What is a motor? 

Electric motors are machinery that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. They work by creating force in the form of torque applied to the Motor shaft by the interaction of the magnetic field and a current-carrying conductive material, called an armature. Alternating current (AC) is the form of electricity that is typically used to power motors. However, direct current (DC) can also be used to power motors. A DC motor has a lower starting torque than an AC motor, but it has higher operating speed and efficiency. 

Motors are present in different types of cooking appliances such as ovens, ranges, stoves, dishwashers, ice machines, griddles, etc. Hoshizaki and Manitowoc are well-known manufacturers of electric motors found in kitchen appliances.

Table of contents: 

Types of motors and their use

There are many different kinds of electric motors on the market. Based on the operation, voltage, and applications, these motors can be chosen. The following is an overview of different types of motors and how they are used:

Evaporator fan motor

The evaporator fan motor circulates air through the coils of the evaporator to remove heat from the moving air. It is a component of the overall refrigeration system. Depending on the model installed, the evaporator fan motor is also responsible for dispersing the cooled air throughout the freezer and refrigerator compartments.

The refrigerator appliance needs to go through this airflow cycle in order to function properly. The temperature in the refrigerator appliance will increase if the evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning for any cause.

The evaporator fan motors are typically hidden behind a panel in the back of the freezer or refrigerator section. Typically, in order to access this rear panel, all of the shelves and drawers must be removed.

Condenser fan motor

A condenser fan motor is a type of motor that is used in a range of appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and ovens. It is also known as an axial fan motor due to its shape. The condenser fan motor has two main parts: the rotor and the stator. The rotor consists of blades that rotate around a central shaft, while the stator contains main parts: the rotor and the stator. 

The rotor consists of blades that rotate around a central shaft, while the stator contains coils with permanent magnets on them. When electricity is run through these coils with permanent magnets on them. When electricity is run through these coils, they produce magnetic fields that induce currents in the rotor's blades, causing them to rotate. 

Fan blower motor

A Fan blower motor is a type of fan motor that can be used in various kitchen appliances. It is used to provide a constant flow of air for cooking and heating purposes.

A fan is usually mounted on the wall with a duct. The duct leads to the cooking area where it's connected to an air filter and an exhaust fan. The blower motor then pushes air through the duct, which provides a constant flow of air for cooking or heating purposes.

Pump motors

An electrical pump motor is an electric motor that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It is used in a variety of different types of appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, and vacuum cleaners. Pump motors use the kinetic energy of water or steam to rotate a shaft. The shaft is connected to an external gearbox which drives an output shaft. The motor's input shaft is directly coupled to a rotating device such as the belt in a washing machine. or the turning drum of a vacuum cleaner.

Hydraulic motors

Hydraulic motors are used in kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and ovens. The main function of a hydraulic motor is to convert rotary motion into linear motion. In other words, they convert the torque of the motor into linear force.  

Hydraulic motors use fluid pressure to produce force. Pressure causes the motor's pistons to move up and down, spinning a shaft that pulleys are connected to. When the pistons are up, they cause the shaft to rotate; when they go down, they stop rotating and cause the pulleys on that side of the shaft to move in an opposite direction. This movement can be used for various purposes such as driving a screw or turning a device such as an oven burner.

AC Motors

In comparison to DC motors, AC motors have a much larger installed base and are more versatile in terms of many features, including speed control (VSD - Variable Speed Drives). Some of the main benefits are as follows:

• Low initial power demand
• Controlled velocities
• Operational speed that is scalable
• Regulated starting current adjustable torque limit
• Fewer disturbances on the power lines

AC motors are electrical appliances that use alternating current (AC) from a power grid or an electrical generator to transform electrical current into mechanical rotational energy, or torque. 

Generally speaking Conveyors and machine tools are powered by AC motors, also referred to as induction motors, which are electric motors that produce torque via a rotating magnetic field. Fans, blowers, air conditioners, heaters, and compressors are just a few of the devices that require HVAC AC motors. 

Pump AC motors are used in pump systems to move an impeller and move liquids like water around. For a particular use or application, definitive-purpose AC motors have mechanical properties.

DC Motors

The earliest form of motor that was widely utilised was a DC motor, and for low power units, the starting prices of the systems (motors and drives) are usually lower than those of AC systems. Higher powers, however, come with higher total maintenance expenses that must be taken into account. Although DC motors come in a wide range of voltages, the most common types are 12 & 24V. The speed of the motors can be changed by changing the supply voltage. the following benefits of DC motors:

• Simple installation
• A broad range of speed control
• Acceleration, reversing, quick starting, and stopping
• High starting torque
• Linear speed-torque curve

Conveyor belts, elevators, cranes, and hoists can all be moved by using DC motors because of their powerful starting torque. A DC motor's torque remains constant over a wide range of operating speeds when it's needed for a broad operating speed range. For applications requiring a conveyor belt or other low-torque device, a DC motor and control assembly is used. With the ability to start, stop, and reverse direction, stepper motors can run for a predetermined time interval, or step. The usage of DC motors is restricted to areas with flammable or dangerous gases.

AC vs. DC motor, what's the difference?

The difference between AC and DC motors is the direction of the current that they generate. In an AC motor, there are two alternating currents, one positive and one negative. The rotating magnetic field causes currents in the stator windings to be alternately reversed by a commutator or slip rings around the rotor shaft. In DC motors, only one current flows in each winding; this makes it easier for them to be operated with less voltage than an AC motor would need to function properly.

The two types of motors have different applications but both are used extensively due to their efficiency and versatility. 

How does a motor work in commercial cooking equipments

We all know that an electric motor is essential to many different types of applications as well as to every business. The field winding and armature winding are the two key components of every motor. While the armature winding resembles a conductor that is positioned within the magnetic field, the field windings primary purpose is to create the fixed magnetic field. 

The armature winding consumes energy to produce enough torque to turn the motor shaft because of the magnetic field. Currently, the winding connections, or more specifically, how the two motor coils are coupled to one another, can be used to categorise DC motors. Let us have a look at how does a motor work in commercial cooking equipments

Ovens:  Oven motors consist of a shaft, bearings, and an electrical system. The bearings are what allow the motor to spin at its desired speed with minimal friction. The electrical system powers the motor that turns on when you turn the oven on.  

Stoves:  The motor in a stove is an electric circuit with a heating element and an air outlet. When you turn the stove on, the electric circuit is activated and begins to heat. A motor consists of a rotating assembly consisting of bearings, shaft, and an electrical system. The bearings allow the motor to rotate without friction at its desired speed. The electrical system powers the motor that turns on when you turn the device on.    

Range:  A range consists of a range motor, an electrical system, and a gas outlet. If you turn on the gas at the range, it activates the electric circuit and turns on the heat.  

Dishwashers: A dishwasher is an electrical appliance that has a motor and controls the water. pressure, temperature, and cycle of the wash. The motor rotates a rotating assembly consisting of a water outlet and an electrical system that includes the control board and wiring.   

Ice machines: An ice machine is powered by an electrical system and a water outlet. The motor sends a rotating central shaft to a pulley and then to the outside, where the water is forced through a nozzle and onto the ice.  

There are well-known manufacturers who manufacture motors for your various cooking appliances. Find your Beverage Air motor, True, and Contactor Ultra fryer for best prices. PartsFe is the best solution for your appliance parts. 

What does a capacitor do in a motor 

Motor capacitors serve to increase torque and a motor's performance and efficiency by temporarily storing an electrical charge. When a motor is starting up, start capacitors provide additional torque; however, once the motor reaches working speed, they cut off the circuit. Run capacitors aid in preserving a steady charge while the motor is operating. By balancing working power and supply power, power factor correction capacitors lower motor power consumption brought on by large inductive loads. 

However, they are also utilised in a wide range of equipment including as pumps, conveyors, and machine tools. Motor capacitors are generally used for powering motors in HVAC applications such as fans, blowers, and compressors. Find genuine HVAC parts from top brands at PartsHnC. 

Replace the old, broken parts of your HVAC system with high-quality thermocouples, the best heating elements, and many more, and extend the lifetime and efficiency of your system.

Motor Capacitor types

Motor run capacitors, motor start capacitors, and power factor correction capacitors are the three different types of motor capacitors. Here's how they work:

Motor run capacitor

During motor startup, motor start capacitors temporarily store an electrical charge to deliver additional torque (where torque is defined as a rotational or twisting force). In contrast, to run capacitors, which support a motor's running performance, leave the circuit once the motor reaches its operating speed. The capacity, which is expressed in microfarads (mfd or F), is what distinguishes motor capacitors the most. It's crucial to match the microfarad rating, voltage, and dimensions of a start capacitor to the original capacitor when replacing one. Start capacitors can be used with motor designs that are capacitor-start or capacitor-start/run, and they are typically used with motors that drive fans, blowers, and pumps.

Motor start capacitor

When a motor is running, motor-run capacitors keep charged and active. Start capacitors leave the circuit after the motor reaches its operating speed, whereas they constantly contribute torque to a motor to improve its running performance. When changing a run capacitor, it's crucial to match the original capacitor's size, microfarad rating, and form (round, oval, or rectangle). Run capacitors are frequently employed in applications requiring medium to high torque, such as air conditioners, auger drives, compressors, and conveyors.

Power factor correction capacitor

By balancing the working power and supplied power of a motor, power factor correction capacitors lower the amount of energy used by heavier inductive loads. These capacitors are used in buildings with heavy inductive loads, like those with conveyors, compressors, and saws.

Commercial kitchen appliances utilize different types of motors. Every type of motor has to be sized properly because it is an important factor in the performance, efficiency, and cost of the appliance.  While many appliances have a single type of motor, some have multiple types. The number and variety depend on the category of the appliance. 

PartsFe is the one-stop solution for all your commercial cooking appliance parts and accessories. We carry a wide selection of brand-name parts for many different brands and models. Also, we offer same-day shipping that is 100% reliable and cost-effective.