What is the difference between armature winding and rotor winding?

The armature winding and the rotor winding play important but different roles in a motor. Here are the main differences between them:

Armature winding

Definition:

• Armature winding refers to the winding in a motor that is used to generate induced electromotive force and current. It plays a crucial role in the energy conversion process of the motor.

Location：

In a DC motor, the armature winding is typically located on the rotating rotor.

In AC motors (such as synchronous and induction motors), the armature windings are typically located on the stationary stator.

Function:

In a generator, the armature winding generates electromotive force.

In an electric motor, the armature winding generates electromagnetic force.

Type:

• Armature windings can be either DC armature windings or AC armature windings, used in DC motors and AC motors respectively.

Rotor Winding

Definition:

• Rotor winding refers to the winding located on the motor rotor. Its primary function is to interact with the magnetic field generated by the stator, thereby producing torque.

Location：

The rotor winding is always located on the rotating rotor.

Function:

In an electric motor, the rotor winding generates current through induced electromotive force, which in turn produces electromagnetic torque.

In a generator, the rotor winding generates a magnetic field through rotation, interacting with the stator's armature winding to produce current.

Type:

• The rotor winding can be either squirrel cage type (used in induction motor) or wound type (used in synchronous motors and some special types of induction motors).

Summary

• Armature winding is mainly used to generate induced electromotive force and current, and its position can be either stator or rotor, depending on the type of motor.

• Rotor winding is mainly used to interact with the stator magnetic field to produce torque and is always located on the rotor.

Through the above distinctions, it is possible to better understand the different roles and positions of armature windings and rotor windings in electric motors.