
- Electrical Machines - Home
- Basic Concepts
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- Energy Stored in Magnetic Field
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- Rotating Electrical Machines
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- Faraday’s Laws of Electromagnetic Induction
- Concept of Induced EMF
- Fleming's Left Hand and Right Hand Rules
- Transformers
- Electrical Transformer
- Construction of Transformer
- EMF Equation of Transformer
- Turns Ratio and Voltage Transformation Ratio
- Ideal Transformer
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- Ideal and Practical Transformers
- Transformer on DC
- Losses in a Transformer
- Efficiency of Transformer
- 3-Phase Transformer
- Types of Transformers
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- Transformer Working Principle
- Single-Phase Transformer Working Principle
- 3-Phase Transformer Principle
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Torque-Slip
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Torque-Speed
- 3-Phase Transformer Harmonics
- Double-Star Connection (3-6 Phase)
- Double-delta Connection (3-6 Phase)
- Transformer Ratios
- Voltage Regulation
- Delta-Star Connection (3-Phase)
- Star-Delta Connection (3-Phase)
- Autotransformer Conversion
- Back-to-back Test (Sumpner's Test)
- Transformer Voltage Drop
- Autotransformer Output
- Open and Short Circuit Test
- 3-Phase Autotransformer
- Star-Star Connection
- 6-Phase Diametrical Connections
- Circuit Test (Three-Winding)
- Potential Transformer
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- Autotransformer
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- No-Load Current Wave
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- Transformer Vector Groups
- 3 to 12-Phase Transformers
- Scott-T Transformer Connection
- Transformer kVA Rating
- Three-Winding Transformer
- Delta-Delta Connection Transformer
- Transformer DC Supply Issue
- Equivalent Circuit Transformer
- Simplified Equivalent Circuit of Transformer
- Transformer No-Load Condition
- Transformer Load Condition
- OTI WTI Transformer
- CVT Transformer
- Isolation vs Regular Transformer
- Dry vs Oil-Filled
- DC Machines
- Construction of DC Machines
- Types of DC Machines
- Working Principle of DC Generator
- EMF Equation of DC Generator
- Derivation of EMF Equation DC Generator
- Types of DC Generators
- Working Principle of DC Motor
- Back EMF in DC Motor
- Types of DC Motors
- Losses in DC Machines
- Applications of DC Machines
- More on DC Machines
- DC Generator
- DC Generator Armature Reaction
- DC Generator Commutator Action
- Stepper vs DC Motors
- DC Shunt Generators Critical Resistance
- DC Machines Commutation
- DC Motor Characteristics
- Synchronous Generator Working Principle
- DC Generator Characteristics
- DC Generator Demagnetizing & Cross-Magnetizing
- DC Motor Voltage & Power Equations
- DC Generator Efficiency
- Electric Breaking of DC Motors
- DC Motor Efficiency
- Four Quadrant Operation of DC Motors
- Open Circuit Characteristics of DC Generators
- Voltage Build-Up in Self-Excited DC Generators
- Types of Armature Winding in DC Machines
- Torque in DC Motors
- Swinburne’s Test of DC Machine
- Speed Control of DC Shunt Motor
- Speed Control of DC Series Motor
- DC Motor of Speed Regulation
- Hopkinson's Test
- Permanent Magnet DC Motor
- Permanent Magnet Stepper Motor
- DC Servo Motor Theory
- DC Series vs Shunt Motor
- BLDC Motor vs PMSM Motor
- Induction Motors
- Introduction to Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor
- 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Construction of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- 3-Phase Induction Motor on Load
- Characteristics of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Speed Regulation and Speed Control
- Methods of Starting 3-Phase Induction Motors
- More on Induction Motors
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Working Principle
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Rotor Parameters
- Double Cage Induction Motor Equivalent Circuit
- Induction Motor Equivalent Circuit Models
- Slip Ring vs Squirrel Cage Induction Motors
- Single-Cage vs Double-Cage Induction Motor
- Induction Motor Equivalent Circuits
- Induction Motor Crawling & Cogging
- Induction Motor Blocked Rotor Test
- Induction Motor Circle Diagram
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Applications
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Torque Ratios
- Induction Motors Power Flow Diagram & Losses
- Determining Induction Motor Efficiency
- Induction Motor Speed Control by Pole-Amplitude Modulation
- Induction Motor Inverted or Rotor Fed
- High Torque Cage Motors
- Double-Cage Induction Motor Torque-Slip Characteristics
- 3-Phase Induction Motors Starting Torque
- 3-phase Induction Motor - Rotor Resistance Starter
- 3-phase Induction Motor Running Torque
- 3-Phase Induction Motor - Rotating Magnetic Field
- Isolated Induction Generator
- Capacitor-Start Induction Motor
- Capacitor-Start Capacitor-Run Induction Motor
- Winding EMFs in 3-Phase Induction Motors
- Split-Phase Induction Motor
- Shaded Pole Induction Motor
- Repulsion-Start Induction-Run Motor
- Repulsion Induction Motor
- PSC Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor Performance Analysis
- Linear Induction Motor
- Single-Phase Induction Motor Testing
- 3-Phase Induction Motor Fault Types
- Synchronous Machines
- Introduction to 3-Phase Synchronous Machines
- Construction of Synchronous Machine
- Working of 3-Phase Alternator
- Armature Reaction in Synchronous Machines
- Output Power of 3-Phase Alternator
- Losses and Efficiency of an Alternator
- Losses and Efficiency of 3-Phase Alternator
- Working of 3-Phase Synchronous Motor
- Equivalent Circuit and Power Factor of Synchronous Motor
- Power Developed by Synchronous Motor
- More on Synchronous Machines
- AC Motor Types
- Induction Generator (Asynchronous Generator)
- Synchronous Speed Slip of 3-Phase Induction Motor
- Armature Reaction in Alternator at Leading Power Factor
- Armature Reaction in Alternator at Lagging Power Factor
- Stationary Armature vs Rotating Field Alternator Advantages
- Synchronous Impedance Method for Voltage Regulation
- Saturated & Unsaturated Synchronous Reactance
- Synchronous Reactance & Impedance
- Significance of Short Circuit Ratio in Alternator
- Hunting Effect Alternator
- Hydrogen Cooling in Synchronous Generators
- Excitation System of Synchronous Machine
- Equivalent Circuit Phasor Diagram of Synchronous Generator
- EMF Equation of Synchronous Generator
- Cooling Methods for Synchronous Generators
- Assumptions in Synchronous Impedance Method
- Armature Reaction at Unity Power Factor
- Voltage Regulation of Alternator
- Synchronous Generator with Infinite Bus Operation
- Zero Power Factor of Synchronous Generator
- Short Circuit Ratio Calculation of Synchronous Machines
- Speed-Frequency Relationship in Alternator
- Pitch Factor in Alternator
- Max Reactive Power in Synchronous Generators
- Power Flow Equations for Synchronous Generator
- Potier Triangle for Voltage Regulation in Alternators
- Parallel Operation of Alternators
- Load Sharing in Parallel Alternators
- Slip Test on Synchronous Machine
- Constant Flux Linkage Theorem
- Blondel's Two Reaction Theory
- Synchronous Machine Oscillations
- Ampere Turn Method for Voltage Regulation
- Salient Pole Synchronous Machine Theory
- Synchronization by Synchroscope
- Synchronization by Synchronizing Lamp Method
- Sudden Short Circuit in 3-Phase Alternator
- Short Circuit Transient in Synchronous Machines
- Power-Angle of Salient Pole Machines
- Prime-Mover Governor Characteristics
- Power Input of Synchronous Generator
- Power Output of Synchronous Generator
- Power Developed by Salient Pole Motor
- Phasor Diagrams of Cylindrical Rotor Moto
- Synchronous Motor Excitation Voltage Determination
- Hunting Synchronous Motor
- Self-Starting Synchronous Motor
- Unidirectional Torque Production in Synchronous Motor
- Effect of Load Change on Synchronous Motor
- Field Excitation Effect on Synchronous Motor
- Output Power of Synchronous Motor
- Input Power of Synchronous Motor
- V Curves & Inverted V Curves of Synchronous Motor
- Torque in Synchronous Motor
- Construction of 3-Phase Synchronous Motor
- Synchronous Motor
- Synchronous Condenser
- Power Flow in Synchronous Motor
- Types of Faults in Alternator
- Miscellaneous Topics
- Electrical Generator
- Determining Electric Motor Load
- Solid State Motor Starters
- Characteristics of Single-Phase Motor
- Types of AC Generators
- Three-Point Starter
- Four-Point Starter
- Ward Leonard Speed Control Method
- Pole Changing Method
- Stator Voltage Control Method
- DOL Starter
- Star-Delta Starter
- Hysteresis Motor
- 2-Phase & 3-Phase AC Servo Motors
- Repulsion Motor
- Reluctance Motor
- Stepper Motor
- PCB Motor
- Single-Stack Variable Reluctance Stepper Motor
- Schrage Motor
- Hybrid Schrage Motor
- Multi-Stack Variable Reluctance Stepper Motor
- Universal Motor
- Step Angle in Stepper Motor
- Stepper Motor Torque-Pulse Rate Characteristics
- Distribution Factor
- Electrical Machines Basic Terms
- Synchronizing Torque Coefficient
- Synchronizing Power Coefficient
- Metadyne
- Motor Soft Starter
- CVT vs PT
- Metering CT vs Protection CT
- Stator and Rotor in Electrical Machines
- Electric Motor Winding
- Electric Motor
- Useful Resources
- Quick Guide
- Resources
- Discussion
What is Electric Motor Winding?
A winding is a coil of multiple turns of conductor wire through which an electric current can flow to produce a magnetic field. In general, the windings used in electric motors are made up of copper wire. However, sometimes, aluminum wire is also used to form motor windings. Different types of electric motors have different types of windings. In this article, I will explain different types of windings used in electric motors.
What is a Motor Winding?
In an electric motor, the winding is a copper or aluminum coil of multiple turns wound around a magnetic core and produces a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it.
The primary function of a winding in an electric motor is to create a magnetic field inside the motor which is required for its working. Therefore, motor winding is one of the fundamental components in an electric motor which is responsible for working of the motor.
Construction and Function of Motor Winding
Motor windings are made up of insulated conductor wires, usually copper wires or aluminum wires. These conductor wires are wound around a magnetic core made up of steel laminations.
When an electric current flows through these motor windings, they create a magnetic field required to produce a torque in the rotor. This torque developed in the rotor is then utilized to drive the mechanical load attached to the motor shaft.
Hence, the main function of a motor winding is to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy through the electromagnetic phenomenon.
Types of Electric Motor Windings
The different types of windings used in electric motors are given below
- Stator Winding
- Rotor Winding
- Armature Winding
- Field Winding
- Open Winding
- Closed Winding
- Concentrated Motor Winding
- Distributed Motor Winding
- LAP Winding
- Wave Winding
Let us discuss each type of motor winding in detail one-by-one.
Stator Winding
In electric motors, the stator winding is the type of motor winding placed on the stationary part of the motor, called stator. In induction motors, the stator winding is placed in the slots cut in the stator core. In DC motors, the stator winding is wound around the magnetic poles.
Therefore, in DC motors, stator winding produced a constant magnetic flux in the machine. Whereas, in induction motors, the stator winding produces a rotating magnetic field in the motor.
Rotor Winding
The rotor winding is the type of motor winding which is done on the rotating part of the motor, i.e., rotor. The rotor winding is placed in the slots made on the rotor core.
In dc motors, the rotor winding is excited from a source of dc supply and act as the armature winding. In the case of induction motors, the rotor winding is closed through short circuit. In the synchronous motors, the rotor winding is excited from a DC supply to produce a constant magnetic field. The rotor winding is responsible for developing torque in the rotor and rotate it.
Armature Winding
In an electric motor, the armature winding is the main winding in which the electromagnetic torque is developed. In electric motors, the armature winding interacts with the magnetic flux produced by permanent magnets or electromagnets to produce a torque in the rotor.
The armature winding performs the following two functions in an electric motor
- Induces an emf (electromotive force).
- Create torque to rotate the rotor and shaft.
Field Winding
Field winding is the motor winding that creates a magnetic field required for working of the machine.
In DC motors, the field winding is done on the stator and is excited by using a dc power supply. In induction motors, the field winding is also placed on the stator, but excited from an AC power supply. The field winding of synchronous motor is done on the rotor and is excited from a dc power supply.
Overall, the primary function the of the field winding in an electric motor is to produce main field flux required for working of the motor.
Open Winding
In electric motors, when ends of windings are brought to the terminals to make external connections, then this type of winding is called open-type winding. In simple words, open winding is one that can be left open at one or more points.
The greatest advantage of open winding is that it provides better flexibility in connections. The open windings are primarily used in ac motors like induction motors or synchronous motors.
Closed Winding
As the name implies, the closed winding forms a closed loop or path around the armature. This type of motor winding starts and ends at the same point. The flow of current through the closed winding takes place through the carbon brushes placed on the commutator.
In the case of closed winding, the armature current splits into several parallel paths. This type of winding is mainly used in dc motors and universal motor.
Concentrated Winding
When a motor winding is formed by winding multiple turns of conductor wire such that they are in series and forms a single coil of multiple turns, then it is called concentrated winding.
In other words, a motor winding in which all the winding turns have the same magnetic axis is called a concentrated winding.

This type of motor winding is used in the case when the number of poles and numbers slots are to be equal.
The concentrated windings are used in motors that have shorter axial length and large diameter, such as in salient pole synchronous motors.
This type of winding is always wound over one tooth of the stator or rotor core. The major advantage of the concentrated winding is that it has a very small winding head at the top and bottom of the electric motor.
Distributed Winding
The type of motor winding in which all the winding turns are arranged in multiple coils and are inserted into slots spread along the air gap is called a distributed winding.
This winding is used where the number of poles is not equal to the number of slots.

Some common examples of distributed windings are armature windings of induction motors and synchronous motors.
Lap Winding
The lap winding is formed by joining conductors in a way that the number of poles and number of parallel paths are equal. In this type of winding, each end of the coil is joined to the adjacent commutator segment as shown in the following figure.

The lap winding is used in DC machines that works at high currents and low voltages.
Wave Winding
The wave winding is another commonly used type of armature winding in DC motors. The type of motor winding which has only two parallel paths between positive and negative brushes is termed as a wave winding.

In the case of wave winding, the number of parallel paths is independent of the number of poles. However, the number of carbon brushes is equal to the number of parallel paths in the winding.
This type of winding is used in dc motors working on high voltages and low currents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, motor winding is an essential component of any electric motor. It is responsible for producing working magnetic field and developing electromagnetic torque to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. Different types of windings are used in different types of electric motors. In this comprehensive article, I have explained different types of windings commonly used in electric motors.