Page 37 - Electromechanical Devices and Components Illustrated Sourcebook

P. 37

INTRODUCTION

This book is intended to introduce engineers and technicians to equipment and com-
ponents that use both mechanical and electrical elements. In the world of technical
book publishing, this is a particularly neglected ﬁeld, even though the marriage of
these two disciplines is what give us the technologies that surround us every day.
This book is arranged in a logical progression of the topic. Starting with the
basics of electrical and mechanical, and ending with standard and preferred engi-
neering methods.
Chapter 1 reviews the basics of electricity, covering current, voltage, resistance,
and the application of Ohms law. Simple types of circuits are discussed using easy
to understand terms. Finally the difference between direct current (DC) and alter-
nating current (AC) are discussed.
Chapter 2 reviews the basics of mechanics. All of the simple machine are dis-
cussed and the two principal energies. Simple examples of how the basic machines
are applied are shown through out.
Chapter 3 introduces the reader to electrical power sources, ranging from batter-
ies to uninterruptible power supplies. A solid review of these power sources are pro-
vided giving the reader a clear grounding in this topic.
Chapter 4 provides information on electrical controls, both devices intended to
control electricity and devices intended to use electricity as their control element. As
this is a very important subtopic, this chapter is the most extensive of the book. It
covers switches, relays, contactors, timers, resistors, capacitors, and the likes.
Chapter 5 reviews magnetic components, which is principally transformers and
inductors. This is an extremely important subtopic and should be studied carefully
by the reader. Other topics covered in this chapter are magnetic recording, eddy cur-
rents, and solenoids.
Chapter 6 deals with rotating equipment. The different types of electric motors
are presented in a format that will leave you with a solid knowledge of DC, AC, and
three-phase motors. In addition to motors, generators are reviewed.
Chapter 7 reviews the common application of heating elements. A description of
the different types of heaters is provided and how to apply them. A brief discussion
of induction and microwave heating is also included.
Chapter 8 takes a look at circuit protection. It covers both fuses and circuit break-
ers and provides the reader with a clear understanding of this topic. Motor protec-
tion and the associated methods are discussed. Lighting protection is also discussed.
Chapter 9 reviews connectors. Although this is considered a mundane subtopic, it
is, however, a very important one. The information starts with basic wire splicing
and ﬁnishes with sophisticated multi pin connectors. Standard uses of connectors are
also discussed.
Chapter 10 covers the most fundamental electromechnical device, the wire. Mock
like the connector this is a neglected topic which is responsible for bringing every
electronic, electrical, and electromechnical device together.
Chapter 11 reviews acoustic devices. Any electromechnical component device
that is intended to make a noise or vibration falls into this category. Starting with a
simple buzzer and following through with sophisticated loudspeakers, this chapter
provides the reader with a base knowledge of the area.
Chapter 12 examines lighting technologies, from Edison’s ﬁrst electric light bulb
to modern sodium vapor lamps. A review is provided of the various techniques used
to generate light and the packages that these technologies are delivered in.
Chapter 13 reviews the very important topic of meters. Meters are the tool that we
rely on to measure, troubleshoot, monitor, and understand the electronic, electrical,
and electromechnical world. This chapter deals primarily with voltmeters and how to
conﬁgure them. In addition a brief review of higher level test equipment is provided.

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