CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3 examines the construction, operation, and
performance of induction motors, covering key concepts
like synchronous speed, slip, and equivalent circuit analysis,
and exploring starting methods and speed control
techniques.
MICROLINK INFORMATION Prepared By
Leul Zelalem - 14523/20 And Begna Belay 14710/20
TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
Selected Topics In CE
Contents
Chapter 3 ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
Induction Machine ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Construction ............................................................................................................................................. 2
Principle of Operation .............................................................................................................................. 4
Synchronous Speed and Slip .................................................................................................................... 5
Equivalent Circuit...................................................................................................................................... 6
DC test for stator resistance ..................................................................................................................... 7
Performance Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 7
Air Gap's Role ........................................................................................................................................... 9
Starting Methods ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Speed Control ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Advantages of Induction Motors ........................................................................................................... 12
Disadvantages of Induction Motors ....................................................................................................... 12
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Key Terms ................................................................................................................................................ 13
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Chapter 3
Induction Machine
Introduction
The induction motor, also known as an asynchronous motor, is a ubiquitous AC electric motor that finds
widespread application in industrial settings. Its popularity stems from its simplicity, robustness, and
relatively low cost. Unlike synchronous motors, the rotor of an induction motor rotates at a speed slightly
less than the synchronous speed, hence the term "asynchronous."
Construction
An induction motor comprises three main components:
1. Stator: The stationary part of the motor, housing the stator winding. The stator winding is typically
a three-phase winding, creating a rotating magnetic field. To minimize eddy current losses, the
stator core is constructed from laminated steel sheets.
2. Rotor: The rotating part of the motor, containing the rotor winding. There are two primary types
of rotor construction:
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2.1 Squirrel-cage rotor: This type of rotor is simple, robust, and widely used. It consists of conductive
bars embedded in the rotor core, which are permanently short-circuited by end rings. This
configuration creates a "cage" structure, hence the name.
2.2 Wound rotor: This rotor is more complex and features a winding similar to the stator winding. The
winding is connected to slip rings, allowing external resistance to be added to the rotor circuit for
speed control and starting purposes.
3. Air gap: The small space between the stator and rotor is crucial for the motor's operation. It allows
the rotating magnetic field to induce currents in the rotor winding.
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Principle of Operation
The operation of an induction motor hinges on the interaction between the rotating magnetic field
generated by the stator winding and the induced currents in the rotor winding:
1. Rotating Magnetic Field: When a three-phase AC voltage is applied to the stator winding, it creates
a rotating magnetic field. This field rotates at a synchronous speed determined by the frequency
of the AC supply and the number of poles in the stator winding.
2. Rotor Induction: The rotating magnetic field cuts through the rotor conductors, inducing
electromotive force (EMF) and currents in the rotor winding. These induced currents are called
rotor currents.
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3. Torque Production: The interaction between the rotor currents and the stator magnetic field
produces a torque, causing the rotor to rotate. The direction of the torque is determined by the
direction of the induced currents and the direction of the rotating magnetic field.
Synchronous Speed and Slip
• Synchronous Speed (Ns): The speed at which the rotating magnetic field rotates is called the
synchronous speed. It is calculated using the following formula:
Ns = (120 * f) / P
where:
* Ns is the synchronous speed in revolutions per minute (RPM)
* f is the frequency of the AC supply in Hertz (Hz)
* P is the number of poles in the stator winding
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• Slip (s): The difference between the synchronous speed (Ns) and the actual rotor speed (Nr) is called
slip. It is expressed as a percentage or a decimal:
s = (Ns - Nr) / Ns
Slip is essential for torque production. If the rotor were to rotate at the synchronous speed, there would
be no relative motion between the rotor conductors and the rotating magnetic field, and no currents
would be induced in the rotor.
Equivalent Circuit
To analyze the performance of an induction motor, a simplified representation called the per-phase
equivalent circuit is used. This circuit represents the motor's electrical characteristics on a per-phase basis.
The equivalent circuit includes the following components:
• Stator Resistance (R1): Represents the resistance of the stator winding.
• Stator Reactance (X1): Represents the inductive reactance of the stator winding.
• Rotor Resistance (R2): Represents the resistance of the rotor winding.
• Rotor Reactance (X2): Represents the inductive reactance of the rotor winding.
• Magnetizing Reactance (Xm): Represents the reactance associated with the magnetic field created by
the stator winding.
• Core Loss Resistance (Rc): Represents the losses in the iron core of the motor due to hysteresis and
eddy currents.
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DC test for stator resistance
The DC test for stator resistance is a simple and effective method to determine the resistance of the stator
winding in an induction motor. This test is crucial because the stator resistance (R1) is a key parameter in
the equivalent circuit model used to analyze the motor's performance.
Here's how the DC test works:
1. Disconnect the motor from the AC supply: Ensure the motor is completely de-energized.
2. Apply a DC voltage to two of the stator winding terminals: The third terminal is left open. The DC voltage
should be low enough to avoid overheating the winding.
3. Measure the DC current flowing through the winding: Use a suitable ammeter to measure the current.
4. Calculate the stator resistance: The stator resistance (R1) is calculated using Ohm's law:
R1 = Vdc / 2Idc
where:
* R1 is the stator resistance per phase
* Vdc is the DC voltage applied
* Idc is the DC current measured
Why is this test important?
• Equivalent Circuit: The stator resistance is a key parameter in the equivalent circuit model used to analyze
the motor's performance. It helps determine factors like starting current, efficiency, and power factor.
• Troubleshooting: The DC test can help identify problems with the stator winding, such as a short circuit
or an open circuit.
Performance Characteristics
The performance of an induction motor is characterized by several key parameters:
• Speed-Torque Curve: This curve depicts the relationship between the motor speed and the torque it
produces. The curve typically shows a region of high starting torque, followed by a region of relatively
constant speed with increasing load.
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• Starting Torque: The torque produced by the motor when it starts is called the starting torque. It is an
important factor in determining the motor's ability to start a load.
• Pull-Out Torque: The maximum torque the motor can produce is called the pull-out torque. Beyond this
point, the motor will stall.
• Efficiency: The efficiency of an induction motor is the ratio of output power to input power. It is typically
expressed as a percentage.
• Power Factor: The power factor of an induction motor is the cosine of the angle between the voltage
and current. It indicates the proportion of the apparent power that is actually used to do work.
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Air Gap's Role
The air gap, the small space between the stator and rotor of an induction motor, significantly influences
its operating characteristics. A larger air gap requires a stronger magnetic field to maintain the same flux
density, leading to a higher magnetization current and a lower power factor.
This trade-off is crucial in motor design, as open slots with larger air gaps result in lower power factors but
potentially higher starting and maximum torque, while semi-closed slots with smaller air gaps offer better
power factors but may have reduced torque capabilities. Engineers must carefully balance these factors to
optimize motor performance for specific applications.
Starting Methods
Starting an induction motor directly at full voltage can result in high starting currents, which can be
detrimental to the motor and the electrical system. To mitigate this, various starting methods are
employed:
• Direct-on-line (DOL) Starting: This method involves directly connecting the motor to the full voltage
supply. It is the simplest starting method but results in high starting currents.
• Reduced Voltage Starting: This method involves starting the motor at a reduced voltage to limit the
starting current. There are two common techniques:
• Autotransformer starting: An autotransformer is used to reduce the voltage applied to the motor
during starting.
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• Star-delta starting: The stator winding is initially connected in a star configuration, which reduces the
voltage applied to the motor. Once the motor reaches a certain speed, the winding is switched to a
delta configuration, increasing the voltage to the full value.
• Rotor Resistance Starting: This method is used for wound rotor motors. External resistance is added to
the rotor circuit during starting, which reduces the starting current and increases the starting torque.
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Speed Control
The speed of an induction motors can be controlled using various methods:
• Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): This method involves changing the frequency of the AC supply to the
motor. By varying the frequency, the synchronous speed of the motor can be controlled, and hence the
rotor speed.
• Rotor Resistance Control: This method is used for wound rotor motors. By adjusting the external
resistance in the rotor circuit, the slip can be controlled, which in turn affects the motor speed.
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Advantages of Induction Motors
• Simple and Rugged Construction: Induction motors are relatively simple to construct and are known for
their robustness.
• Relatively Inexpensive: Compared to other types of motors, induction motors are generally less
expensive.
• High Efficiency: Induction motors are known for their high efficiency, meaning they convert a large
portion of the electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• Self-Starting: Induction motors are self-starting, meaning they can start rotating without any external
assistance.
Disadvantages of Induction Motors
• Difficult Speed Control: Controlling the speed of an induction motor can be challenging, especially for
precise speed regulation.
• Lower Starting Torque: Compared to DC motors, induction motors typically have lower starting torque.
Conclusion
Induction motors are essential components in a wide range of industrial applications. Their simplicity,
robustness, and efficiency make them a preferred choice for many applications. Understanding the
principles of operation, construction, and performance characteristics of induction motors is crucial for
engineers and technicians working in various industries.
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Key Terms
• Induction motor: An AC electric motor that uses electromagnetic induction to create torque.
• Asynchronous motor: Another name for an induction motor, emphasizing that the rotor speed is not
synchronized with the stator field.
• Stator: The stationary part of the motor, containing the stator winding.
• Rotor: The rotating part of the motor, containing the rotor winding.
• Squirrel-cage rotor: A simple and robust rotor type with conductive bars permanently short-circuited.
• Wound rotor: A more complex rotor type with a winding connected to slip rings for external resistance
control.
• Air gap: The small space between the stator and rotor.
• Rotating magnetic field: The magnetic field created by the stator winding that rotates at synchronous
speed.
• Synchronous speed: The speed at which the rotating magnetic field rotates.
• Slip: The difference between the synchronous speed and the rotor speed.
• Equivalent circuit: A simplified representation of the induction motor used for analysis.
• Starting torque: The torque produced by the motor when it starts.
• Pull-out torque: The maximum torque the motor can produce.
• Efficiency: The ratio of output power to input power.
• Power factor: The cosine of the angle between the voltage and current.
• Direct-on-line (DOL) starting: Starting the motor directly at full voltage.
• Reduced voltage starting: Starting the motor at a reduced voltage to limit starting current.
• Rotor resistance starting: Using external resistance in the rotor circuit to reduce starting current (for
wound rotor motors).
• Variable frequency drive (VFD): A device that changes the frequency of the AC supply to control motor
speed.
This revision document provides a comprehensive overview of induction motors, covering their
construction, principle of operation, performance characteristics, starting methods, and speed control. It
also highlights their advantages and disadvantages, making it a valuable resource for students and
professionals alike.
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