Three Phase Induction Motor

Introduction:
The most common type of ac motor being used for various industrial applications is the
induction motor. Three phase induction motors are widely used for industrial applications
such as lifts, cranes, pumps, lathes, exhaust fans etc.
It has following main advantages:
• Very simple and rugged construction
• Low cost
• Sufficiently high efficiency and reasonably good power factor
• Minimum maintenance, very reliable
• Self starting
Construction:
An induction motor consists essentially of two parts
1. Stator
2. Rotor
The rotor is placed inside the stator and is supported on both sides by two end shields. Energy
is supplied to the rotor through electromagnetic Induction and hence such machines are
called induction motors.
1. Stator
As the name suggests, it is a stationary part of the motor. Stator consists of three phase
windings, which are placed in the slots of a laminated steel core which is enclosed and
supported by a cast iron or steel frame as shown in figure 1. It is wound for definite number
of poles. These windings are insulated from each other and separated in space by 1200
electrical. Stator windings are either connected permanently in star or in delta internally or all
the six terminals are brought out to the terminal box. The operator can connect the machine in
star or delta as per requirement. When the stator is energized from a three-phase supply it
produces a rotating magnetic field in the stator core.

Figure 1: Stator
 2| Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

2. Rotor
Induction motors are classified according to the rotor they have. There are two types of
Rotors -
a) Squirrel cage rotor
b) Slip ring or Phase wound rotor
a) Squirrel cage rotor:
Almost 90% of induction motors are squirrel cage type because of its simple and most rugged
construction. It consists of cylindrical laminated core with number of parallel slots as shown
in figure 2. One rotor bar is placed in each slot. Rotor conductors are heavy bars of copper,
aluminium or alloys and all the bars are permanently short-circuited by two end rings. This
gives us a Squirrel cage like construction. As the rotor conductors are permanently short
circuited, it is not possible to add an external resistance in the rotor circuit.
The rotor slots are skewed at a certain angle. This is useful in two ways.
1. It helps to reduce magnetic noise (hum).
2. It helps in reducing the locking tendency of the rotor with the stator.
Skewed rotor slots
End ring

Rotor
Shaft Bars
Figure 2: Squirrel cage rotor

Figure 3: Photographic view of Squirrel cage type rotor

b) Slip-ring or Phase wound rotor:

Figure 4: Slip-ring or phase wound type rotor

 3| Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

In this type, the rotor winding is made on the insulated rotor slots with copper conductors
similar to the stator winding as shown in figure 4. The rotor is wound for the same number of
poles as that of the stator. The windings are internally connected in star. The other three
winding terminals are brought out and connected to three insulated slip rings mounted on the
shaft with brushes resting on them. Additional resistance can be inserted in the rotor circuit
for increasing starting torque of the motor as shown in figure 5.
When running under normal conditions, the slip rings are short circuited by a metal collar and
the brushes are lifted from the slip-rings to reduce the frictional losses and wear.

Figure 5: Circuit for slip-ring type rotor

The graphic shown in figure 6 shows the structural details of an induction motor. It consists
of -
1. Frame
2. Stator and rotor core
3. Stator windings.
4. Shafts and Bearings.
6. Fan

Figure 6: Structural details of an induction motor

Production of Rotating Magnetic Field:
Figure 7 shows a stator with three- phase winding. For simplicity, 2-pole winding made with
only six coils RR’, YY’, BB’ is shown. These windings are displaced in space by 1200. When
a three-phase supply is applied across the stator winding terminals, the currents flowing
through the three-phase windings will produce magnetic fields. The flux due to three-phase
winding is shown in figure 8.
 4| Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

The assumed positive directions of the fluxes are as shown in figure 7. The maximum value
of the flux due to any one phase is m. The resultant flux r at any instant is given by the
vector sum of the three fluxes. Thus  r =  R +  Y +  B
R
R

Y’ B B’

R

B Y
B Y

R’
Y
Figure 7: Three phase stator windings in the stator
R Y B
3
+ 
2 m




-
3

2 m

Figure 8: Flux due to three phase winding

Now we will consider values of the resultant flux r at different instants.
3 3
i) When  = 00, R = 0, Y = -  m and B = +  . The resultant flux obtained by
2 2 m
addition of three vectors, r = 1.5m as shown in figure 9(a).
3 3
ii) When  = 600, R = +  m , Y = -  and B = 0. Again r = 1.5m, but has
2 2 m
rotated clockwise through 600 as shown in figure 9(b).
3 3
iii) When  = 1200, R = +  m , Y = 0 and B = -  . The resultant flux is again
2 2 m
of the same value but has rotated clockwise through 600 as shown in figure 9(c).
 5| Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

3 3
iv) When  = 1800, R = 0, Y = +  m and B = -  . The resultant flux is again
2 2 m
rotated clockwise through 600 as shown in figure 9(d).
3 3
v) When  = 2400, R = -  m , Y = +  and B = 0. The resultant has rotated
2 2 m
clockwise through 600 as shown in figure 9(e).
3 3
vi) When  = 3000, R = -  m , Y = 0 and B = +  . The resultant again rotates
2 2 m
clockwise through 600 as shown in figure 9(f).
3 3
vii) When  = 3600, R = 0, Y = -  m and B = +  . The resultant flux has
2 2 m
rotated through 3600 from start as shown in figure 9(a).
Hence, we conclude that, when a three-phase supply is applied across the stator winding
terminals -
1. A rotating magnetic field is produced in the stator core.
2. The resultant flux is always constant and its value = 1.5m

r = 1.5  m
Y = - 3  m r = 1.5  m
2

B = + 3  m Y = - 3  m
2 2

R = + 3  m
2

(a)  = 00 OR  = 3600 (b)  = 600

R = + 3  m
2 Y = + 3  m B = - 3  m
2 2

r = 1.5  m
B = - 3  m r = 1.5  m
2
(c)  = 1200 (d)  = 1800

R = - 3  m
2 B = + 3  m
r = 1.5  m 2

Y = + 3  m R = - 3  m
r = 1.5  m 2 2

(e)  = 2400 (f)  = 3000

Figure 9: Production of rotating magnetic field

 6| Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

Synchronous speed Ns:

The speed at which the stator magnetic field rotates is known as synchronous speed Ns. It is
120 f
given by N s =
P
Where -
f = Supply frequency in Hz and
P = the number of stator poles.
Working Principle of three-phase induction motor:
As seen earlier when stator is connected to a 3-phase supply, a rotating magnetic field of
constant magnitude is produced. Let us assume that the stator field is rotating clockwise.
Initially the rotor is stationary. Thus, the relative motion of the rotor with respect to the stator
is anticlockwise as shown in figure 10(a). Due to this relative motion an e.m.f. is induced in
rotor conductors according to Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction. The direction of
induced e.m.f. is given by Fleming’s Right-hand rule. It is found to be outwards as shown in
figure 10(b). It is the case of current carrying conductor placed in the magnetic field. So, each
conductor will experience a mechanical force. The direction of force can be determined by
applying the Fleming’s left-hand rule. It is found that the rotor conductors experience a force
tending to rotate them in the same direction as that of stator flux as shown in figure 10(c).

Stator Stator Stator

Relative
Rotor Rotor Rotor
motion
(a) (b) (c)
Figure 10: Working principle of three phase induction motor

This principle of operation can also be explained by Lenz’s law. According to Lenz’s law the
direction of induced current is such that it opposes the cause producing it. Here, the cause for
induced current is the relative speed between rotor and stator field. Hence to reduce the
relative speed, the rotor starts to rotate in the same direction as that of the stator flux.
Slip (s):
In practice, the rotor speed N is always less than the synchronous speed Ns. If N = Ns, then the
relative speed will be zero. Hence no rotor emf, no rotor current and so no torque to maintain
rotation. Thus, N is always less than Ns. The difference in speeds (Ns – N) is known as slip
speed.
The difference between the synchronous speed Ns and the actual speed N of the rotor is
N −N
known as slip (s). It is expressed as % of Ns. Thus % slip s = s 100
Ns
 7| Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

Frequency of rotor current ( f’ ):

When the rotor is stationary, the frequency of rotor current is the same as the supply
frequency. But when rotor starts rotating, then frequency depends upon the relative speed or
on slip speed. Let at any speed N, the frequency of rotor current is f’.
Then
𝑁𝑠 − 𝑁
= 𝑓′
𝑁𝑠
120 f
Also N s =
P
Dividing one by the other, we get,
N −N
'
f
= s
f Ns
Therefore f’ = s x f
Torque in induction motor (T):
The general torque relation in case of a dc motor is T   x Ia, i.e., it is proportional to the
product of flux and armature current. This torque relation is also true for induction motor.
Taking the case of motor at standstill,
Let  = Flux per stator pole
E2 = Rotor induced emf at standstill
I2 = Rotor current at standstill
2 = phase angle between E2 and I2
cos2 = rotor power factor at standstill
Case 1: Non inductive i.e., purely resistive rotor
As e2 is produced by the stator flux  it is in phase with flux. In this case e2 and i2 are in
phase, i.e., 2 = 0 and cos2 = 1. It is observed from figure 11 that the average torque is
higher if the rotor is purely resistive.

T
Average
e2 Torque

i2


Figure 11: Torque in case of purely resistive rotor

Case 2: Inductive rotor
In this case the rotor has resistance as well as reactance. Thus, phase angle 2 is greater than
zero and less than 900. i2 lags behind e2 by 2 and cos2 = R2 .
2
+
R2 X 2
2
 8| Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

Where,
R2 = Rotor resistance per phase and
X2 = Rotor leakage reactance per phase at standstill
It is seen from figure 12 that for certain duration the torque is negative and hence the average
torque is less than purely resistive rotor.

e2
Average
Torque

i2


Figure 12: Torque in case of inductive rotor

From figures 11 and 12 it is observed that the torque is dependent on the power factor of the
rotor (i.e., on R2 and X2). Thus, in case of three phase induction motor,
Torque T   . I2. cos2
 T = K.  . I2. cos2 ……. where K is a constant.
As E2   ,
T = K1. E2. I2. cos2 ……. where K1 is another constant.
Starting torque (Ts):
At standstill,
Rotor current I 2 = E 2
Z2
Rotor power factor cos2 = R 2
Z2
Starting torque Ts = K1. E2. I2. cos2
E R
= K1. E2. 2 . 2
Z2 Z2
R
= K1. E 22 22
Z2
3 3 2 R2
It can be proved that K 1 = ,  Ts = E2 2
2 N s 2 N s Z2
As long as supply voltage is constant then stator flux  is constant and hence E2 is also
constant.
R
 Ts = K2. 22 ……. where K2 is another constant.
Z2
In case of squirrel cage induction motor, R2 is small, moreover at start, frequency of rotor
current f’ = f. So, reactance X2 and therefore Z2 is more (X2 = 2  f L and Z 2 = R 22 + X 22 ).
 9| Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

Hence starting torque of squirrel cage induction motor is small and thus it is not suitable for
starting heavy loads.
In case of slip ring induction motor, extra resistance can be connected in the rotor circuit at
the time of starting. This helps in increasing the starting torque.
Condition for maximum starting torque:

Ts = K2. R 22
Z2

= K2 . R2
2
R2 +X
2 2

At a particular value of R2 the torque will become maximum. This condition can be obtained
by differentiating the above equation with respect to R2 and equating it to zero.
du dv
v −u
u dx dx
Using form, i.e., 2
here u = R2 and v = ( R22 + X 22)
v v
d T s ( R22 + X 22) 1 − R2 (2 R2)
= 2
=0
d R2 2
( R 2 + X 2)
2

 ( R22 + X 22) − R2 (2 R2) = 0

 ( R22 + X 22) = 2 R22
 R 22 = X 22
 R2 = X2
This is the condition for maximum starting torque, i.e., rotor resistance should be equal to the
rotor reactance at standstill.
Torque under running condition (Tr):
When the motor is at standstill, slip s = 1, and E2 is maximum. But under running condition
the slip s decreases. The magnitude of E2 also decreases. The reactance of rotor also
decreases because the frequency of rotor current under running condition f’ = s x f. Thus –
Rotor induced emf under running condition Er = sE2
Rotor reactance under running condition Xr = sX2
Rotor frequency under running condition f’ = s x f
 Torque under running condition Tr   . Ir. cosr
As I r = E r , cos r = R 2 and Z r = R 22 + ( sX 2)
2

Zr Zr
s E2 R2
T  
r 
R 2 + ( s X 2) R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2 2 2

s E 2 R2
 Tr   
R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2
 10 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

s E 2 R2
 T r = K …….. where K is a constant.
R2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

As E2  ,
s E 22 R 2
T r = K1 ……. where K1 is another constant.
R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

3
It can be proved that K 1 = .
2 N s
Condition for maximum torque under running condition:
s E 2 R2
T = K
R2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

In this equation, the variable term is slip s. At a particular value of s the torque will become
maximum. This condition is obtained by differentiating the above equation with respect to
slip s and equating it to zero. For simplicity put Y = 1/T and then differentiate.
1 R 22 + ( s X 2)
2

Y= =
T K  s E 2 R2

R s X 22
Y= 2
+
K  s E 2 K  E 2 R2

dY d  R2 s X 22 
 =  + 
ds ds  K  s E 2 K  E 2 R2 

− R2 +
2
X2
= =0
K  s E 2 K  E 2 R2
2

2
R2 = X2

K  s E 2 K  E 2 R2
2

 R22 = s2 X 22
i.e., R2 = sX2
This is the condition for maximum torque under running condition.

The torque becomes maximum at a particular slip s = R 2

X2
Expression for maximum torque (Tm):
s E 22 R 2
We know that torque T = K1
R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

Substituting R2 = sX2 in the above equation,

s E 22 sX 2
T m = K1
( s X 2) + ( s X 2)
2 2
 11 | Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

2 2 2
s E2 X 2 E
 T m = K1 2 2
= K1 2
2s X2 2X2
From the above equation following important points can be noted –
1. The maximum torque is independent of rotor resistance.
2. However, the rotor resistance determines the speed at which maximum torque occurs.
Torque becomes maximum when the rotor reactance equals its resistance.
3. By varying rotor resistance, which is possible only in case of slip ring induction
motors, maximum torque can be made to occur at any desired slip or speed.
4. Maximum torque varies inversely as standstill reactance X2. Hence it should be made
as small as possible.
5. Maximum torque is directly proportional to the square of the applied voltage as E2 is
proportional to the supply voltage V.
Relation between Torque and Slip / Torque-slip characteristics:

Stable
operation
of motor

Figure 13: Torque-slip characteristics of three phase induction motor

We have seen that –
s E 22 R 2
T = K1
R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

It is clear that when s = 0, i.e., at synchronous speed, T = 0, hence the curve starts from point
0. At normal speeds, close to synchronism, the slip s is small hence the term sX2 is negligible
as compared to R2. Thus
s
T or T  s if R2 is constant.
R2
Hence for low values of slip, the torque slip curve is approximately a straight line.
As slip increases because of increase in load on the motor, the torque also increases and
R
becomes maximum when s = 2 . This torque is known as 'pull out' or 'breakdown' torque or
X2
stalling torque.
 12 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

For large values of slips R2 becomes negligible as compared to sX2. Thus, for large values of
slip
s 1
T 
s2 X 2 s
Hence, the torque-slip curve is a rectangular hyperbola. So, beyond the point of maximum
torque, any further increase in motor load, results in decrease of torque developed by the
motor. Thus, the motor slows down and eventually stops.
In fact, the stable operation of motor lies between the values of s = 0 and s corresponding to
maximum torque. The operating region is shown shaded in figure 13.
Effect of rotor resistance on torque-speed characteristic:
The torque equation for an induction motor is given by -
s E 22 R 2
T = K1
R 2 + ( s X 2)
2 2

Using the above equation we can draw torque-slip characteristics for different values of rotor
circuit resistance R2 as shown in figure 14. For maximum torque, R2 = sX2. Thus, for greater
R2 the slip is more and the point of maximum torque shifts towards left as shown in figure 14.

Figure 14: Effect of rotor resistance on torque-speed characteristic

From the above graph the following observations can be made: -
1. Starting torque increases with increase in value of rotor resistance.
2. Maximum torque remains constant and it is independent of the value of rotor
resistance.
3. The slip or speed at which maximum torque occurs varies with the variation of rotor
resistance. Torque becomes maximum when R2 = sX2.
4. Maximum torque is developed at starting when rotor resistance is equal to rotor
reactance at standstill.
Losses and Power Stages in three phase induction motor:
In an induction motor, input is given to the stator through electrical supply. The output it
delivers is the mechanical output given by the rotor. There is no electrical or mechanical
 13 | Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

connection between stator and rotor. Thus, the entire power is transferred to rotor inductively
through air gap. Following losses take place at various stages while energy is transferred
from input to output.
Losses in induction motor:
a) Copper loss:
i) Due to the resistance of the stator winding, there is a loss of power = 3 I 12 R1 , called
as stator copper loss which occurs in the stator.
ii) Similar loss also occurs in the rotor which is equal to 3 I 22 R 2 .
b) Iron loss: Due to the effect of hysteresis and eddy currents, there is a loss of power in
stator as well as in rotor. The rotor iron loss is negligible because the rotor frequency
is very small. Stator iron loss depends on supply frequency and flux density which are
constant and hence stator iron loss is constant.
c) Mechanical loss: This is power loss due to friction and windage.
Power Stages:
Figure 15 shows how the electrical power supplied to the stator winding of an induction
motor is converted into mechanical power output at the shaft.

Stator Mech
Input to Stator Rotor Frictional Net motor
copper power
stator P1 output = copper and output
loss + developed
Rotor loss = windage B.H.P. x
= 3 VL Iron loss in the rotor
input P2 3 I 22 R 2 losses 735.5
IL cos (const) = 2NsTg
Pm =
watts
2NTg

Figure 15: Power flow diagram for an induction motor

Stator input P1 = stator output + stator losses. The stator output is transferred entirely
inductively to the rotor circuit.
 Rotor input P2 = Stator output
Iron loss in the rotor is negligible because under normal running conditions the frequency of
rotor current is very small.
Thus, gross rotor output Pm = rotor input P2 - rotor copper losses
This rotor output is converted into mechanical energy and gives rise to gross torque Tg. Out
of this gross torque developed, some is lost due to windage and friction losses and rest
appears as useful or shaft torque Tsh.
Relationship between the rotor copper loss (I2R) and slip:
Let N r.p.s. is the actual speed of the rotor, then total mechanical power developed by the
rotor P m = 2  N T g , where Tg is the gross torque developed by the rotor.
If rotor copper loss is zero, then rotor will run at synchronous speed Ns.
 Rotor input P2 = 2  N s T g (1)
If we assume that iron loss in the rotor is negligible then P2 – Pm = Rotor copper loss
 Rotor copper loss = 2  N s T g − 2  N T g = 2  T g ( N s − N ) (2)
 From (1) and (2) we get,
 14 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

Rotor copper loss 2  T g ( N s − N ) Ns− N

= = = slip (s)
Rotor input 2 N s T g Ns
Rotor copper loss
 = slip (s) or
Rotor input
Rotor copper loss = s x Rotor input

Note: As rotor copper loss is equal to s times rotor input, it is always advantageous to run the
motor with small value of slip as possible or in other words for efficient operation the speed
of the rotor N must be close to the synchronous speed Ns.
Rotor and motor efficiency:
Rotor gross output 2  N T g N
Rotor  = = = and
Rotor input 2 N s T g N s

Net rotor output BHP  735.5

Motor  = =
Stator input 3 V L I L cos 
Vector diagram of 3-phase induction motor:
An induction motor is just like a transformer whose secondary is rotating and short circuited.
The energy is transferred from stator to rotor by mutual induction. Similar to transformer, the
voltage equation of induction motor primary side (stator) is given by –
V1 = E1 + (I1R1 + j I1X1) where E1 is the counter emf of self-induction in stator produced by
the flux.
Similarly, in the secondary, i.e., in rotor circuit, Er is the emf induced in the rotor by the same
flux. As the rotor circuit is short circuited, Er is utilized in circulating rotor current I2.
 Er = sE2 = I2 Z2 = I2 (R2 + j sX2)
The primary current (stator current) I1 = I0 + I2’
Where I0 is the no load current and I2’ is the load component of primary I2’ = KI2
The no load current has two components –
1) Iw = working component that supplies iron loss
2) I = magnetizing component for producing flux.
V

I0
Iw
0

I

Figure 16: No load current of induction motor

The vector diagram of an induction motor is just similar to vector diagram of transformer as
shown in figure 17.
 15 | Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

V1 I1X1

I1R1 I1

E1 I2’

1
Iw I0


I
I2R2 2
E2 = sE2
I2 I2sX2 = I2Z2

Figure 17: Vector diagram of 3-phase induction motor

Equivalent circuit of induction motor:
Resistance, reactance and currents of primary and secondary of the motor can be represented
in one electrical circuit called as an equivalent circuit of induction motor as shown in figure
18.
R1 X1 R2
I1 I2’ I2

I0
Iw I
sX2
V1 E1 R0 X0 Rotor Er

Stator

Figure 18: Equivalent circuit of induction motor

From the circuit,
E1 E1
Iw = I = I0 = Iw + I
2 2
, and
R0 X0
Now let us consider the rotor circuit. As the slip varies with change in load then rotor
reactance also varies as sX2. This can be represented as shown in figure 19 (a). Figure 19(b) is
drawn by dividing each term by s.
 16 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

I2 R2 I2 X2 R2 X2
I2

sX2
Er = sE2 E2 R2 E2 R2 1 − 1
s 
s

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 19: Rotor side equivalent circuit

R 2 can be split into two parts: (i) fixed and (ii) variable
s
R2 = R +  1 
2 R 2 − 1 
s s 

Where R2 = Fixed part = rotor resistance itself and

R2 1 − 1 = Variable part which varies with slip ‘s’ and it is similar to the load resistance RL.
s 

The modified rotor equivalent circuit is shown in figure 19(c).

Before connecting secondary circuit (rotor) to primary (stator), the secondary values must be
transferred to primary side. When R2 and X2 are referred to primary then they are denoted as
R X
R2’ and X2’ respectively. R'2 = 22 and similarly, X '2 = 22 whereas I2’ = I2 K2
K K
Now, connecting the secondary circuit referred to primary we get total equivalent circuit of
induction motor as shown in figure 20.

R1 X1 R2 ’ X2’
I1 I2’

I0
Iw I

V1 R0 X0 E1 = E2’ R L’

Figure 20: Total equivalent circuit of induction motor

Now the equivalent circuit can be simplified by shifting the exciting current branch at the
beginning as shown in figure 21. In this circuit R01 = (R1 + R2’) and X01 = (X1 + X2’).
 17 | Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

R01 X01
I1 I2’

I0
Iw I
V1 R0 X0 R L’

Figure 21: Simplified equivalent circuit of induction motor

Speed control of 3-phase induction motor:
The speed of 3-phase induction motor can be controlled (A) from stator side or (B) from rotor
side.
(A) Speed control methods from stator side
1) By changing the applied voltage 2) By changing the number of stator poles and
1) By changing the frequency
These methods are briefly explained below:
1) By changing the applied voltage: By varying the supply voltage the speed can be
changed slightly. A very large change in supply voltage is required for this purpose.
Due to this flux density is adversely affected and the performance of the motor is
disturbed. So, this method is not used in practice.
2) By changing the number of stator poles: This method can be used only in case of
squirrel cage type motors because their rotors can be adjusted to any number of stator
120 f
poles. The synchronous speed of the motor is given by N s = . This relation shows
P
that the speed is inversely proportional to the number of poles.
The change of number of poles is achieved by using two or more entirely independent
stator windings placed in the same slots. Different stator poles can be obtained by
selecting a particular stator winding. For example, if two pole winding is selected then
Ns = 3000 r.p.m. or if four pole winding is selected then Ns = 1500 r.p.m. This method
of speed control is suitable for elevator, traction motors, machine tool motors etc.
120 f
3) By changing frequency: N s = This shows that the synchronous speed is directly
P
proportional to supply frequency. A separate generator or inverter is required for this
method which can supply the voltage to motor at variable frequency.
(B) Speed control from rotor side:
1) Rotor resistance control and 2) e.m.f. injection method
1) Rotor resistance control: This method is suitable for slip ring induction motor only. A
star connected variable resistance is connected in the rotor circuit using brushes and slip
rings. By varying this variable resistance, the speed can be varied. We know that
s E 2 R2
T = K
R + ( s X 2)
2 2
2

E2,  and K are constant, moreover X2 being small it can be neglected.

 18 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

s
Thus T 
R2
Therefore, for a given torque the slip can be changed by changing the resistance of rotor
circuit R2. As rotor resistance is increased, slip will increase and speed decreases.
2) e.m.f. injection method: If we inject a voltage which is in phase opposition to the rotor
e.m.f., it is equivalent to increasing the resistance of rotor circuit. Similarly injecting a
voltage in phase with rotor e.m.f. is equivalent to decreasing the rotor resistance. Thus,
by injecting e.m.f. in rotor circuit the speed can be changed.
Starting of induction motors:
Why is starter required for an induction motor?
At start the stator magnetic field is rotating at synchronous speed, whereas rotor is stationary.
Hence the relative speed between rotating magnetic field and rotor is maximum at this
moment. The magnitude of the induced e.m.f. in the conductor depends on rate of change of
flux. The magnitude of this e.m.f. is given by s.E2 and frequency is given by s.f.
At start the slip is maximum and equal to 1. Thus, maximum e.m.f. is induced in the rotor
conductor at start. As the rotor is short circuited, the rotor circuit acts as a short-circuited
secondary of a transformer. Thus primary i.e., stator will also draw a heavy current from
supply. Under running conditions, the slip (s) goes on decreasing, thus the magnitude of
e.m.f. induced in rotor and its frequency decreases.
Thus, induction motors, when direct switched; take five to seven times their full load current.
This initial excessive current is objectionable because it will produce large line voltage drop
that, in turn, will affect the operation of other electrical equipment connected to the same line.
It is, therefore, recommended that large three phase induction motors be started with reduced
applied voltage across the stator terminals at starting. Small motors up to 5 HP ratings may
however be started direct-on-line (D.O.L.)

Figure 22: D.O.L. Starter

D.O.L. Starter: Figure 22 shows D.O.L. starter. In this circuit thermal overload relay is
provided to protect the motor windings against overload. Fuses provide protection against
short circuit. When ‘ON’ push button is pressed, the contactor coil ‘A’ becomes energized,
and its open contacts are closed. The motor gets connected across the supply mains through
the main contacts of the contactor. The motor continues to get supply even when the ‘ON’
push button is released, as the contactor coil will then get supply through the auxiliary contact
'a' of the contactor. It is therefore called as hold-on contact.
 19 | Three Phase Induction Motor by - Dr. A. R. Phadke

When the ‘OFF’ push button is pressed, the coil gets de-energized, the main contacts of the
contactor open and the motor stops. In case of overload on the motor, the contact 'e' of the
over-load relay will open, and subsequently the motor will stop.

Figure 23: Auto transformer starter

Auto transformer starter: It consists of an autotransformer, with necessary switches. This
method of starting can be used both for star and delta connected motors. When the switch is
put on to ‘START’ position, a reduced voltage is applied across stator terminals. When the
motor picks up speed, say to 80 percent of its normal speed, the switch is put to ‘RUN’
position. Then the auto transformer is cut out of the circuit and the full rated voltage gets
applied across the motor terminals
The switch is air-break type for small motors and oil-break type for large motors to reduce
sparking. Autotransformer may have more than one tapping to select any suitable starting
voltage depending upon the connections. There is also provision of no voltage and overload
protection.
Star-Delta Starter: If three stator windings are connected in star then voltage across one
winding is V L and the line current IL = Iph. For delta connected winding the voltage across
3
one winding is VL and the line current IL = 3 Iph. Thus, by connecting the motor windings,
first in star and then in delta, the line current drawn by the motor at starting is reduced to 1/3.
A simple manual star-delta starter is shown in figure 24. It consists of a two-way switch,
which connects the motor in star for starting and then in delta for normal running. In start
position the three windings are connected in star. Thus, the applied voltage is 1/ 3 times the
supply voltage. Thus, the motor starts at low voltage and the line current is reduced to 1/3.
Once the motor has attained sufficient speed, the switch is thrown to 'run' position, in which it
is connected in delta and gets full voltage.
This method is cheap and effective. Hence it is used for machine tools, pumps etc. But this
starter is useful if the motor is designed to run in delta connection and all the six terminals of
stator winding are available. Star-delta starters are available for manual operation using push-
 20 | Three Phase Induction Motor by Dr. A. R. Phadke

button control. An automatic star delta starter uses time delay relay through which star to
delta conversion takes place automatically with some pre-fixed time delay.

Figure 24: Manual Star-Delta starter

Rotor resistance starter: Slip-ring motors are started with full line voltage applied across
the stator terminals. The value of starting current is adjusted by introducing a variable
resistance in the rotor circuit. Due to extra rotor resistance at the time of starting, high starting
torque can be obtained. The controlling resistance is in the form of a rheostat, connected in
star.
Starting procedure: switch-on the supply to the stator and gradually move the rotor starting
resistance arm in the clockwise direction from ‘START’ position to ‘RUN’ position. At
‘START’ position, full extra resistance gets connected in the rotor circuit and at ‘RUN’
position the resistance is cut out of the rotor circuit and the rotor circuit gets closed in itself.
The starter unit usually includes a line switching contactor for stator along with no-volt and
over-current protection. There is some form of interlocking to ensure proper operation of the
line contactor and starter. This interlocking prevents closing of stator contactor unless the
starter is 'all in'.

Figure 25: Rotor resistance starter