SOFT STARTER

A project report
submitted In
partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree
of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

In

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Submitted by

1. KUMAR BHARAT BHUSHAN SINGH: (1601045)

2. NARESH HANSDA : (1601055)
3. RAJNISH SINGH : (1601071)
4. RAJU KUMAR GUPTA : (1601072)
5. JYOTI KUMARI : (1701010D)

Under the guidance of

PROF. Amit Kumar Chaudhary

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

BIT SINDRI, DHANBAD (828123)

JULY 2020
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 BIT SINDRI, DHANBAD (828123) JHARKHAND

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this project report on “SOFT STARTER” is the bonafide work of “KUMAR
BHARAT BHUSHAN SINGH, NARESH HANSDA, RAJINSH SINGH, RAJU KUMAR GUPTA
& JYOTI KUMARI ” who carried out the project work under my supervision.

<<Signature of the Head of the Department>> <<Signature of the Supervisor>>

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Dr. DK TANTI AMIT KUMAR CHAUDHARY

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR

Assistant professor

Department of Electrical Engg. Department of Electrical Engg

BIT Sindri, P.O.: Sindri Institute BIT Sindri, P.O.: Sindri Institute

Dist: Dhanbad, Jharkhand Dist: Dhanbad, Jharkhand

India, PIN: 82812 India, PIN: 82812

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 ABSTRACT

The three phase induction motor draws current more

than its rated capacity during its starting state which
may lead to the damage of winding of the motor, In
order to avoid this problem , for the smooth and soft
start of the induction motor (for safe operation),voltage
is gradually applied from lower to higher state. The main
intension of this project is the designing of a smooth
start process for the three-phase induction motor by
applying the delayed pulses to the motor through the
SCR. The motor is achieved by the principle of SCR-firing
angle control. This project consists of six-anti parallel or
back to back SCRs connected in each series with an
induction motor to the mains supply, where in two for
each phase is used. Opto-coupler is connected to trigger
the back-to-back SCRs with isolation from the
controlling section. During the start, the firing angle is
heavily delayed by receiving delayed triggering pulses
from the operational amplifier.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Project work in final year is not only a part of study rather it

has provided us to think beyond what we have learnt in the
class room. we take this opportunity to acknowledge the
efforts of all the people associated with this project, without
which this project would not have been a reality. We would
like to pay our sincere thanks to our project guide, MR.
AMIT KUMAR CHAUDHARY (Deptt. Electrical engg.),
who provided invaluable time and all the technical guidance
needed to complete this project. He also gave us all the liberty
to do the study related to the project which led to the
completion of this project in all regards. He was very
supportive in all action and inspired us to think over the
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 problems related to this project. We are also grateful to
our head of department prof.(Dr. D.K. TANTI) for his
invaluable suggestion.

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Page 1

# Why do we need a starter :-

Starters as the name suggest are not used to start the motors specially when the motors are self starting
e.g. Induction Motor (AC motor) and DC Motor.

They are primarily used to reduce voltage or current at the starting, thereby protecting the machine
from heavy currents ,over voltages and even very low voltages (under-voltage) by use of Overload Coils
(OLCs) or Underload Coils (ULCs) . The starters for AC machine are discussed below

AC Machines

So When we are discussing AC machines I'll limit my discussion to Induction Motors be it squirrel cage or
wound rotor motor.

The three phase Induction motors have a starting torque and hence they are self starting in nature.
However , we should recall the similarities between a three phase machine and a transformer. The
principal of operation for both of them is same i.e. the mutual induction. In case of the IM , during
starting, when the rotor is at rest, there is maximum rate of change of flux or alternatively the induced
EMF in secondary of a fictitious *rotating transformer* is maximum and is E and corresponding to this
induced voltage in the rotor , a large current flows through the rotor.

Alternatively during starting , a very high current flows so as to set up a magnetic field. As the reluctance
of air is large due to a large air gap, a high *magnetizing* current is required to set up field in the air
gap.

Such a large current apart from causing the fluctuations in line voltage can adversely affects the
machine.

It becomes necessary to reduce the starting current so that the other devices connected to line can
work properly.

Following are the common starting methods for IM :-

 1) Autotransformer Starters

By varying the turns of transformer , input supply can be varied. This reduces the the voltage to xV
(where x is the AT's turn ratio) and line current to x^2 times I.

2) Star Delta Starter

Well it is no brainer that in star the phase voltage is 1/sqrt(3) times the line voltage. So by connecting
the stator winding in star the starting current is reduced. As the motor picks up the speed it is connected
to delta

Theory of INDUCTION MOTOR:-

A starter is needed for a three phase induction motor because at the time of starting, if induction motor
is started directly, it will draw a huge amount of current which can cause damage to adjoining
equipments. ... Hence initailly induction motor will draw heavy amount of current.

when an induction motor is started, its slip is equal to 1. This reduces equivalent circuit for the
induction motor equivalent to a short circuited two-winding transformer.

Mechanical load= r2(1-s) / s = 0

By transformer action, the secondary current is reflected to

primary as

I1’ = N2I2/N1

Because I2 is very high so I1’ will be very high.

This shows that at starting the induction motor stator line currents will be very high. This high current is
not good. It causes objectionable voltage drops in the power supply lines feeding the induction motor.
These large voltage drops cause undesirable dip in the supply line voltage, consequently the operation
of other equipments connected on the same line is effected considerably. This is also the reason for
momentary dimming of lamp and tube-lights in homes at the instant a refrigeration motor starts.

BASICS OF INRUSH CURRENT:-

Inrush current is the instantaneous high input current drawn by a power supply or electrical equipment
at turn-on. This arises due to the high initial currents required to charge the capacitors and inductors or
transformers. The inrush current is also known as the switch–on surge, or the input surge current.

When 3 phase voltage applied across the stator winding for starting of induction motor, high inrush
currents magnetize the air gap between the stator and rotor. An induces emf is generated in the rotor
windings of the induction motor because of the rotating magnetic field.
Motor Starting Currents

Typically, during the initial half cycle, the inrush current is often higher than 20 times the normal full
load current. After the first half-cycle the motor begins to rotate and the starting current subsides to 4
to 8 times the normal current for several seconds.

Types of Motor Starters

There are several types of motor starters. However, the two most basic types of these electrical
devices are:
1. Manual Starters:
Manual starters are devices that are operated manually. These starters are extremely
easy and straightforward to operate and do not require expert intervention. The starter
includes a button (or rotary knob) which enables a user to turn the connected
equipment on or off. The buttons feature mechanical linkages, which make the contacts
open or close, starting or stopping the motor.
The following features of a manual starter make it a preferred choice over other types:
• These starters deliver a safe, as well as economical operation.
• The compact size of these devices make them suitable for a wide range of
applications.
• They provide overload protection to the motor, protecting it from any potential
damage.
• These devices come with a vast choice of enclosures.
• The initial cost of the manual starter is low.

2. Magnetic Motor Starters:

This is the other main type of motor starter. It is operated electromagnetically. It means
that the motor load connected to the motor starter is typically started and stopped
using a lower and safer voltage than the motor voltage. Just like other motor starters,
the magnetic starter also has an electrical contactor and overload relay to protect the
device from too much current or overheating.

Types of magnetic motor starters

Depending on how they are connected in a circuit, there are many types of magnetic motor
starters, such as:
1. Direct-On-Line Starter

Figure 1. direct on line starter

The direct-on-line starter is the simplest form of motor starter, other than a manual
starter. The controller of this starter is typically a simple push button (but could be a
selector switch, limit switch, float switch, etc.). Pressing the start button closes the
contactor (by energizing the contactor coil) connected to the main supply and motor.
This provides the supply current to the motor. To turn the motor off, a stop button is
provided. To protect it from over current, the control circuit is wired through a normally
closed auxiliary contact of the overload relay. When the overload relay trips, the
 normally closed auxiliary contact opens, and de-energizes the contactor coil, and the
contactor main contacts open.

The Advantages of Using Direct-On-Line Motor Starters:

• They have a compact design.
• They are cost-effective.
• They have a simple construction.

2. Rotor Resistance Starter

Figure 2 rotor resistance starter

In the rotor resistance starter, the three resistances are connected such that they are in
series with the rotor windings. This helps reduce the rotor current considerably, as well
as increases the motor torque.

The Advantages of Using Rotor Resistance Motor Starters:

• They are cost-effective.
• They have a simple speed control method.
• They provide low starting current, large starting torque, and large pull-out torque.
 3. Stator Resistance Starter

Figure 3. startor resistance starter

The stator resistance starter consists of three resistors, which are connected in series with each
phase of the stator windings. At each resistor, a voltage drop is caused, so it becomes necessary
to apply low voltage to each phase. These resistances are set at the start or maximum position
during the motor start stage. The starting current is kept at a minimum in this type of starter.
Also, the starting torque to the motor needs to be maintained.
The Advantages of Using Stator Resistance Motor Starters:
• They are suitable for use in speed control applications.
• They have extremely flexible starting characteristics.
• They provide smooth acceleration.
4. Auto Transformer Starter
Figure 4. auto transformer starter

With an auto transformer starter, the transformer supplies a certain percentage of the primary
voltage to the secondary of the transformer. The auto transformer is connected in a star
configuration. The three tapped secondary coils of the transformer are connected to the three
motor phases in this type of starter. This helps in reducing the voltage that is being applied to
the motor terminals.

The Advantages of Using Auto Transformer Motor Starters:

• They can be used for manual speed control, but with limited options.
• They have extremely flexible starting characteristics.
• They have a high output torque.
5. Star delta starter

Figure 5. star delta starter

Compared to the other types of starters, the star delta starter is used on a large scale. As the
name suggests, the three windings are connected in a star connection in the star delta starters.
A certain time is set by the timer or any other controller circuit. After this time is passed, the
windings are then connected in the delta connection. The phase voltage in the star connection
is reduced to 58%, and the total current drawn is 58% of normal current. This results in a
reduced torque.
The Advantages of Using Star Delta Motor Starters:
• They are ideal for long acceleration times.
• They have a lower input surge current when compared to other starters.
• They have a simpler construction as compared to other starters.

Features of Motor Starters

Today, motor starters are used on a large scale due to their list of beneficial features. The
following are some features of these highly useful electrical devices:
1. They facilitate the starting and stopping of the motor.
2. The starters are rated by power (horsepower, kilowatt) and current (amperes).
3. They provide the necessary overload protection for the motor.

4. The electrical device facilitates remote on/off control feature.

5. These devices allow you to make and break current rapidly (plugging and jogging).

Fundamental Functions of Motor Starters

The following are the most fundamental functions that a starter has to perform:
1. Control: The control function is mainly carried out by the contactor component of a starter. It
is controlling the opening and closing of the power electrical circuit. The switching is done by
the main contacts (poles) of the contactor. An electromagnetic coil is energized, which open or
close the contacts. This electromagnetic coil has a nominal control voltage, and can either be an
AC or DC voltage.
2. Short-Circuit Protection: In industrial applications, normal load current can be up to
thousands of amperes. In the case of a short-circuit fault, the fault current can go over 100,000
amperes. This can cause severe damage to the equipment. The short-circuit protection
disconnects the supply and prevents the potential damage in a safe manner. Short circuit
protection is provided by fuses or circuit breakers in a Combination Motor Controller.
3. Overload Protection: When a motor draws more current than it is designed to, an overload
condition is caused. The main objective of an overload relay is to detect the excess currents.
When an overload is detected, the auxiliary contact of the overload relay opens the circuit and
prevents the motor from burning out or overheating. Electronic or electromechanical overload
relays are used in combination with a contactor to provide the required overload protection.

4. Disconnecting and Breaking: In order to prevent an unintended restart, it is required to

disconnect the motor from the main power circuit. In order to safely perform maintenance on a
motor or starter, a motor must be able to switch off and be isolated from the power. The
disconnect switch of the circuit provides this function. Disconnecting and breaking is provided
by a disconnect switch or circuit breaker in a Combination Motor Controller (or can be installed
remotely from the starter).

SOFT STARTER

WHAT IS SOFT STARTER ?

A soft starter is a device that starts Motors with reduced power supplied at start
up. reducing the power reduces potentially damaging electrical and mechanical
shocks on the system .
As the name implies, starters “start” motors. They can also stop , reverse ,
accelerate and protect them. Whether it’s small fan , or piece of mining equipment
, electric motor are often the driving force behind them . Electric motors consume
60% to 70% of all energy used in india.
Soft starters place a device called a reduced voltage starter or soft starter ,
between the motor and the incoming utility line to regulate the amount of current
fed to the motor . Soft starter enable the AC induction motor to speed up in smaller
, resulting in less current drawn than with a traditional motor starter . Due to
decreased voltage , torque is also reduced resulting in a soft, or easy start. Soft
starters can be used on all types of AC and DC motors.

NEED OF SOFT STARTER

1. To avoid overloading the power distribution system
2. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on equipment by reducing starting
torque.
A typical NEMA design B motor can draw six to eight times it’s full load operating
current when it’s first started. If the utilitys power distribution network is loaded to
capacity, the current inrush from starting up large motors can result in anything
from flickering lights to brownouts. It can also result in nuisance tripping of circuit
breakers and protective devices on the system. Many utilities impose limits on the
amount of power customers can draw at any one time, enabling a balance in their
distribution system. Reducing voltage to motor terminals at startup reduces the
current surge.

CONSTRUCTION

1. Triac- these are four quadrant switches which resembles in

operation to a two antiparallel connected thyristor.
2. Firing ciruit- it is required to fire the triac to get it in the in stage.
3. Synchronising circuit- it synchronises the firing of all the thyristor
that is the order in which they have to be fired.
 4. Zero cross detector – It is used as a reference for the firing of
thyristor.

OPERATION
Step 1- for the reduction of hight starting resulting due to high inrush
current, we will motive ourself in way so as to reduce the starting
power.
Step 2- we will set the sequence of firing angle in such a way that the
resulting voltage approaches the required load voltage in ascending
order.
Taking reference from the diagram it can be observed that we are
varying firing angle in the below mentioned order→
a) In the first cycle keep firing angle high, as per our data we kept it
at 75°.
b) In the second cycle reduce it to 65° so as to have a observable
change in the output voltage.
c) In the third variat bring it to 55° which results in further
increament of voltage.
d) In the last variation of observation bring it as below as 30° so as to
have significant increament in voltage that matches with the
rated power.

As output voltage is a function of cosine of firing angle that is,

V° = 3Vmax cos(@) /π

Same was simulated in matlab and result has been described as

below.

SIMULATION
 This is the simulation based diagram of soft starter.
It’s important function blocks are described below ->

1. Thyristor block(switch block)

 This block consist of switches and triggers as can be seen it
displays two antiparallel connected thyristor.

2. Load block- here both inductive and resistive load has been
represented where both are connected to their readometers.
3. 3 phase zero crossing detector- it functions as reference for the
generation of pulse which is a reference for triggering.
4. PWM generator- It is used to generate square wave on the basis
of which a pulsating gate pulse is applied to the thyristor.
5. Synchronising pulse width delay- as every thyristor has to be fired
at fixed delay as it involves 3 phase information so we require this
block to set a particular sequential delay.

On running the program we get output waveform as->

This graph represents the waveform of output voltage when the

soft starter wasn’t connected.
This represents the waveform of the output voltage being
generated when the soft starter connected to the load.

CONCLUSION

From the above two waveform being generated and on

comparison we can observe that->

1.during first few cycles of starting period the peak of output

voltage is high when the load was connected to the main supply
without starter and it’s almost 50℅ more than the voltage that we
see during soft starting.
Peak value of voltage = 80v for direct starting.
Peak value of voltage = 50V for soft starting.
3. With the soft starter the output voltage reduces smoothly to the
required voltage that is we can see smooth variation of output
voltage thus there is a smooth variation of output power resulting
in smooth variation of output torque thus there is inertial torque
impulse on the system.
4. Thus reduction in intertial impulsive torque increase the life of the
belt of conveyor belt and the machine part like shaft.
5. Preventing Instantaneous rise in voltage it reduces inrush current
thus saving the life of conductor and machine.