CHAPTER 11
THREE-PHASE
SYNCHRONOUS
MACHINES
11.1 Introduction
It was shown in an earlier chapter that an alternator
driven at a constant speed produces an alternating voltage
at a fixed frequency dependent on the number of poles in
the machine. A machine designed to be connected to the
supply and run at synchronous speed is referred to as a
synchronous machine. The description applies to both
motors and generators. A synchronous condenser is a
special application of a synchronous motor.
While the synchronous motor has only one generally
used name, the synchronous generator is on occasion
referred to as an alternator or as an a.c. generator. The
term alternator has been used in previous chapters and
will be used in this chapter but it should be remembered
that other terms are in use.
In general, the principles of construction and
operation are similar for both alternators and generators,
just as there were basic similarities between d.c. motors
and generators.
While alternators were once seldom seen outside
power houses and whole communities were supplied from
a central source, there is now an expanding market for
smaller sized alternators suitable for the provision of
power for portable tools. Today, with the growth in
computer control, there is a further need for standby
generating plant to ensure a continuity of supply to
prevent a loss of data from computer memories. So much
information is being stored in computers today that even
brief interruptions to the power supplies can have serious
consequences on the accuracy and extent of information
stored.
11.2 Alternators
The three-phase synchronous machine has two main
windings:
1. a three-phase a.c. winding;
2. another winding carrying d.c.
In the majority of cases, the rotor has the d.c. winding
and the stator the a.c. winding. An alternator with a
rotating a.c. winding and a stationary d.c. winding, while
suitable for smaller outputs, is not satisfactory for the
larger outputs required at power stations. With these
machines the output can be in megawatts; a value too
large to be handled with brushes and slip rings. Because
the terminal voltages range up to 33 kV, the only
satisfactory construction is to have the a.c. windings
stationary and to supply the rotor with d.c.
This arrangement has the following advantages:
l. extra winding space for the a.c. windings;
2. easier to insulate for higher voltages;
3. simple, strong rotor construction;
4. lower voltages and currents in the rotating windings;
5. the high current \Vindings have solid connections to the
"outside" circuit;
6. better suited to the higher speeds (and smaller number
of poles) of turbine drives.
11.2.1 Stator
The stator of the three-phase synchronous machine
consists of a slotted laminated core into which the stator
winding is fitted. The stator winding consists of three
separate windings physically displaced from each other by
120° E. Each phase winding has a number of coils
connected in series to form a definite number of magnetic
poles. A four-pole machine, for example, has four groups
of coils per phase or four "pole-phase groups". The ends
of the three phase windings are connected in either star or
delta to the external circuit.
Details of phase windings for a three-phase machine
were shown in Chapter l 0 to consist of three identical
windings symmetrically distributed around the stator.
11.2.2 Rotor
The alternator rotor can be of two types-low speed and
high speed.
209
210 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TR
11.2.3 Prime movers
Low speed
Most diesel engines used as prime movers for
alternators operate within the speed range of 50
r /min and this necessitates the use of rotors witl
pairs of poles.
Hydroelectric turbines have water-driven in
which operate at low speeds, consequently they all
rotors with. many poles. While the diesel-driven alt
usually has its shaft in the horizontal plat
hydroelectric unit has its shaft in the vertical plar
method of construction means that special thrust t
have to be fitted to take the end thrust of the 1
component.

Fig. 11.1 Stator for a tour-pole 415 V three-phase 350 kVA
alternator
DUNLITE GENERATING SET MANUFACTURERS
High speed
Turbine prime movers, whether steam or gas,
efficiently at speeds in the vicinity of 3000 r / n
alternator driven by a turbine and producing a fn
of 50 Hz at 3000 r /min must consist of only two
In Chapter 6 the relationship between
frequency and the number of poles was shown tc

~
Low speed (salient pole) ~
This type usually consists ofa "spider" similar to that used By transposition
in d.c. machines, on which are bolted the field poles and
the field coils (see Fig. l l .2(a)). Physical constraints limit n=--
120/
the use of this type of rotor to low-speed machines. p
where n = r/min
High speed (cylindrical) f = frequency in hertz
The cylindrical rotor was developed to meet the needs of p = number of poles
higher-speed prime movers. To counteract centrifugal For a large-diameter rotor of twenty-four 1

forces its diameter must be small in comparison to its 50 Hz

length (see Fig. l l.2(b)). 120 50
n = X = 250 r/min
24
For a turbine-type rotor of two poles at 50 f
120 50
n = x = 3000 r/min
2

(b)

Fig. 11.2 Main types of alternator rotors: (a) low speed-salient pole, (b) high speed-cylindrical
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES 211

Example 11.1 The diameter of the rotor must be small enough to

At what speed would the governor of a twelve-pole diesel-
driven alternator have to be set to enable a frequency of
60 Hz to be generated?
n = 120{
p temperature rise in the core to a value that will protect the
120 x 60
= 600 r/min
12
An alternator in this speed range will have a large
diameter and have a comparatively short axial length.
With turbines, the extra expense and auxiliary machinery
needed restricts their use to larger sizes. Higher outputs
mean that the length of the alternator must be increased
and the increase in length causes complications in cooling.
11.2.4 Alternator cooling
Low speed
With engine-driven or hydroelectric alternators, there is
no great difficulty in providing adequate ventilation
because of the characteristically large diameter and short
axial length. In addition to the large surface area available
for direct radiation of heat, there is a fanning action due to
the rotation of the fields; an action which can be increased
by the addition of fan blades if necessary.
When the axial length is short, the heat developed in
the imbedded windings is quickly conducted to the ends,
where the fanning action can dissipate it. As the machine
size becomes larger, it is often necessary to provide
keep the surface speed down to a safe value, so for large
capacities the length of the machine must be considerable.
This long axial length causes difficulty in cooling the
central portion of the core, because the heat generated
cannot be conducted away quickly enough to limit the
windings and the insulation.
These considerations gave rise to the necessity for
completely enclosing the alternator, and allowing the use
of forced ventilation to carry away the heat produced.
Where cooling air is used, it must be filtered to keep it
clean and sometimes washed by passing it through a spray
chamber to prevent a build-up of dust within the machine.
Washing the air has the added advantage of cooling it,
and so further reducing the temperature of the alternator
and allowing the rating of the machine to be increased.
To increase alternator ratings still more, hydrogen gas
is used instead of air because ofits greater ability to absorb
heat. The machine is completely enclosed and the
hydrogen is blown through the alternator and then ~
through a heat-exchanger before being cycled through the (" ~
alternator again. The total exclusion of air from a fully J-
sealed machine is necessary to prevent an explosive '-
mixture from forming. 3
These cooling methods require considerable powe 1o:::
and auxiliary equipment, so the output from th \0
alternator must be increased an appreciable amount fo \;,
the method to be economically feasible. Accordingly. it is '. "£,.
only used on very high-capacity machines. ~ ~ _,,

ventilation ducts within the core to provide paths through
which cooling air can flow.
High speed
The provision of adequate cooling facilities is a problem in
high-speed machines of large capacity if the operating
temperature of the windings is to be kept within safe
limits. The surface area available for cooling in a high-
speed machine is less than that in a low-speed machine of
the same capacity.
~
11.2.5 Excitation
The usual method for d.c. excitation of the rotor
\Vindings is for each machine to have its own d.c.
generator called an "exciter" (refer to Fig. 11.3). The
exciter can be belt-driven or geared down from the
synchronous machine. but the usual practice is for the
exciter to be directly coupled to the rotor shaft.
The exciter armature rotates within the influence of
the exciter field, causing a d.c. voltage to be generated in

Exciter
, - - - - - - - - - --1 1----------------1 Alternator

I I
I I
I t Stator
windings I
I Brush
gear I
Exciter Rotor
I field
and
slip field I
I rings I
I I
I I
I I
L ___________ J L _________________ J

Fig. 11.3 Basic alternator circuit

 212 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TR

the armature. The exciter output is fed into the field where V, = generated voltage per phase (r.m.s.)
windings of the synchronous machine. By adjusting the IP = flux per pole in webers
rheostat in the exciter field circuit, the strength of the f = frequency in hertz
magnetic field in the rotor can be varied. N = number of turns per phase
With very large alternators the d.c. excitation kd = a constant, dependent on winding di
requirements are substantial. This means that the d.c. ti on
generators have to be large also; so large that they may not kp = a constant, dependent on coil pitch
be able to self-excite. Because of this, the generator may
need an exciter of its own-one that is able to self-excite Example 11.2
and provide power for the field of the main d.c. generator Calculate the line voltage of a 50 Hz star-cor
which in turn supplies the rotor field of the alternator. alternator given the following details:
Some alternators use "brushless" excitation in which
the exciter armature has been replaced by a three-phase IP = 0.67 Wb/pole
winding which rotates within the influence of a d.c. Kd = 0.85
magnetic field, causing a three-phase voltage to be KP = 0.98
generated in the exciter. This three-phase exciter output is N = 36 turns/phase
fed through a full-wave bridge rectifier, mounted on the V, = 4.44 IPJN KdKp
end of the exciter and converted to d.c. = 4.44 x 0.67 x 50 x 36 x 0.85
The resulting d.c. is in turn fed into the rotor windings = 4460 v
of the synchronous machine. By varying the current
through the exciter field, the rotor field is varied and so Then V, = yJ x Vp
governs the value of the generated voltage (see Fig. 11.4). = I. 732 x 4460
= 7725 v
11.2.6 Generated voltage
The value of the generated a.c. voltage depends on the 11.2. 7 Effect of load on alternator voltage
strength of the rotor flux and the speed at which it cuts the An alternator can be considered to consist c
windings. Because the speed must be constant (and is components in series:
linked to the frequency required), the sole remaining I. an a.c. generating source;
factor determining the value of the generated voltage is the 2. a resistor-representing iron and copper losse~
strength of the rotor flux. 3. an inductor-representing the inductance
For an alternator the generated voltage is found from: windings and magnetic leakage.
Any load placed on the alternator must be assum
v, = 4.44 IPJNkdkp I in series with these components as shown in Fjgu

Three-phase bridge
rectifier

Three-phase exciter
+
windings Rotor Stator
field windings
Exciter
field

1. Rotating components
.1
Fig. 11.4 Brushless excitation
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES 213
generated voltage v,. For a load with a lagging power
,---- l factor, however, the magnetic effect of the stator currents
I I opposes that of the rotor, resulting in a weakened rotor
I I field and reducing the output voltage further than did the
I resistive load (see Fig. l l .6(b)). As before, IR is in phase
I with the load current!. /Xis at 90°E to JR so placing /Z at
I I
I R I Alternator Load z a different angle to the previous case. In a similar manner,
V, is equal to the phasor sum of the output voltage and /Z.
I I For a load with a leading power factor, the flux caused by
I I the stator currents assists that of the rotor resulting in an
I L I increased output voltage (see Fig. l l.6(c)). The
I I characteristics of the three types of loads are shown in
L_ __ J
Figure 11.7.

Fig. 11.5 Equivalent circuit of an alternator

The series impedance of the resistance and inductance
provides a drop in voltage before the generated voltage
can reach the connected load. Additionally the load
current in the a.c. windings produces an
reaction which also affects the output voltage.
With a unity power factor load the armature reaction
merely distorts the main field and the effect on voltage is
minimal, the voltage drop in the main being due to the
series impedance. Figure l I.6(a) shows that the resistive
voltage drop IR is in phase with the load current I and the
voltage drop due to the reactance IX is at 90°E to the IR
drop. These two values combine to form a voltage drop IZ
due to the impedance of the alternator windings. The
phasor sum of the output voltage and /Z gives the
v,_
IZ : IX
v.
IR
(a) Unity power factor
v,
IZ_./.:
11.2.8 Voltage regulation
An alternator is required to give a prescribed terminal
voltage at full load. The difference in output between no
load and full load is a measure of its voltage regulation.
armature The difference is compared to the full-load value in a
similar manner to that for d.c. machines.
.
Voltage regulat10n = [VNL-
VFL VFL X 100 ] %
Example 11.3
A three-phase star-connected alternator has an output
voltage of 3300 V at full load with unity power factor.
When the load is removed and the excitation is unchanged
the voltage rises to 3350 V. Find the percentage
regulation.
Change in voltage = 3350 - 3300 = 50 V
. 50 x 100
Regulal!on =
3300
= I.5% at unity power factor.
Note The regulation must also be referred to the load
power factor because these figures at any other
power factor would be different.

V _.·IX
-E---.--7· ·.: Leading power

rE=::::::::==:::~~;~-=~;
JR
Output
voltage factor
(b) Lagging power factor Unity power
factor

Lagging power
factor

(c) Leading power factor Load current

Fig. 11.6 Phasors for various power factor loads on an Fig. 11.7 Effect of power factor on output voltage of an
alternator alternator
214 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRI

11.2.9 Alternator ratings Purchase price

An alternator is rated according to three basic factors: The overall cost for smaller units may be lower,
I. frequency; terms of cost per kVA they are more expensb
2. voltage; operate at lower efficiencies. As the size of tt
3. current. increases, the cost per kV A reduces while the op1
efficiency increases.
The first fixes the speed at which the alternator must
be driven; the second states the designed output voltage;
and the third is the full-load current output. The last two Type of prime mover
factors help establish the volt-ampere rating, usually The economy of the prime mover in terms of effi
expressed in kV A. has a bearing on its selection. This in turn is affec
The power factor of any load placed on the alternator the type of service it will encounter. For exarr
is beyond the control of the manufacturer and because it steam turbine has a good economy throughout its
could vary considerably, the alternator rating cannot be load range. However, it is expensive, large, and n
given in kilowatts. long time to get the unit on load from cold. An i1
combustion engine has poor efficiency at light load,
Example 11.4 much cheaper to buy initially. For some loads it is c
to buy several smaller alternators than one larg'
Find the power loading in kilowatts of a three-phase, 415 Problems of paralleling the units then have
V, 50 Hz alternator rated at 150 kV A at 0.8 power factor, considered (see sect. 11.4). The cost and availab
if the load has a power factor of: fuel must always be a consideration. While disti
(a) 0.8; more expensive initially, as is the diesel engine its1
(b) 0.6. fuel cost per hour is less while maintenance costs
higher than those for a petrol engine. The petrol er
Machine is rated at 150 kVA and 0.8 power factor,
cheaper to buy, the fuel is readily available, and the
then at this load:
suited to smaller units used purely for portable
power output = 150 x 0.8 = 120 kW supplies on intermittent duties. In the long term th(
engine runs better on full loads than the petrol engir
At 0.6 power factor, petrol engine is more tolerant of dirty fuel than th<
engine and does not need specialised skil
power output = 150 x 0.6 = 90 kW
maintenance purposes.
In both cases, the current flowing will be the full-load Starting methods
current value, which should not be exceeded because of
These are governed by the intended use of the geni
cooling problems within the windings.
unit. The quicker the changeover to auxiliary pm
At 0.8 power factor, more expensive is the starting method. The ct
P = VJ VIA. method involves merely starting the unit manually 1

i.e. 120 000 = ;j3 x 415 x Ix 0.8 is realised that the main power supply has failed. f

:. I= 120000 = 208 A
V3 x 415 x 0.8 ~
This is the full-load current rating for each phase winding
of this particular alternator and it applies irrespective of
the load power factor or of the load power.

11.3 Emergency power supplies and

portable alternators
The factors affecting the buying and running of
alternators can be many and varied. They range from
buying a small portable unit at the best possible price to
careful planning for the most suitable unit for a particular
purpose. It is not enough to simply select an alternator
with respect to the load it has to supply; the choice should Fig. 11.8 A self~contained portable power supply. 7

be affected by many other considerations. Some of these alternator rated at 6 kVA is driven by a pet
engine. The size and weight of the unit is.
factors are listed below and their order of importance is that it can be carried to any site where po·
governed by the actual use intended for the alternator. required. DEPT OF A'
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES
expensive method involves the use of a changeover
contactor which drops out when the main supply fails. In
turn this connects a starting motor to the engine and after
the alternator has got up to speed connects it to the load.
At the top end of the scale is the so-called "no-break"set.
The alternator with a heavy flywheel is run as a syn-
chronous motor, being separated from the prime-mover
by an electrically operated clutch. When a mains failure
occurs the clutch is released connecting the alternator and
the flywheel to the engine. The engine is quickly run up to
speed and the alternator reverts to its intended purpose.
The changeover period can be short enough to ensure
continuity of operation of essential equipment. The
method is very expensive with high operating costs.
Load sizes and alternator capacities
Smaller generating plant is usually intended for standby
purposes for short periods. It usually has only one load
connected to it at a time, such as a portable tool or a small
lighting load. With middle- and larger-sized alternators
consideration has to be given to the possible connection of
intermittent larger loads, such as the starting currents of
motors. The unit then has to have the electrical capacity
and engine power to maintain both the output voltage and
frequency during these current surges to avoid inter-
ruptions to other equipment connected to the same
supply.
Operation of alternators
With the exception of some manually operated equip-
ment, most operations today are beyond the control of the
operator. Where some degree of manipulation is available
there are two important factors that should always be
considered-voltage and frequency. In most cases the
voltage is governed by automatic voltage regulators while
the frequency is controlled by the engine governor. The
order of operation is to set the speed first, which in turn
sets the frequency, and then adjust the voltage of the unit.
To do this in the reverse order is to alter the voltage each
time the speed is altered.
215
11.4 Parallel operation of alternators
-synchronising
Most commercial power stations are designed to have a
number of alternators operating in parallel, supplying a
common load at constant voltage. Because alternator
efficiency is maximum near its full-load capacity, it is
more economical to have each machine delivering its
approximate rated output. During the early hours of the
morning, for example, when there is a light load, it may be
necessary to have only one machine connected to the line,
delivering its rated output. As the load varies during the
24-hour period, so the number of machines connected in
parallel is determined.
Before a three-phase alternator can be connected in
parallel with another three-phase supply, the followin2
conditions must be fulfilled:
1. The output waveform of each supply must be identical.
This is determined by the design features of the
alternators. It is standard practice to generate a
sinusoidal waveform supply.
2. The phase sequence or' rotation of each supply must be
the same and this ensures that the e.m.fs of each supply
reach their maximum values in the same sequence; for
example, R, W, B. The phase sequence is determined
by the method of connection of the alternator phase
windings to the terminals of the machine. This check is
carried out during the commissioning process after the
initial installation, or following a major maintenance
overhaul, and it is not necessary to do it each time the
machine is connected in parallel with others.
3. The alternator and supply voltages must be the same.
4. The alternator and supply voltages must also be in
phase.
5. The alternator and supply frequencies must be
identical.
The last three conditions are explained in Chapter 10.
The value of the voltages, their phase relationship and
their frequencies can be adjusted by the operator. The
Fig.11.9 An alternative form of
"no~break unit". The unit shown
has a 1470 r.p.m. motor· driving
an alternator at all times. The
generated frequency is 49 Hz so
the unit cannot be used to supply
frequency sensitive equipment.
The photograph shows the
alternator, driving motor,
flywheel, clutch and diesel engine.
When a power failure occurs, the
flywheel keeps the alternator
rotating tor 7 seconds allowing
the diesel engine to start. The
electrically operated clutch then
connects the engine to the
alternator. The interruption of
power to the load is in the
order of 0.5 cycle.
DEPT OF AVIATION
 216 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRi
d.c.
Synchronising
Alternator on load lamps
'---------+~._-----Three-phase
Fig. 11.10 "Three dark" lamp method for synchronising alternators
voltage of the incoming alternator is adjusted by varying
1111 the field excitation, and the frequency is determined by the
speed of the prime mover.
To ensure that the alternator and supply voltages are
in phase with each other before connecting them in
1111
parallel to the load, some method of indicating the phase
relationship is required. Smaller-sized alternators can be
synchronised with lamps, but for larger machines a more
exact method is required.
11.4.1 Synchronising alternators with
incandescent lamps
"Three dark" method
Voltages for synchronising purposes can be checked by
connecting a voltmeter to each machine in turn, but this
does not give any indication of polarities or phase
relationships. Incandescent lamps can be used to indicate
this and the circuit is shown in Figure 11.10.
The voltage rating of the lamps needs to be twice the
alternator phase voltage, and the simplest way to achieve
this is to connect two lamps of equal wattage in series. The
lamps can be observed as three pairs oflamps or three can
be covered, leaving only three visible (as shown in the box
in the diagram).
If the alternator is properly connected, the three lamps
should all become bright and dim simultaneously. If they
brighten and dim in sequence, it means that the phase
rotation of the alternator is opposite to that on the
distribution system, so the phase rotation of the incoming
alternator must be reversed.
d.c.
,--
Incoming
alternator
--~\\--
distributions
The lamps flicker at a rate equal to the diffen
frequency between that of the incoming alternator'
busbars leading to the distribution system. 1
alternator frequency approaches that of the busb•
rate of flickering slows down; when the two freq1
are equal, the flickering stops. When the lamps '
(dark), the connecting switch can be closed and t
machines will remain synchronised. When all the
are dark, there is no potential across the lamps, ind
that the two voltages are in phase with each other
The disadvantage of this connection is that th<
can be dark even with a "small" voltage across ther
smaller alternators the two a.c. sources can sync!
themselves ifthe difference is not too great, but wit!
alternators the mechanical and electrical forces ere:
a phase displacement between the two sources ca1
considerable damage.
"Two bright, one dark" method
The circuit for this method is shown in Figure 11.
can be seen to be similar to that of the previous
except that the connections for two of the Ian
crossed. Again two lamps are in series and it is t
cover up three lamps, leaving only three visible (as
by the dotted lines).
To use this circuit it is essential to check thj
rotation by the "three dark" method first.
established that the phase rotation is correct i
lamps reconnected, it will be found that the lamps!
and bright in sequence. By noting the order of bri!
it becomes a reference in determining whetl
incoming alternator is fast or slow.
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES 217
d.c. d.c.
Synchronising Incoming
Alternator on load lamps alternator
,--1
I
I

L-------~-+-----_.. Three-phase distribution system

Fig. 11.11 "Two bright, one dark" lamp method for synchronising alternators

Synchronism occurs when the lower lamp in Figure
11.11 is dark and the other two are of equal brilliance.
Then the switch can be safely closed.
The significance of the correct lamp being dark lies in
the fact that it is connected between two similar phases.
When these two phases are synchronised, the voltage
difference between them is zero. This cannot apply to the
other lamps since they are connected across dissimilar
phases.
The "two bright, one dark" method gives greater
accuracy-both in determining the relative speeds and
frequencies, as well as showing fairly accurately the
instant for synchronising.
synchronism the pointer will remain stationary, but it
must be brought to an indicated position on the scale
before the main switch of the incoming alternator is
closed.
11.5 Hunting in alternators
The driving torque of a diesel engine is not uniform during
a revolution of the flywheel but varies according to ihe
positions of the pistons. Even with a heavy flywheel, the
variation in torque can result in changes in the induced
voltage. These voltage pulses can cause circulating
currents to flow between alternators in parallel, resulting

11.4.2 Synchronising alternators with a

synchroscope
A synchroscope is an instrument that indicates both phase
relationships and relative speed for an incoming
alternator. There are variations between manufacturers
for the operating principles, but in general a synchroscope
consists of a two-phase stator connected to the incoming
alternator with the rotor wound with a polarising coil and
connected to the supply source. Some models use rotating
vanes with no actual electrical connection to the rotor.
The synchroscope front panel is shown in Figure 11. 12
and the connections are shown in Figure 11.13.
If there is any difference between the frequencies of the
supply and the incoming alternator, a pointer attached to
the rotor of the synchroscope will rotate at a speed Fig.11.12 Portable synchroscope contained in a polished
proportional to this difference. Its direction of rotation wooden box. At the moment of synchronisation
indicates whether the incoming machine is running fast or the pointer should be stationary over the
vertical line.
slow (i.e. above or below synchronous speed). At A. J. WILLIAMS
 218 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TRI
d.c. d.c.

Incoming
Alternator on load alternator
Synchroscope

'-+---------4-+------ Three-phase distributions

Fig. 11.13 Synchroscope connection for synchronising alternators

1!11· in mechanical oscillations. With turbines, the pulsing or polarity: one field is that of the rotating stator a
hunting is usually due to fluctuations in the governor other that of the rotor.
settings with changes in load. Remedies for hunting
involve the use of heavy flywheels and special windings in
11111
the pole faces. These windings are discussed in more detail
in the next section.
11.6 Synchronous motors
11.6.1 Construction
Stator
The stator of a synchronous motor has a three-phase
winding, as described in a previous chapter, and is of the
same type as that in an alternator.
When this winding is energised with a.c. it produces a
magnetic flux, which rotates at a speed called the
synchronous speed. It is the same speed at which the
synchronous motor would have to be driven to generate
an a.c. voltage at line frequency.
The speed can be derived from the same formula used
for alternators in section 11.2.3.
Rotor
Although of similar construction to the alternator rotor, it
is usually made with salient poles. When excited with d.c.
it produces alternate north and south magnetic poles,
which are attracted to those produced in the stator.
11.6.2 Operating principle
A synchronous motor works on the principle of magnetic
attraction between two magnetic fields of opposite
A synchronous motor has torque only at synch
speed, so special steps have to be taken to get the
up to speed and synchronised with the supply. Tl
magnetic fields are then rotating at the same spe1
lock in with each other. A later section in this c
discusses starting methods for synchronous motors
11.6.3 Effect of load on a synchronous mo
When a synchronous motor runs on no load, the I
positions of stator and rotor poles coincide as sh
Figure l l.14(a).
When a load is applied, the rotor must still cont
rotate at synchronous speed but due to the rel
action of the load, the rotor pole lags behind th<
pole. Their relative positions are displaced by the:
(called the "torque" or "load" angle), as shown in
l l.14(b). The greater the load applied, the lar:
torque angle.
The magnetic coupling between each stator an
pole distorts according to the load applied. If the I
the motor becomes excessive, the magnetic C<
breaks and the rotor slows down until it stops.
When the motor is rotating at synchronous
with a fixed d.c. excitation in the rotor windings, tt
flux cuts the stator windings, inducing a voltage
phase winding and opposing the applied voltage
law). The phase relationship between this induced
and the applied voltage depends upon the
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES
Rotation of stator
Rotor
(a) No load
Fig. 11.14 Relative positions of stator and rotor magnetic fields in a synchronous motor
positions of each stator and rotor pole, which in turn
depend upon the load applied to the motor.
Neglecting motor losses, on no load the torque angle is
zero, and so the induced voltage V, and the applied
voltage V are equal and opposite. The resultant voltage
VR across the windings is zero, and so the current drawn
from the supply is also zero. This is illustrated by the
phasors in Figure l l .15(a).
When a light load is applied to the motor, the torque
angle a increases, and the induced voltage Vg in the stator
windings is now ( 180 - a) 0 E out of phase with the applied
voltage V, as shown in Figure l l. l 5(b ). These two
voltages combine to produce an effective voltage v.
across the stator windings, which is sufficient to draw a
current I from the supply. Because of the relatively high
inductance of the stator windings, the line current /in each
winding lags each resultant voltage v. by nearly 90°E.
This causes the line current I to lag the applied voltage
by cl>.
As the load is increased, so the torque angle is
increased. This causes an increase in the resultant voltage
VR across each stator winding, as seen in Figure l l.15(c).
Because of the increase in the value of VR• the line current
I increases, and the phase angle ¢ between the applied
voltage V and the line current I also increases.
v, v
(a) No load (b) Light load
Fig. 11.15 Effect of load on line current with constant excitation
219
Torque angle I
\
\.
·~
I
(b) Loaded
For a fixed rotor winding excitation, an increase in
load on a synchronous motor will therefore cause an
increase in current drawn from the supply.. with a poorer
power factor.
11.6.4 Effect of varying field excitation
If the load applied to a synchronous motor is constant, the
power input to the motor is also constant.
When the rotor field excitation is varied, the induced
voltage in each stator winding is also altered.
The phasor diagram in Figure l l.16(a) represents the
conditions for a given load at unity power factor. The
power input per phase is Vl1. If the rotor field excitation is
decreased, the induced voltage Ve decreases, as shown in
Figure l l. l 6(b ). This causes the line current h to lag the
applied voltage Vby <1>2. Since the load, and so the power
input, is constant, the power component of /2 must remain
the same as Ii in Figure l l.16(a). The line current Ii must
increase to accommodate the lagging power factor. A
reduction in the d .c. field excitation therefore causes an
increase in line current, and a lagging power factor.
If the d.c. excitation is increased, the induced voltage
V,increases as shown in Figure l l.16(c). The line current
h will therefore lead the applied voltage V by ci>J, and will
(c) Heavier load
 220 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TR,
Where large amounts of power are being dist1
and power factor correction is needed, specially d<
synchronous motors are run without any load con1
Under these circumstances the overexcited synch
motor is called a synchronous condenser.
Voltage control
v An important application is in the control of volt:
I (a) Unity power factor transmission lines. Synchronous motors are inst:::
suitable positions along the line and their exc
adjusted as desired to cause them to draw lagi
leading currents in order to raise or lower the \I
When synchronous motors are installed unde1
conditions, there is a tendency to greater stab
voltage on the transmission line.
Low-speed drives
A synchronous motor has good efficiency and
I] (b) Lagging power factor
,, speeds its higher initial cost is adequately compens
the comparatively lower running cost. At low spe1
I v
induction motor has a decreasing efficiency, wl
vg -+-----:, synchronous motor retains its high efficiency.

',, 11.6.6 Hunting in synchronous motors

A change in load on a synchronous motor causes a
' '- in the value of the torque angle (Fig. 11.14). In!
' the inertia of the rotor prevents an instant chang1
new conditions. with the result that the rotor shi
V ihe point- of equilibrium and then has to correc
(c) Leading power factor While the rotor and the rotating field in the stator
rotating at a synchronous average speed, the ch
Fig. 11.16 The effect of varying the d.c. excitation
load on the rotor causes this periodic swing aro
point of equilibrium. This surging or hunting ca
also be greater than Ii in Figure l l.16(a) because the undesirable fluctuation in line current to the mot
power component is the same, due to the load remaining The usual method for damping these surges i
constant. An increase in d.c. excitation therefore causes damper winding, called an amortisseur wine
an increase in line current and a leading power factor. consists of copper bars embedded in the pole fac<
This characteristic of the synchronous motor, where rotor and shorted out at each end (Fig. 11. I"
its power factor can be altered by varying its d.c.
excitation, gives rise to its main application in industry- /Dampe•
power factor correction.

11.6.5 Applications of synchronous motors

rQ .. o IT:. I
Power factor correctiOn - - -

-
If a synchronous motor has sufficient d.c. excitation to
cause it to draw a leading current from the supply, the
effect is one of power factor correction for other loads
within an installation.
A motor running with a leading power factor is called
overexcited, and is often designed to run as a synchronous --s
motor driving a load and correcting overall power factor
at the same time. The driven load selected is usually one in
demand throughout the installation (e.g. air compressors,
hydraulic systems or frequency changers for portable
tools).
An added advantage can be an economical incentive
.
loo o --
---
offered by supply authorities for ensuring a certain - 11 •• ·1
minimum value power factor in an installation. For
example, the charge per kWh may be reduced if the power
factor does not drop below 0.75 or some similar figure. Fig.11.17 Salient pole with amortisseur wind
THREE-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MACHINES 221

surging causes an induced voltage in the copper bars. This connected to the supply. It is an expensive method.
results in a magnetic field being created and opposing the particularly if high starting torques are required.
surging effect.
Often the shorting-out bars are extended around the Induction motor starting
rotor. resulting in a squirrel cage-type rotor winding A reduced line voltage is applied to the stator windings
about the salient poles. While damping any tendency of and the d.c. winding on the rotor is short-circuited. With
the rotor to hunt, they can also assist the motor in starting. the aid of the amortisseur winding, the complete machine
behaves as an induction motor as it accelerates up to a
11.6. 7 Starting methods for synchronous motors speed slightly below synchronism. At an appropriate time
Auxiliary motors the short is removed from the rotor winding. d.c. is
Some synch'ronous motors are equipped with a special
applied and the full line voltage applied to the stator
motor designed for use during the starting period only.
winding. Because the speed is only slightly less than
The auxiliary motor runs the synchronous motor up to synchronous speed, the rotor field is able to lock in with
speed, at which stage it is first synchronised and then the stator field and accelerate to synchronism.

Exercises
11.1 What advantages are there in using the
rotating d.c. field-type construction for
synchronous machines?
11.2 What are the constructional differences
between low-speed and high-speed alterna-
tors?
11.3 Explain why a low-speed synchronous
machine has a large salient pole-type rotor.
11.4 What is the purpose of the "exciter"?
11.5 How many poles must a synchronous
machine have to operate at 250 r/min and a
frequency of 50 Hz?
11.6 How does the power factor of the load affect
the output voltage of an alternator?
11. 7 State five conditions that must be satisfied
before an alternator can be synchronised
with an existing supply.
11.8 What is meant by the term "phase sequence"
when applied to three-phase synchronous
alternators?
11.9 In what way does the principle of operation of
a synchronous motor differ from that of an
induction motor?
11.10 Why is a synchronous motor not self-
starting?
11.11 State two characteristics that are applicable
only to a synchronous motor.
11.12 Explain how an increase in the load applied to
a synchronous motor affects the line current
and power factor.
11.13 How can the power factor of a synchronous
motor be changed?
11.14 What are some applications for synchronous
motors?
 CHAPTER12
THREE-PHASE
INDUCTION MOTOR!
12.1 Introduction
The majority of a.c. motors used in industry are of the
induction type. They are rugged and have a high degree of
reliability. A three-phase induction n1otor consists of a
laminated stator with three identical windings placed
symmetrically in slots within it. The rotor is also
laminated, and usually has single-turn conductors placed
within its slots and short-circuited at the ends. To achieve
special characteristics, conventional windings are some-
times used instead. The motor derives its name from the
fact that the currents flowing in the rotor are induced and
not drawn directly from the supply.
12.2 Construction
12.2.1 Stator
The laminated stator core is made up from sheet steel
punchings with slots on the inner surface. The windings
consist of three identical windings, laid out in the same
fashion as the alternator and synchronous motor. In
motors of higher power ratings the stator slots are of the
open type to allow the insertion of pre-shaped and
insulated coils, but in smaller sizes the slots are partially
closed to reduce the air gap as much as possible.
Fig. 12.1 The component parts of a 415 V, 3.7 kW, four-pole
three-phase induction motor. This particular
motor is of the totally enclosed type and is
intended for direct coupling to its load as shown
by the flanged construction of the endshield at
the upper left. POPE ELECTRIC MOTORS
222
The stator core is held in the motor frame whi
serves to carry the bearings holding the rotor, to
the coils and to provide a means whereby the wholl
mounted (see Fig. 12.1 ).
The motor frame takes various forms, depen1
the conditions under which the motor will aper;
open-type frame allo\vs free ventilation to take
drip-proof frame has a closed upper half, while a
ventilation through the lower half; a totally enclm
prevents the exchange of air between the inside
outside of the frame.
12.2.2 Motor enclosures
The conditions governing the actual installatio
induction motor are normally beyond the contrc
motor manufacturer. As a result the motor is
factured in various enclosures. A motor dr
compressor for a refrigerated display cabir
example, may operate under such clean and d
ditions that the motor enclosure need only pr
mounting for the bearings and a means for fi:;.
motor in a horizontal plane. At the same time
closure provides mechanical protection against ac
spillage and enables cooling air to circulate freely·
the motor windings.
Compare this situation with a water turbin
used for irrigation purposes. In most cases the t
mounted vertically at the bore head and is g
protection from the weather. The motor neeC
totally enclosed to prevent the entry of water and
is by means of heat transfer through the motor 1
The air sealed within the motor housing is circulat
internal fan, so transferring the heat generatec
windings to the housing. This heat is then transl
the atmosphere by a second fan circulating free a
the outside of the motor housing.
For detailed information on electric motor s
reference should be made to Australian Stan1
1359 on the requirements for rotating e
machines. It is an extensive standard with many
and often calls up other standards that may be
to particular sections. Electrical rotating macl
now classified by two letters followed by four n
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
Fig. 12.2 Squirrel-cage rotor for an induction motor
POPE ELECTRIC MOTORS
This classification number is different for such categories
as cooling, mounting and protection.
12.2.3 Rotor
Squirrel-cage rotor
The rotor of a three-phase motor consists of a shaft with
bearings, laminated iron core, and rotor conductors. The
most common type of construction is that with rotor bars
in the lamination slots rather than a winding. The rotor
bars, short-circuited at each end by a solid ring, are often
made of copper strip welded to copper rings, but for small
to medium size motors they may be cast in one piece out of
aluminium. Usually included in the rotor casting is a series
of vanes for creating air movement. Figure I 2.2 shows
these vanes standing out from each shorting ring. The
photograph also shows skewed conductors in the rotor.
The main purpose for slanting the conductors in the rotor
is to ensure a smooth steady acceleration during starting.
Varying the physical design features of the bars affects the
motor performance. Embedding them deeper into the
rotor, for example, increases their inductance and gives a
lower starting current but at the same time creates a lower
pull-out torque.
This type of rotor is then restricted to loads requiring
low-starting torques such as centrifugal pumps. The rotor
windings, if assembled without the laminations, resemble
a metal cage giving rise to the often-used name of
"squirrel-cage" rotors although the standards refer to
them simply as "cage" rotors.
Wound rotor
The wound rotor is fitted with insulated windings, similar
to the stator winding and having the same number of
Three-phase
supply
Stator Rotor
Fig. 12.4 Circuit for a wound-rotor induction motor
223
II \I II
II \I II
111111
111111
111111
Fig. 12.3 Wound rotor for an induction motor
poles. Usually the rotor winding has three phases,
connected internally in star, and terminating at three slip
rings. A typical wound rotor is shown in Figure 12.3.
The slip rings are connected by means of brushes to a
star-connected variable resistance, as in Figure 12.4. This
rotor rheostat provides the means of increasing the
resistance of the rotor circuit during starting, thereby
producing a high starting torque at a low starting current.
As the speed increases, the external resistance is gradually
reduced, lowering the rotor circuit resistance as the rotor
reactance decreases.
Under operating conditions, the variations in rotor
circuit resistance provide a means of cbntrolling the speed
of the motor-an increase in resistance produces a
reduction in speed. This also produces a loss in efficiency
due to the 12 R losses in the rheostat.
The wound-rotor motor is more expensive than the
squirrel-cage motor due to the cost of manufacture of the
wound rotor. It also has a higher starting torque and
lower starting current, but poorer running characteristics
than the squirrel-cage motor.
12.3 Operating principles
12.3.1 Rotating magnetic fields
For its operation a three-phase induction motor is
dependent on a rotating magnetic field being established
by the a.c. windings. The three separate windings are
Slip rings Rheostat
 224 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TF
A

+ A

..- ~

/
/
s,
•··
/
.. 7
..I ··.
I
I ..
I
I
\
I ·. /
\,.. ,;::
/
•/

.... /

ccr ... .... ...·

..

(a) One phase (b) Three phases

Fig. 12.5 Polarities and connections in a two-pole, three-phase motor

installed in the stator at 120° E intervals to each other and
provide a fixed number of poles for each phase. This is
shown diagrammatically in Figure l 2.5(a) for one phase
of a two-pole machine. Figure 12.5(b) shows the three
phases in relationship to each other giving a total of six
poles. Phase A is drawn as a solid line, phase Bas a dotted
line and phase Casa dashed line. Note that this sequence
is carried through for the explanation and applies to the
current waveforms, the magnetic fields and the phasors.
for example, alternates in direction in the diagran
not rotate in any way. lt simply varies in stren
direction in the vertical plane. Similarly a pulsatir
also established by the other two phases giving a
three magnetic fluxes which combine into one r
flux. This flux rotates at synchronous speed. At r

Assun1ption
'• le
---.
In the following explanation for the production of a \ / \
rotating field one assumption has been made as a ·;
reference, that winding ends A, B, C when connected to a I ·.. \
\ I
positive source of voltage makes the adjacent iron core a I I
north magnetic pole. From this it will follow that the I
0° : 120~ 240°
opposite poles become south magnetic poles. These I
details are also shown in Figure 12.5(a). If the current \
\ . I
flow is reversed then the magnetic poles are also reversed. \
With the three windings connected in star by joining ... \ I
ends Ai, B1, C, together, and the ends A, B and C
connected to a three-phase supply, the phase currents IA,
' /
.....
!Band !care 120 °E out of phase with each other. These
are shown in Figure 12.6. Because each current is 2 3 4 5 6 7
alternating, each pair of poles sets up a magnetic flux that
Fig. 12.6 Waveform diagram showing three-phase<
continually changes from one polarity to the other. Note at 120° E to each other (for reference num
that although the flux set up by A phase in Figure l 2.5(b), text)
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
<l>c
/
····........ . .
- - , - , - •-••-~- <l>R
,/
B B
Flg.12.7 The resultant flux produced by currents flowing at position 1 in Figure 12.6
position I in Figure 12.6, the current IA is zero and no flux
is produced by the winding A-A1. Current Is is negative
and so will produce a south pole at Band a north pole at
B1. Current leis positive and so will produce a north pole
at C and a south pole at C1. Because currents /oand le are
equal the two magnetic fields are equal in strength. The
direction of these fields are shown in Figure 12. 7. In the
accompanying phasor diagram the addition of these two
fields is shown giving a resultant instantaneous field 4>n.
At position 2 in Figure 12.6, IA is positive, Io is still
negative while leis zero. This produces a north pole at A,
a south pole at B, and nothing at C. These are shown in
Figure 12.8 together with the phasor diagram showing the
addition of the phasors to give the resultant instantaneous
magnetic field. Since all coils have an equal number of
turns, the relative strengths of the magnetic fields can be
gauged by measuring the vertical heights of the current
waveforms at the positions indicated by the reference
number. In this instance the direction of the resultant
magnetic field has shifted 60° E clockwise from that in
Fig. 12.8 The resultant flux produced at position 2 in
Figure 12.6
225
···...
.......... <t>
position I. If drawn to scale it can also be shown that the
length of the resultant has remained constant, indicating
that the field strength has remained constant.
At position 3 (Fig. 12.6), IA is positive, producing a
north pole at A and a south pole at A,, 18 is zero, and
le is negative, producing a south pole at C and a north
pole at C 1. These fields are drawn out in Figure 12.9
together with their phasors. The resultant field has rotated
a further 60°E in a clockwise direction. (There is a 60°E
difference between all the numbered positions in Fig.
12.6.) For each of the numbered positions the resultant
field rotates a further 60°E in a clockwise direction. For
one complete cycle of current (360°E) the resultant
magnetic field rotates 360°E.
12.3.2 Rate of rotation
BycomparingFigures 12.6, 12.7, 12.8and 12.9itcanbe
seen that for the time intervals of 60° E between the
positions l, 2 and 3 the resultant field rotates an equal
Fig. 12.9 The resultant flux produced at position 3 in
Figure 12.6
226 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL Tl
amount around the stator. For a complete cycle of a.c., a
two-pole field rotates one complete revolution around the
stator. The synchronous speed of the magnetic field in
revolutions per minute can be determined from the
frequency of the supply.
Example 12.1
A two-pole machine is connected to a 50 Hz supply. Find
the speed at which the magnetic field rotates around the
stator.
50 Hz = 50 cycles per second
speed of rotation = 50 revolutions per second
= 50 x 60 revolutions per minute
= 3000 r/min.
With a four-pole machine, 360°E represents one-half of
a full revolution of the stator field, and the speed of
rotation of the field is consequently halved. Similarly, the
speed of field rotation for a six-pole machine is reduced
to one-third that of a two-pole machine. In each case
the speed is usually expressed in revolutions per minute,
whereas the frequency is in hertz (cycles per second). The
speed in revolutions per minute can be found from the
following formula:
.-------~
120{
ns1•11 = - " -
. p
where nsyn = number of revolutions per minute
.f = frequency in Hz
p = number of poles
The speed n of the rotating magnetic field is called the
synchronous speed of the motor. The synchronous speeds
of common sizes of motors at a frequency of 50 Hz are
given in Table 12.1. The formula above is identical to that
shown in Chapter 6.
Table 12.1 Speed of the rotating field in an induction
motor for various number of poles
Poles 2 4 6 8 1O 12
Synchronous
speed (r/min) 3000 1500 1000 750 600 500
12.3.3 Direction of rotation and reversal
The direction of rotation of a rotating field depends on the
phase sequence of the three currents flowing through the
windings. In Figure 12.1 O(a) the three supply lines R. W
and Bare connected to terminals A, Band C of the motor.
The resultant magnetic field rotates in a clockwise
direction.
In Figure 12. 1O(b) the supply lines to phases B and C
have been changed over and. using the procedure from the
previous section. it can be shown that the rotation of the
magnetic field is reversed. That is. the direction of rotation
of the field. can be controlled by interchanging any two
supply lines to the motor. In section 12.4.1 on torque it
is shown that the rotation of a three-phase induction
111otor is in the same direction as that of the rotating field.
.---------{_) R
~c,
c
...... ow
I
I
L _ - - - - - -------0 B
(a) RWB sequence
c B,
... ····· ' '
\Ow
\ ...
:\
..................................../ bs
(b) RBW sequence
Fig. 12.10 Phase sequence and field rotatil
12.4 Induction and its effects
When the stator windings of a three-phase i
motor are energised from a three-phase s1
magnetic field is produced, rotating at sync
speed. This rotating magnetic field crosses the ai1
cuts the rotor conductors, inducing a voltage
(magnetic field, conductors and relative motior
the rotor circuit is complete (through end rings it
of the squirrel-cage rotor, or external resistance ii
of the wound rotor), the induced voltages ca
currents to flow in the rotor conductors.
12.4.1 Torque
Figure 12.11 (a) represents a part of the stator an
of an induction motor with the stator flux rot2
clockwise direction as indicated. When these line
cut the rotor conductors from left to right, the
movement between the stator flux and the re
ductor is from right to left. By applying Flemin
hand rule (sect. 6.1. l) the direction of inducec
flow in the conductor is towards the reader. D
comparatively high rotor currents flowing, a Jar
established around the conductor as sho\vn i
12.1 l(b). The stator and rotor fluxes react withe;
as shown in Figure 12.11 (c) to form a resultant f
resultant field tends to straighten itself out, a1
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS

- 227

LJ Rotor conductor
N

~ Rotor flux
-
Thrust

' .
(a) Stator flux {b) Rotor flux (c) Resultant flux
Fig. 12.11 Production of torque in an induction motor

process causes a force to be exerted on the rotor The formula for determining percentage slip is:
conductor trying to force it to the right and out of the
stator magnetic field. A similar force is exerted on all the
rotor conductors as the field rotates, and if sufficient force s% = nsyn - n x 100
nsyn
is created the rotor will commence rotating in the same
direction as the rotating magnetic field. Provided it is free
to rotate the rotor will accelerate until it approaches where s% = percentage slip
synchronous speed. nsyn = synchronous speed
This rotating force, called the torque of the motor, is n = rotor speed
the result of the interaction of the two fluxes. The stator
flux remains fairly constant, but the rotor flux varies with At standstill (i.e. when starting) the slip is !00%,
the rotor current, which is determined by such factors as whereas if the motor could run at synchronous speed, the
the impedance, the induced voltage and the relative speed slip would be zero.
of the rotor conductors.

12.4.2 Slip 12.4.3 Rotor frequency

To produce torque, there must be a rotor flux caused by When the rotor of a two-pole motor is at standstill and the
current flowing through the rotor conductors. If the rotor stator is connected to a 50 Hz supply, each rotor
could run at synchronous speed, there would be no conductor is cut by a north pole and a south pole at a rate
relative motion between the stator flux and rotor of 50 times per second. At standstill, the frequency of the
conductors. Consequently, there would be no induced rotor voltage (rotor frequency) is the same as the
voltage, no rotor current, no rotor flux, no torque frequency of the supply (stator frequency).
developed, and so the rotor would slow down. An
induction motor therefore cannot run at synchronous As the rotor speeds up to half the synchronous speed
speed. (!500 r/min), the rotor conductors are cut by only one-
With the rotor runningjust below synchronous speed, half as many north and south poles per second as at
relative motion exists and sufficient torque is developed to standstill, and so the rotor frequency is one-half the
keep the rotor turning. The difference between the supply frequency (i.e. 25 Hz). If the rotor revolved at
synchronous speed of the rotating field and the actual synchronous speed, the rotor frequency would be zero.
speed of the rotor is calfed the slip speed. It is commonly The rotor frequency depends upon the differences in the
expressed as a percentage of the synchronous speed. speeds of the stator flux and the rotor (i.e. the slip of the
motor), as shown in Figure 12.12.
Example 12.2
Determine the slip of a four~pole induction motor running The rotor frequency can be calculated using the
at 1440 r/min when connected to a 50 Hz supply. following formula:
120{ 120 x 50
n,,. = p =
4
= 1500r/min
~
slip speed = 1500 - 1440 = 60 r/min ~
1500
1 ~~
44
percentage slip 0x 100 where fr = rotor frequency in Hz
s = slip percentage
= 4% f = supply frequency in Hz
 228 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL TF

Supply frequency the difference between its speed and the rotating m
.................. field becomes less and the generated voltage cam
rotor circulating currents also becomes less. This
reduces the stator current.
The typical relationship between the stator
Rotor and the rotor speed is shown in Figure 12.13(
frequency initial circulating current in the rotor is affected
frequency of the supply, the resistance of the rot
and the inductance of the rotor circuit-that is, the
limiting factor is the impedance of the rotor circu
/Rotor
stationary the usual type of power transformer, the frequ
the supply is the line frequency, but in this c
0 Slip 100°/o
frequency commences at line frequency and
Fig. 12.12 Relation between rotor frequency and slip
decreases as the motor speed increases. As a consi
the torque created can change as the speed chan.
Example 12.3
Figure l 2. l 3(b) for the typical relationships I
Determine the rotor frequency of a two-pole, 50 Hz speed and torque. For small values of slip the t
induction motor if the rotor speed is 2850 r/min. assumed to be proportional to the slip. As the mo
s = nsyn - n x 100 increases the torque increases and the speed de
nSJ'll
until the torque reaches a maximum value ca
3000 - 2850 breakdown torque. If the motor is loaded bey'
3000 x 100 = 5% point, the torque and the speed both decrease
motor quickly comes to a standstill. An overa
s.[ for starting torque is in the region of 1.5 times t
f,, =TOO torque, while the breakdown torque is usually abc
5 x 50 the rated torque. Australian Standard 1359.41
= loO = 2.5 Hz
minimum requirements for these torque val·
As the rotor frequency varies, so does the rotor provides a table for a range of motor sizes.
inductive reactance, and this affects the starting and The resistance of the rotor conductors
running characteristics of the motor. constant at power line frequencies for all 1
purposes, while the inductive reactance decreas(
rotor speed increases. As a guide, torque re
maximum when the rotor resistance in ohms is
12.5 Operating characteristics the rotor reactance in ohms. Since the resistance
12.5.1 Squirrel-~age motors then the breakdown torque can only be al
When power is first applied to a stationary motor, the relationship to the motor speed by altering the inc
stator windings act as transformer primary windings with of the rotor. In turn this affects the starting
the resultant magnetic field rotating at synchronous Australian Standard 1359.41 allows for only t•
speed. The rotor then behaves as a shorted secondary types of rotor-normal and high torque-and a
winding causing a high circulating current in the rotor types are necessarily by prior arrangements
bars and a high starting current in the stator windings. As 1nanufacturer. For the high-torque motor the
the rotor accelerates in the direction of the rotating field, breakdown torque remains around twice rate<

Breakdown
torque

Current ( 0/11) Torque(%) Locked

Rated )._1or torque
speed

Rated torque
100
Rated current
100

0 n fl syn 0 n n,
(a) Current/speed curve {b) Torque/speed curve

Fig. 12.13 Operating characteristics tor a squirrel-cage induction motor

THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS 229

300
300

200
r----
Torque
200 %
Torque Rated torque
% Rated torque 100
100 -------------
Oc__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~-l-

Speed n~yn
Speed
Fig.12.17 High resistance rotor bars
Fig. 12.14 Low starting torque rotor bars
bars of greater cross-section where part is imbedded
deeper into the rotor magnetic circuit. Starting torque is
still about 150% of running torque but the starting current
is reduced to about five times the running current. It is
suitable for use with equipment of low starting inertia
such as fans, blowers and some types of machinery.
Figure 12.16 gives one example of a rotor with two sets
of rotor bars. The inner set is shown with half as many
300
Rated bars as the outer set and includes an optional air gap.
speed Depending on performance requirements there may
200
Torque be different shaped bars, no air gap or a full set of bars in
% Rated torque
100
the cage. Starting torque is high-here it is 225% of rated
torque-and starting current is about five times rated
running current. Applications are air compressors,
o~------------e~
Speed nsyn crushers, refrigerator compressor motors or reciprocating
Fig.12.15 Standard rotor bars
force pumps. A typical example of high resistance rotor
bars with low starting current requirements is shown in
Figure 12. l 7. With this construction the starting torque
can be increased to about 275% with fairly low starting
currents. It is at the expense of a lower rated speed (i.e.
increased slip). Typical uses are flywheel mounted
machinery such as presses and punches. It is excellent with
hoists where the maximum load occurs at the start of the
lift. The details above apply particularly to copper rotor
bars. If aluminium is used for the rotor bars then the

Torque
%
300

200
_____ ------.,speed
Rated
cross-sectional area of the bars must be increased to allow
for the metal's higher resistivity. The shape may also be
changed to incorporate desired starting and running
characteristics. Figure 12. l 8 shows a "tear-drop" shaped
Rated torque cast aluminium bar. In practice the shape may also be
100 -------------- inverted to alter the characteristics to suit a particular
purpose.
o~----------'+-
Speed nsyn

Flg.12.16 Double cage rotor tor high starting torque

while the starting torque is increased to approximately 2.5

times rated torque.
Figure 12.14 shows typically shaped rotor bars where
the starting current is about 6-7 times rated current and
the motor has a starting torque of approximately 150%
of rated running torque. Its use is restricted to very low
starting torque requirements. Figure 12.15 shows rotor Fig. 12.18 Cast aluminium rotor bars
230 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL T
12.5.2 Wound-rotor motors
The introduction of resistance into the rotor circuit of an
induction motor produces three effects:
I. rotor current is reduced, resulting in less stator current;
2. starting torque is increased, because rotor and stator
magnetic fields are more in phase with each other;
3. slip speed is increased.
An adjustable resistor is used external to the rotor,
which is wound with comparatively low resistance
windings. The value of the external resistance can be
adjusted as required and as the motor accelerates, the
value is gradually reduced until all the resistance is out of
the rotor circuit and the motor behaves as an ordinary
induction motor.
The torque-speed characteristic of a typical three-
stage wound-rotor motor is shown in Figure 12.19. When
all the resistance is in the rotor circuit, the starting current
is low and the starting torque is high as shown by curve a.
If this resistance is left in, the full-load torque would occur
at approximately 25% slip, resulting in extremely poor
speed regulation.
If one stage of the resistance in the rotor circuit is
shorted out, the operating characteristics are modified as
shown by curve b.
If all the Cxternal resistance in the rotor circuit is
shorted out the operating characteristic is shown by
curve c.
d for some parameters of a three-phase induction 1
Rated speed
r'
······ ... a
Aated_!_o~~ ___ _
100
0 n
Flg.12.19 Operating characteristic for a wound-rotor motor
(a) No-load conditions
Fig. 12.20 Current phasors for an induction motor
The normal starting procedure is to start th
with all the resistance in the rotor circuit. As th
speeds up the resistance is reduced and tht
increases in speed, but maintains a high torque.
the starting procedure, the torque-speed curve is c
by the thicker curve d.
12.5.3 Operating parameters
By comparing Figures 12.13 and 12.19, it can be'
full-load torque occurs at a greater slip in a wow
motor than a squirrel-cage motor. This is due to 1
resistance of the windings in the wound rotor.
On no load, the stator current ofany inductic
is largely a magnetising current, with a smal
component required to supply the no-load
Accordingly, the power factor of an induction n
no load is very low. The no-load current is relatb
when compared with a transformer because of
reluctance of the magnetic circuit, due to the
between the stator and rotor.
The stator flux remains fairly constant from n
full load, and so the magnetising current is al
constant. In Figure l 2.20(a), the no-load stator c
lags the supply voltage by cf> degrees.
As a load is applied to the motor, a load cun
required to accommodate that load. This load ct
lags the supply voltage slightly, due to the effo
stator and rotor reactance. The two current corr
Io and /' 1 combine to give the total stator current
load. The phase angle decreases from cf> to q,,
power factor of the induction motor increases as
on the motor increases.
Figure 12.21 gives representative characterist
shows the speed decreasing and the slip increasi:
load on the motor is increased. It also shows
current increasing and the power factor improvi
same time .
12.6 Motor starting methods
Induction motors are subject to the same
limitations as d.c. motors. In Chapter 7 it was sh
a d.c. motor needed a series resistor to limit f
starting current and, as the motor accelera
resistance was gradually reduced until it was no
----
(b) Loaded conditions
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
100%
Power output
Fig. 12.21 Typical parameters for a three-phase induction
motor showing how they alter as the load varies
circuit. Limiting the current drawn by the motor during
starting is directly applicable to both a.c. and d.c. motors,
and is achieved by reducing the voltage across the motor
windings. The only exception to this is the wound-rotor
motor.
While ad .c. motor can only use series resistance, there 1
are alternative current-limiting methods for a.c. motors.
Advantages of current limiting
I. Less mechanical forces exerted on windings.
2. Less mechanical shock forces on motor frame, shaft
and transmission.
3. Steadier acceleration with connected loads.
4. Reduction of line voltage drop.
5. Less disturbance to the supply system.
Disadvantages of current limiting
I. Reduction in starting torque.
2. Extra cost of starting equipment.
3. Increased maintenance requirements.
4. More con1plex equipn1ent.
12,6,1 Direct-on-line starting
Cage motors may be started with the full supply voltage
connected across the stator windings. This method is
usually referred to as direct-on-line or D.O.L. starting.
The large starting current can cause excessive voltage
drop in the supply lines and disturbances to the supply
voltage. For this reason, the supply authorities usually
limit the starting current of motors. The D.0.L. method
of starting is usually restricted to smaller-sized motors.
12,6.2 Primary resistance starting
An effective method for reducing the starting current of an
induction motor is to add resistance in series with the
supply lines (see Fig. 12.22). The higher the value of
231
L, 0-----j
L'D-----1
Lau-----1
Fig. 12.22 Basic power circuit for primary resistance motor
st·arting
resistance, the greater is the voltage drop across each
resistor and the less the voltage at the motor. Because of
this lower voltage, the starting current is reduced. As the
rotor accelerates, the resistance is reduced in steps until
full voltage is applied across the motor terminals.
This method of starting greatly reduces the starting
torque of the motor because it is proportional to the
square of the applied voltage.
i.e.
It must be appreciated that this expression shows the
starting torque is reduced four times if the applied voltage
is halved. Such a reduction in torque may prevent a motor
from starting against even a small load.
12,6,3 Star-delta starting
Another way to reduce the starting current by reducing
the voltage applied to each winding is the star-delta
method. The motor is started in the star connection and
when it has gained sufficient speed, it is quickly changed
over to the delta connection.
The starting torque is considerably reduced with this
method, which is usually applicable to motors being
started on light loads, the main load being applied after
the motor has reached full speed and is connected in delta.
The two ends of each phase winding of the motor are
brought out to the stator terminals. During the starting
sequence in star, the voltage across each phase is 1/ V3 or
58% of the line voltage. As a result, the torque is reduced
to ( 1/ VJ) or 1/3 of its normal running value.
2
The line and phase currents in star are equal, but when
the windings are connected in delta this condition no
longer applies. The phase voltage is increased VJ times or
173% over the star connections, consequently the phase
current is increased by the same ratio. In addition the line
current is now equal to V3. Iphase, or three times the line
current value for the star connection. These values are
illustrated in Figure 12.23 for a winding impedance of
24 ohms.
12.6.4 Autotransformer starting
Autotransformer starters are the most popular of any
reduced voltage type. The voltage applied across the
232 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL 1

Torque and input power

10 A 113 of "run" condition 30 A

10 Ai

Start (star-connected) Run (delta-c

Fig. 12.23 Comparison of star and delta starting

stator windings can be reduced to a percentage of the Example 12.4

supply voltage by using a star-connected autotransformer. A 415 V, three-phase induction motor draws 160
During starting, the primary of a step-down auto- connected D.O.L. If an autotransformer starter,
transformer is connected to the supply, and the secondary motor connected to the 70% tapping, is used to
is connected to the stator windings of the induction motor, determine:
motor, as shown in Figure 12.24. (a) the voltage applied to the motor during start
By providing a range of tappings in the transformer (b) the starting current taken by the motor;
windings (e.g. 60%, 70%and 80%), it is possible to have a (c) the starting current drawn from the supply.
choice of voltages (and currents) for starting purposes.
When the motor is up to speed, the stator windings are ,,
connected across the full supply voltage, and the
autotransformer is open-circuited.
The use of a transformer makes it possible to reduce
,,
the line input current at a greater rate than that at which V1 =
the torque is reduced. Transformers are discussed in 415 v
greater detail in Chapter 15, but briefly: Vi = 70°/o of V1

input voltage x input current

= output voltage x output current
Fig. 12.25 Circuit diagram for example 12.·
i.e. v, x r, = v, x r, (neglecting all losses)
(a) For 70% tapping:
During starting, a reduced voltage ( V,) is applied to
the motor, so reducing the starting current(!,). Because of motor voltage = 70% of input voltage
transformer action, however, the input current (/1) is =70%of415V
reduced still further. It can be illustrated by the following = 0.7 x 415
example. = 290.5 v

0
Fig. 12.24 Starting connections with a three-phase, star-connected autotransformer
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS 233
(b) For 70% tapping:
motor current = 70% of D.O.L. starting current
= 70%of 160A
= 0.7 x 160
= 112A

(c) V,J, V2l2

:. J,
V,h = 290.5 x 112
v, 415
= 78.4 A
Fig. 12.26 Starting connections for an induction motor
using an open-delta autotransformer
Note that the motor voltage has been reduced by 70%
to 290 V. Because T o:: V2 , the torque will have been
12.6.5 Secondary resistance starling
reduced to (0.7) 2 =0.49 of the D.O.L. value. While the
motor current has only been reduced to 70%, the input This method of starting can only be used with wound-
current has been reduced to 0.49 or 49% of the D.0.L. rotor motors. Full line voltage is applied to the stator
value. windings and the starting current is limited by connecting
external resistance across the rotor terminals, as shown in
The significance of these figures can be seen when
Figure 12.27. As ihe motor's speed increases, the
compared to those of the same motor when the primary
resistance is gradually removed from the circuit until at
resistance starting method is used.
full speed all the resistance is shorted out.
Motor impedance between lines at standstill
12.6.6 Other types of motor starters
v 415
z =I= 160 = 2.59 !1 (D.0.L.) Liquid
Instead of using resistors as a form of current limiting,
The line input current from example 12.4 is 78.4 A one trend is to use liquid containers with two electrodes
(autotransformer). and a chemical electrolyte. Although this is often more
For primary resistance starting with this same value of compact than the resistor type there needs to be some
form of increased maintenance to check on the state of
current the applied voltage would be reduced to:
the electrolyte. The liquid is a simple replacement for
V = !Z the resistor and is often a mixture of water and salt, with
= 78.4 x 2.59 occasionally other chemicals.
=203.lV Solid state
For the same input current for both methods (78.4 A), Starters with this type of construction are initially
the relative torque values would be: expensive, but generally incorporate some form of
operator-adjustable starting current control. In addition,
415)'
D.O.L. ( ill x 100 = !00% many systems incorporate a variable frequency generator
for speed control. Most models work on a principle of
autotransformer ( 2!~55 )' x 100 = 49%
converting the alternating current to direct current and
then generating voltages and frequencies to suit. See also
sections 12.9.2 and 17.9.2.
203
primary resistance ( 415· 1 )' x 100 = 24"'
70

That is, for the same input current the auto-

12.7 Typical pushbutton-operated
transformer starter enables the motor to develop twice as starter circuits
much starting torque as the primary resistance method. 12.7.1 Circuit protection
With three autotransformers used as in Figure I 2.24 it Electrical starting circuits are protected against faulty
is usual, when changing over to full voltage, to open- operation with fuses, circuit breakers and contactors.
circuit the star-point and momentarily supply the motor
through part of the transformer windings in series. These
parts of the windings are then shorted out, effectively
L, 0-----,'
taking them out of the circuit. This method is called the
Korndorfer method of starting. Autotransformers are L2 0----;
more often used in the open-delta circuit where only two
windings are used as in Figure 12.26. It is a cheaper Lo o------',
method and while the circuit is unbalanced during the
starting sequence, it is balanced as soon as the motor is in Fig. 12.27 Basic power circuit for secondary resistance
the running connection. motor starting
234 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL -

Fuses L,
A fuse is designed to become an open circuit once a certain L,
value of current is exceeded. This does not mean that a
La
fuse will "blow" immediately its rating is reached. The fuse
element can carry small overloads for a period of time,
depending on the amount of the excess current and the
rate at which the heat being generated can be dissipated.
This characteristic makes a fuse suitable for motor
protection circuits, where the fuse must be able to handle
the starting currents. *
Circuit breakers
Circuit breakers, on the other hand, can be designed to
operate with only small overloads and steps may have to
be taken to slow the action down and enable motors to be E
K1.1 K1.2 K1.3
started. Some circuit breakers operate on a magnetic
attraction principle, others on a thermal element; most
operate with both magnetic and thermal elements.
Contactors Oil-
Both fuses and circuit breakers are designed to protect
electrical circuits against excessive currents, but serve no
useful purpose in the event of power failures. As a means
of protection contactors are used. When a power failure
or low-voltage situation occurs the contactor drops out,
so switching the equipment off until power is restored. As
an added protection against faulty starting sequences,
most motor starters are automatic once the initial
Power circuit I Control ci.

pushbutton operation has been made. Fig. 12.28 Contactor circuit tor D.0.L. starting
The following examples show pushbutton-operated
circuits for each of the five means of starting three-phase
induction motors. The circuits are shown with fuse
protection and thermal overload current protection as
possibly the most common protection methods en- L,
countered. Individual manufacturers have their own L,
preferences for starter circuits and these may vary in detail
from one firm to another and from one model to another. La

12.7.2 D.O.L. contactor starter circuit (Fig. 12.28)

Circuit operation
1. Pressing the start button completes a circuit from L 3
through the normally closed stop button to coil KI,
and the overload to L2 • K1.1
2. Main contactor coil Kl then closes and applies full
line voltage directly to the motor via contactor
contacts Kl.I, Kl.2 and Kl.3.
3. Contact Kl.4 bridges out the start button contacts so
that, on the release of the start button, the contactor
remains in the operational state-Le. the control circuit
is latched in the "on" position. Pressing the stop button
disables the latching circuit and allows the main
contactor to revert to the "off" state.

12.7.3 Primary resistance contactor starter circuit

(Fig. 12.29)
Circuit operation
Power circuit Control ci1
1. Pressing the start button completes a circuit from L 3
through the normally closed stop button to coil KI,
and the overload to L2. Fig. 12.29 Contactor circuit for primary resistance s
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
2. The main contactor KI operates. Contact Kl .4 closes
and bridges out the start button contacts, so that on
the release of the start button the Kl contactor circuit
remains latched.
3. Contacts Kl.I, Kl.2 and Kl.3 close, and a reduced
line voltage is applied to the motor through the
resistors in series with each line to the motor. The
starting current is limited by the resistors to a value
below that of D.O.L. starting.
4. Delayed action contact K 1.5 operates after a predeter-
mined delay and completes the circuit for coil K2. Its
operation causes contacts K2. l, K2.2 and K2.3 to
close and allow full line voltage to be applied to the
motor.
5. Pressing the stop button de-energises all coils and
allows the starter to revert to the "off' state.
12.7.4 Star-delta contactor starter circuit
(Fig. 12.30)
Circuit operation
I. Pressing the start button completes a circuit from L3
through the normally closed stop button and two
normally closed contactor contacts (K4.l and K3.4)
to coil K2, and the overload contact t to L2.
L,
L,
K3.1
I
K3.2
~
Fig. 12.30 Con/actor circuit for star-delta starting
235
2. When K2 operates, it causes the "ends" of the three
windings to be joined in "star" via contacts K2. l, K2.2
and K2.3.
3. Simultaneously, coil K3 is open-circuited by K2.5.
This is the delta connecting coil and must be isolated
when the star connection is in operation. Similarly,
when the delta connection is in operation the star
connection must be isolated, a method called
"electrical interlocking". As a precaution, the star and
delta connecting contactors are often mechanically
interlocked in addition to the electrical interlocking
provided by contacts K2.5 and K3.4.
4. When K2.4 closes, a voltage is applied to the timer
K4 and to coil Kl. This allows Kl.4 to close and
bridge the start button.
5. Contacts Kl.I, Kl.2 and Kl.3 close and apply a
voltage to the "starts" of the motor windings.
6. The voltage applied across the windings is only a
proportion of full line voltage (0.58), and starting
current is reduced accordingly.
7. When the time delay period has elapsed, contact K4. l
opens and forces contactor K2 to disconnect the star
connection. The dropping-out action of K2 completes
the circuit of coil K3 through K2.5, and it is then
activated. This open-circuits the interlocking contact
K3.4 and also switches off the timer K4 via K3.5.
K3.3 IK4.1 1<1.4
K3.4 K2.5 K3.5
K2/5 K3/5
Control circuit
236 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL -

8. Contacts K3.l, K3.2 and K3.3 close and complete the
delta connection, allowing full line voltage to be
applied to the motor.
9. Pressing the stop button de-energises all coils and
allows the starter to revert to the "off' state.
12.7.5 Autotransformer contactor starter circuit
(Fig. 12.31)
Circuit operation
1. Pressing the start button completes a circuit from L3
through the normally closed stop button, a normally
closed delay contact Kl.5, electrical interlock K3.3,
coil K2, and the normally closed thermal overload
contact t to L 2.
2. When K2 is activated, it closes the contacts K2. l and
K2.2 connecting the ends of the autotransformers to
line L 2 in an open delta configuration.
3. The operation of K2 simultaneously closes contact
K2.3 and opens contact K2.4-the electrical interlock
to prevent K3 operating while K2 is active.
4. K2.3 supplies power to coil Kl, which is also activated.
Contacts Kl.I, Kl.2, Kl.3 and Kl.4 close. Full line
voltage is connected to the autotransformers and a
reduced line voltage is supplied to the motor via the
transformer tapping. Contact Kl.4 ensures that a
voltage is available to the control circuit whe
button is released.
5. The delayed opening contact Kl.5 opens afi
determined time lapse and forces K2 to op
the delta connection. Contact K2.4 then clo
and coil K3 is activated.
6. Contacts K3.l and K3.2 close, and full lin
is applied to the motor through the Kl cc
series with two lines. The electrical interloc
K3.3 opens and isolates coil K2.
7. Pressing the stop button de-energises all
allows the starter to revert to the "off'' state.
12.7.6 Secondary resistance contactor start
(Fig. 12.32)
Circuit operation
l. Pressing the start button completes a circui1
through the normally closed stop button, coi
the thermal overload contact t to L2 • Coil ~
is in parallel with coil Kl, is activated at
time as Kl but only operates after a pred<
time delay.
2. Contact K 1.4 bridges out the start button cc
that on the release of the start button the ,
remains in the operational state-Le. the cont1
is latched in the "on" position.

L,
L,
La

I
I
IE
K1 .1 K1.2 K1.3
I
IE K1.4

K3.1 K32
I
K2.3
1

I
I
I
I
~ I
Power circuit I Control circuit

Fig. 12.31 Contactor circuit for autotransformer starting

THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
L,
L,
L,
K1.4
R R R K1/4
R R R
Power circuit
Fig. 12.32 Contactor circuit for secondary resistance starting
3. Contacts Kl.I, Kl.2 and Kl.3 close and apply full
line voltage to the stator terminals of the motor. The
rotor has two resistors in series with each winding and,
as the ends are connected in star, current flows in the
rotor windings and the motor is able to generate torque
and commence turning.
4. After the delay time, K2 operates and closes contact
K2.l. This causes K4 to be activated along with K3,
a second time delay relay.
5. Contacts K4.l and K4.2 then close and reduce the
amount of resistance connected across the slip rings.
This action enables the motor to attain a higher speed.
6. After a further time delay, coil K3 operates and closes
contact K3.l. Coil K5 is then activated and closes
contacts K5 .I and K5 .2. This action removes the
remainder of the resistance in the rotor circuit and
the motor is in its normal running mode.
7. Pressing the stop button de-energises all coils and
allows the starter to revert to the "off' state.
237
K2.1 K3.1
K4/2
Control circuit
12.7.7 Part winding starters
Another method of motor starting gradually gaining a
measure of acceptance is the part winding motor starting
method. As with other methods the primary intention is
to reduce starting current and/or torque of a motor. With
larger motors the initial starting torque can transmit high
and damaging shock values to transmission components,
and some type of reduced torque starting becomes
essential.
The phase windings of the stator are divided into
parallel sections each of the requisite number of poles
and each capable of withstanding full line voltage. Parts
of the stator winding are energised and as the motor gains
speed more sections of the stator winding are energised.
Normal control and power components are used to
provide the necessary switching. As much of the motor's
windings remain connected to the line in a closed
transition sequence, current surges are kept to a
minimum.
238 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL l

Table 12.2 Relative characteristics of various starting methods

Starting Stator Starting Starting No. of Current surge Types of Example loads Genera
method voltage at current torque starting during loads comme
start (
0
/o/FL) {O/o TFL} steps transition suited
stages
Direct-on- line voltage 700°/o 150o/o n.a. light ine~ia centrifugal starting
line loads pumps; lathes greate1
load to
Primary reduced 300o/o 40o/o 2+ no almost no fans poor sta
resistance load torque
Star-delta reduced 200°/o 33o/o 2 yes light loads motor- starting
generator 113 full I
units torque
Autotrans- reduced 300o/o 80o/o 2 yes substantial hydraulic starting
former proportion pumps; slightly
of full load conveyors than fu
torque
Secondary line voltage 1 OOo/o 1 OOo/o 2+ no high inertia shock loads; rotor ref
resistance loads presses; adjuste
shears start (T
Note: The figures quoted in this table must be considered as a general ~uide only. Many variables can be encountered-types an,
stators and rotors, applications, loads and starters being only some oft e factors.

In Figure 12.33 each phase winding has been divided L,

into two sections, each section sequentially being
connected to the line voltage. Starting torque is down
to approximately 45% and starting current is about 65%
of normal D.0.L. starting. Because of current imbalance
during the starting sequence, the motors tend to be noisy
at this time, which restricts application of the methoc!
to cases in which a motor requires occasional starting
before running for long periods. (a) Start (stage 1)

12.8 Motor output power L, L,

In an induction motor, the magnetic fields of the stator
and rotor interact to cause a force to be developed on the
rotor conductors. This force, acting at a distance from the
shaft equal to the radius of the mean circle of the rotor
conductors, develops a torque or turning force at the shaft
of the motor. Torque is measured in newton-metres (Nm)
and is calculated by the product of force (newtons) and (b) Transition (stage 2)
radius (metres).

T= F.r L, L, L,

Example 12.5
A motor exerts a force of 360 newtons at the rim of a
pulley with a diameter of 0.5 metre. Calculate the torque
developed by the motor.
T= F.r (c) Run (stage 3)
= 360 x .Q2 = 90 Nm Fig. 12.33 Part winding starting
2 =
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS 239

Example 12.6 12.9 Speed control of induction motors

If the n1otor in example 12.5 was fitted with a 0.3 m diameter In section 12.3.2 the synchronous speed of an induction
pulley, calculate the force exerted at the rim of the pulley. motor was shown to be:
120(
F = .I_ nsyn =
r p
90 That is, the speed depends on both the frequency and the
- 0.15 nu1nber of magnetic poles in the machine.
= 600N The synchronous speed is that of the rotating
magnetic field, while the actual speed must always be less
When considering the mechanical output of the than this by the amount of slip necessary to allow the
induction motor, it is necessary to determine the power motor to develop the required amount of torque. To
produced. change the speed of an induction motor by an appreciable
power
amount, other than by loading it to alter the slip speed,
= rate of doing work
= work done per second (watts) either the frequency of the supply or the number of poles
in the windings must be changed. Under normal circum-
work done = force exerted x distance moved
stances the speed of the induction motor must then be
distance = 2rr.r for 1 revolution
(where r = radius in metres) considered as fixed. If any application requires that the
speed be adjustable, then special and expensive
n equipment must be used. (Refer to sect. 17.9.)
= 2 rrr X for 1 second
60
(wheren = r/min) 12.9.1 Wound-rotor motors
power = force x distance The degree of slip in a wound-rotor motor may be
2rrrn 2rrn changed comparatively easily by varying the amount of
=FX(;0=6QXFr external resistance in the rotor circuit. This provides
dubious results in that the speed changes every time the
But torque ( 7) = Fr load changes, efficiency can be as low as 40% because
of the /ZR losses in the resistors and the available torque
2rrnT can be appreciably reduced. In addition, heavy-duty
i.e. P =--watts
60 resistors have to be provided owing to the fact that the
normal resistors are rated for starting purposes only (i.e.
where n is in r/min. a short duty cycle). Combinations of wound-rotor motors
connected in various ways have attempted to over-
Example 12.7 come these disadvantages-called cascading and
A 415 V, three-phase, 50 Hz, four-pole induction motor concatenation-but the methods tend to be cumbersome
has a full-load speed of 1440 r/min. Calculate the power and expensive. Special motors have been developed with
produced by the motor if it develops a torque of 100 Nm. better results, but the costs are still so high that the direct
current machine becomes competitive even after allowing
p = 2rr.n. T
60 for the provision of a d.c. supply.
2 x .,,. x 1440 x 100 12.9.2 Squirrel-cage motors
60 This type of motor under normal operating circumstances
15 079 watts is considered as a fixed speed machine with only very
15.1 kW small variations in speed from no load to full load.
Reducing the supply voltage has negligible effect on the
Example 12.8 speed but reduces the amount of available torque and
If the above motor draws 31 A from the supply, and the eventually the machine stalls.
power factor is 0.86, determine the efficiency of the Special connection arrangements of the windings
motor.
1hc1nsclves allow n1otors to be connected, for example, as
either two- or four-pole motors. This only provides a step
P;. = VJVIA. change in speed and allows no other control. If other
speeds are required then possibly a second winding has to
_ output be used. For example, one winding could give both two
T/ - input
and four poles while the second winding gives six poles. It
= 15 079 x IOO is however still only speed changes in three steps. While
VJVIA. satisfactory for some uses such as lathe work, it is not
15 079 x 100 suitable for any project such as rolling mills where
= ,jj x 415 x 31 x 0.86 incremental changes may be required. The method of
= 78.7% speed change in the ratio of 2: I for single windings was
developed many years ago. More recently the advent of
240 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL T

control of the operator, and can be done man1

a control knob on the unit. The speed range ol
is from 1% to 200% of normal running speeds
and efficiency are high throughout the complete
The unit's operating principle is to convert ti
phase alternating current supply to direct current
to generate a three-phase supply at any desired f1
within the range of the equipment. The units 1
reversing facilities, and provision can be made fo
control stations. The units are available in a
sizes. The photograph of a typical unit is shown i
12.35.

12.10 Motor braking

The main power equipment in most electrical sys
rotating electrical machine. There are many app
where it is necessary to bring the machine tc
quickly, to keep a load from moving or to enable:
reversal of direction. In general there are two
braking-mechanical and electrical.

12.10.1 Mechanical braking

Mechanical brakes are mostly solenoid operated
tension holds the brakeshoes or band against ad
it operates as a stopping device as well as a parkir
This is necessary to prevent undesired movemen
could occur with a crane holding a suspended loa
power is applied to the driving motor, the soleno
activated, so releasing the brake and allowing tr
.. full control. Light duty brakes may adopt the di
. IJ configuration but these have limited application:

12.10.2 Electrical braking

Fig. 12.34 A two-stage secondary resistance starter. The There are two types of electrical braking and e;
direct-on-line contactor is at the top, while the also be used in conjunction with mechanical bra
lower contactor short-circuits the rotor resistors
when operated by the timer.
Dynamic braking
In this method the motor converts its energy o
pole amplitude modulation (PAM) represented an into electrical energy. For a three-phase inductic
advance on this concept in that it gave closer ratios in the
order of 6:4 and 8:6 and other similar ratios. Note
however it is still step changes and not incremental. The
PAM motor is made in all sizes and its "secret" lies in the
internal connections of the pole groups. Six leads are
brought out in a similar fashion to two-speed motor
windings. The windings are halved and each half is
connected in star across the supply lines, giving double or
parallel star for one speed, while the windings are all
connected together in series delta for the other.
Another recent development for speed control of
squirrel-cage motors is the electronic control unit.
Provision is usually made in the unit for adjustable rates
of current increase to control starting currents, and the
voltage supplied by the unit to the motor is stabilised.
The motor is accelerated from standstill at a
predetermined current rate.
Fig. 12.35 An incremental speed control unit for i
Once running under load, the motor speed can be motors. It uses an electronically gener
varied by changing the frequency. This is usually under variable frequency. ASI
THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
the most common method is to disconnect the a.c. supply
and reconnect the windings to a source of d.c., as shown
in Figure 12.36. An inspection of the circuit will show
that the main and brake contactors are electrically
interlocked with a time delay to switch the d.c. off after
a short period. Because the rotor conductors are still
rotating and the d.c. field is stationary, there is a
generated voltage and a circulating current in the rotor
bars. This creates a torque in the opposite direction to
the rotation of the n1otor, resulting in a rapid slowing
down. The rate of slowing down is fairly constant, unlike
the d.c. n1otor with dynan1ic braking, where the braking
effect din1inishes markedly as the speed reduces.
Plug braking
Plug braking for an induction motor is simply a matter of
reconnecting for the reverse direction of rotation while it is
still rotating in a forward direction. While the d.c. motor
needed some form of current limiting, the induction
motor does not since the current drawn is substantially the
same as the D.O.L. starting current. Once the motor has
stopped, some form of switching is needed to prevent it
accelerating up to speed in the reverse direction. This is
often achieved by a friction driven contact on the shaft of
the motor.
12.11 Abnormal operating conditions
The following applies specifically to three-phase motors.
For further information on abnormal operating
conditions applying to both single and three-phase
motors see section 13.6 in the next chapter.
L,
L,
L,
j
t-----+---+-r-.,
r;;\
~ K2.1-2.3
l1> y ,
-
+ -
Power circuit
Fig. 12.36 Braking an a.c. motor by d.c. injection
241
Satisfactory operation of three-phase motors on a
three-phase supply depends on several factors:
I. three equal voltages at the correct phase displace1nent.
Under normal operating conditions the phase
displacement is a function of the generating equipment
and stays relatively fixed, but the line voltages can
vary depending on the individual loads connected at
that tin1e. For balanced loads, such as three-phase
motors, unbalanced phase voltages lead to unbalanced
currents flowing in the motor windings. As a
consequence, circulating currents are set up, heating
is increased and uneven, and torque is reduced.
2. the stator windings being correctly connected in either
star or delta. Phase currents become unbalanced,
windings generate increased heat, and torque is greatly
reduced. Refer to section 12. l I. I for more details.
3. the three line voltages being connected to the 1notor
windings. When any one supply line is not able to
supply current to the winding to which it is connected,
the condition known as "single-phasing" occurs. For
further details refer to section 12.1 1.2.
4. the condition of.both windings in the 1noto1: The stator
windings connected to the supply are pron1inent and
obvious areas of concern. Noisy operation and reduced
torque of a three-phase n1otor can mean that the bars
of the rotor-the second winding-are in need of
attention. Many cages consist of aluminium cast into
shape in the laminations, and little can be done in the
way of niaintenance; many of the larger motors,
however, have prefabricated bars and rings of copper
which are welded into place. It is possible to repair
dan1age to these ite1ns, whether they are broken or
sin1ply loose in the rotor.
I
I
I
I
IE
I
II~K2.4
K1/5 K2/4 K3/1
I ~-____.
Control circuit
242 ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ELECTRICAL 1
c -8

A, A
A
B I
I
I
Reversed I
phase
I
s, I

(a)
I (b)

Fig. 12.37 Reversal of one phase tor a star-connected motor

12.11.1 Phase reversal usually emits a "growling" noise and has an a

Previously in this chapter the operation of the induction
motor has been based on the assumption that the motor
had three identical windings and three equal currents
flowing in them, all spaced at 120° E to each other. If one
phase is reversed, however, as shown in Figure l 2.37(a)
for a star connection, these conditions no longer hold
true. Two of the three currents that flow are at 60° E to
each other and the load system is unbalanced (Fig.
12.37(b)). The same condition applies to delta-connected
loads, and both connections were discussed in Chapter 10.
As a result of this incorrect connection, the motor
loses most ofits torque and is often unable to start against
even a light load. If able to start at all, it usually rotates
very slowly and has unequal values of current in the phase
windings. The values of current approach those drawn
during normal starting, but remain high. The motor
vibration due to the sustained high current valt
12.11.2 Single-phasing
Single-phasing is a condition that occurs when c
a three-phase supply is open-circuited and is no
supply current to a three-phase load. The nar
used when one of the three phase windings in
open-circuited.
The condition for single-phasing in a star-(
load is shown in Figure 12.38 (a), and it can be
a break in either the line or the phase windin.
the circuit to a single current path.
Figure 12.38(b) shows an open-circuited I
delta-connected motor. There is one main cur
from L 1 to L3 through phase A and another l
L 1 to L3 through phases B and C in series. Bot!

I
~----
L, 0 - - - - - - - , '1 -~---- ....
I
\ L,0-----~
\
A
\
\
\
I \
x I
'\ B

----
B

L20-X_]
I
L2 o-x---~ , ______ ...... JL2 0---1--fY--VYl
I -,I
_________ /
\
I
-

JL,()----------J
L, ( _ } - - - - - - - - - ' --------·--/
/

(a) (b) (c)

Fig. 12.38 Circuit conditions causing single-phasing with a three-phase motor

THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MOTORS
are in parallel with each other, although not necessarily
in phase with each other. In Figure 12.38(c), a delta-
connected induction motor is shown with phase C open-
circuited. There are two current paths-L 1 through phase
A to L3 and L, through phase B to L,.
In each of the cases shown in Figure 12.38, the rotat-
ing magnetic field is either destroyed or unbalanced, and
causes unsatisfactory operation of the motor. The motor
rotates at slower speeds, if it is able to start at all, because
of a much reduced starting torque. It usually draws higher
Exercises
12.1 Briefly describe how the rotating magnetic
field is produced in a three-phase motor.
12.2 (a) Define the term "synchronous speed''.
(b) Make a table showing the synchronous
speeds of two-, four-, six- and eight-pole
induction motors for frequencies of 40, 50
and 60 Hz.
12.3 Explain why an induction motor runs at less
than synchronous speed.
12.4 Explain why the power factor of an induction
motor increases with the load.
12.5 Briefly describe the construction of the
squirrel-cage and the wound-rotor.
12.6 List three methods by which the starting
current of a three-phase squirrel-cage in-
duction motor may be reduced.
12.7 What is the disadvantage in starting a
squirrel-cage induction motor on a reduced
voltage?
Problems
12.13 Determine the percentage slip for the
following three-phase, 50 Hz motors:
(a) four-pole, 1420 r/min;
(b) six-pole, 960 r/min;
(c) eight-pole, 720 r/min.
12.14 A 15 kW, three-phase, 415 V, 50 Hz, four-pole
induction motor draws 190 A when started
D.O.L. in delta. Determine the starting
current using:
(a) the star-delta method;
(b) the autotransformer method (60% tap-
ping).
12.15 At full load the efficiency of the motor in
problem 12.14 is 83%, the power factor is 0.84
and the slip is 4%. Determine:
(a) the torque developed;
(b) the current drawn.
12.16 Calculate the full-load torque of each of the
following motors:
(a) 7.5 kW, 1440 r/min;
243
than normal currents in the parts of the circuit still
operating, with values approaching starting current
values in some circumstances. It can also emit a low-
pitched "growling" noise similar to that which occurs
during a phase reversal. If single-phasing occurs while the
motor is operating at normal speeds, the normal
humming sound often changes to a higher-pitched whine.
For any of the conditions for single-phasing outlined
above, the VJ ratios between line and phase values are no
longer valid.
12.8 What is meant by:
(a) synchronous speed of an induction
motor?
(b) actual speed?
(c) slip speed?
(d) What is the relationship between each
of these three speeds?
12.9 Sketch a typical torque/speed curve for an
induction motor having a normal squirrel-
cage rotor. At low values of slip, how does the
torque vary with load? What occurs when
breakdown torque is reached?
12.10 Why do squirrel-cage motors take relatively
large amounts of current when connected
D.0.L.?
12.11 Discuss speed control by a method of
changing the number of poles in a motor.
12.12 Draw a circuit diagram for a star-delta starter
using push buttons for its initiation. Discuss
the operation of the circuit and list two uses
for this type of starter.
(b) 1.5 kW, 940 r/min;
(c) 12 kW, 720 r/min;
(d) 5 kW, 1450 r/min.
12.17 On full load, a three-phase, 415 V, 50 Hz,
six-pole motor draws 19 A at a power factor of
0.85. If the torque developed is 95 Nm and the
slip is 7%, calculate the efficiency of the
motor.
12.18 A cutting tool exerts a tangential force of 400
N on a 90 mm diameter steel bar which is
rotating at 145 r/min in a lathe. The efficiency
of the lathe gear train is 62% and the three-
phase, 415 V motor efficiency is 81%.
Calculate the motor current if the power
factor is 0.83.
12.19 The rotor speed of a 10 kW, 415 V, three-
phase, four-pole motor is 1455 r/min when it
operates from a source of 50 Hz. Find:
(a) synchronous speed;
(b) slip speed;
(c) frequency of rotor currents.