Ac Operation Of Ac Drills Essay, Research Paper

Research Report

Introduction- The aim of this report is to present research and findings as to which type of drill is most suitable to our application. We are screwing screws through the wall of a letterbox. The three types of drills we are investigating are, DC or cordless, AC main power and Pneumatic (air).

AC

Operation of AC drills- Drills with cords use, AC ( alternating current ) power which is the 240 volt supply you would get from an outlet. The most common way of generating this electricity is, the burning of a fuel ( usually coal ) to heat a body of water which turns to steam. This steam works to compress a piston inside a cylinder which has attached a crank. This crank turns as the piston moves back and forth. As the crank turns, it is attached to an turbine, magnets and other influencing forces help to create n electrical field which is then sent in very high voltages, down power lines. When the main lines get to outside the destination, 100 000 volts is tamed down to 240 volts with the help of a transistor.

AC Motors-

Cost- Ac drills’ prices can vary according to quality, you could pay as little as $30

For one but if your after quality, you might be up for as much as $300.

Safety- these can be quite dangerous as the cord may fray and electrocute the user. You might accidentally drill through the cord. And it can’t get wet. Voltage overload in electrical storms.

Maintenance- General maintenance on chuck and motor but always maintain cord.

Maneuverability-movement is limited by the length of the cord

Speed/Torque control- Variable speed control available on most new Ac drills.

Summary- Good for use where high power is required for long periods of time. Movement lets it down, as well as limited weather use. Safety is also a concerning issue. These have more available features such a hammering ability.

DC

DC power generation- through a battery, recharged by AC power and a transistor which converts outlet, 240v AC electricity into a 6,9,12,14 volt battery form.

DC motors-

Cost-As with AC, prices vary incredibly, from, $30 up to $400 for the latest in technology. Again, the difference in price reflects quality.

Safety-Very safe, handy man drill as you can use it in the rain with no hassle. Also, there are no worries with cords.

Maintenance-General maintenance required

Maneuverability- excellent movement available, take anywhere.

Speed/Torque control- available on all cordless drills.

Summary-cordless drills are excellent, you can use them any where any time. They are very reasonably priced. Low maintenance.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic/Air generation- An electric or petrol powered motor forces air into a cylinder where a piston compresses it and stores it in a tank.

Pneumatic motors- compressed air is forced into the drill where there are several blades, the rotor spins as compressed air is forced against each blade making it spin. With the rotor spinning, as does the tool.

Cost- Pneumatic drills would be the cheapest of the three ( mid-range price ). Although, with the others, you don’t need any other equipment. With air tool you need to have, a compressor, regulator, filter and hoses. All of these make a pneumatic drill, quite a bit more expensive. Although you can run other air tools off it.

Safety- Concern here are with having get compressed air into the bloodstream will result in near instant death. Compressor tanks are also very dangerous, if it were to be punctured or subject to excessive heat when full it would explode with enough force to kill any one around within about 20 meters.

Maintenance- low effort, as the air cleans the motor. Keep chuck oiled.

Maneuverability-Movement is limited by length of the hose.

Speed/Torque control- Forward and reverse option only.

Summary- Not as good as the other two as for our application, low RPM is required and pneumatic drills lack in that field. Safety also is a serious issue.

Recommendations- For our application I recommend to use a cordless drill because they are so safe, and more controllable at lower speeds. Cordless drills are so light and easy to use compared to the others. Power isn’t an issue for this application.