What Is A Motor Starter

What Is a Motor Starter?
| Types of
Motor Starters | Advantage of
Motor Starter
August 9, 2021 by Vishnu Patil
What is a Motor Starter?

A motor starter is an electric device by which we can turn any motor on or off.
Its function is very similar to that of a relay that turns the motor on and off and
Provides protection to the motor against over voltage and under voltage from
the relay.
The following are the main functions of a motor starter.
 Turn on the motor safely.

 Turn off the motor safely.
 The need for the motor to change the direction of time.
 Provide protection against motor overvoltage and Undervoltage.
Electrical Contactor: The main function of a contactor is to turn on/off

the power supply in the motor by making or breaking contact terminals.
Overload Protection Circuit: This can be identified by its name and

what its function is. It works to isolate the main current from
experiencing even the slightest overheating of the motor. Due to which
the stator and rotor of the motor are not damaged in any way.
Why We Need a Starter with a Motor?

When current is given to the induction motor, the current of the magnetic field
moving in the rotor winding and the AMF behind the current produced
increases the motor torque, which leads to a higher rotor current.
In the time between the application of the electric supply to the motor and the
actual acceleration of the motor at its full speed, a large amount of current is
drawn from the supply through the stator. The amount of starting current is 5
to 6 times higher than the full load.
This current is only for a short time. Due to the large current flowing in the
cable, the voltage drop in the system can cause damage to the electrical
equipment. For this reason, a certain method of starting the motor is required.
Type of Motor Starters:

The types of motor starters are as follows and their advantages and
disadvantages are also shown.
Sr.No. Type of Motor Starters
#1. Direct Online Starter (DOL)

#2. Stator Resistance starter
#3. Rotor Resistance or Slip Ring Motor Starter
#4. Autotransformer Starter
#5. Star Delta Starter
#6. Soft Starter
#7. Variable frequency drive (VFD)
4. Stator Resistance Starter:
The stator resistance starter method uses a reduced voltage starter technique to connect an
external resistor to each winding series of the motor. The main function of a resistor is to reduce
the line voltage applied to the stentor. At the start of the motor, the variable resistor is kept in the
state of maximum resistance. Due to the voltage drop of the resistor the motor gets a safe amount
of voltage.
Low stator voltage limits the initial inrush current that damages the motor windings. As the
speed of the motor increases, the resistance is reduced and the motor is connected to direct
power.
As the current is directly proportional to the amount of voltage and the torque varies with the
square of the current, the torque decreases 4 times as the voltage decreases 2 times. Thus the
initial torque using such a starter is very low and needs to be maintained.
Advantages of Stator Resistance Motor Starter:

 This can be used in both Star and Delta.
 The variable voltage supply allows easy acceleration
 It provides relief in the initial characteristics.
Disadvantages of Stator Resistance Motor Starter
 Starting torque is equal to lack of voltage.
 Resistors have proven to be very expensive for motors of large ratings.
 Resistors strip power.
#5. Rotor Resistance or Slip Ring Motor Starter:
This type of starter operates on full voltage. It is also known as a slip ring motor starter as it only
works for one slip ring induction motor.
The external resistance is connected to the rotor in a star combination with the help of a sleep
ring. This resistance limits the rotor current and helps to increase the torque instead of reducing
the initial stator current. It also helps to improve the power factor.
The resistors used in this way are used only at the beginning of the motor. Once the motor
reaches its proper speed then this is removed.
Advantages of Rotor Resistance Motor Starter:

 This method improves the power factor.
 Motion control can be done easily.
 Due to the high torque, the motor can start even under motor load.
 It provides an initial current using full voltage.
Disadvantages of Rotor Resistance Motor Starter:
 Only works for a slip ring induction motor.
 The cost of the rotor increases and so does the weight.
#6. Autotransformer Starter:
A step-down or autotransformer is used to reduce the voltage applied to the stator at the
beginning of the motor. This type of transformer can be connected to both star and delta-type
motors.
The secondary winding of the autotransformer is connected to each phase of the motor.
Autotransformer Multiple tapings provide a fraction of the rated voltage.
At the start of the motor, the relay stays at the starting point so the motor gets the voltage only in
low. The tap point providing the voltage. Rotate the relay between the tape points to increase the
voltage with the speed of the motor. And finally, connect the motor with full voltage.
Compared to other voltage reduction techniques, it provides a higher voltage for a specific
starting current. It has been shown to help provide better starting torque.
Advantages of Autotransformer Starter:

 It can also be used at a manual speed.
 It provides torque to the motor perfectly.
 It also gives relief to the initial features.
Disadvantages of Autotransformer Starter:
 Due to the large size of the transformer takes up more space.
 Circuits are very complex and expensive in proportion.
Also Read: Star to Delta Conversion and Delta to Star Conversion
#7. Star Delta Starter:
Star Delta Starter Nose is used in industries for large-rated motors. The winding of 3 phase
induction motor is converted from star to delta
The star connection of the induction motor is connected using that triple pole double throw relay.
Due to the star connection, the phase voltage is reduced by a factor of 1/3 and it reduces the
initial current as well as the initial torque by 1/3 of the normal rated value
When the motor reaches its proper speed, the timer relay acts to turn the star connection of the
stator windings into a delta connection, so that each phase receives full voltage and the motor
works properly.
Advantages of Star Delta Starter:

 It does not need maintenance.
 Simple design.
 Used for motors of large rating.
 It is best for long acceleration times.
 Provide low bounce current.
Disadvantages of Star Delta Starter:
 Operates only on motors with a delta connection.
 More wire connections are found.
 The motor feels a normal jerk as it rotates from star to delta.
 The initial characteristics are there is very limited flexibility.
#8. Soft Starter:
The Soft Starter works on the same voltage reduction system as other starters. This motor uses a
semiconductor switch like the TRIAC to control the voltage as well as the current supplied to the
induction motor.
Fuse control TRIAC is used to provide variable voltage. In voltage, TRIAC’s carrier angle or
firing angle can be separated. The minimum carrying angle is kept to give this reduced voltage to
the motor. The carrying angle is increased and the voltage is gradually increased. At the
maximum carrying angle, the full line voltage is applied to the induction motor and it runs at the
prescribed speed.
The starting current and voltage provide a slow and smooth increase in torque so that no one
feels the shock, which makes the motor work smoothly, which increases the life of the machine.
Advantages of Soft Starter:

 It is small in size.
 Increases the age of the system.
 Reduces power surges in the system.
 Provides smooth acceleration so no shock is felt.
 Reduces power surges in the system.
 Efficiency is high Lack of maintenance is required.
Disadvantages of Soft Starter:
 The system is very expensive.
 Dissolves energy in the form of heat.
Also Read:VFD Vs Soft Starter | Difference Between VFD and Soft Starter
#9. Variable frequency drive (VFD):
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) can also vary the given voltage and frequency like a soft
starter. Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
Is mainly used to control the speed of the induction motor as it depends on the given supply
frequency.
Converts from the supply line to DC using AC rectifiers. Pure DC is converted to AC with
adjustable frequency and voltage using pulse width modulation technology through power
transistors such as IGBTs.
Gives complete control over the determined speed of the motor from start to finish. Speed
adjusting option with variable voltage provides better current and current acceleration.
Advantages of Variable Frequency Drive:

 It offers full speed control with easy acceleration and distraction
 It increases life expectancy due to the absence of electrical and mechanical stress.
 Provides good and easy acceleration for large-rated motors.
Disadvantages of Variable Frequency Drive:
 Dissipates heat.
 The cost of the system increases if speed control is not required.
 VFDs create harmonics in electric lines that affect electronic devices and the power factor.
Like this post? Share it with your friends!
Suggested Read –
 What is CT PT Transformer
 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Motor
 What is Electrical Breaking | Types of Braking in a DC Motor
 What is Fuse | Types Of Fuses | Working Principle of Fuse | Application Of Fuse
 What is Stator | Construction Of Stator | Working Principle Of Stator | Applications Of Stator

What Is A Motor Starter

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What Is A Motor Starter

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

What Is A Motor Starter

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

What Is a Motor Starter?

What is a Motor Starter?

The following are the main functions of a motor starter.

 Turn on the motor safely.

Electrical Contactor: The main function of a contactor is to turn on/off

Overload Protection Circuit: This can be identified by its name and

Why We Need a Starter with a Motor?

Type of Motor Starters:

Sr.No. Type of Motor Starters

#1. Direct Online Starter (DOL)

Advantages of Stator Resistance Motor Starter:

Advantages of Rotor Resistance Motor Starter:

Advantages of Autotransformer Starter:

Advantages of Star Delta Starter:

Advantages of Soft Starter:

Advantages of Variable Frequency Drive:

You might also like