WHAT IS A PRIME MOVER? All motors and engines are considered to be prime movers, the originating source of movement. While a motor converts applied energy to torque (rotational force), an engine usually converts raw material to reciprocating force, and then the crankshaft converts it to torque. The distinctions are often blurred in general discussion; however, it is important to understand how specific equipment operates in order to design the best possible Reliability Program. The goal of this white paper is to describe the various types of electric motors/engines and their principles of operation, common uses, and advantages/disadvantages.

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