternating current (AC). They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and small industrial applications where three-phase power is not available or practical. Here’s an overview of single-phase motors, their types, working principles, and typical applications:

Types of Single-Phase Motors

  1. Split-Phase Motor:
    • Construction: Contains two windings: a starting winding and a running winding.
    • Operation: The starting winding is used only for starting and is disconnected by a centrifugal switch once the motor reaches a certain speed.
    • Application: Used in fans, blowers, and small machine tools.
  2. Capacitor-Start Motor:
    • Construction: Similar to split-phase motors but with a capacitor in series with the starting winding.
    • Operation: The capacitor increases the starting torque.
    • Application: Used in pumps, air compressors, and refrigeration compressors.
  3. Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Motor:
    • Construction: Has a run capacitor in series with the auxiliary winding at all times.
    • Operation: Provides better running efficiency and quieter operation.
    • Application: Used in fans, blowers, and air conditioning units.
  4. Capacitor-Start Capacitor-Run Motor:
    • Construction: Combines the features of capacitor-start and PSC motors, with capacitors in both starting and running windings.
    • Operation: Provides high starting torque and efficient running performance.
    • Application: Used in heavy-duty applications like compressors and high-inertia loads.
  5. Shaded-Pole Motor:
    • Construction: Contains shading coils on the poles of the stator.
    • Operation: Creates a delayed magnetic field to produce a rotating magnetic field for starting.
    • Application: Used in low-torque applications like small fans and clocks