STARTING METHODS OF INDUCTION
MORTORS
INSTRUCTED BY:
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DATE OF SUBMISSION : 2008/07/23
DISCUSSION:
Construction and Working principle of thr DOL starter
The simplest means of controlling energy flow to an induction motor is to interrupt the power
supply by a single, solenoid operated, 3-phase switch, known as a contactor. Very widely applied,
the method is known variously as "direct-on-line", "across-the-line", "direct" etc., and is the usual
form of control where low cost is the first, and most important consideration.
The motor starter is composed of push button switches, relays, isolators, circuit breakers,
transformers and interlock switches. Its circuit is split into two circuits; control and power. The
power circuit is the higher-voltage circuit to which the motor terminals connect with the power
supply. The control circuit is the lower-voltage circuit and it is electrically isolated from the power
circuit. The starter is energized by the control circuit using electro-mechanical relays and push
button switches. Modern starters employ solid state relays (electronic relays).
Fig 1: DOL Starter
Shortcomings of DOL Starter
DOL starting method gives the highest possible starting current - 9 or 10 times the rated
current, where a normal is between 6-7 times rated current. The starting torque is also very high,
and is usually higher than required for most applications. The torque is the same as the force, and
an unnecessary high force gives unnecessary high stresses on couplings and the driven application.
Its simplicity and apparent low cost, although attractive at first sight, hide large cost penalties
in the shape of increased maintenance, reduced transmission equipment life and higher risk of
motor failure, particularly when frequent stopping and starting is needed. In larger sized motors
special strengthening is necessary, at higher cost, before they can be safely used with direct-on-line
starting.
Thus this type of starting is suitable for small motors below 5 hp(3.75 kW). Reduced-voltage
starters are employed with motors above 5 hp.
Star – Delta Starter and Auto transfer Starter
1. Star – Delta Starter
This is a starting method that reduces the starting current and the starting torque. The
components normally consist of three contactors, an overload relay and a timer for setting the time
in the star position. The motor must be delta connected during a normal run, in order to be able to
use this starting method. The received starting current is about 30% of the starting current during
direct on line start and the starting torque is reduced to about 25% of the torque available at a DOL
start. This starting method only works when the application is light loaded.
2 . Auto transformer method
This method also reduces the initial voltage applied to the motor and therefore the starting
current and torque. The motor, which can be connected permanently in delta or in star, is switched
first on reduced voltage from a 3-phase tapped auto -transformer and when it has accelerated
sufficiently, it is switched to the running (full voltage) position. The principle is similar to star/delta
starting and has similar limitations. The advantage of the method is that the current and torque can
be adjusted to the required value, by taking the correct tapping on the autotransformer. This
method is more expensive because of the additional autotransformer.
Rotor resistance Starting Method for Wound Rotor Motor
The method used for squirrel – cage motors can also be employed for starting wound – rotor
motor , but it is usually not done because then the advantages of wound rotor motor cannot be
realized. The simplest and cheapest method of starting wound – rotor induction motor is by means
of added rotor resistance, with full line voltage across the stator terminals.
The addition of external resistance would,
decrease its starting current
increases its starting torque
improves its starting power factor
By adding eternal resistance to the rotor circuit any starting torque up to the maximum torque can
be achieved; and by gradually cutting out the resistance a high torque can be maintained
throughout the starting period. The added resistance also reduces the starting current, so that a
starting torque in the range of 2 to 2.5 times the full load torque can be obtained at a starting
current of 1 to 1.5 times the full load current.
Reversing the Direction of 3- Phase Induction Motor
Fig 1: Reversing the Direction of Rotation
Three phase induction motors are expected to run on both directions. Reversing the connections
to any two of the three motor terminals can reverse the direction of rotation of 3-phase induction
motor.
