AC and DC electric motors were seen as the muscle of the industrial revolution.  Ironically, these electric motors are now also regarded as the smart muscle of the computer-controlled plant and commercial facility of the future.  The advent of powerful, reliable AC drives and DC drives is keeping AC motors and DC motors in the forefront of this technological evolution.

The impact of AC motors and DC motors on overall energy use should not be underestimated.  It is estimated that between 30 to 40 percent of all fossil fuels burned are used to generate electricity, while two-thirds of that electricity is converted by AC motors and DC motors into mechanical energy.

It goes without saying that managers and engineers working at commercial and industrial facilities need to understand the basics of AC and DC motors and AC and DC drives.   This information will subsequently help them to select and implement strategies with the goal of not only saving energy and improving overall performance, but also reducing AC and DC motor and AC and DC drive costs and decreasing downtime.