A motor that turns electrical power

a motor that turns electrical power An ac motor may act either as a motor that turns electrical power think into mechanical power or as a generator that converts mechanical power into electricity. It all depends on whether the motor is turning a machine that requires power to turn the load, or if the load will at times overhaul the motor. This overhauling condition may exist in several types of applications.

Periodic Deceleration: One type of application is when a load is stopped quickly and the inertia of the load wants to keep turning, such as a large drum. In this case, the cycle time or number of times the load is stopped over time, as well as the magnitude of the stopping power required, determines how much energy can be saved.

Continuous Deceleration: When a load such as a decline or "downhill" conveyor is operating under the influence of gravity, it will overhaul the motor's speed. The drive is used to regulate the speed in a slower, more controlled fashion than what the natural physics of the application would produce. The same is true for crane and hoist applications.