List the three main types of three-phase AC motors
What are the main constructional parts of a three-phase induction motor?
Stator
Rotor
End bells
Bearings
How are the two circuits of an induction motor similar to those of a transformer?
Stator = primary winding Rotor = secondary winding
What is meant by the term “synchronous speed”?
The speed at which the magnetic field rotates produced by the stator winding (poles) moves.
What three basic factors allow the development of a rotating magnetic field in a three phase induction motor?
What factors determine the synchronous speed of an induction motor?
Speed in RPM
Frequency in Hertz
Number of stator poles per phase
S = 120 x F (frequency)
———–
P (stator poles)
What is meant by the term “slip”?
Difference in RPM between the rotor speed and synchronous speed of the stator
Why cant the rotor of an induction motor turn at sync speed?
There will be no cutting action (relative motion) of stator flux on rotor bars to induce a rotor current necessary for torque
How would you reverse the direction of rotation for a three-phase induction motor?
Interchange any 2 line leads to the stator
What is the purpose of “skewing” rotor bars in induction motors?
To provide for a more equal distance of rotor flux allowing for smoother torque development and quieter operation.
Why is the starting current of an induction motor so much higher than its rated running current?
100% slip = maximum cutting rate of stator flux on rotor bars (no CEMF)
State three fundamental reasons that cause the development of a rotating magnetic field within a three-phase induction motor.
List the three main factors that determine the torque developed by an induction motor.
What effect does slip have on rotor reactance?
Rotor frequency is proportionate to % slip: Fr = Fs x %slip
Rotor reactance is proportionate to frequency: XL = 2(pie)fL
What is meant by the term “speed regulation”?
Difference between no load speed and full load speed of the rotor.
What constitutes the “power losses” for induction motors?
Copper losses (I2R) Iron losses (eddy current and hysteresis) Rotational losses (friction, windage)
Why would increasing the rotor circuit resistance of an induction motor increase its starting torque?
Rotor PF is improved
List one advantage and one disadvantage of starting a large induction motor with “reduced voltage” across the stator windings.
Advantage: Reduced in rush current will cut load shock and system disturbances (lowers O/C setting)
Disadvantage: Reduced starting torque, longer accelerating times, more elaborate control and higher cost.
For a given value of slip, the T output of an induction motor varies as the square of the aplied voltage, explain.
Change in applied voltage to the stator results in the change of stator flux; this also change rotor current.
The combo results in the T being proportionate to the square of the applied voltage.
Explain starting torque
Rotational force developed at the instant of starting
Explain full-load torque
Rotational force required to keep rated load (HP) turning
Developed at about 2% - 5% slip for most SCIMs
Explain breakdown (pull out) torque
Amount of overload torque which will stall the motor
What are the objections to building a squirrel-cage induction motor with high enough rotor R to provide an excellent starting torque?
Poor speed regulation
Higher I2R losses
Poorer efficiency
What advantages do a squirrel-cage induction motor have over other types of induction motors?
Relatively constant speed between no load and full load Initial purchase cost Ruggedness Low maintenance High dependability