What is one major advantage of synchronous motors compared to other motor types?

Synchronous motors have a significant advantage in their ability to run at a lagging power factor. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in industrial applications because synchronous motors can be designed to either operate at unity power factor or to provide reactive power, thereby improving the overall power factor of the electrical system.

When a synchronous motor runs at lagging power factor, it draws less current from the supply network for the same amount of output power, which can lead to enhanced efficiency and reduced energy costs. This feature allows synchronous motors to support voltage stability within the power system, making them a preferred choice in situations where both motor operation and reactive power support are needed.

Other motor types, such as asynchronous (induction) motors, typically run at lagging power factors under full load conditions, which can result in higher energy consumption and lower system efficiency. The ability of synchronous motors to operate at a controllable power factor is crucial for applications that demand high efficiency and the management of reactive power.