MODULE 4: ELECTRICAL MACHINES

(SINGLE PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR)

Contents
 Introduction
 Principle of Operation
 Double revolving field theory
 Starting methods

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INTRODUCTION
Single phase induction motor physically looks similar to that of a 3-
phase induction motor. Its stator is provided with a 1-phase
winding. Rotor construction is identical to that of 3-phase squirrel
cage induction motor. A simple single phase winding would
produce no rotating magnetic field and no starting torque. Hence,
1-phase induction motor is not self-starting. For making it self start
the stator winding is split into two windings (a) Starting
(Auxiliary) winding (b) Running (main) winding.

Single phase induction motor is not self-starting, can be explained

by “Double Revolving Field Theory”.

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DOUBLE REVOLVING FIELD THEORY
According to this theory, any alternating quantity can be resolved
into two rotating components which rotate in opposite directions
and each having magnitude as half of the maximum magnitude of
the alternating quantity.
In case of single phase induction motors, the stator winding
produces an alternating magnetic field having maximum
magnitude of Φ1m.
According to double revolving field theory, consider the two
components of the stator flux, each having magnitude half of
maximum magnitude of stator flux i.e. (Φ1m/2). Both these
components are rotating in opposite directions at the synchronous
speed Ns which is dependent on frequency and stator poles.

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CONT…
Let Φf is forward component rotating in anticlockwise direction
while Φb is the backward component rotating in clockwise
direction. The resultant of these two components at any instant
gives the instantaneous value of the stator flux at the instant. So
resultant of these two is the original stator flux.

Fig: 1

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CONT…

The Fig. 1 shows the stator flux and its two components Φf and Φb.
At start both the components are shown opposite to each other in
the Fig.1(a). Thus the resultant ΦR = 0. This is nothing but the
instantaneous value of the stator flux at start. After 90o, as shown in
the Fig. 1(b), the two components are rotated in such a way that both
are pointing in the same direction. Hence the resultant ΦR is the
algebraic sum of the magnitudes of the two components. So ΦR =
(Φ1m/2) + (Φ1m/2) =Φ1m. This is nothing but the instantaneous value
of the stator flux at θ = 90o as shown in the Fig 1(c). Thus continuous
rotation of the two components gives the original alternating stator
flux.

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CONT…
Both the components are rotating and hence get cut by the rotor
conductors. Due to cutting of flux, e.m.f. gets induced in rotor which
circulates rotor current. The rotor current produces rotor flux. This
flux interacts with forward component Φf to produce a torque in
one particular direction say anticlockwise direction. While rotor
flux interacts with backward component Φb to produce a torque in
the clockwise direction. So if anticlockwise torque is positive then
clockwise torque is negative.
At start these two torques are equal in magnitude but opposite in
direction. Each torque tries to rotate the rotor in its own direction.
Thus net torque experienced by the rotor is zero at start. And
hence the single phase induction motors are not self starting.

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CONT…
Torque speed characteristics:
The two oppositely directed torques and the resultant torque can
be shown effectively with the help of torque-speed characteristics.
It is shown in the given Fig.

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CONT…
It can be seen that at start 𝑁𝑟 = 0 and at that point resultant torque
is zero. So single phase motors are not self starting.
However if the rotor is given an initial rotation in any direction, the
resultant average torque increase in the direction in which rotor
initially rotated. And motor starts rotating in that direction. But in
practice it is not possible to give initial torque to rotor externally
hence some modifications are done in the construction of single
phase induction motors to make them self starting.
Another theory which can also be used to explain why single phase
induction motors is not self starting is cross-field theory.

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PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
When a distributed stator winding is fed from a single phase
supply, an alternating (pulsating) field is produced along one space
axis only. Due to this alternating, pulsating or time varying flux, an
alternating EMF is induced in the rotor conductor. Now these
current carrying conductors experience a force. But after each half
cycle the direction of current is changed. Hence, the direction of
force or torque is changed after each cycle. So, pulsating flux acting
on a stationary squirrel cage rotor can not produce rotation and
therefore 1-phase induction motor is not self-start. However, if
rotor of such a machine is given initial start by hand or otherwise
in other direction, then immediately a torque arises and motor
accelerates in that direction.

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STARTING METHODS
The single phases induction motors are classified based on the
method of starting method and in fact are known by the same name
descriptive of the method.
1. Split – Phase Induction Motor: The stator of a split –
phase induction motor has two windings, the main winding and the
auxiliary winding. These windings are displaced in space by 90
electric degrees as shown in figure:

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CONT…
The auxiliary winding is made of thin wire so that it has a high R/X
ratio as compared to the main winding which has thick super
enamel copper wire. When the two stator windings are energized
from a single – phase supply, the current 𝐼𝑚 and 𝐼𝑎 in the main
winding and auxiliary winding lag behind the supply voltage V, and
𝐼𝑎 leading the current 𝐼𝑚 as shown in figure:

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CONT…
This means the current through auxiliary winding reaches
maximum value first and the mmf or flux due to 𝐼𝑎 lies along the
axis of the auxiliary winding and after some time the current 𝐼𝑚
reaches maximum value and the mmf due to 𝐼𝑚 lies along the main
winding axis. Thus the motor becomes a 2 – phase unbalanced
motor. Because of these two fields a starting torque is developed
and the motor becomes a self starting motor. After the motor starts,
the auxiliary winding is disconnected usually by means of
centrifugal switch that operates at about 75% of synchronous
speed. Finally the motor runs because of the main winding only.
Since this being single phase some level of humming noise is
always associated with the motor during running.

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CONT…
The typical torque – speed characteristic is shown in the given fig.

Characteristics
1. Due to their low cost, split – phase induction motors are most popular single –
phase motors in the market.
2. Since the starting winding is made of thin wire, the current density is high and the
winding heats up quickly. If the starting period exceeds 5 seconds, the winding may
burn out unless the motor is protected by built – in thermal relay. This motor is,
therefore, suitable where starting periods are not frequent. 13
CONT…

2. Capacitor – Start Motor: Capacitors are used to improve the

starting and running performance of the single phase induction
motors. The capacitor – start motor is identical to a split – phase
motor except that the starting winding has as many turns as the
main winding. Moreover, a capacitor C is connected in series with
the starting (Auxiliary) winding as shown in figure:

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CONT…
The value of capacitor is so chosen that 𝐼𝑎 leads 𝐼𝑚 by about 90° , so
that the starting torque is maximum for certain values of 𝐼𝑎 and 𝐼𝑚 .
Again, the starting winding is opened by the centrifugal switch
when the motor attains about 75% of synchronous speed. The
motor then operates as a single – phase induction motor and
continues to accelerate till it reaches the normal speed.

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CONT…

The typical torque – speed characteristic is shown in fig.

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CONT…
Characteristics:
1. Although starting characteristics of a capacitor – start motor are
better than those of a split – phase motor, both machines possess
the same running characteristics because the main windings are
identical.
2. The phase angle between the two currents is about 90°
compared to about 25° in a split – phase motor. Consequently, for
the same starting torque, the current in the starting winding is only
about half that in a split – phase motor. Therefore, the starting
winding of a capacitor start motor heats up less quickly and is well
suited to applications involving either frequent or prolonged
starting periods.
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CONT…
3. Permanent – Split Capacitor Motor: In this motor,
as shown in fig. the capacitor that is connected in series with the
auxiliary winding is not cut out after starting and is left in the
circuit all the time. This simplifies the construction and decreases
the cost because the centrifugal switch is not needed. The power
factor, torque pulsation, and efficiency are also improved because
the motor runs as a two – phase motor. The motor will run more
quietly. The capacitor value is of the order of 20 – 50 𝜇F and
because it operates continuously, it is an ac paper oil type. The
capacitor is compromise between the best starting and running
value and therefore starting torque is sacrificed. The typical torque
– speed characteristic is shown in fig .
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CONT…

Characteristic
These motors are used where the required starting torque
is low such as air – moving equipment i.e. fans, blowers
and voltage regulators and also oil burners where quiet
operation is particularly desirable.

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CONT…

[Link] - Start Capacitor – Run: Two capacitor, one

for starting and one for running, can be used, as shown in fig:

Theoretically, optimum starting and running performance can be achieved by

having two capacitors. The starting capacitor is larger in value and is of the ac
electrolytic type. The running capacitor permanently connected in series with
the starting winding, is of smaller value and is of the paper oil type. Typical
values of these capacitors for a 0.5 hp are Cs =300 F, Cr =40 F. The typical torque
– speed characteristic is shown in fig.
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CONT…
Characteristic
1. Ability to start heavy loads
2. Extremely quiet operation
3. Higher efficiency and power factor
4. Ability to develop 25% overload capacity. Hence, such motors are
ideally suited where load requirements are severe as in the case of
compressors and conveyors etc.

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CONT…

5. Shaded Pole Induction Motor: These motors have a

salient pole construction. A shaded band consisting of a short –
circuited copper turn, known as a shading coil, is used on one
portion of each pole, as shown in fig:

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CONT…
When alternating current flow in the field winding, an alternating flux is
produced in the field core. A portion of this flux links with the shading coil,
which behaves as short – circuited secondary of a transformer. A voltage is
induced in the shading coil, and this voltage circulates a current in it. The
induced current produces a flux called the induced flux which opposes the
main core flux. The shading coil, thus, causes the flux in the shaded portion to
lag behind the flux in the unshaded portion of the pole. At the same time, the
main flux and the shaded pole flux are displaced in space. This displacement is
less than 90° . Since there is time and space displacement between the two
fluxes, the conditions for setting up a rotating magnetic fields are produced.
Under the action of the rotating flux a starting torque is developed on the cage
rotor. The direction of this rotating field (flux) is from the unshaded to the
shaded portion of the pole.

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CONT…

The typical torque-speed characteristic is shown in fig.:

Characteristic
1. The salient features of this motor are extremely simple construction and absence
of centrifugal switch.
2. Since starting torque, efficiency and power factor are very low, these motors are
only suitable for low power applications e.g. to drive: Small fans b) toys c) hair
driers. The power rating of such motors is up to about 30 W.
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