Ac Machines Module
Ac Machines Module
AC MACHINES
Module 1 of 5 modules
Franzon T. Melecio
In this module we will learn about the principle of Alternating Current Machines
specifically 3 Phase Squirrel Cage Induction Motor. Basic principle of Alternating Current
Machines will also be included in this module and the process of starting 3 phase Squirrel Cage
induction Motor.
Read the contents of this module thoroughly, answer first the pre-test before proceeding
to the lest engage part of the module. Answer the assessment part of the module without turning
back the pages of the module.
This is a self-phased learning module, you should finish this in 6 weeks.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1
c. very good. d. average.
8. The power factor of a three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motor operating with full load
_____
a. improves from no load. b. decreases from no load.
c. remains the same as at no load. d. becomes 100 percent.
9. The squirrel-cage induction motor is popular because of its characteristics of:
a. high percent slip. b. low percent slip.
c. simple, rugged construction. d. good speed regulation.
2
LESSON 1 Introduction to AC motors
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. defined in own words what an AC motor is;
2. explained satisfactorily the working principle of AC motor;
3. differentiated the different types of AC motor;
4. enumerate the different components of a synchronous and asynchronous motor;
LET’S ENGAGE
Engage. What is an electric motor? An electric motor is a device that convert electrical
energy to mechanical energy
3
megawatt levels. It finds very wide usage in all various application areas. The induction machine
is an AC electromechanical energy conversion device. The machine interfaces with the external
world through two connections (ports) one mechanical and one electrical. The mechanical port is
in the form of a rotating shaft and the electrical port is in the form of terminals where AC supply
is connected. There are machines available to operate from three phase or single-phase electrical
input. In this module we will be discussing the three-phase induction machine. Single phase
machines are restricted to small power levels.
https://i0.wp.com/
www.hecoinc.com/hsfs/hubfs/Synchronous%20Motor%20Brakedown.png?
reze=349%2C241&ssl=1
4
1.B. Asynchronous motors
Asynchronous Motors are Alternating Current (AC) motors designed such that the rotor
movement is not synchronized with the moving stator field. An asynchronous motor's rotating
stator field induces a current in the rotor windings. This induced current, in turn, generates a
force, drawing the rotor toward the stator.
In an asynchronous motor, torque is only generated when the rotor is not in phase with the stator.
If the rotor were to become aligned with the stator field, the torque would disappear, thus,
causing the rotor to pause. The stator field basically pulls the rotor. This lag between the stator
and the rotor is commonly referred to as a "slip."
https://
5
voltmotor.com.tr/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/3fazli_photo_1.jpg
Difference Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Motor are explained below in the
tabulated form.
BASIS SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
Slip Does not have slip. The value of slip Have slip therefore the value of
is zero. slip is not equal to zero.
Slip ring and Slip ring and brushes are required Slip ring and brushes are not
brushes required.
Power factor By changing excitation, the power Asynchronous motor runs only at a
factor can be adjusted accordingly as lagging power factor.
lagging, leading or unity.
Current Current is given to the rotor of the The rotor of Asynchronous motor
supply synchronous motor does not require any current.
Speed The Speed of the motor does not The Speed of the Asynchronous
depend on the variation in the load. It motor decreases with the
is constant. increasing load.
Affect in Change in applied voltage does not Change in applied voltage does
torque affect the torque of the synchronous affect the torque of the
motor Asynchronous motor
Operational They operate smoothly and relatively Above 600 rpm speed motor
speed good at low speed that is below 300 operation is excellent.
rpm.
6
BASIS SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR ASYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
Synchronous Speed
Synchronous speed is the speed of rotation of the magnetic field in a rotary machine, and
it depends upon the frequency and number poles of the machine. The induction motor always
runs at speed less than its synchronous speed. The rotating magnetic field produced in the stator
will create flux in the rotor, hence causing the rotor to rotate. Due to the lag between the flux
current in the rotor and the flux current in the stator, the rotor will never reach its rotating
magnetic field speed (i.e. the synchronous speed).
There are basically two types of induction motor. The types of induction motor depend
upon the input supply. There are single phase induction motors and three phase induction motors.
Single phase induction motors are not a self-starting motor, and three phase induction motor are
a self-starting motor.
a. squirrel cage
What is Squirrel Cage Induction Motor?
Squirrel cage motor is one of the types of induction motors. In order to generate motion, it
hardens electromagnetism. As the output shaft is connected to the rotor inner component which
is looking like a cage. Hence it is called squirrel cage. The two-end caps circular in shape are
joined by rotor bars. These are acted based on the EMF generated by the stator. This EMF is also
generated outer housing that is made of laminated metal sheets and wire coiling. The two main
parts of any type of induction motor are the stator and the rotor. The squirrel cage is a simple
method of pulling an electromagnetic induction effect.
7
Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Working Principle
Squirrel induction motor working is based on the principle of electromagnetism. When the stator
winding is supplied with a three-phase AC, it produces a rotating magnetic field (RMF) which
has a speed called synchronous speed. This RMF causes voltage induced in the rotor bars. So,
that short-circuit current flows through that. Due to these rotor currents, a self-magnetic field is
generated which interacts with the stator field. Now, as per the principle, the rotor field starts
opposing its cause. when the RMF catches the rotor moment, the rotor current drops to zero.
Then there would be no relative moment between the rotor and RMF.
b. Slip-ring
What is a Slip Ring Induction Motor?
Definition: A slip ring induction motor is referred to as an asynchronous motor as the speed at
which it operates is not equal to the synchronous speed of a rotor. The rotor of this type of motor
is wound type. It comprises of a cylindrical laminated steel core and a semi-closed groove at the
outer boundary to accommodate a 3-phase insulated winding circuit.
8
Slip Ring in Induction Motor
As seen in the figure above, the rotor is wound to match the number of poles on the
stator. The three terminals of a rotor and three start terminals connecting through slip rings are
connected to a shaft. The aim of the shaft is to transmit mechanical power.
a. Series
The series motor operates well above the synchronous speed of a conventional AC motor. AC
9
commutator motors may be either single-phase or poly-phase. The single-phase AC version
suffers a double line frequency torque pulsation, not present in the polyphase motor.
Since a commutator motor can operate at a much higher speed than an induction motor, it can
output more power than a similar size induction motor. However, commutator motors are not as
maintenance-free as induction motors, due to brush and commutator wear.
b. compensated
The arcing and sparking is mitigated by placing a compensating winding the stator in series with
the armature positioned so that its magnetomotive force (mmf) cancels out the armature AC
mmf.
A smaller motor air gap and fewer field turns reduce lagging reactance in series with the
armature improving the power factor. All but very small AC commutator motors employ
compensating windings. Motors as large as those employed in a kitchen mixer, or larger, use
compensated stator windings.
c. shunt/universal
It is possible to design small (under 300 watts) universal motors which run from either DC or
AC. Very small universal motors may be uncompensated. Larger higher speed universal motors
use a compensating winding.
A motor will run slower on AC than DC due to the reactance encountered with AC. However,
the peaks of the sine waves saturate the magnetic path reducing total flux below the DC value,
increasing the speed of the “series” motor.
Thus, the offsetting effects result in a nearly constant speed from DC to 60 Hz. The small line
operated appliances, such as drills, vacuum cleaners, and mixers, requiring 3000 to 10,000 rpm
use universal motors. Though, the development of solid-state rectifiers and inexpensive
permanent magnets is making the DC permanent magnet motor a viable alternative.
d. repulsion
A repulsion motor consists of a field directly connected to the AC line voltage and a pair of
shorted brushes offset by 15°to 25° from the field axis. The field induces a current flow into the
shorted armature whose magnetic field opposes that of the field coils.
Speed can be controlled by rotating the brushes with respect to the field axis. This motor has
superior commutation below synchronous speed, inferior commutation above synchronous
speed. The low starting current produces high starting torque.
Repulsion AC motor
10
e. repulsion-start induction
When an induction motor drives a hard-starting load like a compressor, the high starting torque
of the repulsion motor may be put to use. The induction motor rotor windings are brought out to
commutator segments for starting by a pair of shorted brushes.
At near running speed, a centrifugal switch shorts out all commutator segments, giving the effect
of a squirrel cage rotor. The brushes may also be lifted to prolong brush life. Starting torque is
300% to 600% of the full speed value as compared to under 200% for a pure induction motor.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jNWlWzFzHi4/maxresdefault.jpg
In most cases these are small motors with a limited torque. However, there are single-phase
11
motors with a power of up to 10 hp that can work with connections of up to 440V.
They do not generate a rotating magnetic field; they can only generate an alternate field, which
means that they need a capacitor for startup.
They are easy to repair and maintain, as well as affordable.
This type of motor is used mainly in homes, offices, stores and small non-industrial companies.
Their most common uses include home appliances, home and business HVAC and other
appliances such as drills, air conditioners and garage door opening and closing systems.
2. B. Three phases
What is a three-phase motor?
A three-phase motor is an electric machine that transforms electric power into mechanical
energy by means of electromagnetic interactions. Some electric motors are reversible – they can
transform mechanical energy into electric power acting as generators.
They work by using a three-phase power source. They are driven by three alternating currents of
the same frequency, which peak at alternating moments. They can have a power of up to 300KW
and speeds ranging between 900 and 3600 RPM.
Three conductor lines are used for transmission, but the final use requires 4-wire cables, which
correspond to the 3 phases plus neutral.
12
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e4/58/b5/e458b597db0d278aecd288b3a7fe8185.jpg
Three-phase electric power is the most common method in use in electric grids around the world
since it transfers more power, and it sees significant use in the industrial sector.
13
IT’S YOUR TURN
Elaborate.
If you want to know more about AC motor visit the website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV8iPKY-3ms
Evaluate.
How much have you learned?
Directions: Identify what is defined. Write your answers in the blanks provided.
1. It is the speed of rotation of the magnetic field in a rotary machine, and it depends upon
the frequency and number poles of the machine. _________________
2. It converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. ________________
3. These are motors are Alternating Current (AC) motors designed such that the rotor
movement is not synchronized with the moving stator field. _________________
4. It is an electrically-powered rotary machine that can turn electric energy into mechanical
energy. It works by using a single-phase power supply. _________________
5. In this type of motor the rotor needed to produce torque is obtained via electromagnetic
induction from the rotating magnetic field of the stator winding. __________________
6-15 enumeration
6-7 enumerate the classification of A.C. motor according to principle of operation
________________
________________
8-12 enumerate the different types of shunt motor
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
__________________
13-15 enumerate the classification of motors according to speed
___________________
14
___________________
___________________
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. enumerate the different components of a squirrel cage motor with 90% accuracy;
2. prepare a multi-media presentation about the construction and operation of a squirrel cage
induction motor with an exquisite quality.
3. explain with accuracy the functions of the components of a squirrel cage motor;
4 analyze the importance to the operation of the different construction details of a squirrel cage
motors;
5. calculate with 85% accuracy the motor speed and percent slip of a given motor; and
6. explain with accuracy why a motor draws more current when loaded.
15
LET’S ENGAGE
Engage. Electric motors impact almost every aspect of modern living. Refrigerators,
vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, fans, computer hard drives, automatic car windows, and
multitudes of other appliances and devices all use electric motors to convert electrical
energy into useful mechanical energy. In addition to running the commonplace appliances
that we use every day, electric motors are also responsible for a very large portion of
industrial processes. Electric motors are used at some point in the manufacturing process of
nearly every conceivable product that is produced in modern factories. Because of the nearly
unlimited number of applications for electric motors, it is not hard to imagine that there are
over 700 million motors of various sizes in operation across the world. This enormous
number of motors and motor drives has a significant impact on the world because of the
amount of power they consume
Explore. What is a 3-phase squirrel cage induction motor?
A 3 phase squirrel cage induction motor is a type of three phase induction motor which
functions based on the principle of electromagnetism. It is called a ‘squirrel cage’ motor
because the rotor inside of it – known as a ‘squirrel cage rotor’ – looks like a squirrel cage.
16
End bell/end shields
Stator
It consists of a 3-phase winding with a core and metal housing. Windings are such placed that
they are electrically and mechanically 120o apart from in space. The winding is mounted on the
laminated iron core to provide low reluctance path for generated flux by AC currents. A typical
stator contains a three-phase winding mounted in the slots of a laminated steel core (ill 4). The
three separate single-phase windings are then connected, usually internally, in either wye or
delta. Three or nine leads from the three-phase stator windings are brought out to a terminal box
mounted on the frame of the motor for single- or dual-voltage connections.
Rotor
17
The revolving part of the motor consists of steel punching or laminations arranged in a
cylindrical core. Copper or aluminum bars are mounted near the surface of the rotor. The bars are
brazed or welded to two copper end rings. In some small squirrel-cage induction motors, the bars
and end rings are cast in one piece from aluminum.
Note that fins are cast into the rotor to circulate air and cool the motor while it's running.
Note also that the rotor bars between the rings are skewed at an angle to the faces of the rings.
Because of this design, the running motor will be quieter and smoother in operation. A keyway is
visible on the left end of the shaft. A pulley or load shaft coupling can be secured using this
keyway.
Shaft Bearings
Typical sleeve bearings are illustrated below. The inside walls of the sleeve bearings are made of
a babbitt metal which provides a smooth, polished, and long wearing surface for the rotor shaft.
A large oversized oil slinger ring fits loosely around the rotor shaft and extends down into the oil
reservoir. This ring picks up and slings oil on the rotating shaft and bearing surfaces. This
lubricating oil film minimizes friction losses. An oil inspection cup on the side of each end shield
enables maintenance personnel to check the level of the oil in the sleeve bearing.
18
Partially assembled sleeve bearing for a totally enclosed, 1,250-hp motor
In some motors, ball bearings are used instead of sleeve bearings. Grease rather than oil is used
to lubricate ball bearings. This type of bearing usually is two-thirds full of grease at the time the
motor is assembled. Special fittings are provided on the end bells so that a grease gun can be
used to apply additional lubricant to the ball bearing units at periodic intervals.
When lubricating roller bearings, remove the bottom plug so that the old grease is forced out.
The manufacturer’s specifications for the motor should be consulted for the lubricant grade
recommended, the lubrication procedure, and the bearing loads.
Types of ball bearing
19
Operation of a squirrel cage induction motor
As stated in a previous paragraph on the stator construction, the slots of the stator core
contain three separate single-phase windings. When three currents 120 electrical degrees apart
pass through these windings, a rotating magnetic field result. This field travels around the inside
of the stator core. The speed of the rotating magnetic field depends on the number of stator poles
and the frequency of the power source. This speed is called the synchronous speed and is
determined by the formula:
As this magnetic field rotates at synchronous speed, it cuts the copper bars of the rotor
and induces voltages in the bars of the squirrel-cage winding. These induced voltages set up
currents in the rotor bars which in turn create a field in the rotor core. This rotor field reacts with
the stator field to cause a twisting effect or torque which turns the rotor. The rotor always turns at
a speed slightly less than the synchronous speed of the stator field. This means that the stator
field will always cut the rotor bars. If the rotor turns at the same speed as the stator field, the
stator field won't cut the rotor bars and there will be no induced voltage or torque.
20
Speed curve and percent slip curve
The illustration above shows a speed curve and a percent slip for squirrel-cage induction
motor operating between no load and full load. The rotor speed at no load, slips behind the
synchronous speed of the rotating stator field just enough to create the torque required to
overcome friction and windage losses at no load. As a mechanical load is applied to the motor
shaft, the rotor tends to slow down. This means that the stator field (turning at a fixed speed) cuts
the rotor bars a greater number of times in a given period. The induced voltages in the rotor bars
increase, resulting in more current in the rotor bars and a stronger rotor field. There is a greater
magnetic reaction between the stator and rotor fields which causes a stronger twisting effect or
torque. This also increases stator current taken from the line. The motor is able to handle the
increased mechanical load with very little decrease in the speed of the rotor.
Slip-torque curves for a running squirrel-cage motor: FULL-LOAD TORQUE, SLIP, TORQUE
AT RATED VOLTAGE, BREAKDOWN TORQUE
Typical slip-torque curves for a squirrel-cage induction motor is shown in the illustration
above. The torque output of the motor in pound-feet (lb.ft) increases as a straight line with an
21
increase in the value of percent slip as the mechanical load is increased to the point of full load.
Beyond full load, the torque curve bends and finally reaches a maximum point called the
breakdown torque. If the motor is loaded beyond this point, there will be a corresponding
decrease in torque until the point is reached where the motor stalls. However, all induction
motors have some slip in order to function. Starting torque isn't shown, but is approximately
300% of running torque.
Power Factor
The power factor of a squirrel-cage induction motor is poor at no-load and low-load
conditions. At no load, the power factor can be as low as 15 percent lagging. However, as load is
applied to the motor, the power factor increases. At the rated load, the power factor may be as
high as 85 to 90 percent lagging.
The power factor at no load is low because the magnetizing component of input cur rent
is a large part of the total input current of the motor. When the load on the motor is increased, the
in-phase current supplied to the motor increases, but the magnetizing component of current
remains practically the same. This means that the resultant line current is more nearly in phase
with the voltage and the power factor is improved when the motor is loaded, compared with an
unloaded motor which has its magnetizing current as a major component of the input current.
The illustration below shows the increase in power factor from a no-load condition to full
load. In the no-load diagram, the in-phase current (Iw) is small when compared to the
magnetizing current (Im) thus, the power factor is poor at no load. In the full-load diagram, the
in-phase current has increased while the magnetizing current remains the same. As a result, the
angle of lag of the line current decreases and the power
factor increases.
Reversing Rotation
The direction of rotation of a three-phase induction motor can be reversed readily. The
motor will rotate in the opposite direction if any two of the three-line leads are reversed. The
leads are reversed at the motor.
22
Speed Control
A squirrel-cage induction motor has almost no speed variations without external controls. Recall
that the speed of the motor depends on the frequency of the three-phase source and the number
of poles of the stator winding.
The frequency of the supply line is usually 60 hertz, and is maintained at this value by the local
power utility company. Since the number of poles in the motor is also a fixed value, the
synchronous speed of the motor remains constant. As a result, it's not possible to obtain a range
of speed without changing the applied frequency. It can be controlled by a variable-frequency ac
electronic drive system, or by changing the number of poles using external controllers.
The illustration above shows the connections required to operate a motor from a 460-volt,
three-phase source.
23
The two coils of each single-phase winding are connected in series, illustration below
shows the connections to permit operation from a 230-volt, three-phase source.
24
Star or Wye connected motor; A) Internal Star point lead marking; B) coil group lead marking C)
Checking for proper coil lead markings on Wye connected, dual-voltage motor
First, the electrician must determine if the motor is Delta connected or Star connected.
Both motors have nine leads if they are dual-voltage motors. However, the Delta-connected
motor has three sets of three leads that have continuity and the Star-connected motor has only
one set of three.
To proceed, a sensitive ohmmeter is needed to find the middle of each group of three leads. The
ohm values are low when using the dc power of an ohmmeter, so use care in identifying the
center of each coil group. Label the center of each group T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Using
masking tape, temporarily label the other leads of the T1 group as T4 and T9 See illustration in
the next page.
25
Nine leads of a Delta connected, three phase, dual-voltage motor
Temporarily mark the ends of the T2 group as T5 and T7 and mark the ends of the T3 group as
T6 and T8. Connect the lower motor voltage rating using lines 1, 2, and 3 to T1, T4, and T9. The
other coils will have induced voltage, so be careful not to touch the other loose leads to each
other or to you!
Disconnect the power and connect the lead marked T4 to T7. Reconnect the power as
before and read the voltage between T1 and T2. If the markings are correct the voltage should be
about twice the applied line voltage. If it reads about 1.5 times the line voltage, reconnect T4 to
the lead marked T5. If the voltage T1 to T2 then goes to 220, reconnect T9 to T7 thereby
reversing both coils. When the voltage T1 to T2 equals twice the applied line voltage, mark the
leads connected together as T4 from the T1 group connected to T7 of the T2 group.
Now use the third coil group. Leave the lower line voltage connected to the first group as
before. Test and connect the leads so that when T9 is connected to a lead of the third group, the
T1-to-T2 voltage is twice the applied line voltage. Mark the lead connected to T9 as T6 and the
other end of the coil group as T8.
To double check, disconnect the line’s lead from T9 and reconnect to T7 disconnect the
line lead from T1 and reconnect it to T2 disconnect the line lead from T9 and reconnect it to T5
The motor should run in the same direction as before. If it does not, recheck the lead markings.
To check further, move the line leads from T7 to T8 from T2 to T6 and from T5 to T3. Start the
motor. Rotation should be the same as in the previous steps. Be careful! Volt age is induced into
other windings.
Illustration of voltage tests used to determine correct lead markings on a Delta motor
MOTOR NAMEPLATES
Motor nameplates provide information vital to the proper selection and installation of the motor.
Most useful data given on the nameplate refers to the electrical characteristics of the motor.
Given this information and using the National Electrical Code, the electrician can determine the
conduit, wire, and starting and running protection sizes. (The NEC gives minimum
requirements.)
26
https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-cc69f87a81af5171b5b570f0f6e812a6
The design and performance data given on the nameplate is useful to maintenance personnel.
The information is vital for the fast and proper replacement of the motor, if necessary. For a
better understanding of the motor, typical information found on motor nameplates is described as
follows
• The manufacturer’s name
• Type identifies the type of the enclosure. This is the manufacturer’s coded identification
system.
• Serial number is the specific motor identification. This is the individual number assigned to the
motor, similar to a social security number for a person. It is kept on file by the manufacturer.
• The model number is an additional manufacturer’s identification, commonly used for ordering
purposes.
• Frame size identifies the measurements of the motor.
• Service factor (or SF)—a service factor of 1.0 means the motor shouldn't be expected to deliver
more than its rated horsepower. The motor will operate safely if it's run at the rated horsepower
times the service factor, maximum. Common ser vice- factors are 1.0 to 1.15. It is recommended
that the motor not be run continuously in the service factor range. This may shorten the life
expectancy of the insulation system.
Amperes means the current drawn from the line when the motor is operating at rated voltage and
frequency at the fully rated nameplate horsepower.
• Volts should be the value measured at the motor terminals and should be the value for which
the motor is designed.
• The class of insulation refers to the insulating material used in winding the motor stator. E.g., in
a Class B system, the maximum operating temperature is 130°C; for Class F, it's 155°C; and for
Class H, it's 180°C.
• RPM (or r/min) means the speed in revolutions per minute when all other nameplate conditions
are met.
• Hertz is the frequency of the power system for which the motor is designed. Performance will
be altered if it's operated at other frequencies.
• Duty is the cycle of operation that the motor can safely operate. “Continuous” means that the
motor can operate fully loaded 24 hours a day. If “intermediate” is shown, a time interval will
also appear. This means the motor can operate at full load for the specified period. The motor
should then be stopped and allowed to cool before starting again.
• Ambient temperature specifies the maximum surrounding air temperature at which the motor
can operate to deliver the rated horsepower.
• Phase entry indicates the number of voltage phases at which the motor is designed to operate.
27
• kVA is a code letter which indicates the locked rotor kVA per horsepower. This is used to
determine starting equipment and protection for the motor. A code letter table is found in the
National Electrical Code.
• Efficiency is expressed in percent. This value is found on standard motors as well as “premium
efficiency” motors.
• Noise — some motors are designed for low noise emission. The noise level given on the
nameplate is measured in “dBA” units of sound.
• Manufacturer’s notes — list specific features of the motors, such as “thermal protected” and /or
“scaled bearings.”
ALTITUDE
Manufacturers’ guarantees for standard motor ratings are usually based on operation at any
altitude up to 3,300 feet. Motors suitable for operation at an altitude higher than 3,300 feet above
sea level are of special design and /or have a different insulation class. E.g., standard motors
having a service factor of 1.15 may be operated up to an altitude of 9,900 feet by utilizing the
service factor. At an altitude of 9,900 feet, the service factor would be 1.00. It may be necessary
to de-rate the motor or use a larger frame size.
28
List the essential parts of a squirrel-cage induction motor.
___________________
___________________
___________________
List the two factors which determine the synchronous speed of an induction motor.
___________________
___________________
State 3 advantages of using a squirrel-cage induction motor.
1.
2.
3.
29
LESSON 3: (Starting 3-phase Squirrel Cage Induction Motor)
Objectives
LET’S ENGAGE
Engage. In a house wiring, electrical loads such as lights can be controlled by a switch. All
electrical loads must have an efficient device to control it. In this lesson, you will be learning
about the devices that are used to control or to start a three-phase squirrel cage induction
motor.
Explore.
Alternating-current motors don't require the elaborate starting equipment that
must be used with direct-current motors. Most three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motors
with ratings up to 10 horsepower are connected directly across the full line voltage. In some
cases, motors with ratings greater than 10 horsepower also can be connected directly across
the full line voltage. Across-the-line starting usually is accomplished using a magnetic
starting switch controlled from a pushbutton station.
The electrician regularly is called upon to install and maintain magnetic motor
starters. As a result, the electrician must be very familiar with the connections, operation,
and troubleshooting of these starters. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides
information on starting and running overload protection for squirrel-cage induction motors
30
across-the-line magnetic starter power circuit
31
The illustration below shows a typical pushbutton station. Two pushbuttons are housed in a
pressed steel box. The start pushbutton is normally open and the stop pushbutton is normally
closed, as shown in the diagram.
32
Briefly, the National Electrical Code gives the following information on starting
protection for squirrel-cage induction motors.
The maximum size fuses permitted to protect motors are rated at 300 percent of the full-
load current of the motor for nontime-delay fuses, and 175 percent for time-delay fuses.
NOTE: If the required fuse size as determined by applying the given percentages
does not correspond with the standard sizes of fuses available, and if the specified over- current
protection isn't sufficient to handle the starting current of the motor, then the next higher
standard fuse size may be used. In no case can the fuse size exceed 400 percent of the full-load
current of the motor for nontime-delay fuses and 225 percent of the full-load current for time-
delay fuses.
The marking system for squirrel-cage induction motors was developed by the National
Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). Note that the fuses used to protect motors with
different code letter identifications varies from 150 percent to 300 percent of the rated full-load
current, NEC Table 430-152. The difference is in the starting current surges and is due to
differences in the design and construction of the rotor.
Rotors are constructed with different characteristics. Illustration below this paragraph
shows the various types of rotor construction and the associated code letter. The applications of
motors with these code letters is also indicated. The design of the rotor affects the amount of
current needed to produce the rotor magnetic field. Code letter A has high starting torque and
relatively low starting current. The code book chart 430—7(b) will indicate that a code letter A
motor will have less locked rotor kVA than other motors. This calculation indicates there is less
starting current for the same voltage for a code motor. Below gives some broad categories of
motors. A, B to E, F to V.
A,B
This type of motor has a high-resistance rotor with small
rotor bars Near the rotor surface.th1s motor has a high starting
torque and low Starting current. Applications: metal
shears. Punch presses, and metal drawing
machinery
E,F
This type of motor has a high-reactance and low-resistance
rotor. This motor has a relatively low starting
current and only fair starting torque. It has larger conductors
deep in the rotor iron. Applications: motor-generator
sets, fans, blowers, centrifugal pumps, or any application
where a high starting torque isn't required.
33
F-V
This type of motor has a relatively low-resistance and low-
inductive reactance rotor. This motor has a high
starting current and only fair starting torque. It has
large conductors near the rotor surface.
Applications: motor-generator sets, fans, blowers,
centrifugal pumps, or any application where a high
starting torque isn't required
An ac magnetic starter is illustrated in the illustration below. The starter consists of power
contacts that are used to open and close the circuit to the motor. As ac is applied to the magnetic
coil, the magnet draws the contacts closed and connects the line power to the motor power. In
addition to connecting the line power, the magnetic starter has an add-on block at the bottom to
provide for running overload protection.
Example 1.
A three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motor with a nameplate marking of code letter F is
rated at 5 hp, 230 volts. According to the National Electrical Code, this motor has a full-load
current per terminal of 15.2 amperes. The starting protection shall not exceed 300 percent of the
rated current for squirrel-cage motors with nontime-delay fuses. Thus, the starting protection is
15.2 x 3 = 45.6 amperes.
Since a 45.6-ampere fuse cannot be obtained (see NEC Section 240-6), the next larger
size of fuse (50 amperes) should be used. For motor branch-circuit protection, the motor current
listed in the appropriate table of the National Electrical Code should b’ used. The full-load
current, as stated on the motor nameplate, isn't used for this purpose.
34
indicates the motor is jammed or is working too hard and is overloaded. The heater sensors with
the associated trip-overload relays are pictured. The National Electrical Code requires the use of
three thermal overload units as running over load protection. Although new installations require
three overload relays, the electrician will work on many older installations which have only two
overload relays. These were installed before the three-overload relay requirement became
effective. The overload relay unit may be either three individual units, or a common block
containing the three heaters and only one trip switch contact unit reacting from any one of the
heaters.
These overload heater units are made of a special alloy. Motor current through these units causes
heat to be generated. In one type, a small bimetallic strip is located next to each of the two heater
units. When an overload on a motor continues for a period of approximately one to two minutes,
the excessive heat developed by the heater units causes the bimetallic strips to expand. As each
bimetallic strip expands, it causes the normally closed contacts in the control circuit to open. The
main relay coil is deenergized and disconnects the motor by opening the main and auxiliary
contacts. Melting alloy over loads (solder pots) also are commonly used. The heat generated by
the overload melts the solder pot to release a ratchet which trips the control circuit contacts.
Many motor starters are provided with electronic overload relays. The sensors are actually
current transformers that measure the exact current flowing to the motor and will provide a trip
signal to the magnetic starter if the current is too high for too long.
Thermal overload relays. Shown are the bimetal disk, the melting alloy style and the bimetal
strip. HEATER: BIMETAL DISK, MELTING ALLOY, MELTING ALLOY
Before the motor can be restarted at the pushbutton station, the overload contacts in the control
circuit must be allowed to cool before being reclosed (reset). When the reset button in the
magnetic starter is pressed, the overload contacts in the control circuit are reset to their normally
closed position. The motor then can be controlled from the push button station.
The National Electrical Code requires that the running overload protection in each phase be rated
at not more than 125 percent of the full-load current rating for motors which are marked with a
temperature rise of not more than 40 degrees Celsius (see NEC Article 430, Part C).
Example 2. Using the motor full-load current rating from the nameplate data, determine
the running overcurrent protection for a three-phase, 5-hp, 230-volt squirrel-cage induction
35
motor with a rated full-load current of 14.5 amperes and a temperature rise of 40 degrees Celsius.
The running overcurrent protection is 14.5 x 1.25 = 18.1 amperes.
For this motor, heater overload units rated to trip at 18.5 amperes are required for the
magnetic starter. Where the overload relay so selected isn't sufficient to start this motor, the next
higher size overload relay is permitted, but not to exceed 140 percent of the motor full-load
current rating. Actual motor nameplate currents are used to establish the over load protection.
AUXILIARY CONTACTS
In addition to the standard contacts, a starter may be provided with externally attached auxiliary
contacts, sometimes called electrical interlocks. These auxiliary contacts can be used in addition
to the holding circuit contacts, and the main or power contacts which carry the motor current.
Auxiliary contacts are rated to carry only control circuit currents of 0-15 amperes, not motor
currents. Versions are available with either normally open or normally closed contacts. Among a
wide variety of applications, auxiliary contacts are used to:
• control other magnetic devices where sequence operation is desired.
• electrically prevent another controller from becoming energized at the same time (such as
reverse starting), called interlocking.
• make and break circuits of indicating or alarm devices, such as pilot lights, bells, or other
signals.
Auxiliary contacts are packaged in kit form, and can be added easily in the field.
Illustration in the next page is an elementary wiring diagram of a motor starter having a reversing
capability. When the three power reverse contacts are closed, the phase sequence at the motor
terminals is different from that when the three power forward contacts are closed. Two of the
line leads feeding to the motor are interchanged when the three reverse power contacts close.
The control circuit has a pushbutton station with Forward, Reverse, and Stop push buttons. The
control circuit requires a mechanical and an electrical interlocking system provided by the push
buttons. Electrical interlocking means that if one of the devices in the control circuit's energized,
the circuit to a second device is open and cannot be closed until the first device is disconnected.
36
Mechanical interlocks, shown by the broken lines in 8, are used between the forward and reverse
coils and pushbuttons.
Note in the illustration that when the forward pushbutton is pressed, it breaks contact
with terminals 4 and 5, opening the reverse coil circuit, and makes contact between terminal
contacts to open. As the reverse pushbutton is depressed farther, it closes the contact between
terminals 5 and 6 and energizes coil R. All reverse contacts are now closed and the motor rotates
in the reverse direction. If the stop button is pressed, the contact between terminals 3 and 4 is
opened, the control circuit's interrupted, and the motor is disconnected from the three-phase
source. The National Electrical Code requirements for starting and running overload protection
which apply to the across-the-line motor starter also apply to this type of motor starter.
37
Reversing drum switch B) A Bakelite section of a drum switch C) Bakelite section with cover
removed.
38
IT’S YOUR TURN
Elaborate. This part of the module is the application of the concepts learned in explain.
Here, you check the understanding of the student through a knowledge check of what is
presented in explore and explain. This part emphasizes an activity which the students can do
individually, by pairs or by groups. The activity can also be one that allows students to see
how the knowledge and skills are integrated with other disciplines. This part may not
necessarily be graded as it aims towards cementing the knowledge the students gained.
Evaluate.
1. List 3 industrial applications for squirrel-cage induction motors with code letter classification
A.
1.
2.
3.
5. List 3 industrial applications for squirrel-cage induction motors with code letter classifications
B to E. _______
1.
2.
3.
4.
6. List 3 industrial applications for squirrel-cage induction motors with code letter classifications
F to V. _________
POST ASSESSMENT
This is a summative assessment (or post-test) of the module. The number of items in the
pre-test will be the same number of items in the post assessment.
1. What is the purpose of starting protection for a three-phase motor?
39
3. What is meant by the code letter markings of squirrel-cage induction motors?
4. A three-phase motor (code letter J) has a full-load current rating of 40 amperes, and a
temperature rise of 40°C.
a. What are the maximum size fuses that can be used for branch-circuit protection?
5. What is the maximum starting protection allowed by the National Electrical Code?
15. Show the connection arrangement for the nine terminal leads of a wye-connected three-phase
motor rated at 230/460 volts for operation at 460 volts, three phase.
REFERENCES
Herman Stephen L (2011) Electrical Transformers and Rotating Machines third edition.
Cengage Learning India Private Limited. Delhi, India
40
3G Elearning FZ LLC (2014) Electrical Machines. 3G Elearning FZ LLC UAE
https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/alternating-current/chpt-13/ac-commutator-motors/
https://clr.es/blog/en/single-phase-two-phase-three-phase-motors/
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-three-phase-squirrel-cage-induction-motor-SCIM-From-
googl-M8J6Ax_fig1_318999805
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.moflon.com
%2Fshowen159.html&psig=AOvVaw0BLAWs-
IN6tzuD21WPHXGq&ust=1598097346488000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwo
TCPjF8-uerOsCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
https://base.imgix.net/files/base/ebm/ecmweb/image/2019/04/
ecmweb_3813_404ecm08pic1.png?auto=format&fit=crop&h=432&w=768
https://circuitglobe.com/synchronous-motor.html
https://www.electrical4u.com/squirrel-cage-induction-motor/#:~:text=A%203%20phase
%20squirrel%20cage,looks%20like%20a%20squirrel%20cage.
41