Induction Motor

An induction motor motor is an AC electric motor in which the electric current in the rotor needed
to produce torque is obtained by electromagnetic induction from the magnetic field of
the stator winding. An induction motor can therefore be made without electrical connections to the
rotor.
The three-phase induction motors are the most widely used electric motors in industry. They run
at essentially constant speed from no-load to full-load. However, the speed is frequency dependent
and consequently these motors are not easily adapted to speed control.

Three Phase Induction Motor – Construction

Stator
It consists of a steel frame which encloses a hollow, cylindrical
core made up of thin laminations of silicon steel to reduce
hysteresis and eddy current losses. A number of evenly spaced
slots are provided on the inner periphery of the laminations. The
insulated connected to form a balanced 3-phase star or delta
connected circuit. The 3-phase stator winding is wound for a
definite number of poles as per requirement of speed. Greater the
number of poles, lesser is the speed of the motor and vice-versa.
When 3-phase supply is given to the stator winding, a rotating
magnetic field of constant magnitude is produced. This rotating field induces currents in the rotor
by electromagnetic induction.

Rotor
The rotor, mounted on a shaft, is a hollow laminated core having slots on its outer periphery. The
winding placed in these slots (called rotor winding) may be one of the following two types:
(i) Squirrel cage type
It consists of a laminated cylindrical core having parallel slots on its outer periphery. One copper
or aluminum bar is placed in each slot. All these bars are joined at each end by metal rings called
end rings. This forms a permanently short-circuited winding which is indestructible. The entire
construction (bars and end rings) resembles a squirrel cage and hence the name.
(ii) Wound type

It consists of a laminated cylindrical core and carries a 3-phase winding, similar to the one on the
stator. At starting, the external resistances are included in the rotor circuit to give a large starting
torque. These resistances are gradually reduced to zero as the motor runs up to speed.

Working Principle
The motor which works on the principle of electromagnetic induction is known as the induction
motor. The electromagnetic induction is the phenomenon in which the electromotive force induces
across the electrical conductor when it is placed in a rotating magnetic field.
The conductors of the rotor are stationary. This stationary
conductor cut the rotating magnetic field of the stator, and
because of the electromagnetic induction, the EMF
induces in the rotor. This EMF is known as the rotor
induced EMF, and it is because of the electromagnetic
induction phenomenon.
The relative motion between the rotating magnetic field
and the rotor conductor induces the current in the rotor
conductors. As the current flows through the conductor,
the flux induces on it. The direction of rotor flux is same
as that of the rotor current.
Now we have two fluxes one because of the rotor and
another because of the stator. These fluxes interact each other. This phenomenon induces the torque
on the conductor, and this torque is known as the electromagnetic torque.
The direction of electromagnetic torque and rotating magnetic field is same. Thus, the rotor starts
rotating in the same direction as that of the rotating magnetic field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQqyGNOP_3o
Speed of rotating magnetic field
The speed at which the rotating magnetic field revolves is called the synchronous speed (Ns).
P= number of poles
f=supply frequency
120𝑓
𝑁𝑠 = (in r.p.m)
𝑃

For example, for a 6-pole, 50 Hz, 3-phase induction motor, N, = 120 ´ 50/6 = 1000 r.p.m. It means
that flux rotates around the stator at a speed of 1000 r.p.m.

Slip:
Or,

Induction Motor Torque:

Shaft or rotor torque is given by:
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑇𝑠 = 9.55 (in N-m)
𝑁𝑚
(d) Shaft torque (output torque) is given by
𝑃𝑜𝑢𝑡 10 ∗ 746
𝑇𝑠 = 9.55 = 9.55 = 41.66𝑁 − 𝑚
𝑁𝑚 1710

Power Flow Diagram of Induction Motor

Methods of Starting 3-Phase Induction Motors
The method to be employed in starting a given induction motor depends upon the size of the motor
and the type of the motor. The common methods used to start induction motors are:
(i) Direct-on-line starting
(ii) Stator resistance starting
(iii) Star-delta starting
(iv) Autotransformer starting
(v) Rotor resistance starting
Speed Control of Induction Motor
i) Changing The Number of Stator Poles
From the above equation of synchronous speed, it can be seen that synchronous speed (and hence,
running speed) can be changed by changing the number of stator poles. This method is generally
used for squirrel cage induction motors, as squirrel cage rotor adapts itself for any number of stator
poles. Change in stator poles is achieved by two or more independent stator windings wound for
different number of poles in same slots.
For example, a stator is wound with two 3phase windings, one for 4 poles and other for 6 poles.
for supply frequency of 50 Hz
i) synchronous speed when 4 pole winding is connected, Ns = 120*50/4 = 1500 RPM
ii) synchronous speed when 6 pole winding is connected, Ns = 120*50/6 = 1000 RPM
ii) By Changing The Applied Frequency
Synchronous speed of the rotating magnetic field of an induction motor is given by,

where, f = frequency of the supply and P = number of stator poles.

Hence, the synchronous speed changes with change in supply frequency.
iii) By Changing The Applied Voltage:
From the torque equation of induction motor,

𝑇 ∝ 𝑉2
Which means, if supplied voltage is decreased, the developed torque decreases. This method is the
easiest and cheapest, still rarely used, because
1. large change in supply voltage is required for relatively small change in speed.
2. large change in supply voltage will result in a large change in flux density, hence, this
will disturb the magnetic conditions of the motor.
iv) Rotor Rheostat Control
This method is similar to that of armature rheostat control of DC shunt motor. But this method is
only applicable to slip ring motors, as addition of external resistance in the rotor of squirrel cage
motors is not possible.
Single phase induction motor:
A single-phase induction motor is very similar to a 3-phase squirrel cage induction motor. It has
(i) a squirrel-cage rotor identical to a 3-phase motor and (ii) a single-phase winding on the stator.

Unlike a 3-phase induction motor, a single-phase induction motor is not self starting but requires
some starting means.

Why single-phase Induction Motor is not Self-Starting?

When a single-phase supply is fed to the stator winding of the single-phase induction motor, it
produces a magnetic field that pulsates in strength in a sinusoidal manner. The polarity of the
magnetic field reverses after each half cycle but the magnetic field does not rotate in the space.
As a result, the alternating flux cannot produce rotation in a stationary squirrel cage rotor because
the magnetic flux can be resolved into two components, each one rotates in the opposite directions
at the same speed. Consequently, the net flux is zero, the induced current in the rotor bars is zero,
and hence, the resulting torque on the rotor conductors is zero. Therefore, a 1-phase induction
motor is not self-starting.

How to Make a Single-Phase Induction Motor Self-Starting?

Somehow, by producing a rotating stator magnetic field, the 1-phase induction motor can be made
self-starting. This may be accomplished by converting a single supply into two-phase supply
through the use of an additional winding or auxiliary winding.
As soon as the motor attains a sufficient speed, the starting means may be removed depending on
the type of the motor. Hence, the single-phase induction motors are classified and named
according to the method used to make them self-starting which are given as follows −
• Split-phase Induction Motor – These motors are started by 2-phase motor action, which is
achieved by the use of a starting or auxiliary winding.
• Capacitor Motor – To start a capacitor motor, the two-phase motor action is achieved by the
use of an auxiliary winding and a capacitor.
The circuit diagram of the single-phase capacitor start motor is shown below. The physical
construction of a capacitor-motor can be done by connecting a capacitor unit near the motor. The
electricity supplies to both the start & the run coil windings with the start capacitor.

Fig: Single Phase Capacitor Start Motor Circuit

Once the motor gets sufficient rotating velocity, then both the start capacitor & start coil will be
turned OFF by opening the centrifugal switch contact which is activated mechanically by the
centrifugal force which is formed from the rotary velocity of the rotating shaft of the motor, thus
placing the motor on its run condition through simply the run coil performing on the revolution of
the rotor.

The centrifugal switch function in the above circuit is to provide the electrical switching function
with a spring action that activates the mechanical contacts which activate and deactivate from the
driving force of the motor’s rotating shaft.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnIxr0Z25yM

• Shaded Pole Motor – This type of single-phase induction motor is started by the motion of
magnetic field produced by the means of a shading coil around the portion of the pole structure.
Must watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYHvJ4_ojrs
Application of induction motor in textile industry
Induction motors are widely used in the textile industry due to their efficiency, reliability, and
robustness. They play a crucial role in various processes throughout the textile manufacturing
process. Here are some key applications of induction motors in the textile industry:
Spinning Machines: Induction motors are used in spinning machines to drive the spindles that
twist and draft fibers into yarn. These motors provide precise control over the speed and tension
of the process, ensuring consistent yarn quality.
Weaving Machines: In weaving, induction motors are employed to drive the various components
of looms, such as the warp and weft mechanisms. These motors control the movement of threads
and fabrics, enabling the creation of intricate patterns and designs.
Dyeing and Finishing Processes: Induction motors are used in dyeing and finishing machines
that apply color and texture to textiles. These motors drive rollers, pumps, agitators, and other
components needed to move and treat the fabrics through different dyeing and finishing baths.
Winding and Unwinding Machines: Textile materials often come in large rolls or bales.
Induction motors power winding and unwinding machines that handle these materials, ensuring
controlled and precise tension during the winding and unwinding processes.
Knitting Machines: In knitting processes, induction motors drive the needles and mechanisms
that create knitted fabrics. The speed and movement of the needles are controlled by these motors
to achieve the desired fabric structure.
Textile Printing: Induction motors drive printing machines that apply designs, patterns, or images
onto textiles. These motors control the movement of the fabric and printing elements to ensure
accurate and consistent printing results.
Textile Cutting and Sewing Machines: Motors are used in cutting and sewing machines to
automate the process of cutting and stitching fabrics into various shapes and sizes. Induction
motors provide the necessary power for precise and efficient cutting and sewing operations.
Textile Conveyor Systems: Conveyor systems are essential for transporting textiles between
different stages of production. Induction motors power these conveyor systems, ensuring smooth
and controlled movement of materials.
Air Conditioning and Ventilation: Textile manufacturing facilities require proper air
conditioning and ventilation. Induction motors drive fans, blowers, and HVAC systems, ensuring
a comfortable working environment and maintaining the quality of the produced textiles.
Maintenance Equipment: Induction motors are also used in equipment for maintaining and
repairing textile machinery. Motors power tools used for maintenance tasks like lubrication,
cleaning, and equipment adjustments.
Overall, induction motors are a fundamental component of the textile industry, contributing to the
efficiency, productivity, and quality of textile manufacturing processes. Their versatility and
reliability make them well-suited for the diverse range of applications within this industry.

Advantages of Induction Motor

(i) It has simple and rugged construction.
(ii) It is relatively cheap.
(iii) It requires little maintenance.
(iv) It has high efficiency and reasonably good power factor.
(v) It has self-starting torque.

Disadvantages of Induction Motor

(i) It is essentially a constant speed motor and its speed cannot be changed easily.
(ii) (ii) Its starting torque is inferior to d.c. shunt motor.