Brushless vs. Brushed Motor - What is the difference?

[frddyj]

http://www.rctoys.com/rc-products-catalog/RC-PARTS-BRUSHLESS-MOTORS.html

General:
Brushless motors are more powerful, durable, and efficient than brushed motors of the same size. Used in your radio controlled airplane, boat, or car, they can generate more power with longer run times.



What Is The Difference Between a Brushless Motor and Brushed motor?:
A brushed motor uses stationary metallic contacts that 'brush' against moving metallic contacts. These 'brushes' are used to transfer electrical energy to coils on the rotating armature. A brushless motor consists of stationary coils and a rotating magnet that is connected to the output shaft. The coils are grouped together into phases, and an electronic motor controller powers up each coil in sequence, causing the magnet to rotate

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/brushless-motor.htm

Brushed Motor

• The brushes eventually wear out.
• Because the brushes are making/breaking connections, you get sparking and electrical noise.
• The brushes limit the maximum speed of the motor.
• Having the electromagnet in the center of the motor makes it harder to cool.
• The use of brushes puts a limit on how many poles the armature can have.

Brushless Motor

• Because a computer controls the motor instead of mechanical brushes, it's more precise. The computer can also factor the speed of the motor into the equation. This makes brushless motors more efficient.
• There is no sparking and much less electrical noise.
• There are no brushes to wear out.
• With the electromagnets on the stator, they are very easy to cool.
• You can have a lot of electromagnets on the stator for more precise control.

 

[frddyj]

this is very basic information, the excerpts posted are taken directly from the links provided; there is also more detailed information.

 

[Pope]

Great info Freddy.

 

[Purenitro]

I believe the brushless motors are also three phase as apposed to single phase which makes them much more smooth and efficient as well.