Differences between Lap Winding and Wave Winding

The rotating machine which has an essential part which is known as armature winding. The energy conservation can take place in this winding by converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy, as well as the electrical energy into mechanical energy. Armature winding is classified into two types namely lap winding as well as wave winding. The main difference between these two is, in the lap winding,  One of the major difference between them is that in a lap winding, the last part of every coil is associated with the nearby sector while in the wave winding the last part of armature coil is associated with the commutator sector at a distance apart. This article discusses an overview of the main differences between the lap winding and wave winding.

Lap Winding Definition

Lap Winding is one type of winding with two layers, and it is used in electric machines. Every coil in the machine is allied in series with the one nearby coil to it. The applications of lap winding mainly include low voltage as well as high current machines.

These windings are mainly linked for providing numerous parallel lanes for armature current. Due to this reason, this type of winding is used in dc generators, and it requires some pairs of brushes and poles. In this type of winding, the final end of the first coil is associated with a commutator section and to the first end of the closest coil is located beneath the similar pole till every coil have been associated.

Wave Winding Definition

In wave winding,  one end part of the coil is allied to the beginning end part of another coil which has a similar polarity like the first coil. These coils are allied in the waveform and thus it is named as wave winding. The conductor of this winding is divided into two parallel lanes, & every lane had Z/2 conductors which are connected in series. The amount of brushes is equivalent to 2, that is the digit of parallel paths.

Difference between Lap Winding and Wave Winding

The difference between lap winding and wave winding mainly includes lap winding definition, wave winding definition, the difference between lap and wave winding.

Key Differences between Lap Winding and Wave Winding

The Key Differences between Lap Winding and Wave Winding include the following.

• In lap winding, the coil end is allied to the nearby commutator section, while in the wave winding the armature end coil is located within the commutator section which is located separately.
• The lap winding emf is less when compared with wave winding.
• The cost of winding in the lap winding is expensive than the wave winding due to more conductor.
• The lap winding needs an equalizer for the improved commutation whereas the wave winding needs the replica coil to provide the mechanical stability toward the armature.
• The other name of the parallel winding is lap winding because the connection of the lap winding is parallel. Similarly, the wave is also known as series winding because of the series connection.
• In lap winding, the amount of parallel lanes is equivalent to the entire number of poles of the coil whereas in the wave winding the number of parallel lanes is constantly equivalent to two.
• The amount of brushes in lap winding is equivalent to the number of parallel lanes whereas the amount of brushes in wave winding is equivalent to two.
• The lap winding efficiency is low when compared with wave winding.

Thus, this is all about the main difference between lap winding and wave winding. From the above information finally, we can conclude that the applications of lap winding include high current, low voltage machines whereas the applications of wave winding include low current, high voltage machines. Here is a question for you, what are the advantages of lap winding over wave winding?

Image Credit: Nptel