THREE-PHASE MACHINE

SPEED
SYNCHRONOUS
SPEED
SLIP
POWER FACTOR

ARMATURE
CURRENT

TYPICAL
APPLICATION

3-PHASE ASYNCHRONOUS MACHINE (SQUIRRELCAGE INDUCTION MOTOR)

Almost synchronous speed at no-load, slows down as load
increases
nsynch = 120*f/P; f = freq, P = # of poles
s = (nsynch-nm)/nsynch*100%; 3% to 7% typical
Lagging but may be improved by use of capacitors; but do not
overcorrect into "lead" territory

Increases with load

Most widely used motor in industry, simpler and more rugged;

may give exact speed when used in conjunction with VFD
Vector Drives. Induction Generator not very practical but may
be used in wind-power applications (output frequency varies
with speed).

HREE-PHASE MACHINES SUMMARY

3-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
Always at synchronous speed
nsynch = 120*f/P; f = freq, P = # of poles
N/A
May be lag, lead or unity, depends on excitation current level:
underexcited lags, overexcited leads
Increases with load, for constant load varies with PF, lowest at
UNITY PF

Used to correct PF or if exact speed required

MARY
3-PHASE SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
Depends on prime-mover, determines output frequency
nsynch = 120*f/P; f = freq, P = # of poles
N/A
Depends on load if operating alone, depends on excitation current level
when in parallel with infinite bus or other generators

Increases with load provided excitation current level remains constant

Most widely used generator supplying power grid