Most buyers of washing machines concentrate on features like capacity, size, and unique capabilities. On the other hand, the machine’s internal motor type is equally significant. The washing machine’s motor, which rotates the drum to clean your clothes efficiently, is its brains.
Different washing machines have different kinds of motors installed, and each has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Knowing these distinctions will enable you to choose a new machine with greater knowledge. The type of motor you choose is important in ensuring that your needs are met, whether they are related to durability, quiet operation, or energy efficiency.
We’ll examine the popular varieties of washing machine motors in this post, emphasizing their features and what makes each one special. You’ll know more clearly by the end which kind of motor is ideal for your laundry routine.
The most common electric motor
The most prevalent kind of motor among those available is the collector. The motor is actually referred to as a brush-collector unit and is made up of lamellas, an electric brush, a static stator, and a movable rotor. The sequential reaction of the winding when an electric current is applied is what powers the system. The collector motor functions, in summary, as follows:
- electric current is supplied to the graphite brushes adjacent to the lamellas;
- a magnetic field is created;
- through the lamellas, the voltage from the brushes is transmitted to the rotor with the stator;
- the rotor begins to rotate, gradually gaining the speed set by the program;
- the impulse is transmitted to the shaft;
- the washing machine drum spins up.
Under the washing tank, in the lower section of the housing, is where the collector is situated. There is a drive—pulleys and a drive belt—to transfer the engine’s cumulative revolutions to the drum shaft. The elastic band causes the "wheels" to spin as soon as the motor accelerates, sending the pulse to the drum.
The collector engine is easy to maintain, affordable to repair, and long-lasting.
The conventional collector engine offers the following benefits:
- simple and reliable mechanism, which makes the engine durable;
- Available price, which reduces the automatic machine;
- Inexpensive and easy maintenance and repair.
There are drawbacks for the collector as well. The primary one is a high noise level caused by the brushes, which are continuously being erased from the motor’s metal body. This is where the second "minus" originates: graphite tips erode with time and require replacement.
Asynchronous electric motor
The rotor and stator are also the foundation of the non-ishron electric motor. While the second responds to the generated magnetic field by starting to rotate and spinning the washing drum, the first stays motionless and functions as a magnetic circuit. During this process, the motor moves slightly behind the magnets because it is unable to synchronize with their speed. Thus, the term "asynchronous."
Washing machines can have either a three-phase or two-phase asynchronous motor. Because of their greater power and compact size, the latter have nearly entirely replaced the former since 2000.
The benefits of "asynchronous" motors are as follows:
- simple motor design, rarely failing;
- high maintainability (due to available and cheap components);
- low cost of the motor;
- relatively low noise.
The primary drawback of asynchronous motors is their large size, which makes them unsuitable for use in small, narrow machines. The requirement for routine system maintenance, such as lubricating the pistons and replacing the bearings, is another drawback. Due to their low efficiency and intricate electrical circuit control, these engines are not very efficient.
Asynchronous electric motors are limited to low-cost models that have small capacities, low power, and restricted functionality. If not, the motor cannot handle the load.
| Type of Motor | Description |
| Universal Motor | Common in older models, these motors are versatile and can operate on both AC and DC power, but they tend to be noisy and wear out faster. |
| Induction Motor | These motors are quieter and more durable, using AC power only, making them a popular choice for modern washing machines. |
| Brushless Motor (Direct Drive) | Found in newer models, these motors are highly efficient, quiet, and have fewer moving parts, leading to longer lifespans and less maintenance. |
Making an informed choice when buying a new appliance can be aided by knowing the various kinds of washing machine motors. Every type of motor, including the more avant-garde inverter motor, the more conventional universal motor, and the quieter and more efficient direct drive, has unique benefits to suit different requirements and tastes.
Because of their straightforward construction and low cost, older machines frequently used universal motors; however, more and more newer models come with direct drive or inverter motors. Many homes are choosing these more recent technologies because they offer improved durability, lower noise levels, and increased energy efficiency.
Whether your top priorities are reducing your electricity costs, having a quieter home, or getting a long-lasting machine, the best motor for your washing machine will ultimately depend on these factors. You can select the washing machine that best suits your needs and lifestyle by being aware of the differences.
Various motor types are necessary for washing machines to operate; these motor types have distinct benefits that impact efficiency, longevity, and performance. Whether you are looking for a quiet operation, energy savings, or reliability, knowing the differences between traditional brushed motors, brushless motors, and direct drive motors will help you make an informed choice when selecting a washing machine.
