# COMPONENT: Universal AC Series Motor (Suction Unit)

## Type: ACTUATOR

### PHOTO


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## USEFUL INFO

### Description
This is the **heart** of the vacuum cleaner, a high-speed **Universal AC Series Motor**. It operates on AC mains voltage (230V) and uses carbon brushes and a commutator to achieve high RPMs, driving a centrifugal impeller (fan) to generate powerful suction. It is internally protected by a **Thermal Cutoff (TCO)** switch.

### Strengths
* **High Power Density:** Excellent suction power (up to 1800W) in a compact unit.
* **Variable Speed Capable:** Designed for phase-cut speed control via the external Triac PCB.
* **Robust Construction:** Heavy copper windings and steel laminations.

### Limitations
* **Consumable Part:** Requires eventual replacement of **Carbon Brushes**.
* **High Noise/Heat:** Generates significant acoustic noise and heat at maximum RPM.
* **Not DC Compatible:** Requires AC power (or complex full-wave rectification and high-voltage DC control).
* **High Inrush Current:** Draws a high current surge upon startup, requiring a "Soft Start" feature (implemented by the original PCB).

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## TECHNICAL INFO

### Motor Datasheet (Estimated)
Based on teardown, component size, and typical European vacuum specifications.

| Parameter | Value (Estimated) | Notes / Justification |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Motor Type** | Universal AC Series Motor | Confirmed by **Commutator** and **Brushes**. |
| **Assembly Reference** | RS-RT900587 | Manufacturer part number (Rowenta/SEB). |
| **Operating Voltage ($V_{\text{AC}}$)** | **230 V AC** | Standard European mains. |
| **Input Power ($P_{\text{in}}$)** | **1600 W – 1800 W** | Estimated based on typical product rating. |
| **Rated Current ($I_{\text{rated}}$)** | $\approx 7.0 \text{ A}$ | Calculated from Power/Voltage. |
| **No-Load Speed ($\omega_{\text{max}}$)** | **$25,000 \text{ RPM} – 35,000 \text{ RPM}$** | Required for high suction pressure. |
| **Speed Control Method** | Phase-Cut Control (Triac) | Confirmed by onboard PCB components. |
| **Integrated Protection** | **Thermal Cutoff (TCO)** | Overheat protection. |

### Core Mechanical Components

| Component Name | Primary Material | Function & Forensic Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Armature (Rotor)** | Copper / Silicon Steel | Spinning component that generates torque. |
| **Commutator** | Copper Bars / Mica | Converts AC to effective DC for the Armature windings. |
| **Field Stator** | Copper Windings / Steel | Stationary electromagnets providing the main magnetic field. |
| **Carbon Brushes** | Graphite (Carbon) | Transfers power to the Commutator; a high-wear consumable part. |
| **Impeller (Fan)** | Aluminum Alloy | Centrifugal fan unit generating airflow and cooling. |
| **TCO** | Bimetallic Strip | Cuts power if Stator overheats. |

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## CONTROL & HACKING INSIGHTS

### Original Speed Control PCB Analysis

The motor's original controller is a non-isolated, high-voltage **Motor Speed Control PCB**.

| Label on PCB | Function | Connected To | Wire Color |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **CN1** | Mains Line (L) | Power Cord / Reel | Blue (Thick) |
| **CN2** | Mains Neutral (N) | Power Cord / Reel | Brown/White (Thick) |
| **M1 / M2** | Motor Output | Universal Motor Terminal | Red (Thick) |
| **CN3** | Control Signal | Potentiometer (Speed Knob) | Red/White Ribbon Cable (Thin) |

* **Key Component:** A **Triac (TR1)**, likely a **BTA16-600B** or similar 16A component, is mounted on a heatsink.
* **Function:** It uses **Phase Chopping** to rapidly switch the AC waveform, achieving smooth, variable speed (0% to 100% power) and a "soft start," preventing the jarring **Torque Kick** seen when using a simple relay.

!(http://googleusercontent.com/image_collection/image_retrieval/PXL_20251119_160816013.jpg)

### Hacking Strategy (Arduino Integration)

The original PCB is too dangerous to interface directly with low-voltage logic (like Arduino).

**Recommended Approach:**
1. **Motor:** Reuse the Universal AC Series Motor.
2. **Control:** Use a commercial **Isolated AC Dimmer Module** (Zero-Cross Detection required).
3. **Input:** Reuse the **Potentiometer (Speed Knob)**, wiring it to an Arduino Analog Pin (A0).
4. **Logic:** Arduino reads the A0 value (0-1023) and sends a corresponding **PWM signal** to the Isolated Dimmer Module.
5. **Output:** The Dimmer Module safely chops the 230V AC line to the motor, restoring variable speed control.

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## COMPONENT SCORE ASSESSMENT (Forensics)

This table assesses the motor and associated components based on five key viability criteria (1=Low, 5=High/Critical).

| Component Name | Mechanical (1-5) | Electrical (1-5) | Importance (1-5) | Recyclable (1-5) | Dangerous (1-5) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Universal AC Series Motor** | **5** | **5** | **5** | 4 | **5** |
| Motor Speed Control PCB (with Triac) | 2 | **5** | **5** | 1 | **5** |
| Carbon Brushes | 4 | **5** | **5** | 3 | 3 |
| Wire Harness / Pigtails | 2 | **5** | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Thermal Cutoff (TCO) / Fuse | 2 | **5** | **5** | 1 | 4 |
| Potentiometer (Speed Knob) | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Main Chassis Base & Top Shell (ABS) | **5** | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Screws and Fasteners (Steel) | **5** | 1 | 3 | **5** | 1 |