2023 SECOND SEMESTER

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY IN
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Electrical Technology Applications

(ELTA 101)

Name of Assignment: Problem Solving and

Application of Engineering and Scientific Knowledge

Due Date : 26/10/2023

Lecture : Nelson Chetty

NO STUDENT NAME STUDENT NUMBER SIGNATURE

1 KUBHEKA S. M 22108188

2 BUTHELEZI A. W 22142958

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Table of Contents

1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 3

1.2 Assignment purpose ........................................................................................ 3
1.3 Objectives........................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Procedure ........................................................................................................ 4
1.5 Calculations ..................................................................................................... 7
1.6 Discussion ....................................................................................................... 7
1.7 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 8

2.2 Assignment purpose/aim ................................................................................. 8
2.3 Objectives/required outcomes ......................................................................... 8
2.4 Mechanical and technical considerations ....................................................... 9
2.5 Comparison/Discussion ................................................................................ 11
3.0 References ..................................................................................................... 12

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Question 1

1.1 Introduction

A farmer who is located in a mountainous homestead with a fast-flowing tributary has no access
to electrical grid. So, he intends to purchase a 6-pole, 20 kW induction motor so that he can
generate electricity on his own making use of the available characteristics of the land he is
located on. To achieve this, different aspect must be taken into consideration and those aspect
includes operation of the motor, electrical setup, mechanical setup, and safety in order to
achieve the goal of having access to self-sustained and reliable electrical energy.

1.2 Assignment purpose

The main purpose of this assignment is to advise and provide understandable guidelines to the
farmer about how he can make use of the fast-flowing river tributary to generate electricity
since he intends to buy a 6-pole, 20 kW induction motor. So, the aim of this assignment is to
grant the farmer with the knowledge based required to successfully implement this project.

1.3 Objectives
➢ To give understanding based on the concept of using an induction motor as a generator.
➢ To identify the available source of energy of which is the fast-flowing tributary river.
➢ Demonstrate the importance of the synchronous and rotor speed, and their relation to
the slip.
➢ Give details about the mechanical setup involving the selection of the prime mover and
coupling it to the electrical setup.
➢ High-spotting the significant for the maintenance and monitoring to make sure that the
overall system is reliable.

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1.4 Procedure

• Using motor as a generator

Using an induction motor as a generator requires a motor to be rotated at a speed that is

approximately close around the synchronous speed of the motor. So, as a rotor of the motor is
rotated close to the synchronous speed, that will make it to change it operation to the generator
working principles. Then in that condition the motor will be eligible to convert mechanical
energy to electrical energy. Therefore, it can convert external sources like wind turbines or
water wheels into electrical energy.

• Synchronous speed

In the context of induction motors the synchronous speed is a fundamental aspect to be taken
into account. This speed is directly related to the frequency of electrical power source which
matches with the rotating magnetic field produced by the motor. This speed can be obtained by
doing some calculations using a certain formula with respect to the given parameters of the
induction motor. Using a standard frequency of 50 Hz of the electrical supply the synchronous
speed will be 1000 rpm.

• Rotor speed

As mentioned above the motor must operate near to it synchronous speed in order to generate
electricity efficiently. When the slip is lower the desired electrical generation can be
accomplished. “Slip” is the difference between the synchronous and rotor speed, so to get the
lower slip there must be a significant less difference between these two speeds. Lower slip
makes sure that the rotor rotates at a speed close to that of the synchronous speed and that
increases electrical output [1].

• Energy source

For the case of the farmer, the present energy source of which can be used is the river tributary
that is fast flowing through his homestead. So, the fast-flowing river’s kinetic energy can be
utilized to give the starting turns to the induction motor by possible using a water wheel or a
turbine as a prime mover to turn the motor, initiating electrical generation.

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• Mechanical Setup
o Prime mover

Prime mover is a device that is utilized to control the river’s kinetic energy. The farmer can
make use of a water wheel connected to the rotating shaft of the motor, in such a way that when
the water wheel rotates it transfers mechanical energy to the motor that will give motion to the
rotor, making it act as a generator.

o Coupling and alignment

For the whole system to operate effective and efficient, there must be a good coupling and
alignment between the motor and the prime mover. Potential damage on the components and
losses can occur to the system as a whole if the is any misalignment between the motor shaft
and the water wheel. So, it important to make sure that these components are properly aligned
to get a better performance.

• Electrical Setup
o Voltage and Frequency Control:

The farmer needs to control and regulate the voltage and frequency of the generated electricity
by using an inverter or controller of which are the regulators that are normally used. This is
important to ensure that the electrical supply is maintained to the required specifications of the
connected equipment or electrical appliance.

o Load Matching: Power Requirements and Peak Load

To do accomplish this task the farmer needs to start by determining the power required by the
electrical appliance he/she needs to supply electricity to and make sure that the generated power
is capable of achieving the required power. To do this, a peak load must be considered to
approximately size the system.

o Electrical Safety and Protection.

It is very important to install safe measurement devices like circuit breakers and proper
grounding to prevent and avoid electrical shock that might occur while the induction motor is
running as a generator.

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• Maintenance and Monitoring

A thoroughly inspections of the electrical and mechanical components must be made to provide
an on-time maintenance if anything if found to be out of order. Make sure that all the electrical
wires are securely connected to avoid the system breakdowns. Establish a monitoring system
to detect the performance of the system, and that can be done by measuring current, voltage
and the rotational speed to track issues at an early stage ensuring more efficiency of the system
[2]. Sometimes it happens for the river to flow slower than normal during the time of droughts,
so to compensate for those periods of times it is important to have a backup power supply like
a small generator or maybe a battery. If the farmer is not familiar with the design and
application of engineering techniques, it is important to consult with engineers who might help
to design the whole system.

Figure 1: Example of the physical construction of the whole system [3].

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1.4 Calculations

Using the data given from the problem statement:

• Data: A 20 kW, 6 pole induction motor.

Using a standard frequency of 50 Hz of the electrical supply, the synchronous speed of the
motor can be calculated as:

120 × 𝑓
𝑁𝑠 =
𝑃

120(50)
=
6

𝑁𝑠 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒓𝒑𝒎

1.5 Discussion

There are advantages and disadvantages of using the induction motor as an electrical generator.
Considering the positive side, the induction motors are more available as they serve as a cost-
effective device that has higher efficiency. Even though to act as a generator, they require to
operate at speed that is close to the synchronous speed of the motor, and this can limit their
applicability at some cases [4]. Prime mover plays an important role as it act as a source that
absorbs mechanical forces which are then converted to the electrical energy because the prime
mover is coupled to the shaft of the motor. Inventors and controllers must be included as part
of the electrical setup to regulate frequency and voltage, to ensure electrical loads compatibility.
To safeguard both the user and the system, safety measures like circuit breakers and proper
groundings must be included during the system design.

1.6 Conclusion
Making use of a 6-pole, 20 kW induction motor as a generator efficient and feasible. One must
understand the importance of rotor speed and the synchronous speed to make the reasonable
setup of this system making sure that these speeds are closely aligned. The fast-flowing river
tributary acts as a conducive primary source of energy for this application and selecting a
proper prime mover is important to appropriately couple and align system. Regular
maintenance and monitoring of components are essential to ensure reliability and long-term
sustainability.

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Question 2

2.1 Introduction

Direct current motors or DC motors are electrical machine that are responsible for transforming
the electrical energy from a certain DC source to mechanical energy by generating a magnetic
force that is powered by direct current. There are many types of induction motors, these
includes brushed DC Motor, permanent magnetic DC motors, and self-excited motors.
Induction motors also referred to as asynchronous motors are an alternative current motor that
operate on an electromagnetic principle that was first discovered by Michael Faraday in the
early 19th centuries. The asynchronous motors are also manly used for converting the electrical
energy from an AC source to mechanical energy that can be used for many different types of
applications mechanical work outputs or torque. There are two types of asynchronous 3 phase
motor which are squirrel cage and slip ring /wound type motors. To eliminate the problem faced
on Steve Biko a motor has to be selected thought few considerations that will benefit the
institution.

2.2 Assignment purpose/aim

The aim of this assessment is to provide technical solutions through evaluation of different
motors for the lift that frequently breaks down in S Block, Steve Biko campus.

2.3 Objectives/required outcomes.

The objective of this assessment is to find whether direct current or induction motors are best
suitable for being in an elevator with respect to their Speed Control, Direction and Precision,
starting torque, motor efficiency, reliability, and their costs.

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2.4 Mechanical and technical considerations

• Speed Control, Direction and Precision

Direct current motors are controlled by varying the voltage supplied to the motor with the speed
being directly proportional to the voltage, this means that as the supplied voltage increases the
speed of the motor will also be increased. This inevitably makes controlling the speed of the
induction motors relatively much easier. Direct current motors can also easily change the
direction of the rotation of their shaft by changing or reversing the polarity of the voltage
supplied to them. This makes direct current motors applicable in cases where the direction of
rotation is being interchanged frequently like in elevators. These factors make the direct current
motors more precise than their opposition. Unlike direct current motors induction motor’s
speed cannot be changed by simply changing the voltage magnitude of the voltage source since
the motors operate using alternating current. To control the speed of the induction motors their
frequency is the only factor that can be changed to alter their speed and changing the frequency
of the power supply is complicated than just changing the voltage. Other induction motors may
require additional variance frequency drivers (VFDs) to be able to change their speeds.
Changing the direction of induction motors is also not easy as the motors operates using
alternating current. These factors make the induction motor less precise when compared to
direct current motors.

• Starting Torque

It is very important that the motors used for elevators have high or good starting torque. This
is especially important because when elevators start, they need high torque to move the load
from stationary position. High starting torque is also required because initial from the stationary
position, there’s static friction and inertia that must be overcome for the elevator for it to start
moving. Direct current motors typically have an extremely better stating torque since they use
current that flows in one direction, and this results in consistent and robust preliminary torque.

• Motor efficiency

For industrial and commercial uses induction motors have more motor efficiency than direct
current motors, this makes them more applicable in term of the efficiency in elevators. There
are many reasons to why induction motors are more efficient. These reasons incudes the simple
design of an induction motor, induction motors have a relatively simple design compared to

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direct current motors since they have fewer moving parts reducing the losses present in the
motor and thus increasing its efficiency. Since direct current motors uses brushes for
commutation, they usually wear out in the long run, and this causes friction and electrical losses
to the motor. As more friction occurs in the motor the efficiency of the motor decreases.

• Load Capacity

The load capacity of a motor depends on many factors. These factors include the design and
size of the motors, the torque of the motor and its efficiency. This means that both induction
and direct current motors can have large load capacity depending on the input factors and motor
specifications. Since direct current motors have better starting torque, this means that it will
inevitably have even load capacity throughout the whole run. This means that Direct current
motors would be the best applicable for elevation purposes than induction motors in terms of
load capacity.

• Addition of external electronic circuitry

As aforementioned induction motors require various external circuits to ensure safe operations
for elevators. These components incudes Motor Control Centres (MCC), Variable Voltage and
Variable Frequency drive (VVVFD), Position levelling Systems, Door Control/ interlock
systems and many other circuits. Direct motor also requires basic external electronics sources
required for the elevators to operate as required. However, there are less additional circuits
required for direct current motors that those required for induction motors.

• Reliability

The reliability of the motors depends on many factors. The factors include quality of the motors
and the designs. However, because induction motors are brushless and only require a little
amount of potential energy to start, they typically have longer lifespans and are more durable
than direct current motors. Additionally, since induction motors do not wear out their likelihood
of being burnt is less than that of direct motors which makes induction motors more reliable
than direct current motors.

• Maintenance

As mentioned before direct current motors have brushes that wear out as motors are being used.
These brushes are essential part of the motor, and the motor cannot operate without them, this
means that they have to be checked and serviced regularly for wear. Induction motors do not

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need to be maintained regularly themselves, but their additional external electronics circuits
like variable frequency drive need to be maintained to ensure that the elevator will operate
smooth as intended.

• Cost: Initial and long-term

Induction motors usually significantly cost less than then direct current motors this is because
the manufacturing costs for direct current is very high. Moreover, the initial cost of induction
motors is less that od direct current motors because induction motors have widespread use
industrially and the economy contributes to their lower price whereas direct current motors are
mostly only used for fine speed control applications. Because of the high maintenance
requirements direct current motors usually cost more in the long term that induction motors
which regularly need maintenance for external circuits.

2.5 Comparison/Discussion

After careful consideration it has been decided that induction motors would be suitable for
being used in an elevator at Steve Biko campus. Direct current motors do have their advantages
which includes speed control and starting torque however, induction motors would be the best
suitable for being used in elevators because they have very low maintenance cost and are very
efficient. This is very important because if the elevator have low maintenance cost it can be
maintained regularly which will inevitably makes them a better and safer options. Out of the
two-induction motors mentioned above, Wound Rotor/Slip ring rotor would be the best
induction motor for the job. Wound rotors have high starting torque than squirrel cage induction
motors making them suitable for high load applications like being used in lifts. Wound rotor
induction motors also have exceptional speed and torque control competences through
assistance of external circuits or control methods. Furthermore, wound rotor induction motors
also offer smooth acceleration and deceleration that squirrel cage induction motors, they can
also operate where very high torque is required which makes them an ideal solution for
elevation or lift purposes.

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3. References

1. AC MACHINES-1 (66761) Theory: Express the derivation of the equation r f = s f and (1

s) P 120f | Moodle. [online] Available at:
https://jpilms.gnomio.com/mod/book/view.php?id=468&chapterid=253

2. Chang, H.-C., Jheng, Y.-M., Kuo, C.-C. and Hsueh, Y.-M. (2019). Induction Motors
Condition Monitoring System with Fault Diagnosis Using a Hybrid Approach. Energies,
12(8), p.1471. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/en12081471.

3. technologystudent.com. (n.d.). FLOATING HYDRO UNDERFLOW WATER WHEEL.

[online] Available at: https://technologystudent.com/enerflsh/kinetic2.html.

4. www.intechopen.com. (n.d.). https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/17118. [online]

Available at: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/17118.

5. Electrical4U (2012). Induction Motor: Working Principle, Types, & Definition |

Electrical4U. [online] Electrical4U. Available at: https://www.electrical4u.com/induction-
motor-types-of-induction-motor/.

6. Alternating Current versus Direct Current - College Physics 2e | OpenStax. [online]

Available at: https://openstax.org/books/college-physics-2e/pages/20-5-alternating-
current-versus-direct-current#:~:text=Direct%20current%20(DC)%20is%20the.

7. www.iqsdirectory.com. (n.d.). AC Motor: What Is It? How Does It Work? Types & uses.
[online] Available at: https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/electric-motor/ac-motor.html.

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GA assessment
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www.coursehero.com
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jpilms.gnomio.com
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