What is BLDC Motor? Explained

Brushless Direct Current, popularly known as BLDC motors are powered by direct current without the use of carbon brushes, as their name suggests. The BLDC motor is a more advanced technology that can be used in various applications, including household appliances, power generators, and other industrial machinery. This innovation has taken over the usage of conventional DC motors because of their energy efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance.  

This article will help you know more about BLDC motor technology with an aided focus on BLDC motor technology in fans and its advantages.

Applications of BLDC motors

Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) has been widely used in industries. Their versatility and ability to handle varying loads, constant loads, and positioning applications make them the go-to motor for a wide range of applications including electronic appliances, transportation, and healthcare for many years. Some more common applications of BLDC motors are :

• Computer hard drives and DVD/CD players
• Electric vehicles
• Industrial robots
• Washing machines
• Fans
• Pumps
• Blowers

BLDC Motor Vs DC Motors- Explained

There are brushed DC-driven motors and brushless DC motors. The common functional components of all DC motors are:

• a stator with electromagnetic coils on the outside
• a rotor with coils winding inside, and
• a commutator that helps the rotor rotate when current is supplied

Differences between DC motors and BLDC motors are:

• The commutator: In traditional motors, carbon brushes are used as the commutators, which help the rotor to keep rotating. Unlike conventional DC motors, the BLDC motors are run using a direct current without carbon brushes. Instead, they use electronic sensors. 
• In the case of BLDC motors, permanent magnets are used in the rotor that converts AC into DC, which enables low-voltage operation.
• Unlike carbon brushes used in general induction motors, the sensor used in BLDC motors doesn’t wear out.

Because of all these advantages mentioned above of BLDC motors, this technology is an efficient replacement in many industrial and general sectors.

BLDC Motors in Fans: Future of Fans in making

Ceiling fans generally run on induction motors. BLDC motor converts electrical current into mechanical current through series of gears. It draws power from switched-mode power supply (SMPS). 

• The permanent magnets of BLDC motors convert AC into DC, which is the prominent reason why BLDC fans can save up to 60% of energy. The permanent magnets not only increase the energy efficiency of the fans but also enable them to produce higher torque at lower speeds and voltage fluctuations.  
• These motors are highly efficient due to the usage of electronic circuits. When compared to conventional induction motor-based fans, BLDC fans produce the same amount of airflow while using less energy, helping customers reduce their electricity bills. 

The following graph can explain how energy consumption can vary in normal vs BLDC fans at 5 different speeds:

(The above table depicts the maximum amount of electricity consumed at 5 different speeds by Normal fans and BLDC fans)

Conclusion

BLDC fan motors stand out as an advanced, highly modernized, and sustainable superior to traditional motors. They are heatless and noiseless, which make them a better choice for usage in industries and appliances.

Among all of their applications, the use of BLDC motor technology in fans has become increasingly popular in recent times. As a fan is one of the most used appliances and, undoubtedly, one of the necessities for every home.

Therefore BLDC motor fans are chosen by many residences and other places where a uninterrupted airflow is required. In a tropical country like India, where everyone needs cool air supply in summer but not all can afford to run air conditions for a long period of time, these energy savers can create a significant difference. 

FAQ about BLDC Motor