08a Motor Starting
08a Motor Starting
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
POWER SYSTEM STUDY
APPLICATION GUIDE
Motor Starting
REPRODUCTIONS
Introduction
The motor starting problem can be broken into 4 parts – the power system, motor,
starter and driven equipment. Under ideal circumstances, the electrical engineer would
specify the following information to the motor manufacturer to enable the manufacture to
design the best machine for the intended application. For the power system, define the
minimum available MVA and maximum allowable voltage drop. For the starter, define
the starting method. For the motor, define the maximum allowable locked rotor current,
minimum allowable locked rotor voltage and the minimum allowable net torque margin.
For the driven equipment, define the inertia, BHP and load torque versus speed curve.
Electrical engineers always strive to minimize the impact of motor starting to the power
system. The impact is directly proportional to the available fault duty at the motor
terminals. It is evaluated by calculating and then comparing the voltage dip
experienced along the network while the motor is accelerating, to criteria limits imposed
by the utility, customer, equipment manufacturer or industry standards.
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Motor Starting
Driven equipment manufacturers are generally not concerned with the motor starting
problem beyond supplying the load horsepower, inertia and load torque versus speed
curve to the motor manufacturer. Driven equipment manufacturers may impact the
system design if starting times are unusual. For example, a starting time less than 5
seconds for a centrifugal compressor, may indicate high shaft torques that could exceed
design limits. Likewise, a starting time greater than 15 seconds for a synchronous
motor, will raise concerns about shaft torsional resonance. If a torsional analysis is
required, it is the responsibility of the mechanical engineer.
Assumptions
The motor starting problem can be solved using steady state or dynamic analysis
methods. Algebraic equations are used to solve steady state problems in the areas of
load flow, short circuit, motor starting and harmonics. Differential equations are used to
solve dynamic problems such as motor starting, line switching, impact loading and fault
clearing. This guide will cover the steady state solution process.
One assumption used with the steady state method is that the power system is three-
phase and balanced. This assumption allows us to model the system as a single-phase
equivalent circuit. Another assumption is that the motor does not saturate under
starting conditions. This assumption allows the power systems engineer to predict the
behavior of the motor current and torque versus speed curves at voltages other than
nameplate using the following relationships.
• Im ∝ Vm(p.u.)1
• TQm ∝ Vm(p.u.)2
The motor impedance versus speed curve is modeled as the inverse of the current
versus speed curve. Finally, if the power factor versus speed curve is not available
assume the power factor under starting conditions is zero.
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Motor Starting
Motor Models
There are several machine models available to the engineer in the literature. The most
prevalent are the single rotor model, the double rotor model and graphical model. The
single and double rotor models are used to predict the behavior of induction motors
operating between the breakdown torque and synchronous speed points. They are
commonly used to analyze the response of running motors to a system transient. The
graphical model is the industry standard for motor starting analysis. The graphical
model consists of current and torque versus speed curves at 100% voltage, and a data
sheet listing rated HP, voltage, FLA, speed and inertia. This model is standard for all
medium-voltage induction or synchronous motors.
There are two models referenced in the literature to simulate driven equipment; the
equation model and the graphical model. The equation model attempts to predict the
torque versus speed characteristics with a polynomial. This model is a holdover from a
time when engineers attempted to generically predict the torque versus speed curves of
fans, compressors and pumps without manufacturer’s data. This model does not
accurately predict torque between breakaway and 20% speed, which is critical,
therefore it is never recommended. Also, driven equipment vendors never present data
in this form. Manufactures always provide graphical data as standard. The graphical
model consists of a torque versus speed curve and a data sheet listing rated power,
speed and inertia. This model is standard for compressors, pumps and fans.
Starter Models
There are several prevalent medium-voltage starters used in industry, full-voltage, unit
transformer, reactor, switched capacitor and autotransformer. When considering these
starting methods, the electrical engineer must perform a motor starting study to
determine the ratings for the individual starter components.
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Motor Starting
Other starting methods include variable frequency drives and soft starters. In these
cases a motor starting study is not required by the electrical engineer. The motors are
designed for the drive application, and the drives are designed and programmed by the
drive manufacturer for the system application.
The full-voltage starter is the most common starting method used in the industry
because it is the least expensive and simplest to implement. However, it is the most
severe starting method with respect to system voltage drop.
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If a motor cannot be full-voltage started and meet the specified voltage drop constraints,
the engineer must investigate alternate starting methods. The unit transformer starter is
preferred when the motor size is small relative to the available voltage level.
For example, consider the situation of an industrial plant with a spare 13.8kV breaker
and a requirement to provide power to a 600hp, 2-pole, induction motor. The engineer
has a choice, full-voltage start a 13.2kV motor, or unit transformer start a 4kV motor. In
this situation starting a 4kV motor though a 750kVA, 13.8-4.16kV, unit transformer is
more economical.
A secondary circuit breaker or fused starter should never be used in this situation.
Applying a breaker or starter would defeat the purpose of the unit transformer, as well
as, the cost advantages.
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Motor Starting
The transformer must be specified and designed for motor starting duty. Include a
statement in the specification that the transformer will be used in a unit transformer
application along with the motor voltage, hp, locked rotor current and starting duty. The
transformer is rated for continuous duty.
The reactor starter is a similar in impact to the power system as the unit transformer.
Reactor starters are used in situations where a motor cannot be full-voltage started and
the system voltage matches the motor voltage.
The motor starting study is done to determine the reactor impedance and transition
criteria. Common variables used to sense the transition point include motor current, bus
voltage, starting time and motor rpm. The most reliable variable is rpm, which is sensed
by a shaft mounted speed switch. A typical transition speed is 98%. Of course this
must be validated with a motor starting study.
The reactor specification must include the reactor voltage, frequency, impedance, and
the starting duty of the motor. The starting duty of the motor is defined by the starting
time in seconds on, minutes off, starting time in seconds on, minutes off. Note, in this
situation the reactor is rated for the starting duty of the motor.
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Motor Starting
The shaft mounted speed switch must be specified and purchased with the motor. If a
speed switch is not used, an undercurrent relay, voltage relay or timer must be specified
and purchased with the switchgear.
The switched capacitor starter is probably the least utilized starter. There is a
tremendous risk associated with this type of starter from switching transients and over-
voltages. The reason for concern is that the capacitor kVAR rating required for this
starter scheme to be effective is between ¼ and ½ the locked rotor kVA of the motor!
The motor starting study is done to determine the capacitor kVAR rating and transition
criteria. The engineer has a choice of variables to sense the transition point - motor
current, bus voltage, starting time and motor rpm. The most reliable variable is rpm,
which is sensed by a shaft mounted speed switch. A typical transition speed is 98%. A
motor starting study must be done to validate the actual transition speed.
The capacitor specification must include the capacitor voltage, frequency, kVAR, and
the starting duty of the motor. The starting duty of the motor is defined by the starting
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Motor Starting
time in seconds on, minutes off, starting time in seconds on, minutes off. Note, in this
situation the capacitor is rated for the starting duty of the motor.
The shaft mounted speed switch must be specified and purchased with the motor. If a
speed switch is not used, an undercurrent relay, voltage relay or timer must be specified
and purchased with the switchgear.
The autotransformer starter is the only starter that reduces the voltage to the motor
while boosting the voltage of the system. The autotransformer is a desirable starting
method when reduced voltage is required because it is the only method that can be
adjusted in the field. Autotransformers are always equipped with at least 3 taps. If the
original tap setting does not work there are always two other taps to select from. All the
other methods are fixed.
The motor starting study is done to determine the autotransformer tap settings, kVA,
impedance and transition criteria. Again, common variables used to sense the
transition point include motor current, bus voltage, starting time and motor rpm. The
most reliable variable is rpm, which is sensed by a shaft mounted speed switch. A
typical transition speed is 98%. A motor start study must be done to confirm the
transition speed.
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Motor Starting
The autotransformer specification must include the voltage, frequency, kVA, taps, and
starting duty of the motor. The starting duty of the motor is defined by the starting time
in seconds on, minutes off, starting time in seconds on, minutes off. The
autotransformer is rated for starting duty of the motor.
The shaft mounted speed switch must be specified and purchased with the motor. If a
speed switch is not used, an undercurrent relay, voltage relay or timer must be specified
and purchased with the switchgear.
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Motor Starting
The introduction to this guide stated that the motor starting problem could be broken
into 4 parts – the power system, motor, starter and driven equipment. When a motor
starting study is required remember to look at the input data requirements in the same
way.
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Motor Starting
The performance section of a motor specification should include the following data.
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Motor Starting
Equations
X motor = (Vmotor / V base) 2 (S base / S motor) / I motor @ 100%V (ohms p.u) (4)
Δ time = wk 2 * Δ RPM / (308 * Torque net average * Torque base) (seconds) (9)
Notes:
1. The variable V motor in equation 5 is in per unit.
2. The variable V motor in equation 6 is in per unit.
Solution Method
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Motor Starting
Determine if the motor can accelerate the load and meet the criteria.
Input Data
Torque (p.u.) 0.70 0.75 0.82 0.90 1.15 1.55 2.00 1.10 1.00 0.00
Current (p.u.) 6.00 5.90 5.80 5.65 5.40 4.90 3.80 2.00 1.00 0.00
Torque (p.u.) 0.15 0.05 0.17 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.20 0.20 0.20
Criteria
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Motor Starting
Solution
Sb = 10MVA
Vb = 4.16kV
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Source Impedance
Transformer Impedance
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From (1)
From (2)
From (9)
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Evaluation of results
V motor > 90%, met – lowest locked rotor voltage was 92%
Torque net > 10%, met – lowest net torque margin was 44.9%
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Motor Starting
Determine if the motor can accelerate the load and meet the criteria.
Input Data
Torque (p.u.) 0.70 0.75 0.82 0.90 1.15 1.55 2.00 1.10 1.00 0.00
Current (p.u.) 6.00 5.90 5.80 5.65 5.40 4.90 3.80 2.00 1.00 0.00
Torque (p.u.) 0.15 0.05 0.17 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.20 0.20 0.20
Criteria
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Solution
. Source Impedance
Transformer Impedance
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Evaluation of results
V motor > 90%, not met – lowest locked rotor voltage was 76.8%
Torque net > 10%, met – lowest net torque margin was 27.0%
The calculations indicate the motor will accelerate the load. However,
starter results.
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PSA POWER SYSTEMS ANALYSIS_____________________________________________________________________
About the Author
Tom Smith holds Bachelors degrees in Electrical Engineering and Education from the University
of Nebraska and is a registered Professional Engineer. He began his career at the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers Omaha District in 1983. He joined the Reading offices of Gilbert /Commonwealth in
1988. He has served as a consulting engineer since 1995.
His experience includes the design and analysis of commercial, industrial and utility electrical
distribution systems. He also teaches several courses in load flow, motor starting, short circuit,
overcurrent coordination and arc flash.
PSA