Brushed or Brushless: A Motor Dilemma

Introduction:

Brushed and Brushless motors are two types of electric motors that convert electrical energy into rotation. While they both serve the same basic purpose, they work in different ways and have a few key differences that make them better suited to different applications.

Brushed Motors

Let’s talk about Brushed motors first.Brushed motors have been around much longer than brushless ones and are still commonly used in many applications. They work by using a set of brushes to contact a spinning commutator. The brushes are made of a conductive material, such as carbon, and are pressed against the spinning commutator by springs. As the electromagnets rotate, the brushes maintain contact, allowing electricity to flow through the motor at the appropriate times as the shaft rotates.

One of the main advantages of brushed motors is that they are simple to manufacture making them a popular choice for many applications. They are also easy to maintain and can be repaired relatively easily. However, they do have some downsides as well.For instance, the brushes in the brushed motor can wear out over time, which can lead to a decrease in performance and efficiency. They also produce a lot of electrical noise, which can be a problem in some applications.

Brushless Motors

Brushless motors are controlled in a completely different way.Instead of using brushes to make contact with a spinning commutator, a set of stationary electromagnets and a spinning set of permanent magnets are used. The stationary electromagnets are controlled by an electronic controller, which determines the direction of the current flowing through them. As the permanent magnets spin, they are attracted to the stationary electromagnets to generate rotation.

The main advantage ofbrushless motors is that they are much more efficient and have a longer lifespan than brushed motors. They also produce less electrical noise,which makes them a better choice for certain applications. However, their control is more complex than brushed motors, and they are still generally more expensive. 

Conclusion:

In general, brushed motors remain a good choice for applications that require simple, low-cost motors with good reliability and less intensive duties. They are commonly used in applications such as power tools, mobility applications, types of lifts, and many more. Brushless on the other hand is a better choice for applications that require high efficiency,low noise, and a longer lifespan. They are commonly used in applications such as electric vehicles, drones, and various high-performance specialised duties.Overall, both brushed and brushless motorshave their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and which one is the best choice depends on the specific requirements of the application.