Number of Turns vs. Wire Gauge (BLDC Motor)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the number of turns and wire gauge in the context of creating a stronger magnetic field for a brushless DC motor. Participants explore how these factors influence magnetic force, resistance, and thermal limits, without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether more turns or greater thickness of copper wire would create a stronger magnetic field, noting the trade-off between wire thickness and the number of turns.
  • Another participant asserts that the magnetic field strength is primarily dependent on the number of turns, suggesting that more turns lead to greater field intensity.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that thicker wire allows for higher currents, which could enhance the magnetic field strength when considering the same current. They also mention thermal limits related to wire gauge and the importance of current capacity from the controller.
  • A participant expresses gratitude and indicates a decision to use thinner wire based on a design that should maintain low temperatures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the influence of wire gauge versus the number of turns on magnetic field strength. There is no consensus on which approach is definitively better, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention thermal limits and resistance considerations, indicating that the effectiveness of wire gauge and turns may depend on specific design parameters and operational conditions.

George-M
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TL;DR
For the same mass of copper wire, would more turns or greater thickness create a stronger magnetic field from a coil?
Summary: For the same mass of copper wire, would more turns or greater thickness create a stronger magnetic field from a coil?

So I am attempting to make a brush less DC motor, and I am wondering whether the coils would create a greater magnetic force if there are more turns or if the wire is thicker. If the copper wire is thicker, there will have to be fewer turns. If the copper wire is thinner, there will be more turns. I do believe that wire of a greater thickness has less resistance. Imagine I have two coils of copper wire with the same mass of identical copper wire; one of greater thickness but fewer turns, and the other of less thickness but more turns. My question is: which would create the strongest magnetic force? (Extended distance/ range of magnetic field is not necessary, because the rotor will be extremely close to the coils anyway). Please pardon my lack of technical terminology.
 
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the magnetic field has nothing to do with the size of the wire but everything to do with the number of turns. More turns, greater field intensity.
 
Thicker wire permits higher currents. So for the same current thinner wire and more turns allows a more powerful field.

The limit is thermal; how much heat can you dissipate from the coils at a reasonable temperature. The thermal load is produced by ##I^2R## losses. Thinner wires have higher R per foot and more feet if you increase the number of turns.

A BLDC motor is designed to mate with a BLDC controller. You have to consider how much current the controller can provide.

As in most designs, everything interacts with everything else and there are many tradeoffs.

Reading this may help you;
https://www.edn.com/design/sensors/4406682/Brushless-DC-Motors---Part-I--Construction-and-Operating-Principles
 
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Thank you both ever so much. I am going to use thinner wire because, I have a design that should keep temperatures low as is.
 

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