A3 Motor & Motion College

Basic Motor/Generator Theory

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About the course

Students will learn the basic physics of why versus how a motor or generator works. The four interrelated systems of physics that make up a motor or generator are taught: electrical, electro-magnetic, mechanical, and thermodynamic. The power supply and controller are also covered. Actual assembly line examples are discussed as to why they are performed and their effect on the success of the product to the customer. Only basic math is used when necessary to convey a law of physics in this practical training.

Norm KoppAbout the Instructor

Norm Kopp is the President of Kopp Motor Consultant LLC. He has 50 years experience in the research, development, design, manufacturing and quality assurance of specialty electric motors and feedback devices. He has held engineering up to department manager positions at Honeywell, Sundstrand, Kollmorgen, and Windings.

Mr. Kopp holds five patents in the motion control field. He is a past member of the review board for IEEE papers and is a recognized author and speaker at various technical associations and colleges. Presently, he is a member of the MCMA EMERF board of directors. Mr. Kopp holds a BS in Math and Physics and an MBA degree.

All courses include take-home reference materials!

All courses include take-home reference materialsTrain a group of your employees for less than it would cost to send them out for training and do so following your own optimum schedule.

Interested in In-House Training?

Let us know about the training you are interested in and we'll prepare your proposal!

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Course Outline

  1. The Electrical System
    1. Flow of electricity
    2. Volts, amperes and ohms
    3. Wiring in a stator
    4. Machine performance
  2. The Electro-Magnetic System
    1. Creation of a magnetic field
    2. Design features that contribute to torque in a machine
    3. The function and fabrication of laminations
    4. Advantages and disadvantages of currently used magnets
    5. Quality measurements
  3. The Mechanical System
    1. Packaging the components of a motor or generator
    2. The function of the housing, end caps, shaft, connectors, and environmental protection
    3. Ball bearing construction, preload, and handling
  4. The Thermodynamic System
    1. Heat generation and the modes of transfer through and away from a motor
    2. The four physical systems in determining the size of a machine
    3. Classes and use of insulation systems
    4. The measure of efficiency
  5. Power Supplies and Controllers
    1. The function, purpose, and overall success to the motor/generator
  6. Feedback Devices
    1. Tachometer, encoder, resolver, Hall device, thermal switch, thermister, resistance temperature detector (RTD), and thermocouple
    2. Principles of operation
    3. Unique characteristics
    4. Applications review


Available Courses

Let Us Customize a Program for You!

Choose the topics you want covered and the number of days of training you desire and A3 can customize a program for you! Provide these basic details and we'll provide a proposal.

Questions? Contact Dana Whalls or call 734-994-6088.