A Look at Brushed Vs. Brushless Motors for Blower Applications

Automate 2019 - We take a look at motor technology for moving air.

Brushed DC motors use soft graphite brushes and commutator bars to pass current through the motor rotor. However, as these brushes rub against the commutator, they wear out and must be replaced Brushed motors are also larger and may produce more electrical noise than their brushless counterparts.

 Brushless DC motors are also called electronically commutated motors. These use a microcontroller to charge electromagnets on the stator, turning the rotor. Brushless motors typically have a higher up-front cost than brushed motors.

 In this video, Ametek Dynamic Fluid Solutions Global Director of Sales James Hill describes how Ametek DFS uses brushed and brushless motors in their blowers.

Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.