Induction Motor Starting Methods

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Induction Motor Starting Methods

Introduction
Most large induction motors are started directly on line, but when very large
motors are started that way, they cause a disturbance of voltage on the
supply lines due to large starting current surges. To limit the starting current
surge, large induction motors are started at reduced voltage and then have
full supply voltage reconnected when they run up to near rotated speed.

The high starting current will produce severe voltage drop and will affect
the operation of other equipment. It is not desirable to start large motors
direct on line (giving full voltage to the stator). Normally with motors beyond
5 HP, starters are provided. For reduction in the starting current, a lower
voltage is applied to the stator, especially for the squirrel cage induction
motors. Full voltage is only applied when the motor picks up speed.
Starting methods of Induction motor include:

1. Direct –On– line (DOL) starters

Direct Online Starter is the simplest form of motor starter that connects the
motor directly to the power supply. It consists of a magnetic contactor that
connects the motor with a supply line & an overload relay for protection
against overcurrent. There is no voltage reduction for safe starting a motor.
Therefore the motor used with such starters has below 5 hp rating. It has
two simple push buttons that start & stop the motor.
Pressing the start button energizes the coil that pulls the contactors
together to close the circuit. And pressing the stop button de-energizes the
contactor’s coil & pushes its contacts apart thus breaking the circuit. The
switch used for turning ON/OFF the power supply can be of any type such
as rotary, level, float, etc.
Although this starter does not provide safe starting voltage the overload
relay provides protection against overheating & overcurrent. The overload
relay has normally closed contacts that energize the contactor’s coil. When
the relay trips, the contactor’s coil de-energize and breaks the circuit.
2. Star–Delta starters

This is another common starting method used in industries for large


motors. The windings of 3 phase induction motor are switched between
star and delta connection to start the motor.

To start the induction motor, it is connected in star using a triple pole double throw
relay. The phase voltage in star connection is reduced by the factor 1/√3 & it
reduces the starting current as well as the starting torque by 1/3 of the normal rated
value.

When the motor accelerates, a timer relay switches the star connection of
the stator windings into the delta connection, allowing the full voltage
across each winding. The motor runs at rated speed.

3. Autotransformer Starter

Such type of motor starters use an autotransformer as a step-down


transformer to reduce the voltage applied to the stator during the starting
stage. It can be connected to both star & delta connected motors.

The autotransformer’s secondary is connected with each phase of the


motor. The multiple tapings of autotransformer provide a fraction of the
rated voltage. During starting, the relay is at the start position i.e. the tap
point providing a reduced voltage for the startup. The relay switches
between the tap points to increase the voltage with the speed of the motor.
At last, it connects it with the full rated voltage.

As compared to other voltage reduction techniques, it offers high voltage


for a specific starting current. It helps in providing a better starting torque.

4. Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)


a Variable frequency drive (VFD) can vary the voltage as well as the
frequency of the supplying current. It is mainly used for controlling the
speed of the induction motor as it depends on the supply frequency.

The AC from the supply line is converted into DC using rectifiers. The pure
DC is converted into AC with adjustable frequency & voltage using pulse
width modulation technique through power transistors like IGBTs.

It provides full control over the motor speed from 0 to rated speed. The
speed adjust option with the variable voltage provides a better starting
current & acceleration.

5. Rotor Resistance or Slip Ring Motor Starter

This type of motor starter works on a full voltage motor starting technique. It
works only on a slip ring induction motor that is why it is also known as a
slip ring motor starter.

External resistances are connected with the rotor in star combination


through the slip ring. These resistors limit the rotor current & increase the
torque. This, in turn, reduces the starting stator current. It also helps in
improving the power factor

The resistors are only used during the starting of the motor & it is removed
once the motor picks up its rated speed.

Discussion :

1. Starters are required in the induction motor because of high


starting current.
2. Slip Ring induction motor has high starting torque.
3. At standstill condition the value of slip is 0.

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