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The ECM motor
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What the heck is an ECM motor
ECM is the initials for Electronically Commutated Motor.
The motor itself has 3 identical windings, somewhat like 3 phase. The rotor is a permanent magnet. The electronics in the end bell energize the windings one after the other. This reacts with the permanent magnet in the rotor to produce the rotation.
These motors are low starting torque fan motors. When they start, the rotor moves forward and backward several times, then begins the rotation in the proper way.
The advantage of this type of motor is twofold.
First, the electronics of the motor are designed to use the resistance of the static pressure to adjust the speed of the motor to achieve a specific amount of air flow. On circulating fans, the electronics can be programmed for the desired CFM.
Second, by adjusting the speed to match the exact CFM, the motor is very energy efficient.
Of course, the biggest advantage of the ECM motor is its energy efficiency.
The biggest disadvantage of this motor is its complication. The electronics used in these motors result in failures that are far more common than in the PSC motor. The video below shows how they are put together and what can happen to them.
The motor itself has 3 identical windings, somewhat like 3 phase. The rotor is a permanent magnet. The electronics in the end bell energize the windings one after the other. This reacts with the permanent magnet in the rotor to produce the rotation.
These motors are low starting torque fan motors. When they start, the rotor moves forward and backward several times, then begins the rotation in the proper way.
The advantage of this type of motor is twofold.
First, the electronics of the motor are designed to use the resistance of the static pressure to adjust the speed of the motor to achieve a specific amount of air flow. On circulating fans, the electronics can be programmed for the desired CFM.
Second, by adjusting the speed to match the exact CFM, the motor is very energy efficient.
Of course, the biggest advantage of the ECM motor is its energy efficiency.
The biggest disadvantage of this motor is its complication. The electronics used in these motors result in failures that are far more common than in the PSC motor. The video below shows how they are put together and what can happen to them.
One of the most common failures of these motors is the thermistor that protects the electronics from spikes or surges in the power. The video below shows how this repair can be done.
ECM motors are also used as inducer fans. They are designed to adjust their speed to move a certain CFM thru the heat exchanger. The fan adjusts to the length of the vent and combustion air inlet. The video below explains how this inducer works.
Below is a video comparing a shaded pole inducer amp draw to that of an ECM inducer.
more coming.