Gurudeva Institute of Science & Technology, Kottayam: Electrical Drive

Gurudeva Institute of Science & Technology,Kottayam
MODULE 4
Industrial drives – electric drives – advantages – individual drive and group drive – factors
affecting choice of motor – mechanical characteristics of A.C. and D.C. motors – motors for
particular application like textile mill, steel mill, paper mill, mine, hoists, crane etc. – size and
rating of motor . Electric traction– Different systems of traction – comparison – track
electrification – different systems – traction motor characteristics – electric braking –plugging –
Dynamic and regenerative braking.
Electrical drive:
A form of machine equipment designed to convert electrical energy into

mechanical energy and to provide electrical control of this process is known as electrical
drive.
An electrical drive has the following major parts:
 Load
 Motor
 Power modulator
 Source
 Control unit
ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

Load comprises machinery designed to accomplish a given task (eg: pumps, fans,
machine tools, washing machines, drills, trains etc.)
A motor having speed-torque characteristics and capabilities compatible to the load

requirements is selected.
Power modulator performs the following functions
(i) It modulates flow of power from the source to the motor in such a way that
motor is imparted speed-torque characteristics required by the load.
(ii) It restricts source and motor currents within permissible values, during transient
operations. (e.g.. Starting, braking and speed reversal). Excess Current drawn
from source may overload it or may cause a voltage dip.
(iii) It converts electrical energy of source in the form suitable to motor.
(iv) It selects the mode of operation of the motor, i.e., motoring or braking.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTGES OF ELECTRICAL DRIVES
Advantages:
1. Available in wide range of torque, speed and power,

2. High efficiency.
3. Low no-load losses and considerable short time overloading capability.
4. Do not pollute environment
5. Adaptable to almost any operating conditions such as explosive and radioactive
environment, submerged in liquids, vertical mounting and so on.
6. They have flexible control characteristics,
7. Can be started instantly and can immediately be fully loaded.
8. They are powered by electrical energy which has a number of advantages (over
other forms of energy)
(i) It can be generated and transported to the desired point economically
and efficiently ,
(ii) Conversion of electrical to mechanically energy and vice versa, and
electrical energy from one form to another can also be done
economically and efficiently.
9. Can operate in all the four quadrants of speed-torque plane.
10. They have comparatively long life as compared to mechanical drive.
11. It requires less space.
12. Speed control is easy and smooth.

13. Can be remotely controlled.
Disadvantages:
1. It comes to stop as soon as there is failure of electric supply.

2. It cannot be used at far off places which are not served by electric supply.
TYPES OF MOTORS USED FOR ELECTRICAL DRIVE
Following types of motors are generally used for electrical drive,
(i) D.C. shunt, series and compound motor.

(ii) Three-phase induction motor.
(iii) Schrage motor.
(iv) Stator-fed commutator motor.
(v) Three-phase series motor.
(vi) Synchronous and synchronous induction motor,
(vii) Single-phase series motor.
(viii) Repulsion motor.
(ix) Single-phase induction motor
(x) Compensated induction motor
SELECTION OF ELECI'RICAL DRIVES
The selection of electrical drive for an application depends on,
l. Steady state operation requirements
 Nature of speed-torque characteristics.

 Speed regulation
 Speed range.
 Efficiency,
 Duty cycle.
 Quadrants of operation.
 Speed fluctuations if any, ratings.
2. Transient operation requirements:
 Values of acceleration and deceleration

 Starting, braking and reversing performance

3. Requirement related to the source:
 Types of source and its capability

 Magnitude of voltage, voltage fluctuations, power factor, harmonics and their
effect on other loads.
 Ability to accept regenerated power.
4. Capital and running cost, maintenance needs, life
5. Reliability
6. Environment and location
7. Space and weight restrictions
CLASSIFICATION OF ELECTRICAL DRIVES
Electrical drives may be grouped into the following three categories:
 Group drive
 Individual drive
 Multimotor drive
Group drive.
 A drive in which a single electric motor drives a line shaft by means of which an
entire group of working machines may be operated is called group drive.
 It is also sometimes called line shaft drive,
 The line shaft is fitted with multi-stepped pulleys and belts that connect these
pulleys and the shafts of the driven machines serve to vary their speed
Advantages:
(i) Saving in initial cost (One 150 kW motor costs much less than ten 15 kW
motors required to drive 10 separate machines.
(ii) The efficiency and power factor of a large group drive motor will be higher,
provided it is operated fairly near its rated load.
(iii) If the machines are liable to short but sharp overloads, group drive is
advantageous.
(iv) Group drive can be used with advantage in those industrial processes where
there is a Sequence of continuity in operation and where it is desirable to stop
these processes simultaneously (eg: flour mill).

Disadvantages:
(i) Group drive does not give good appearanee (owing to the use of line shafting
pulley and belts) and is less safe to operate.
(ii) In group drive the speed control of individual machine is very difficult using
stepped pulleys, belts etc.
(iii) Noise level at the working site is quite high.
(iv) This system is unreliable since any fault in driving motor makes all the driven
equipment idle
(v) Power is lost in energy transmitting mechanism
(vi) If all the machines driven by the line shaft do not work together, the main
motor runs at reduced load. So it runs with low efficiency and with poor
power factor.
(vii) It cannot be used for constant speed application s(eg: paper & textile industry)
(viii) Flexibility of layout of different machines is lost since they have to be so
located as to suit the position of line shaft.
Individual drive:
 Each machine is driven by its own separate motor with help of gears, pulley etc.
E.g.: Single-spindle drilling machines, various types of electrical hand tools
Advantages
(i) Flexibility in the installation of different machines

(ii) Each operator has full control of the machine which can be quickly stopped if
an accident occurs
(iii) Since each machine is driven by a separate motor, it can be run and stopped as
desired
(iv) The motor and its control unit can be built as an integral part of the machine
results in a good appearance, cleanliness and safety.
(v) Machines not required can be shut down
(vi) In the case of motor fault, only its connected machine will stop whereas other
will continue working undisturbed
(vii) The maintenance of line shafts, bearings, pulleys and belts etc. is eliminated.
Disadvantage.
The only disadvantage of individual drive is its high cost

• For driving heavy machines such as for lifts, cranes, shapers, lathes etc. and for the
purposes where constancy of speed and flexibility of control required, such as in paper
mills and textile industry, individual drive is essential.
Multimotor drive:
 In multimotor drive separate motors are provided for actuating differents parts of
the driven mechanism
E.g.: travelling cranes, three motors are used for hoisting, another for long travel motion
and third for cross travel motion.
Such a drive is essential in complicated metal-cutting machine tools, paper making

machines, rolling mills etc.
DC MOTOR DRIVES
D.C. drives are used for applications requiring:
 Adjustable speed
 Good Speed regulation
 Frequent starting, braking and reversing
E.g. : Rolling mills, Paper mills, Mine winders, Hoists, Machine tools, Traction, Printing
press, Textile mills, Excavators and cranes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of D.C. Motors:
Advantages:
1. High Starting torque
2. Speed control over a wide range (both below and above normal speed)
3. Accurate stepless speed control with constant torque.
4. Quick starting, stopping, reversing and accelerating.
5. High reliability
Disadvantages:
1. High initial cost
2. Increased operating and maintenance costs because of commutators and brushes.

MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DC MOTOR
For series motor,

The N/Ia curve follows the hyperbolic path. After saturation, the flux becomes
constant.It is used for Variable Speed applications.
For shunt motor.

The N/Ia curve follows a straight line.It possess almost constant speed with variation of
armature current.So used in constant speed applications.
MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AC MOTOR

(3 φ & 1 φ Induction Motors)

FACTORS AFFECTING SELECTION OF MOTOR
 Nature of electric supply.

 Types of drives.
 Nature of load.
 Electrical Characteristics
 Operating or Running Characteristics.
 Starting Characteristics
 Speed Control
 Braking Characteristics
 Mechanical Considerations
 Types of Enclosures
 Cooling
 Types of Bearings
 Types of Transmission for Drive
 Noise Level
 Service Capacity and Rating
 Requirements for Continuous, Intermittent, or Variable Load cycle
 Pull-Out Torque and Overload Capacity
 Reliability
 Environment and location
 Space and weight restrictions
 Appearance
 Cost Considerations
 Capital or Initial Cost
 Running or Operating Cost-power factor, losses, maintenance and
depreciation etc.
SIZE AND RATING OF MOTOR
The factors governing the size and rating of motor are:

 The maximum temperature rise of the motor under given load conditions.
 The maximum torque required
 A motor which is satisfactory from the point of view of maximum temperature
rise usually satisfies the requirement of maximum torque as well.

Standard Rating of Motors:
1. Continuous rating
It is an output which a motor can deliver continuously without exceeding
the permissible temperature
2. Continuous maximum rating
It is similar to Continuous rating but not allowing any overload
3. Short time rating
It is an output which a motor can deliver for a specified period( say 1
hr/half hr etc..) without exceeding the specified temperature rise.
4. Intermittent rating
This rating indicates the maximum load of the motor for the specified
time followed by a no load period during which the machine cools down to
original temperature.
Classes of Duty
The rating of a motor is selected from the viewpoint of heating depends on the
load conditions or duty to which it is subjected. According to ISS: 4722 these operating
conditions are classified into eight classes of duty.
1. Continuous duty
 It denotes operation at constant load of sufficient duration for thermal
equilibrium to be reached.
 Eg:- Centrifugal pumps, fans. compressors and conveyor, are some
equipment which run continuously with a constant load
2. Short time duty.
 It denotes the operation at constant load during a given time less than that
required to reach thermal equilibrium, followed by a rest of sufficient to re-
establish equality of temperature with the cooling medium.
 The recommended values for short time duty are 10, 30, 60 and 90 minutes.
 E.g:-. Motors used for opening and closing weirs, lockgates and bridges,
motors employed in battery-charging units etc. are rated for such a duty.
3. Intermittent periodic duty.
 It denotes a sequence of identical duty cycles, each consisting of a period of
operation of constant load and a rest period, these periods being too short to
attain thermal equilibrium during one duty cycle.
 Eg:- Motors that are used in different kinds of hoisting mechanisms and
those used in trams,trolley buses.

4. Intermittent periodic duty with starting.
 It indicates a sequence of identical duty each consisting of a period of
starting, a period of operation at constant load and a rest period, the
operating and rest periods being too short to attain thermal equilibrium
during one duty cycle,
 The stopping of motor in this type of duty, is obtained by natural
deceleration after disconnecting the electrical supply by means of
mechanical brake which does not cause additional heating of the windings
 Eg:- . Motors that drive metal cutting lathes and certain auxiliary equipment
of rolling
5. Intermittent periodic duty with starting and braking
 It denotes a sequence of identical duty cycles each consisting of a period of
starting, a period of operation at a constant load, a period of braking and a
rest period.
 The operating and rest periods are too short to obtain thermal equilibrium
during one duty cycle.
 In this duty braking is rapid and is carried out electrically.
 Eg:- Certain auxiliary equipment used in rolling mills and metal cutting
lathes offer such operating conditions to their driving motors.
6. Continuous duty with intermittent periodic loading.
 It denotes a sequence of identical duty cycles each consisting of a period of
operation at constant load and a period of operation at no load.
 The operation and no load periods are too short to attain thermal
equilibrium during one duty cycle.
 The period of operation at constant load follows a period of no load
operation instead of rest.
7. Continuous duty with starting and braking.
 It denotes a sequence of identical cycles consisting of a period of starting, a
period of operation at constant load and a period of electric braking.
 There is no rest period
8. Continuous duty with periodic speed changes.
 It denotes a sequence of identical cycles consisting of a period of operation
at constant load corresponding to a specified speed of rotation,followed
immediately by a period of operation at another load corresponding toa
different speed of rotation.
 The operating periods are too short to attain thermal equilibrium during one
duty cycle.

 There is no rest period
DETERMINATION OF POWER RATING OF ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR

DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS
1. Continuous duty and constant loads:

For most of the applications, rating can be determined from the equation
Where, T= Load torque, kg-m,

N= Speed, r.p.m., and
ƞ= Product of the efficiency of driven equipment and that of the
transmitting device
 In case of linear motion, the rating of motor is given by
Where, F= Force caused by the load, kg, and

v=Velocity of motion of the load, m/s.
 The above is applicable in case of hoisting mechanisms.
 It is also suitable for lifts & elevators, but since counter weight which
balances the weight of the cage or car, one- half of the useful load only is
needed.so the rating becomes
 In case of pumps, the rating can be determined from,
Where, ρ= Density of liquid pumped, kg/m3

Q= Delivery of pump, m3/s and
H= Gross head (static head + friction head), m
 The rating of fan is given by,
where,Q= volume of air or any other gas, m3/s & h= pressure in ‘mm’ of water or kg/m2

 The rating of a fan motor used in metal shearing lathes is given by,
Where, F = shearing force, kg

v = velocity of shearing, m/min, and
ƞ = mechanical efficiency of lathe
2. Motor ratings for variable loads
The following are the commonly used methods for determination of motor
rating for variable load drives:
 Method of average losses
 Equivalent current method
 Equivalent torque method
 Equivalent power method
a) Method of average losses
 The method consists of finding average losses Qav in the motor according
to load diagram.
 These losses are then compared with Qnorm , the losses corresponding to
the continuous duty of the machine when operated at its normal rating..
 If Qav = Qnorm, the motor will operate without temperature rise.
 The loss diagram (loss Q Vs time t) is shown above.

 The losses of the motor are calculated for each portion of the load
diagram referring to efficiency curve of the motor.
 The average loss is given by,

 The average losses as found from the above equation is compared with
losses of selected motor at rated frequency.
 In the case two losses are equal or differ by a small amount the motor is
selected.
 In case the losses differ considerably,another motor is selected and
calculations are repeated till the motor having almost the same losses or
the average losses is found.
 This method does not take into account the maximum temperature rise
under variable load conditions.
b) Equivalent current method:
 This method is based on the assumption that the actual variable current
may be replaced by an equivalent current Ieq which produces the same
loss in motor as actual current.
 The equivalent current as found from the above equation should be

compared with the rated current of the motor selected and the
conditions Ieq ≤ Inorm should be met (Inorm is the rated current of the
machine).
 The machine selected should also be checked for its overload capacity,
 In case the overload capacity of the motor selected is not sufficient it
becomes necessary to select a motor of high power rating.
c) Equivalent Torque and equivalent power methods:

For the selection of suitable capacity of the motor it often becomes
necessary to use torque or power load diagrams. The equivalent torque or power
is found in the same manner as the equivalent current.
Assuming constant flux and constant power factor, the torque is directly
proportional to current and, therefore, the equivalent torque is :

As power is proportional to torque, the equivalent power is given by,
 The "equivalent current method" is the most accurate out of all methods discussed
above.
 The "equivalent torque method" cannot be used for selection of motor rating for
cases in which the field flux does not remain constant like D C. series motors and
for squirrel cage induction motor under starting and braking conditions.
ELECTRIC TRACTION
 The locomotion in which the driving or tractive force is obtained from electric
motors is called Electric traction.
 Electric traction is used in Electric trains, Tram cars, Trollev buses , Diesel-
electric vehicles etc..
TRACTION SYSTEMS
All traction systems,can be classified as follows
 Non-electric traction systems.
 These systems do not use electrical energy at any stage.
 Eg:- : (i) Steam engine drive used in railways. (ii) Internal
combustion-engine-drive used for road transport.
 Electric traction systems.
 These systems involve the use of electric energy at some stage or the
other.
 These are further sub-divided into the following two groups
(a) Self contained vehicles or locomotives
Eg:-Battery-electric drive,Diesel-electric drive etc.
(b) Vehicles which receive electric power from a distribution
network or suitably placed substations.
Eg:- : Railway electric locomotive fed from overhead A.C.
supply,Tramways and trolley buses supplied with D.C. supply.

REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL TRACTION SYSTEM
The requirements of an ideal traction system are:
1) High adhesion coefficient, so that high tractive effort at the start is possible to have
rapid acceleration
2) The locomotive or train unit should be self contained so that it can run on any route.
3) Minimum wear on the track
4) It should be possible to overload the equipment for short periods.
5) The equipment required should be minimum, of high efficiency and low initial and
maintenance cost.
6) It should be pollution free
7) Speed control should be easy.
8) Braking should be such that minimum wear is caused on the brake shoes, and if
possible the energy should be regenerated and returned to the supply during braking
period
9) There should be no interference to the communication lines (Telephone and
telegraph lines) running the track.
DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF TRACTION
 Steam engine drive.

In this type of drive, a reciprocating engine used for getting the necessary motive
power.
Advantage:
1) Simplicity in design
2) Simplified maintenance.
3) Easy speed control
4) Simplicity of connections between the cylinders and the driving wheel
5) No interference with communication network.
6) Low capital cost as track electrification is not required.
7) The locomotive and train unit is self contained, therefore. it is not tied to any
route
8) It is cheap for low density traffic areas and in initial stages of communication by
rail

9) Operational dependability
Disadvantages.
1) Low thermal efficiency.

2) Maintenance time & Service time is high
3) Owing to unbalanced reciprocating parts there is a considerable wear the also
riding qualities are not good
4) Due to the reason of low adhesion coefficient, power-weight ratio of steam
locomotive is low.
5) It has strictly limited overload capacity
6) Steam locomotive cannot be put into service at any moment as time is
required for raising of steam.
7) Due to high centre of gravity of steam locomotive,speed is limited.
8) Steam locomotive requires more repair
9) Steam locomotive has to carry sufficient quantity of coal.
10) Extensive and costly auxiliary equipment.
11) Steam locomotive service is not clean owing to coal dust
12) Bigger size of running sheds and workshop are required
 Internal combustion (I.C) engine drive

 This drive is widely used for transport(buses,trucks,cars etc..)
 It has an efficiency of about 25% when operating at normal speed.
Advantages:
1) Low initial investment.
2) It is self-contained unit and, therefore, it is not tied to any route
3) Easy speed control
4) Very Simple braking system
5) It is cheap drive for the outer suburbans and country districts.
Disadvantages :
1) Limited overload capacity.
2) A gear box is essential for speed control.
3) Higher running and maintenance costs
4) Operation at any but the normal speed is uneconomical
5) The life of propulsive equipment is much shorter than that of electrical
equipment of a tram car or a trolley bus.

6) Unsuitable for heavy railway work as the arrangement possible for speed
control and utilizing the engine torque to full capacity when running to full
speed is not altogether satisfactory for it.
 I.C Engine electric drive
 In this drive the reduction gear and gear box are eliminated.
 The diesel engine is to drive the D.C generator coupled to it at a constant
speed.
Advantages:
1. Low initial investment

2. No modification of existing tracks is required while converting from steam
to diesel electric traction.
3. The locomotive and train is self contained and is not tied to any route.
4. Can be put into service at any moment.
5. Loss of power in speed control is very low.
6. Overall efficiency isgreaterthan that of steam locomotive.
Disadvantages:
1. Limited overload capacity(since diesel engine cannot be overloaded)

2. High running and maintenance cost.
3. Higher weight of locomotive.so more axles required.
4. Comparatively costlier than steam or electric locomotives.
5. Regenerative braking cannot be used.
6. The life of diesel engine is comparatively shorter.
7. There is necessity to provide special cooling system for the diesel engine
in addition to motor-generator set.
 Petrol- electric traction
 This drive provide a very fine and continuous control which makes the
vehicle capable of moving slowly at an imperceptible speed and creeping
up the steepest slope without trottling the engine.
 It is employed in heavy lorries and buses.
 Battery electric drive

 In this system ,the locomotive carries the secondary batteries which supply
power to D.C motors employed for driving the vehicle.

 This type of drive is well suited for frequently operated service such as for
local delivery of goods in large towns with maximum daily run of 50 to 60
km, shunting and traction in industrial works and mines.
 Battery vehicles are started by series-parallel grouping of batteries
 In parallel for starting and running at the speed upto half maximum speed
 In series for running at full maximum speed.
Advantages:
1. Battery driven vehicle is easy to control and very convenient to use.

2. Low maintenance cost.
3. Absence of fumes.
Disadvantages:
1. Major disadvantage is small capacity of batteries and necessity for frequent

charging.
2. Limited speed range.
 Electric Drive
 Here the drive is by means of electric motors which are fed from
overhead distribution system.
Advantages:
1. As it has no smoke, electric traction is most suited for the underground and
tube railways.
2. The motors used in electric traction have a very high starting torque.So can
achieve higher accelerations of 1.5 to2.5km/h/s as against 0.6 to 0 8 km/h/s
in steam traction.
3. High schedule speed
4. Increased traffic handling capacity
5. Due to high scheduled speed and high handling capacity, less terminal space
is required, this is an important factor in urban areas
6. An electric locomotive is ready to start at any moment
7. An electric locomotive can negotiate curves at high speed since its centre of
gravity is low incomparison to a steam locomotive.
8. The maintenance cost of an electric locomotive is 50% of that of steam
locomotive

9. In electric traction adhesion coefficient is more.
10. By use of electric traction high grade coal can be saved,since electric
locomotive can be fed either from hydroelectric stations or pit head thermal
power stations which use low grade coal.
11. Regenerative braking is possible.
12. Complete absence of smoke and fumes,
13. The vibrations in electrically operated vehicles are less as the torque exerted
by electric motor is continuous.
14. Electric equipment can withstand large temporary overloads and can draw
releatively large power from the distribution system.
Disadvantages :
1. High initial cost of laying out overhead electric supply system.

2. Power failure for a few minutes can cause traffic dislocation for hours.
3. The electric traction system is tied up to only electrified routes.
4. Communication lines which usually run parallel to the power supply lines
suffer from electrical interference.
5. Additional equipment is required for regeneration. In case of D.C. series
motors regeneration is not a simple process.
6. In case of electric traction provision of a negative booster is essential. By
avoiding the flow of return currents through earth, it curtails corrosion of
underground pipe work and interference with telegraph and telephone
circuits.
7. Whereas steam locomotives can use their steam for heating the compartments
in cold weather very cheaply, the electric locomotives have to do it at an
extra cost.
8. In cold countries a service locomotive is required to run up and down the line
in order to prevent the formation of layer of ice on the conductor rails.
SYSTEMS OF TRACK ELECTRIFICATION

Following are the four types of track electrification systems presently available:
1. D.C System – 600V, 750V, 1500V, 3000V
2. Single- phase A.C System – 15 to 25kV,16 ,25 and 50 Hz
3. Three – phase A.C System – 3.3 to 3.6kV at 16 Hz

4. Composite System – involving conversion of single phase A.C into three phase
A.C or D.C.
1. D.C System:
 In DC system the electric motors employed for getting the necessary motive
power are usually D.C series motors
 Compound motors are also used for tram-ways and trolley buses were
regenerative braking is desired
 Direct current at 600 to 750 V is universally employed for tramways in
urban areas and for many suburban railways while 1500 to 3000 V DC is
used for main line railways.
 The current collection is from third rail or conductor rail upto 750V,where
large currents are involved and from overhead wire for 1500 V and 3000 V,
where small currents are involved.
 Both of these systems are fed from substations which are spaced 3 to 5 km
for heavy suburban traffic and 40 to 50 km for main lines operating at higher
voltages of 1500 to 3000 V
 These sub-stations themselves receive power from 110/132kV, 3-phase
network or grid.
 This high –voltage 3 phase supply at these substaions ,is converted into low
voltage 1 –phase supply with the help of Scott - connected or V-connected
3 -phase transformer.
 This low A.C voltage is converted into required D. C Voltage by using
suitable rectifiers or converters.
 These sub-stations are usually automatic are remote controlled.
 The D.C. supply so obtained is fed via suitable contact system to the traction
motors
2. Single–phase A.C System :
 In this system A.C series motors are used for getting necessary motive power.
 The voltage used for distribution network is 15000 to 25000V at 16 or 25 Hz

which is stepped down on the locomotive to a low voltage of 300 to 400 V for
supplying power to ac series motor by means of a step-down transformer carried
in the locomotive.

 When the extent of electrification is within a radius of 30km from generating
station,the distribution network is fed directly at high voltage from a generating
station.
 For longer distances, in between transformer substations are employed for
feeding the distribution network.
 The sub-stations receive power at high voltage either from the existing extra high
voltage transmission lines or from a separate system employing single-phase
generating stations and step down the voltage to the required value and/or change
the supply frequency through frequency converters.
 The change of supply frequency becomes necessary because of better
performance of the A.C series motors at low frequency
 Single-phase A-C, system is invariably adopted for the main line service where
the cost of overhead structure is of more importance and rapid acceleration and
retardation is not as important as for suburban railways.
3. Three-phase A-C. system :

 In this system, the required motive power is obtained by the use of 3-phase
induction motors operating at 3.3 k V to 3.6 kV, 16 Hz supply.

 Sub-stations receive power at a very high voltage from 3-phase transmission lines
at the usual industrial frequency of 50 Hz.
 The high voltage is stepped down to 3.3kV or so by transformers whereas
frequency is reduced from 50 Hz to 16 Hz by frequency converters installed at

the sub-stations
 The distribution system consists of two overhead wires and track rail for the third
phase and receives the power either directly from the generating station or
through the transformer substations.
 The sub-stations receive power from high voltage lines at power frequency and
step down the voltage and change the frequency
4. Composite System :
The two composite systems presently in use are:
(a) Single phase to three phase system (or Kando system).
(b) Single phase to D.C system.

Single phase to three phase system (or Kando system) :
 It consists of 16kV,50 Hz single phase overhead supply being converted to three
phase supply by means of phase converter equipment carried on the locomotive.
 The three phase supply is fed to three phase induction motor.
Single phase A.C to D.C system:

 This system employs overhead single- phase 25kV, 50Hz supply which is stepped
down by the transformer in the locomotive.
 This single – phase supply is then converted to D.C and is used in driving D.C
series traction motor.
TRACTION MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS
Characteristics of Series Motor :

Combined characteristics of D.C Series motor & Compound Motor :
ELECTRIC BRAKING
In electric braking,the braking energy is converted into electrical energy instead
of converting it into heat energy at the brake shoes and either dissipated in the
resistances mounted on the vehicle or returned to the supply.
Advantages of electric braking over mechanical braking:
1. Electric brake is smooth

2. It is more economical than mechanical braking (in mechanical braking, due to
excessive wear on brake drum, liner etc.. so it needs frequent and costly
replacement.
3. Mechanical braking produces metal dust,which can damage bearings

4. In mechanical braking the noise produced is very high.
5. In regenerative braking electrical energy can be returned back tosupply which
is not possible in mechanical braking.
6. If mechanicalbrakes are not correctly adjusted it may cause cause discomfort
to the occupants.
7. High maintenance cost for mechanical braking.
8. Heat produced at the brake shoe in mechanical braking may result I the failure
of brake.
9. The capacity of system using electric braking can be increased by way of
higher speeds and for heavy loads.
Disadvantages/Limitations of Electric Braking :
1. Since the motor has to function as a generator during braking period, it must have
suitable braking characteristics. i.e. choice of motor is limited.
2. In order to make the machine stationary at time in a friction brake is required to
bring the load or machine to standstill position.
3. High initial cost, special motors capable of generating electrical energy make
electric braking costly.
Types of Electric Braking:
 For d.c. shunt as well as series motors, the following three methods of electric
braking are used:
(i) Rheostatic or Dynamic braking
(ii) Plugging
(iii) Regenerative braking
 Electric braking cannot hold the motor stationary and mechanical braking is
necessary.
 The main advantage of using electric braking is that it reduces the wear and tear
of mechanical brakes and cuts down the stopping time considerably due to high
braking retardation.
(i) Rheostatic or Dynamic braking
 In this method, the armature of the running motor is disconnected from the
supply and is connected across a variable resistance R.
 However, the field winding is left connected to the supply.
 The armature, while slowing down, rotates in a strong magnetic field and,
therefore, operates as a generator, sending a large current through resistance R.
 This causes the energy possessed by the rotating armature to be dissipated quickly
as heat in the resistance.

 As a result, the motor is brought to standstill quickly.
 The braking torque can be controlled by varying the resistance R.
 If the value of R is decreased as the motor speed decreases, the braking torque
may be maintained at a high value.
 At a low value of speed, the braking torque becomes small and the final stopping
of the motor is due to friction.
.
 This type of braking is used extensively in connection with the control of

elevators and hoists and in other applications in which motors must be started,
stopped and reversed frequently
(ii) Plugging
 In this method, connections to the armature are reversed so that motor tends
to rotate in the opposite direction, thus providing the necessary braking
effect.
 When the motor comes to rest, the supply must be cut off otherwise the
motor will start rotating in the opposite direction.
 The armature connections are reversed while the connections of the field
winding are kept the same. As a result the current in the armature reverses.
 During the normal running of the motor [See Fig.(i)], the back e.m.f. Eb
opposes the applied voltage V.
 However, when armature connections are reversed, back e.m.f. Eb and V act
in the same direction around the circuit.

 Therefore, a voltage equal to V + Eb is impressed across the armature
circuit.
 Since Eb ~ V, the impressed voltage is approximately 2V.
 In order to limit the current to safe value, a variable resistance R is inserted
in the circuit at the time of changing armature connections.
(iii) Regenerative braking

 In the regenerative braking, the motor is run as a generator.
 As a result, the kinetic energy of the motor is converted into electrical
energy and returned to the supply.
 The below Fig shows two methods of regenerative braking for a shunt
motor.
(i) In one method, field winding is disconnected from the supply and field current is
increased by exciting it from another source [See Fig.(i)].As a result, induced
e.m.f. E exceeds the supply voltage V and the machine feeds energy into the
supply. Thus braking torque is provided upto the speed at which induced e.m.f.
and supply voltage are equal. As the machine slows down, it is not possible to
maintain induced e.m.f. at a higher value than the supply voltage. Therefore, this
method is possible only for a limited range of speed.
(ii) In a second method, the field excitation does not change but the load causes the
motor to run above the normal speed (e.g., descending load on a crane).As a
result, the induced e.m.f. E becomes greater than the supply voltage V [See
Fig (ii)].The direction of armature current Ia, therefore, reverses but the
direction of shunt field current If remains unaltered. Hence the torque is
reversed and the speed falls until E becomes less than V.
Advantages:
1. Reduced energy consumption
2. Less wear and tear of brake blocks, wheels and track and hence less
maintenance.
3. Small amount of brake block dust hence increases life of bearings.

4. Ease and safety with heavy loads over steep gradients.
5. Higher value of braking retardation is obtained.so the vehicle can brought
to rest quickly.
6. Higher speed are possible while going down the gradients.
Disadvantages:
1. Increased capital cost.

2. Additional cost on control equipment
3. Mechanical braking is required at a speed of 6.5km/h to bring the
locomotive to rest.
4. Due to recuperated energy the operation of sub-station become
complicated and difficult.
Questions from previous year Examinations:
1) Give a brief note about the different systems of Electric traction and compare
them.
2) With suitable sketches explain the working of dynamic and regenerative
braking.
3) Explain the factors affecting the choice of a motor for an industrial application.
What type of motor will you suggest for a textile mill.
4) What are the advantages of electric drive? Explain individual and group drives
with examples.
5) Explain the various methods of braking techniques used for industrial drives.
6) Discuss the selection of motors for : (i) textile Mills (ii) Hoists
7) Explain the block diagram of an electric drive. Also mention the advantages &
disadvantages.
8) Discuss the various systems of track electrification.
9) Draw the mechanical characteristics of various motors used as drives.

Gurudeva Institute of Science & Technology, Kottayam: Electrical Drive

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Gurudeva Institute of Science & Technology, Kottayam: Electrical Drive

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Gurudeva Institute of Science & Technology,Kottayam

A form of machine equipment designed to convert electrical energy into

An electrical drive has the following major parts:

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

A motor having speed-torque characteristics and capabilities compatible to the load

Power modulator performs the following functions

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTGES OF ELECTRICAL DRIVES

1. Available in wide range of torque, speed and power,

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

1. It comes to stop as soon as there is failure of electric supply.

TYPES OF MOTORS USED FOR ELECTRICAL DRIVE

Following types of motors are generally used for electrical drive,

(i) D.C. shunt, series and compound motor.

SELECTION OF ELECI'RICAL DRIVES

The selection of electrical drive for an application depends on,

l. Steady state operation requirements

 Nature of speed-torque characteristics.

2. Transient operation requirements:

 Values of acceleration and deceleration

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

 Types of source and its capability

CLASSIFICATION OF ELECTRICAL DRIVES

Electrical drives may be grouped into the following three categories:

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

E.g.: Single-spindle drilling machines, various types of electrical hand tools

(i) Flexibility in the installation of different machines

The only disadvantage of individual drive is its high cost

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

Such a drive is essential in complicated metal-cutting machine tools, paper making

D.C. drives are used for applications requiring:

Advantages and Disadvantages of D.C. Motors:

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DC MOTOR

For series motor,

For shunt motor.

MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AC MOTOR

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

FACTORS AFFECTING SELECTION OF MOTOR

 Nature of electric supply.

SIZE AND RATING OF MOTOR

The factors governing the size and rating of motor are:

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

DETERMINATION OF POWER RATING OF ELECTRIC MOTORS FOR

1. Continuous duty and constant loads:

Where, T= Load torque, kg-m,

 In case of linear motion, the rating of motor is given by

Where, F= Force caused by the load, kg, and

 In case of pumps, the rating can be determined from,

Where, ρ= Density of liquid pumped, kg/m3

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

Where, F = shearing force, kg

 The loss diagram (loss Q Vs time t) is shown above.

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

 The equivalent current as found from the above equation should be

c) Equivalent Torque and equivalent power methods:

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

ME 010 406(EE) - Electrical Technology Dept. of EEE

REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL TRACTION SYSTEM

The requirements of an ideal traction system are:

DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF TRACTION

 Steam engine drive.