Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

Starting of Three-Phase induction Motor [1/Ch. 35]

Starting of Induction Motors [1/35.9/p.1329]
It has been shown that a plain IM is similar in action to a polyphase transformer with a short-
circuited rotating secondary. Therefore, if normal supply voltage is applied to the stationary motor,
then, as in the case of a transformer, a very large initial current is taken by the primary, at least, for a
short while. It would be remembered that exactly similar conditions exist in the case of a DC motor,
if it is thrown directly across the supply lines, because at the time of starting it, there is no back emf
to oppose the initial inrush of current.
IMs when direct switched, take five to seven times their FL current and developed only 1.5 to
2.5 times their FL torque. This initial excessive current is objectionable because it will produce large
line-voltage drop that, in turn, will affect the operation of other electrical equipment connected to the
same line. Hence, it is not advisable to line-start motors of rating above 25 kW to 40 kW.
It was seen that the starting torque of an IM can be improved by increasing the resistance of
the rotor circuit. This is easily feasible in the case of slip-ring motors but not in the case of squirrel-
cage motors. However, in their case, the initial in-rush of current is controlled by applying a reduced
voltage to the stator during the starting period, full normal voltage being applied when the motor has
run up to speed.

Direct-Switching or Line Starting of Induction Motors [1/35.10/p.1330]

It has been shown earlier that, rotor input, P2in = 2πN s T = kT
Also, Rotor Cu Loss = s × rotor input = sP2in = 3I 22 R2
3I 22 R2 I 22
∴ = kT ∴ T∞ (if R2 is the same)
s s
I 12 I2
Now, ∴ I 2 ∞I 1 ∴ T∞ or T = K 1
s s
At starting moment s=1 ∴ Tst = KI st2 where Ist=starting current
If If=normal FL current and sf=FL slip
2
I 2f T ⎛I ⎞
Then T f = K ∴ st = ⎜ st ⎟ s f
sf T f ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠
When motor is direct-switched into normal voltage, then starting current is the SC current ISC.
2
T ⎛I ⎞ I SC
∴ st = ⎜ SC ⎟ s f = a 2 s f where a =
T f ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠ If
Tst
= (7 ) × 0.04 = 1.96
2
Suppose in a case, ISC=7If, sf=4%=0.04, then
Tf
∴starting torque = 1.96× full-load torque
Hence, we find that with a current as great as seven time the FL current, the motor develops a
starting torque which is only 1.96 times the FL torque value.

Some of the methods for starting induction motors are discussed bellow:
Squirrel-Cage Motors
(a) Primary resistors (or rheostat) or reactors
(b) Auto-transformer (autostarter)
(c) Star-delta switches
In all these methods, terminal voltage of the squirrel-cage motor is reduced during starting.

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

Slip-ring Motors
(a) Rotor rheostat

Starting of Squirrel-Cage Motors [1/35.11/p.1330]

(a) Primary resistors (or rheostat) or reactors [p.1330]
Their purpose is to drop some voltage and hence
reduce the voltage applied across the motor terminals. In
this way, the initial current drawn by the motor is
reduced. However, it should be noted that whereas
current varies directly as the voltage, the torque varies
as square of applied voltage. If the voltage applied
across the terminals is reduced by 50%, starting current
is reduced by 50%, but torque is reduced to 25% of the
full-voltage value.
By using primary resistors as shown in Fig.
35.18, the applied voltage/phase can be reduced by a
fraction ’x’ (and it additionally improves the power
factor of the line slightly where x is the fraction of
applied voltage). I st = xI SC
We know from the above that
2 2
Tst ⎛⎜ I st ⎞⎟ ⎛ xI ⎞
= s f = ⎜ SC ⎟ sf
⎜
Tf ⎝ I f ⎠ ⎟ ⎜ I ⎟
⎝ f ⎠
2
Tst ⎛I ⎞
= x 2 ⎜ st ⎟ s f = x 2 a 2 s f
Tf ⎜I ⎟
⎝ f ⎠
It is obvious that the ratio of the starting torque to FL
torque is x2 of that obtained with direct-switching or
across-line starting. This method is useful for the smooth
starting of small machines only.
Fig. 35.18

(b) Auto-transformer (autostarter) [p.1330]

Such starters, known variously as auto-starters or compensators, consist of an auto-
transformer, with necessary switches. We may use either three auto transformers connected as usual
as shown in Fig. 35.19(a) or two auto-transformrs connected in open delta as shown in Fig. 36.19(b).
This method can be used both for star-and delta-connected motors. As shown in Fig. 35.20, with
starting connections, a reduced voltage is applied across the motor terminals. When the motor has
run up to say, 80% of its normal speed, connections are so changed that auto-transformers are cut out
and full supply voltage is applied across the motor.
The switch making these change from ‘start’ to ‘run’ may be airbreak (for small motors) or
may be oil-immersed (for large motors) to reduced sparking. This is also provision for no-voltage
and over-load protection, along with a time-delay device, so that momentary interruption of voltage
or momentary over-load do not disconnect the motor from supply line. Most of the auto-starters are
provided with 3 sets of taps, so as to reduce voltage to 80, 65 or 50% of the line voltage, to suit the
local conditions of supply.
The V-connected auto-transformer is commonly used, because it is cheaper, although the
current are unbalanced during starting period. This is, however, not much objectionable firstly,
because the current imbalance is about 15% and secondly because balance is restored as soon as
running the current conditions are attained.

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

The quantitative relationships between the motor current, line current, and torque developed
can be understood from Fig. 35.20.

(a)

(b)
Fig. 35.19
In Fig. 35.20(a) is shown the case when the motor is direct-switched to lines. The motor
current is, say 5 times the full-load current. If V is the line voltage, then voltage/phase across motor
is V/√3.
V
I SC = where Z is stator impedance/phase.
3Z
In the case of auto-transformer, it tapping of transformer is used, then phase voltage across
motor is KV/√3.
KV V
∴Motor current at starting I 2 = =K = KI SC
3Z 3Z
The current taken from supply or by auto-transformer is I 1 = KI 2 = K 2 I SC if magnetizing
current of the transformer is ignored. Hence, we find that although motor current per phase is

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

reduced by K times of the direct-switching current (since K<1), the current taken by the line is
reduced K2 times.

(a) (b)
Fig. 35.20
Now, remembering that torque is proportional to the square of the voltage, we get
2
⎛V ⎞
With direct switching, T1∞⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 3⎠
2
⎛ KV ⎞
With auto-transformer, T2 ∞⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ 3⎠
T
∴ 2 = K2 or T2 = K 2T1 or Tst = K 2TSC
T1
∴Torque with auto starter = K2×torque with direct switching.

Relation Between Starting and Full-Load Torque [1333]

It is seen that voltage across motor phase on direct-switching is V/√3 and starting current is
Ist=ISC. With auto-starter, voltage across motor phase is KV/√3 and Ist=KISC.
I 2f
Now, Tst ∞I st (s=1) and
2
Tf ∞ 2
sf
2 2
Tst ⎛⎜ I st ⎞⎟ Tst ⎛I ⎞
= sf or = K 2 ⎜ SC ⎟ s f = K 2 a 2 s f Q I st = KI SC
⎜
Tf ⎝ I f ⎠ ⎟ Tf ⎜I ⎟
⎝ f ⎠
This expression is similar to the one derived in the Primary resistors starting section except
that x has been replaced by transformation ratio K.

Example 35.11: A 20 hp (14.92 kW), 400V, 950 rpm, 3-phase, 50 Hz, 6 pole squirrel-cage induction
motor with 400 V applied takes 6 times full-load current at standstill and develops 1.8 times
full-load running torque. The field current is 30A.
(a) What voltage must be applied to produce full-load torque at starting?
(b) What current will this voltage produce?
(c) If the voltage is obtained by an auto-transformer, what will be the line current?
(d) If starting current is limited to full-load current by an auto-transformer, what will be
the starting torque as a percentage of full-load torque?
Ignore the magnetizing current and stator impedance drops.

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

Solution:
(a) We know that T∞V 2 ; In the first case, 1.8T f ∞ 400 2 ; In the second case, T f ∞V 2
2
⎛ V ⎞ 1 400
∴⎜ ⎟ = or V = = 298.1 V
⎝ 400 ⎠ 1.8 1.8
(b) currents are proportional to the applied voltage:
In the first case, 6 I f ∞ 400 ; In the second case, I∞ 298.1
I 400 400 400
∴ = or I= × 6I f = × 6 × 30 = 134.2 A
6I f 298.1 298.1 298.1
298.1
(c) Here K =
400
2
⎛ 298.1 ⎞
Line current=K2ISC= ⎜ ⎟ × 6 × 30 = 100 A
⎝ 400 ⎠
(d) We know that Line current=K2ISC
Now line current= full-load current If (given)
1
30 = K 2 × 6 × 30 K2 =
6
120 f 120 × 50
Here N s = = = 1000 rpm ; N=950 rpm
P 6
N − N 1000 − 950
sf = s = = 0.05
Ns 1000
2 2
T ⎛I ⎞ ⎛ 6I ⎞
Now using st = K 2 ⎜ SC ⎟ s f = 1 ⎜ f ⎟ × 0.05 = 0.3 ; ∴ Tst = 0.3T f
Tf ⎜I ⎟ 6 ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠
⎝ f ⎠
So, staring torque is 30% of full-load torque.

(c) Star-delta switches [p.1335]

This method is used in the case of motors which are built to run normally with a delta-
connected stator winding.
It consists of two-way switch which connects the motor in star for starting and then in delta
for normal running. The usual connections are shown in Fig. 35.21.
When star-connected, the applied voltage over each motor phase is reduced by a factor of
1/√3 and hence the torque developed becomes 1/3 of that which would have been developed if motor
were directly connected in delta. The line current is reduced to 1/3. Hence, during starting period
when motor is Y-connected, it takes 1/3rd as much starting current and develops 1/3rd as much torque
as would have been developed were it directly connected in delta.

Relation Between Starting and Full-Load Torque [1335]

1
I st per phase = I SC per phase
3
Where, ISC is the current/phase which delta-connected motor would have taken if switched on to the
supply directly (however, line current at start=1/√3 of line ISC)
I 2f
Now, Tst ∞I st2 (s=1) and Tf ∞ 2
sf
2 2
Tst ⎛⎜ I st ⎞⎟ Tst ⎛ I SC ⎞
= sf or =⎜ ⎟ s f = 1 a2s f
T f ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠ T f ⎜⎝ 3I st ⎟
⎠ 3

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

It is clear that the star-delta switch is equivalent to an auto-transformer of ratio 1/√3 or

58% approximately.
This method is cheap and effective provided the starting torque is required not to be more
than 1.4 times the full-load torque. Hence, it is used for machine tools, pumps and motor-generators
etc.

Fig. 35.21

Staring of Slip-Ring Motors [1/35.12/1339]

These motors are practically always started with full-line voltage applied across the stator
terminals. The value of the starting current is adjusted by introducing a variable resistance in the
rotor circuit. The controlling resistance is in the form of rheostat, connected in star as shown in Fig.
35.22, the resistance being gradually cut-out of the rotor circuit, as the motor gathers speed.

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

Fig. 35.22
Addition of external resistance, however, increase the rotor impedance and so reduces the
rotor current. At first, the effect of improved power factor predominates the current-decreasing effect
of impedance. Hence, staring torque is increased. But after a certain point, the effect of increased
impedance predominates the effect of improved power factor and so thee torque starts decreasing.
It has been already shown that by increasing the rotor resistance, not only is the rotor (and
hence stator) current reduced at starting, but at the same time, the starting torque is also increased
due to the improvement in the power factor.
The controlling rheostate is either of stud or contactor type and may be hand-operated or
automatic. The starter unit usually includes a line switching contactor for the stator along with no-
voltage (or low-voltage) and over-current protective devices. There is some form interlocking to
ensure proper sequential operation of the line contractor and the starter. This interlocking prevents
the closing of stator contactor unless the starter is “all in”.
As said earlier, the introduction of additional external resistance in the rotor circuit enables a
slip-ring motor to develop a high starting torque with reasonably moderate starting current. Hence,
such motors can be started under load. This additional resistance is for starting purposely only. It is
gradually cut out as the motor comes up to speed.
The rings are, later on, short-circuited and brushes lifted from them when the motor runs
under normal conditions.

Example 35.14: The full-load efficiency, power factor, and slip of a 12-kW, 440V, 3-phase
induction motor are 85%, 0.8 lag, and 0.04, respectively. The blocked rotor line current is
45A at 220V. Calculate (a) the ratio of starting to full-load current and (a) the ratio of starting
to full-load torque, if the motor is provided with a star-delta starter. Neglect magnetizing
current.
440
Solution: Blocked (short-circuited) rotor current with full voltage applied I SC = × 45 = 90 A
220
output power , Po P 12000
We know that Efficiency,η = ; ∴ Pin = o =
input power , Pin η 0.85
We also know that Pin = 3VL I L cos φ = 3 × 440 × I f × 0.8

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

12000 12000
3 × 440 × I f × 0.8 = ; If = = 23.1A
0.85 0.85 × 3 × 440 × 0.8
I 90
In star-delta starter, I st = SC = = 52 A
3 3
I st 52
= = 2.256
If 23.1
2 2
Tst 1 ⎛⎜ I SC ⎞ ⎛
⎟ s f = ⎜ I st
⎞
⎟ s f = (2.256) 2 × 0.04 = 0.204
=
T f 3 ⎜⎝ I f ⎟
⎠
⎜I
⎝ f
⎟
⎠

Example 35.15: A 3-phase, 6-pole 50 Hz induction motor takes 60A at full-load speed of 940 rpm
and develops torque of 150 N-m. The starting current at rated voltage is 300A. What is the
starting torque? If a star-delta starter is used, determine the starting torque and starting
current.
120 f 120 × 50
Solution: N s = = = 1000 rpm
P 6
N − N 1000 − 940
sf = s = = 0.06
Ns 1000
2 2
T ⎛I ⎞ ⎛I ⎞
For direct-switching of induction motors st = ⎜ SC ⎟ s f ; Tst = T f ⎜ SC ⎟ s f
T f ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠ ⎜I ⎟
⎝ f ⎠
Here, I st = I SC = 300 A (line value) and I f = 60 A (line value) ; T f = 150 N − m
2
⎛ 300 ⎞
Tst = 150 × ⎜ ⎟ × 0.06 = 225 N − m
⎝ 60 ⎠
When star-delta starter is used
1 300
I st = I SC = = 173.2 A
3 3
2
1⎛ I ⎞ 2

Tst = ⎜ SC ⎟ s f T f = 1 × ⎛⎜ 300 ⎞⎟ × 0.06 × 150 = 225 N − m = 75 N − m

3 ⎜⎝ I f ⎟
⎠ 3 ⎝ 60 ⎠ 3

Example 35.16: Determine the approximately the starting torque of an induction motor in terms of
full-load when started by means of (a) a direct switching, (b) a primary rheostat with 60% of
its connected in series with the terminal of stator, (c) a star-delta switching, and (d) an auto-
transformer with 70.7% tapping. The short-circuit current of the motor at normal voltage is 6
times the full-load current and the full-load slip is 4%. Neglect the magnetizing current.
I
Solution: SC = 6
If
(a) When direct switch is used:
2
Tst ⎛⎜ I SC ⎞⎟
= s f = (6) 2 × 0.04 = 1.44
⎜
Tf ⎝ I f ⎠ ⎟
So, staring torque is 1.44 times or 144% of full-load torque.

(b) When primary rheostate is used:

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

2
Tst ⎛I ⎞
= x 2 ⎜ SC ⎟ s f = (0.6) 2 × (6 ) × 0.04 = 0.52
2

Tf ⎜ ⎟
⎝ If ⎠
So, staring torque is 0.52 times or 52% of full-load torque.

(c) When star-delta starter is used:

2
Tst 1 ⎛⎜ I SC ⎞⎟
s f = × (6 ) × 0.04 = 0.48
1
=
2
⎜
Tf 3 ⎝ I f ⎠ ⎟ 3
So, staring torque is 0.48 times or 48% of full-load torque.

(d) When auto trans former is used:

2
Tst ⎛I ⎞
= K 2 ⎜ SC ⎟ s f = (0.707) 2 × (6 )2 × 0.04 = 0.72
Tf ⎜I ⎟
⎝ f ⎠
So, staring torque is 0.72 times or 72% of full-load torque.

IM: Induction Motor; SM: Synchronous Motor; SG: Synchronous Generator or

Alternator;
AT: ampere-turn;
OC: open-circuit;
SC: short-circuit;
w.r.t.: with respect to;
DCM: DC motor; DCG: DC generator
FL: full-load; NL: no-load;
OCC: open-circuit current; PF: power factor;
SCC: short-circuit current; m/c: Machine;
PD: potential difference

Possible Questions:
1. Why is it advisable to start an induction motor at reduced voltage?
2
T ⎛I ⎞
2. Prove that for direct switching of an induction motor st = ⎜ sc ⎟ s f . The symbols have their usual
T f ⎜⎝ I f ⎟⎠
meanings.
3. List the three methods generally used to reduce the voltage applied to an induction motor at the
instant of starting.
4. With proper diagram briefly describe the starting principle of a three phase induction motor using
auto-transformers (autostarter).
5. With proper diagram briefly describe the starting principle of a three phase induction motor using
primary resistors (or rheostat) or reactors.
6. With proper diagram briefly describe the starting principle of a three phase induction motor using
star-delta switches.
7. With proper diagram briefly describe the starting principle of a Slip-Ring three phase induction
motor using rotor rheostat.
8. Write the relation between the torque with auto starter and the torque with direct switching.
9. Prove that for auto-transformer (autostarter) starting method of an induction motor Tst = K 2TSC .
The symbols have their usual meanings.
Or, Prove that for auto-transformer (autostarter) starting method of an induction motor torque
with auto starter equals to K2 times of torque with direct switching.

Example 35.14: The full-load efficiency, power factor, and slip of a 12-kW, 440V, 3-phase
induction motor are 85%, 0.8 lag, and 0.04, respectively. The blocked rotor line current is 45A at

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 Starting of Three-Phase Induction Motor

220V. Calculate (a) the ratio of starting to full-load current and (a) the ratio of starting to full-load
torque, if the motor is provided with a star-delta starter. Neglect magnetizing current.
Example 35.15: A 3-phase, 6-pole 50 Hz induction motor takes 60A at full-load speed of 940 rpm
and develops torque of 150 N-m. The starting current at rated voltage is 300A. What is the starting
torque? If a star-delta starter is used, determine the starting torque and starting current.
Example 35.16: Determine the approximately the starting torque of an induction motor in terms of
full-load when started by means of (a) a star-delta switch and (b) an auto-transformer with 70.7%
tapping. The short-circuit current of the motor at normal voltage is 6 times the full-load current and
the full-load slip is 4%. Neglect the magnetizing current.
Problem 1: For a direct switching induction motor, if the short-circuit current is 7 times of full-load
current, what is the relation between the starting torque and the full-load torque. Assume slip at full-
load is 0.04.

References
[1] B. L. Theraja, A. K. Theraja, “A Textbook of ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY in SI Units Volume
II, AC & DC Machines”, S. Chand & Company Ltd., (Multicolour illustrative Edition).
[2] A. F. Puchstein, T. C. Lloyd, A.G. Conrad, “Alternating Current Machines”, © 1942, Asia
Publishing House, Third Edition (Fully revised and corrected Edition 2006-07).
[3] Jack Rosenblatt, M. Harold Friedman, “Direct and Alternating Current Machinery”, Indian
Edition (2nd Edition), CBS Publishers & Distributors.
[4] A. E. Fitzgerald, Charles Kingsley, Jr. Stephen D. Umans, Electric Machinery, 5th Edition in SI
units, ©1992 Metric Edition, McGraw Hill Book Company.
[5] Irving L. Kosow, Electrical Machinery and Transformers, Second Edition, Prentice –Hall India
Pvt. Limited.

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