INDUCTION VERSUS BLDC MOTORS FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
In our days, the use of the Brushless DC motors with permanent magnets for large power applications is becoming very popular. A three phase induction motor has a stall torque making it easy to run just connecting it across the power lines. Also, it can be designed to run very efficient for a given point of operation making it a very attractive option for pump applications. By contrast, a BLDC motor does not have a stall torque and requires electronics to make to run. In spite of that, the motor can run very efficient along a wide range of speeds and at a higher power factor. Therefore, the natural question is: Is the BLDC more or less fit than an induction motor? This article tries to answer to this question walking the reader thru motors construction similarities and differences, the advantages and dis-advantages of the use of each motor type with a focus on the subsea oil and gas industry. Each motor kind has unique functional characteristics making it the best fit for a given applications.
