Unit 3

Induction Motors

Todays Class
Introduction Why induction motors are used Construction Operating principle Applications

Introduction
Induction motor is the common type of AC motor. Induction motor was invented by Nicola Tesla in 1888. Also known as asynchronous motor. It has a stator and a rotor mounted on bearings and separated from the stator by an air gap. It requires no electrical connection to the rotating member. Such motor are classified induction machines because the rotor voltage (which produce the rotor current and the rotor magnetic field) is induced in the rotor winding rather than being physically connected by wires. The transfer of energy from the stationary member to the rotating member is by means of electromagnetic induction.

Why Induction motor

This motor is widely used by the industries because: - Rugged. - Simple construction. - Robust. - Reliable. - High efficiency. - Good power factor. - Require less maintenance - Easy to start. - Rotates itself without external assistant. - Less expensive than direct current motor of equal power and speed. The weaknesses of this machine are: - Low starting torque if compared to dc shunt motor. - Speed will be reduced when load increased. - Speed cant be changed without reducing efficiency.

Construction
Unlike dc machine, induction machine have a uniform air gap.
Composed by two main parts:
Stator Rotor
Stator

Construction
Rotor
Slip ring Squirrel cage
Slip ring Squirrel cage

Principle of operation

Principle of operation
Rotating magnetic field
nsync 120 f e P rpm

Where fe is the supply frequency and P is the no. of poles and nsync is called the synchronous speed in rpm (revolutions per minute)

Principle of operation
IM will always run at a speed lower than the synchronous speed The difference between the motor speed and the synchronous speed is called the Slip

nslip nsync nm
Where nslip= slip speed nsync= speed of the magnetic field nm = mechanical shaft speed of the motor

Principle of operation
Can induction motor runs @ belo synchronous speed
If rotor runs at the synchronous speed, which is the same speed of the rotating magnetic field, then the rotor will appear stationary to the rotating magnetic field and the rotating magnetic field will not cut the rotor. So, no induced current will flow in the rotor and no rotor magnetic flux will be produced so no torque is generated and the rotor speed will fall below the synchronous speed

Principle of operation
The Slip
s nsync nm nsync

Where s is the slip Notice that : if the rotor runs at synchronous speed s=0 if the rotor is stationary s=1

Principle of operation
Frequency
What would be the frequency of the rotors induced voltage at any speed nm?

fr s fe

Principle of operation
The frequency of the voltage induced in the rotor is given by

Pn fr 120
Where fr = the rotor frequency (Hz) P = number of stator poles n = slip speed (rpm)

Applications
Small single phase induction motors (fractional horsepower rating) are used in many household appliances such as: - Blenders - Lawn mowers - Juice mixers - Washing machines - Refrigerators

Summary
The transfer of energy from the stationary member to the rotating member is by means of electromagnetic induction It consist of a series of a conducting bars laid into slots carved in the face of the rotor and shorted at either ends by large shorting ring. This design is referred to as squirrel cage rotor because the conductors would look like one of the exercise wheels that squirrel or hamsters run on. Small squirrel cage rotors use a slotted core of laminated steel into which molten aluminums cast to form the conductor, end rings and fan blades. Larger squirrel cage rotors use brass bars and brass end rings that are brazed together to form the squirrel cage.

Multiple Choice Questions(MCQ)

1. If NS is the synchronous speed of the rotating field, N, the actual speed of the rotor of a 3phase induction motor, then the percent slip, S is given by (a) (Ns-N) / Ns x 100 (b) (N-Ns) / N x 100 (c) (N-Ns) / Ns x 100 (d) None of these

Ans: a
2. The mmf produced by the current of a three phase induction motor (a) rotates at the speed of rotor in air gap (b) is standstill with respect to stator mmf (c) rotates at slip speed with respect to stator mmf (d) rotates at synchronous speed respect to rotor Ans: b 3. A 3-phase slip-ring induction motor wound for 4 poles on stator and 6 poles on rotor. When 3-phase balanced source at 50 Hz is applied to the it will (a) run at 1500 rpm (b) run at 1000 rpm (c) run at 750 rpm (d) not run Ans: d 4.The power factor of a squirrel cage induction motor is (a) low at light load only. (b) low at heavy load only. (c) low at light and heavy load both. (d) low at rated load only. Ans: A

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

5. A 3-phase, 400 volts, 50 Hz, 100 kW, 4 pole squirrel cage induction motor with a rated slip of 2% will have a rotor speed of (a) 1500 rpm (b) 1470 rpm (c) 1530 rpm (d) 1570 rpm

Ans: B
Explanation : N = NS (1-S) and NS =120 f / p, =120 x 50 /4 = 1500 rpm, N= 1500 (1-0.02) =1470 rpm