EE462: ADVANCED ELECTRIC MACHINES AND DRIVES

Induction Machines
Weeks 1-3 Notes

READING TASK

Topics:
- Review of IM Theory
- Torque-speed characteristics of Induction Motor
- Industrial Application and Selection of Drives
- Starting and Speed Control of Induction Motors

Review/Describe:

(1) Construction of the Induction Motor

Induction motor is a motor with only amortisseur windings (a squirrel cage winding
placed near the pole faces). The amortisseur winding purpose is to dampen any speed
fluctuations or oscillation that may occur as a result of sudden load changes. It is also
used to accelerate the motor during starting.

- What are the major components of the 3-phase Induction machine (motor)?
  The A.C. Induction Motor has three main parts
i.  Stator
ii. Rotor, and
iii. Bearings And Fan:
iv. Enclosure

- What are the functions of each of these components?

Stator Parts
As shown in the diagram above, the parts 1, 2 and 8 makes up the stator of the three-phase
Induction motor:
1. Motor Frame. This is the supporting structure of the motor assembly;
manufactured of iron, steel, die-cast Aluminum, resistant to corrosion and with
cooling fins.
2. Lamination Core. This part is constructed with magnetic steel plates and houses the
motor windings.
 8. Three - phase Windings. This comprises three equal sets of coils, one se set for
each phase, forming a balanced three-phase system when connected to a three-phase
power supply.
Rotor Parts
The parts 3, 7 and 12 makes up the rotor of the three-phase motor:
3. Laminated Magnetic Core. The rotor laminations have the same characteristics of the
stator laminations.
7. Shaft. It transmits the mechanical output developed by the motor.
12. Rotor Bars and Short Circuit Rings. These are Aluminum die castings formed as
one piece. They enable the rotation of the motor through induction of
electromagnetic current.

Bearings and Fans:

The part 11 and 5 shows the location of bearing and fan respectively. Bearings mounted on the
shaft, support the rotor and allow it to turn. Fans are also mounted on the rotor shaft to cool
the motor when the shaft is rotating.

Enclosure
The enclosure consists of a frame and two end bells (or bearing housings) the stator is mounted
inside the frame. The enclosure protects the internal parts of the motor from water and
environmental elements. The degree of protection depends on the type of enclosure.
Below are listed other critical parts of the three-phase squirrel cage induction motor:
4. End Shields
6. Fan Cover.
9. Terminal Box. This houses the electrical terminals of the motor.
10. Motor terminals
 Parts of a three-phase Induction Motor 

- What are the two main types of IM rotors?

Depending upon the type of rotor used the three-phase induction motor is classified
as:
 Squirrel Cage Induction Motor.
 Slip Ring Induction Motor or Wound Rotor Induction Motor or Phase Wound
Induction Motor

Squirrel cage rotor

 Slip ring rotor

- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of these rotor constructions

Squirrel Cage Rotor

Advantages of Squirrel Cage Rotor;
 The cage rotor is cheaper, and the construction is robust.
 The absence of the brushes reduces the risk of sparking.
 Its Maintenance is less.
 The power factor is higher
 The efficiency of the cage rotor is higher.

Disadvantages of squirrel cage induction motor;

 Power factor is low at light load
 Poor starting torque
 No speed regulation
 Sensitive to change in supply voltage

Slip Ring Rotor

Advantages of Slip Ring Rotor
 High Starting torque with low starting current. Maximum starting can be
attained in the slip ring motor compared to squirrel cage motor by inserting
an external resistance in each phase of the rotor circuit and cutting the
resistance during starting
 Speeds can be adjusted in the case of slip ring (wound rotor) induction motor
by inserting a resistance. Hence slip ring motors are considered as variable
speed motors.
 Slip ring motors have high over loading capacity, smooth acceleration under
heavy loads, and no abnormal heating during starting
 Disadvantages of Slip Ring Rotor
 Initial and maintenance cost is more compared to squirrel cage motor
because presence of slip rings, brushes, short circuiting devices etc.
 Speed regulation is poor when operated with external resistances in rotor
circuit
 Efficiency and power factor of slip ring motor is lower compared to squirrel
cage induction motor
 Lower power factor at the light loads
 Sensitivity to fluctuations in supply voltage

(2) Describe the principle of operation of a three-phase induction motor

- How is the rotating magnetic field established?

- How is the rotor of the IM forced to move?
- What is the slip?

(3) Develop the equivalent circuit diagram of the IM at any slip