An induction motor is called so because it operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Here's a detailed breakdown:
### Basic Operation Principle
1. **Electromagnetic Induction**: The core principle behind an induction motor is electromagnetic induction, a concept introduced by Michael Faraday in the early 19th century. According to Faraday's Law of Induction, a change in magnetic flux through a coil induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the coil.
2. **Stator and Rotor**: In an induction motor, there are two main parts:
- **Stator**: The stationary part of the motor, which contains the windings connected to the AC power supply.
- **Rotor**: The rotating part of the motor, which is placed inside the stator and can be of different types, like a squirrel-cage rotor or a wound rotor.
### Working Principle
1. **AC Power Supply**: When alternating current (AC) is supplied to the stator windings, it generates a rotating magnetic field in the stator.
2. **Induction in Rotor**: This rotating magnetic field induces a current in the rotor due to electromagnetic induction. The rotor currents generate their own magnetic field, which interacts with the rotating field of the stator.
3. **Torque Production**: The interaction between the magnetic fields of the stator and rotor creates a torque that causes the rotor to turn. The rotor attempts to follow the rotating magnetic field but never quite matches its speed. This difference in speed (called slip) is essential for the induction process and torque generation.
### Why "Induction"?
The term "induction" refers to the process of inducing current into the rotor without any physical connection. In contrast to other types of motors (like DC motors), where a direct electrical connection exists between the stator and rotor, in an induction motor, the rotor receives its current purely through the magnetic field generated by the stator.
### Key Points
- **Induction Motor**: Operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the rotor current is induced by the stator's rotating magnetic field.
- **No Direct Electrical Connection**: The rotor is not directly connected to the external power supply; instead, it receives power through the induction process.
- **Self-Starting**: Induction motors are self-starting because the rotating magnetic field always induces current in the rotor, enabling it to start and run.
This principle of electromagnetic induction is fundamental to the operation of induction motors, hence the name.