Skip to Content

What Is A Brushless Motor? [COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE]

What Is A Brushless Motor? [COMPLETE BEGINNER'S GUIDE]

Motors are electrical equipment that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. You have probably come across the several types of motors used in various industries. The different types of motors include the brushless DC motors, which are highly efficient with incredible controllability.

As the name suggests, a brushless motor is a type of electric motor that operates in the absence of brushes and the commutator standard with the traditional brush motor. The brushless motors have several advantages over the brushed motors and are pretty economical in the long run.

Although brush motors have been around since the 1800s, they are less efficient and associated with tear and wear. It is this weakness that led to the innovation of the brushless motor. Whether you want to purchase brushless motors for your RC ventures or any task, this post explains everything about brushless motors.

brushless motor inside

What Does Brushless Motor Mean?

The definition of a brushless motor is simple; it is a direct current electric motor that functions without mechanical brushes. It was developed to eliminate the inefficiency of brushed motors. Although the brushless motors are expensive, they tend to prove pretty economical in the long run.

So how does a brushless motor work? To perfectly explain the principles through which the brushless motor works, it helps to start with the brushed DC motors since they have existed for a long time.

A brushed motor has permanent magnetic fields on the outside called the stator. The armature that rotates and has an electromagnet is known as the rotor.

The rotor spins 180 degrees once the electric current runs to the armature. For the rotation to continue to 360 degrees, the electromagnet poles have to flip.

A Brushless motor is flipped inside out to eliminate the need for brushes to flip the electromagnetic field. Further, in brushless motors, the stator has permanent electromagnets. A computer charges the stator's electromagnet to rotate the rotor 360 degrees.

The Uses of Brushless DC Motors

Brushless motors have an efficiency rate of 85-90 percent, while the brushed motor's efficiency rate is a75-80 percent. Notably, brushed motors have a shorter lifespan.

Additionally, brushless motors are pretty light and have a longer lifespan. Since a computer controls its electrical current, it can achieve a more precise motion control. Due to these notable advantages, brushless motors are mostly used in modern devices that require low heat and noise. These devices include RC cars, air conditioners, washing machines, and other electronic devices.

Is a Brushless Motor Better?

You will likely have to decide between brushless and brushed motors when shopping for different consumer electronic devices.

Brushless motors are the best option because they were developed to take care of the shortcomings of brushed motors. Moreover, there are several advantages associated with brushless motors, which include;

  • They do not have carbon brushes; hence they do not require a regular brush replacement that can prove quite costly.
  • Brushes motors take the lead when it comes to efficiency and performance when compared to brushed motors. The lifespan of brushless motors is approximately six times more than that of brushed motors.
  • While brushed motors have heating and noise issues as they do not cool fast, brushless motors do not have the same problems because they do not have an electromagnet at the center, reducing the heating problem.
  • You can expect accurate torque and speed control for lower power consumption, higher efficiency, and longer battery dues to a feedback control mechanism with brushless motors.
  • Brushless motors are capable of providing a maximum continuous torque during the rotation, whereas brushed motors can only provide the same during specific points of the rotation.
  • Brushless DC motors come in compact and small sizes with high torque capability meaning that you can put them in a wide range of applications, including making drones and other electronic devices that require lightweight components.
  • The brushless motors have been refined so that the chances of failure are pretty low. Besides, the disadvantage of tear and wear is eliminated, reducing the possibility of the motor failing.
  • The problem of high sparks that results in a short lifespan of brushed motors is not common with brushless motors.

Brushless vs Brushed RC

Brushless and brushed motors are the main motors used by the manufacturer of remote control cars. Notably, one of the two is more advantageous than the other.

The brushless RC motors are better than the brushed motors in almost every aspect other than the price. They are long-lasting, produce more power, are more efficient, and are reliable. However, the only disadvantage you will experience if you opt for brushless motors RC is that you will have to dig deeper into your pocket to acquire them.

Further, if you are after a faster remote control car, the brushless will be the best option. Experienced racers will always go for brushless motors because that is the only way that you are going to have your RC car move at an incredible speed.

Upgrading Your RC Motor

If you think a brushed motor is no longer the best option for you, you can always upgrade your motor. Upgrading the engine of your RC car is a simple process that you should not take most of your time. However, you will have to do your due diligence because you may need to upgrade some other features.

Are There Any Advantages Associated With Brushed Motors?

While every RC car enthusiast will agree that brushless motors are more efficient than brushed motors, it does not mean that the latter do not have their advantages. Here are some benefits of brushed motors that make them relevant in the modern industry.

new brushless motor

Cheaper Than The Brushless Motors

One of the advantages of brushed motors is that they are cheaper than brushless ones. Therefore, if you are new to the RC world and want an RC car that won't drain your pocket, the brushed ones will be the best option. Besides, you do not need a high-speed RC car when you start because you may not have the skills to control it. Furthermore, you can always upgrade your engine whenever you feel ready.

The Simplicity

Another advantage of brushed motors is that they are pretty simple. The structure of the brushed motor is simple, making it easy for both beginners and experts to comprehend how they work quickly. With the simplicity of brushed motors, you will never have a hard time making simple repairs, especially if you are good at DIY.

Brushless vs. Brushed RC Comparison Table

Parameters Brushed Motor RC Brushless Motor RC
Efficiency Relatively lower efficiency of 75-80 percent Relatively high efficiency of 80-90 percent
Lifespan Shorter lifespan due to the fact that it has several moving parts. A longer lifespan because the need for brushes is eliminated.
Speed Range Limited speed due to the brushes and commutative limit. A higher speed as the speed is only limited by the controller's speed.
Noise The high friction between the brush's electrical arc results in higher electrical, and mechanical noises. The absence of brushes means lower mechanical noises
Cost Relatively cheap Relatively expensive
Controller No need for an external controller to control its speed Requires an external controller to control its speed.
Components Entails commutators and brushes Does not contain a brush as a component
Torque Relatively lower torque due to less efficient conversion of energy High torque is generated as a result of high-efficiency conversion of energy.

Conclusion

Brushless motors have become quite popular as they have many applications, including RC cars, drones, and cordless power tools. Their efficiency, durability, and reliability give them an edge over their counterparts. If you think it is time to upgrade to brushless motors, there is nothing to pull you back.