Principle and characteristics of AC motor

Qinghua Fang
18801236339
[email protected]

North China Electric Power University

School of energy, power and mechanical engineering
Chapter 5 Working Principle and Characteristics
of AC Motors
ü Understand the basic structure and working principle of three - phase
asynchronous motor;
ü Master the three-phase asynchronous motor torque characteristics and
mechanical properties;
ü Master the three-phase asynchronous motor connection method and rated
parameters;
ü Master the three-phase asynchronous motor start, speed regulation, braking
and other characteristics;
ü Master the three-phase asynchronous motor starting, speed regulation,
braking and their applications;
ü Master the working principle of single-phase asynchronous motor and
starting method;
ü Understand the structure, working principle, operating characteristics and
starting method of synchronous motor.
5.1 Basic structure and working principle of three-phase
asynchronous motor
1. The basic structure of a three - phase asynchronous motor

Three-phase asynchronous motor mainly consists of stator and rotor, the

stator is a stationary part, the rotor is a rotating part. Between the stator and
the rotor, there is a certain air gap.
1. The stator
The stator consists of stator core, winding and base. The stator core is
part of the magnetic circuit, which is made of 0.5 mm silicon steel sheet.
The sheet is insulated from the other sheets to reduce eddy current loss.
The inner of the silicon steel sheet of the stator core has a stator slot, and
the coils are placed in the slot as shown. Silicon steel sheets are stacked into
a whole, fixed to the base.
The stator winding is the part of
the motor circuit. Three-phase
stator windings are divided into
three parts symmetrically
distributed on the stator core,
known as the three-phase winding,
respectively, with AX, BY, CZ,
where A, B, C are called the first
end, and X, Y, Z the tail end.

Three-phase winding access

the three-phase AC power supply,
three-phase currents in the stator
winding produce a rotating
magnetic field.
The base is mainly used for fixing and supporting the stator core. Small and
medium-sized asynchronous motors are generally cast iron chassis. Different
frame types are adopted according to different cooling methods.
2. Rotor

The rotor consists of a core and a winding. The rotor core is also
part of the magnetic circuit of the motor and is made of silicon steel
sheets. The rotor core is mounted on the shaft. The silicon steel sheet
is shown in the figure.
 Rotor structure can be divided into two categories, squirrel cage and
wire wound. Their working principles are the same. The role of the rotor is
to produce the rotor current, that is, the generation of electromagnetic
torque.
 In squirrel-cage asynchronous motor, copper bars are inserted into the
rotor core groove, and then all ends of the copper bars are welded to the two
copper end rings, as shown.
 In wire-wound asynchronous
motor, coil windings are inserted
into the rotor core slot, and
divided into three symmetrical
windings, producing the same
number of magnetic pole as the
stator. The wire-wound rotor
connects the external resistors
through the shaft's slip ring and
brush to improve the start-up
performance and adjust the speed.
2. The working principle of three - phase asynchronous motor
2.1 Rotational magnetic field of stator
Assume that there is only one turn in each phase winding, which is
embedded in the six grooves in the inner of the stator. Now the three-phase tail
ends X, Y, Z are connected together, the first ends A, B, C are connected to the
three-phase AC power supply. The three-phase windings are called A, B, C
phase windings.
 It is assumed that the positive direction of the currents in the stator winding is
from the first end to tail end, and the current in A phase winding is regarded as the
reference sinusoidal, namely the initial phase of iA is zero. The instantaneous values of
the currents in three-phase windings A, B, C (phase A - B - C) are
i A  I m sin  t
2
iB  I m sin( t  )
3
4
iC  I m sin( t  )
3
As shown in the figure, these currents vary over time.
 (1) When t = 0
iA = 0
iB is negative, the actual direction of the current is in the opposite direction, that is, the current
flows from Y to B；
iC is positive, the actual direction of the current is in the positive direction, that is, the current
flows from C to Z.

According to the right hand

spiral principle, a synthetic magnetic
field is determined by the three-
phase currents, as shown the arrow
in figure (a).
(2) When t = T/6
iA is positive, the actual direction of the current is the positive direction, that is, the current
flows from A to X.
iB is negative, the actual direction of the current is opposite to the positive direction, that is,
the current flows from Y to B.
iC = 0
The synthetic magnetic field at this
time is shown in Fig. (b), and the
resultant magnetic field has rotated π / 3
as clockwise direction from the
instantaneous position of t = 0.
(3) When t = T/3
iA is positive, the actual direction of the current is positive direction, that is, the current flows
from A to X.
iB=0
iC is negative, the actual direction of the current is opposite to the positive direction, that is,
the current flows from Z to C；
In this case, the synthetic
magnetic field has rotated 2 π /
3 as clockwise direction from
the instantaneous position of t =
0, as shown in Figure c.
(4) When t = T/2
iA=0
iB is positive, the actual direction of the current is consistent with the positive direction, that is,
the current flows from B to Y.
iC is negative, the actual direction of the current is opposite to the positive direction, that is, the
current flows from Z to C.
In this case, the synthetic
magnetic field has rotated π as
clockwise direction from the
instantaneous position of t = 0,
as shown in (d).
 According to the above analysis, we can draw, when the three-phase
currents change with time, the synthetic magnetic field is also constantly
rotating, so it is called rotating magnetic field. (Animation)
The formation of the rotating magnetic field can also be analyzed from the viewpoint of
synthesis of the magnetomotive force.
The magnetomotive force generated by the single-phase winding sinusoidal current can be
decomposed into two circular rotating magnetomotive force rotating in the opposite directions.
(Animation)
For the three-phase symmetrical AC in the three-phase symmetrical AC winding, the three
reverse rotational magnetomotive forces in the space stagger 120 electrical angle each other,
and three forward rotational magnetomotive forces in space are in the same phases, thus
generating the synthesis circular rotating magnetomotive force. (Animation)

2. Rotational direction of the rotating magnetic field

The current in A-phase winding leads 2 π / 3 the current in B-phase
winding, and the current in B-phase winding leads 2 π / 3 the current in the C-
phase winding. When the three-phase alternating current vary from A → B →
C, the rotational direction of the magnetic field is from A → B → C, that is, in
clockwise direction.
 If exchange any two of the three wires of the power
supply connecting to the stator windings, for example,
connect B phase winding to C phase current of the power
supply, as shown in the following figure.
 The current in A-phase winding leads 2π / 3 the current in C-phase winding, and
the current in C-phase winding leads 2 π / 3 the current in B-phase winding. In the
same way as described above, the rotational direction of the magnetic field becomes A
→ C → B, that is, it rotates as counterclockwise direction, as shown in the figure, that is,
the opposite direction to the original rotational direction.

Therefore, to change the direction of rotational magnetic field, just any

two wires of the three phase windings are exchanged.
3. The poles number of the rotating magnetic
field and the rotational speed
In AC motor, the rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field relative
to the stator is called the synchronous speed, denoted by n0.

n0  60 f

The rotating magnetic field discussed above refers to only one pair of
magnetic poles (the number of poles is represented by p), i.e., p = 1.
It can be seen from the above analysis, the current changes through a
cycle (360 electrical angle), the rotating magnetic field in the space also
rotates a circle (360 mechanical angle). If the current frequency is f, the
speed of the rotating magnetic field is 60f rev/min.
 If the number of slots in the stator core increases by two
times (12 slots), the three-phase windings are shown as following.

At present, each phase winding is composed of two parts in series,

and then the three-phase windings are connected to a symmetrical three-
phase power source, thus a rotating magnetic field with two pairs of
magnetic poles is generated.
 It can be seen from the figure, the current changes half a cycle, the
rotating magnetic field in the space rotates π / 2, that is, 1/4 cycle. If the
current changes a cycle, the rotating magnetic field in the space rotates 1/2
cycle. (Animation)
Thus, while the rotating magnetic field has two pairs of magnetic poles (p = 2), its
rotational speed is only half of the one with one pair of magnetic pole. When there are p
pole pairs, the rotational speed is:
60 f
n0 
p
Therefore, the rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field is
proportional to the frequency of the current and is inversely proportional to
the pole pairs.
4. Working principle
The working principle of the three-
phase asynchronous motor is based on the
interaction between the stator rotating
magnetic field and the rotor current.
Assuming that the stator has only a
pair of pole, the rotor has only one winding.

Under the action of the rotating magnetic field, the rotor conductor cuts the
magnetic field (the relative direction is opposite to the direction of the rotating magnetic
field), thereby generating an induced electromotive force e in the conductor with an
induced rotor current i. According to Ampere's law of electromagnetic force, the rotor
current interacts with the rotating magnetic field to produce the electromagnetic force
F (whose direction is determined by the left-hand rule). This force forms the
electromagnetic torque on the shaft of the rotor, and the acting direction of this torque
is the same as the rotating magnetic field. Similarly, the rotor is driven by the rotating
magnetic field.
Rotational speed of the rotor is called the speed of the motor, denoted by n.
5. Slip rate S
From the working principle we can see: the rotor speed n (motor speed) is less than
the rotational speed n0 (synchronous speed) of the rotating magnetic field. If these two
speeds are equal, there are no relative movement between the rotor and the rotating
magnetic field, and the rotor conductor does not cut the magnetic field lines. Therefore,
electromagnetic torque can not be produced, and the rotor will not be able to continue to
rotate. Therefore, the speed difference between the rotor and the rotating magnetic field
is the main factor that can ensure keeping the rotor rotational speed continuously. That
is why it is called asynchronous motor.

Definition: The ratio of the speed difference (n0-n) over the synchronous
speed n0 is called the slip rate of the asynchronous motor,
n0  n
S
n0

The slip rate S is the main parameter for analyzing the operating
characteristics of the asynchronous motor.
6. Ways of connecting stator windings

The first and tail ends of the stator windings are usually connected
to the terminals of the motor junction box. The general arrangement is
shown in the figure.

According to China's
electrical professional
standards: the first ends of
the stator windings are D1,
D2, D3, and the tail ends are
D4, D5, D6.
 Three-phase motor stator windings are connected using star
(Y) and triangular (△) ways, as shown.
  Line voltage and phase voltage
Line voltage: the voltage between the two first ends of the two-phase windings, denoted by Uline;
Phase voltage: the voltage between the first and tail end of each winding, expressed by Uphase.

For star connection: U line = 3U phase

For triangular connection: U line  U phase

 Line current and phase current

Line current: the supply current of the grid, expressed by Iline;
Phase current: current per phase winding, expressed by Iphase.

For star connection: I line = I phase

For triangular connection: I line = 3 I phase
The power factor of stator
side is defined as the cosine

 The input power of the motor of the phase difference

between the stator phase
voltage and the stator phase
The power is current
active power
P1 = 3U line I linecos =3U phase I phasecos
 The connection way of the stator three-phase winding
(Y-shaped or Δ-shaped) is the same as the ordinary three-
phase load, depending on the line voltage of the power
supply.

If the line voltage of the power supply equals to the

rated phase voltage of the motor, then the windings of the
motor should be triangular;

If the line voltage of the power supply is 3 times the

rated phase voltage of the motor, then the winding of the
motor should be star.

Usually there is mark in the nameplate of the motor with

the symbol Δ / Y and the number 220/380, the former denotes
t h e c on n e c t i o n w a y of t h e s t at or w i n d i n g , t h e l a t e r
corresponds to the different line voltage value.
 Example: Power line voltage is 380V, there are two motors, the
nameplate data is as follows, try to select the connection way of stator winding.

1. J32-4, power 1.0kW, connection method Δ / Y, voltage 220 / 380V,

current 4.25 / 2.45A, speed 1420 r / min, power factor 0.79.

2. J02-21-4, power 1.1 kW, connection method Δ, voltage 380V, current

6.27A, speed 1410 r / min, power factor 0.79.
Solution: J32-4 motor should be connected as star (Y) shape, as shown in
Figure (left). J02-21-4 The motor should be triangular (Δ) as shown in figure
(right).
5.2 Stator and rotor circuits for three-phase asynchronous motors
1. the stator circuit analysis
The electromagnetic relationship of three-phase asynchronous motor is similar to
the transformer. The stator winding is equivalent to the original winding of the
transformer, the rotor winding (usually short circuit) is equivalent to the secondary
winding.
When the stator winding is connected
to the three-phase power supply voltage
(phase voltage u1), there are three-phase
current going through (phase current i1).
The three-phase currents of stator will
produce a rotating magnetic field, the
magnetic field goes through the stator and
rotor core and then close. The electromotive
force e2 is induced in the rotor, and the
electromotive force e1 is also induced in
each phase winding of the stator.
 Set the number of turns of each sub-winding of the stator and rotor, respectively,
N1 and N2, as shown in the circuit diagram, it is the circuit diagram of one of the
three-phase asynchronous motor.

The magnetic flux density of the rotating magnetic field is distributed as

sinusoidal law between the stator and the rotor. Therefore, when it rotates, the
magnetic flux passing through the stator is changed with sinusoidal law over
Stator, rotor
time.
synthesis flux

  Φ sin  t
The induced electromotive force generated in the stator per
phase winding is:
d
e1   N 1 The rotational
frequency of the
dt synthetic magnetic
flux relative to the
It is also sinusoidal, its effective value is: stator

E1 = 4.44 f1 N 1Φ = 4.44 fN 1Φ
Where f1 is the frequency of e1.
Because the relative rotation between the rotating magnetic field and
the stator is n0, so pn0
f1 =
60
It equals to the frequency of the stator current, f1  f

Stator per phase winding also produces di1

leakage magnet electromotive force
eL1 = -LL1
dt
The voltage applied to the stator per phase winding is also
divided into three components,
di1
u1  i1 R1  (  e L1 )  (  e1 )  i1 R1  LL1  (  e1 )
dt

If the plural is used,

U1  I1 R1  (  E L1 )  (  E1 )  I1 R1  jI1 X 1  (  E1 )

where, R1 and X1( X 1 = 2 π f 1 LL1 ) is the resistance and leakage

inductive impedance of the stator per phase winding.

Since R 1 and X 1 are small, the voltage drop is often

overlooked comparing with the electromotive force E1
U&1 = - E&

U1  E1
2 the rotor circuit analysis The rotating
magnetic flux relative
to of the rotor
The electromotive force induced by the rotating
magnetic field in each phase winding of the rotor is
d'  '  Φ sin  ' t
e2 = -N 2
dt
The effective value is E 2  4.44 f 2 N 2  4.44 SfN 2  '  2 f 2
where f2 is the frequency of the rotor electromotive force e2 or the rotor current i2
with respect to the rotating magnetic field.
The relative speed between the rotating magnetic field and the rotor is n0-n

p( n0 - n) n0 - n pn0
f2 = = = Sf1
60 n0 60
When n = 0, that is, S = 1, the rotor electromotive force is
E 20  4.44 f1 N 2 is the maximum electromotive
E 2  SE 20 force of the rotor
It can be seen that the rotor electromotive force E2 is related to the
slip rate S.
 The same as the stator current, the rotor current also produces leakage
flux, thus in the rotor per phase winding leakage magnetic electromotive force
is produced as di 2
eL2   LL2
dt
So, for the rotor per phase circuit, there is
di2
e2  i2 R2  (  eL2 )  i2 R2  LL2
dt
If the plural is expressed, E  I R  (  E )  I R  jI X
2 2 2 L2 2 2 2 2
where R2 and X2 - rotor resistance per phase winding and leakage inductive
impedance
X 2  2f 2 LL2  2Sf1 LL2
In the case of n = 0, that is, S = 1, the rotor leakage inductive impedance is
X 20  2f1LL2
At this time, f2 = f1, the maximum of the rotor leakage inductive
impedance is
X 2  SX 20
It can be seen that the rotor leakage inductive impedance X2 is related to
the slip rate S.
The current of each phase of the rotor is

E2 SE20
I2  
2 2 2 2
R X
2 2 R  ( SX 20 )
2

It can be seen that the rotor current I2 is also related to

the slip rate S. When S increases, that is, when the speed n is
reduced, the relative rotational speed between the rotor and
the rotating magnetic field increases, and the speed of the
magnetic field cutting rotor conductor increases, and then
the E2 and I2 increases.
3 The rated value of three-phase asynchronous motor
When the motor operates as the requirement of manufacturer, it is called
the state as rated state. Its operating conditions are usually expressed by rated
value, most of which are indicated on the nameplate of the motor.

1. Rated power PN:

In rated operation, the output mechanical power on the motor shaft.

PN   N P1 N

The general expression of the output power is P2  P1

The relationship between the output P2

power and the output torque is：
T2 = 9.55 = K tΦI 2cos 2
n
where ：η—Efficiency I2 —Rotor current
P1 —Input power P2—Output Power
 2. Rated voltage UN: in the case of the rated operating conditions, the line
voltage acting on stator winding. For example, two voltage values (220 / 380V),
which indicate the line voltages acting on stator windings with Δ / Y
connection way.

3. Rated frequency f: rated operating frequency of the stator (50Hz in China).

4. Rated current IN: Under the rated frequency, rated voltage and output
power on the shaft, the stator line current value. If there are two current
values (10.35 / 5.9A), the line current value of the stator winding is Δ / Y
connection.
5. Rated speed nN: Under the rated frequency, rated voltage and motor shaft
output power, the motor speed. The rated slip rate corresponding to the rated
speed is called the rated slip rate SN.
 There are several rated values that are not marked on the motor nameplate
as follows:
1. Rated power factor cos N : under the rated frequency, rated voltage
and the motor shaft output rated power, the cosine of the phase difference
between stator phase current and phase voltage.
2. Rated efficiency  N : Under the rated frequency, rated voltage and
rated power, the ratio of motor output power over input power, the expression
is
PN Input
N   100% active
3U N I N cos  N power

3. Rated load torque TN: The load torque of the shaft when the motor
outputs the rated power at rated speed.

4. The slip ring voltage and rotor rated current of wirewound asynchronous
motor when its rotor is static.

The data given in the manual is usually the rated value of the
motor.
5.3 Three-phase asynchronous motor torque and mechanical
characteristics
I. Torque of a three-phase asynchronous motor
Electromagnetic torque (hereinafter referred to as torque) is one of
the most important physical quantities of a three-phase asynchronous
motor. The mechanical properties are its main features. Stator, rotor
synthesis flux
T = KtΦ I2 cos2
R2
Because I 2 = S 4.44 f1 N 2 k w 2Φ cos 2 =
R2 2 + ( SX 20 )2 R2 2 + ( SX 20 )2
Winding coefficient
3 pN 2 kw 2 ---Constants related to the
Kt =
2 structure of the motor

U1 = 4.44 f1 N 1kw 1Φ = 4.44 fN 1kw 1Φ

 SR2U 12 SR2U 2 Torque
T=K 2 =K 2
R2 + ( SX 20 ) 2
R2 + ( SX 20 ) 2 characteristics

K t N 2 kw 2
K=
4.44 f1 N 12 kw2 1

Among them，K— A constant related to the structural

parameters of the motor and the frequency of the
power supply;
U1、U—Stator winding phase voltage, power supply
voltage;
R2—Rotor resistance of each phase winding;
X20 —The leakage inductive impedance of the motor rotor
when it is not moving (S=1).
Ⅱ. Mechanical characteristics of three phase asynchronous motor
In asynchronous motor, the speed of rotor is n= (1-S)n 0 . In order to
conform to the habit of drawing, the curve can be replaced by the
relationship between speed and torque curve, that is, the mechanical
characteristics of asynchronous motor.
1． Inherent mechanical properties
Asynchronous motor operates at rated voltage and rated frequency, with
the provisions of the wiring, stator and rotor circuit don’t connect any
resistance or reactance. At this time, the mechanical characteristic is
defined as inherent (NATURAL) mechanical characteristic.

SR2U12 SR2U 2 n0  n
T=K 2 =K 2 S
R2 + ( SX 20 )2
R2 + ( SX 20 )2 n0

The inherent mechanical characteristic curve of three-phase

asynchronous motor is shown in the figure.
 F ro m t h e c h a r a c t e r i s t i c
curve, it can be seen that
there are four special points
which can determine the
basic shape of the
characteristic curve and the
running performance of the
asynchronous motor. The
four special points are:
1 T = 0 ,n = n0 , S = 0

The motor is in the ideal no-load operating point, the motor

speed is the ideal no-load speed.
  2 T = TN ,n = nN , S = S N

Rated motor operating point. At

the rated torque and slip rate

PN n0  nN
TN  9.55 SN 
nN n0

among:
PN—Rated power of motor;
nN—Rated motor speed, generally nN  ( 0.94 ~ 0.985)n0
SN—Motor rated slip rate, generally S N  0.06 ~ 0.015
TN—Rated motor torque.
  3 T = Tst ,n = 0 , S = 1

Starting point of motor.

Substitute S=1 into the torque

formula, can be

R2U 2
Tst  K
R22  X 20
2

It can be seen that the starting torque of asynchronous motor

Tst is related to U, R2 and X20.
When the voltage applied to each phase
R2U 2
winding of the stator reduces, the Tst  K
starting torque will be significantly R22  X 20
2
reduced;

When the rotor resistance increase (less than real motor rotor
inductive impedance X20), the starting torque will increase;
If the rotor inductive impedance increases, the starting
torque will greatly reduce.
There is an important metric to measure the starting
ability of asynchronous motor, which is based on the ratio of
the starting torque Tst and the rated torque TN, st=Tst/TN.
Commonly
st  1.0 ~ 1.2
  4 T = Tmax ,n = nm , S = S m

The critical working point of the

motor. The maximal value of the
desired torque,
dT 0
dn
Critical slip rate
Sm  R2 / X 20

Then substitute Sm into the torque formula

U2
Tmax  K
2 X 20
The ratio of the maximal electromagnetic torque to the rated
torque is called overload coefficient of the motor.

m  Tmax / TN
It represents the ability that motor can withstand the impact of
the load, and it is another important operating parameter.

Squirrel cage induction motors  m  1 .8 ~ 2 .2

Wirewound rotor asynchronous motor
m  2.5 ~ 2.8
2. Artificial mechanical characteristics

From the above analysis, it can be seen that the mechanical

characteristics of the asynchronous motor are related to the
parameters of the motor, the external power supply voltage
and the power frequency. The characteristic obtained by
changing the parameters in the equation is called the artificial
mechanical characteristics of the asynchronous motor.

Changing the stator voltage U, the stator power frequency f,

the stator circuit connecting the resistance or reactance, the
resistance or reactance connected with rotor circuit in
series, etc., can get the man-made mechanical properties of
the asynchronous motor.
（1）Artificial characteristic when reducing the power supply
voltage of motor

 60 f n0 Unchanged
 0n 
 p Sm Unchanged
 R2 n0  nm
 Sm  
Tmax greatly reduce with the voltage decreasing
 X 20 n0

 U2 Tst greatly reduce with the voltage decreasing
Tmax  K
 2 X 20
 2
Tst  K R 2U
 R22  X 20
2 The artificial characteristic when
 changing the supply voltage are shown
  Tmax in the figure:
 TN
If the voltages of the stator winding are UN, 0.8UN and 0.5UN, the
maximal torque of the rotor are Ta=Tmax, Tb=0.64Tmax and
Tc=0.25Tmax respectively. It can be seen that the lower the
voltage, the more the characteristic curve is shifted to the left.
 The asynchronous motor is very sensitive to the fluctuation of the grid
voltage. For example, the voltage drops too much, it will greatly reduce its
overload capacity and starting torque, and even lead to the motor not start
with a fixed load.
For example, the motor operates at rated load under TN and m=2. If the
voltage drops to 70% UN
2
 U 
Tmax  mTN    2  0.7 2  TN  0.98TN
 UN 
The motor will stop. In addition, the grid voltage drops, under the same load
conditions, will make the motor speed down, the slip rate S increases, the
current increases, thus causing the motor fever or even burn.
（2）The artificial characteristics when the stator circuit connects the resistance
or reactance
After connecting the resistance or reactance to the stator circuit, the motor
terminal voltage becomes the power supply voltage minus the voltage drop on
the connected resistance or reactance, resulting in stator winding phase
voltage decrease. The artificial characteristics in this case are similar to those
when the supply voltage reduces.
（3）Artificial characteristics when the stator power frequency are changed
The general VVVF speed control needs keep the
 60 f maximal torque as a constant. At the same time of
n
 0 
p changing the power frequency, the supply voltage

should make the corresponding change, U/f = C.
 S  R2  n0  nm
 m X This guarantees the air gap flux unchanged in
20 n0
 essence.
 U2 The mechanical characteristics of changing
Tmax  K the power frequency are:
 2 X 20
 2
Tst  K R 2U
 R22  X 20
2

   Tmax K t N 2kw 2
K=
 TN 4.44 f1 N 12 k w2 1

 注意到： X 20  f , K  1 f

n0  f Tst  1 / f
Sm  1 / f Tmax 不变
（4）Artificial characteristics when adding resistances to rotor circuit
After the resistance is added to the rotor circuit of the three-
phase wire wounds, the resistance in the rotor circuit is R2  R2r

 60 f n0 Unchanged
 n0 
 p Tmax Unchanged
 R2 n0  nm
 mS   Sm Increase with the series resistance added
 X 20 n0

 U2
Tmax  K
 2 X 20
 R U 2
Tst  K 2
 R22  X 20
2

  Tmax
 TN
At this time the artificial characteristic will be softer than the inherent
characteristics of the curve.
 5.4 Starting characteristics of three phase asynchronous motor
For production machinery driven by motors, the main requirements for
starting the motor are as follows:
（1） The torque is large enough to ensure the normal operation of the
production machinery. Under normal circumstances, the sooner to start, the
production efficiency is higher. That is, the starting torque of the motor should
be greater than the load torque.
（2） Considering the requirements of starting torque as a premise, the
starting current should be smaller to avoid large impact for power grid and the
motor itself.
（3） A smooth start is required, which requires the smooth of the starting
acceleration to reduce the impact of the production machinery.
（4）The starting device is safe and reliable, and has the advantages of
simple structure and convenient operation.
（5） The smaller the power loss during startup, the better.
 Among them, (1) and (2) are the main technical indicators to
judge the motor starting performance.
However, the starting characteristic of the asynchronous motor is:
a. Large stator current，Ist=(5~7)IN

At the initial time when asynchronous motor connects to power grid, the
rotor is static, the stator rotating magnetic field cut rotor conductors at the
fastest relative speed (i.e. synchronous speed), thus inducing large rotor
current and electromotive force in the rotor winding, further resulting in a
large stator current. The current of the stator and rotor
is opposite, but the main excitation
b. Small starting torque，Tst=(0.8~1.5)TN current is kept constant.
When S  1 , the rotor power factor R is very
cos 2  2

R22  X 202

small, so the starting torque Tst  K Φ

t I 2st cos 2st is small.
The starting characteristics of asynchronous motor is shown in
figure:

Obviously, the starting performance of asynchronous motor and the

requirements of the production machinery are contradictory. In order to
solve these contradictions, we must take different start-up methods
according to the specific situation.
Ι. Starting method of squirrel cage asynchronous motor
Squirrel cage induction motor has two starting methods:
direct starting and reducing voltage starting.
1．Direct starting (full voltage starting)

Starting motor is realized by turning on the switch or

contactor to directly access the power grid at rated voltage.
Features: the operating voltage of stator windings equals to the
starting voltage.
Direct startup conditions: Since the starting current is large,
whether the direct start is allowed depends on the requirements
of relevant departments of power supply, and the power of
electric motor and the capacity of power transformer.
 Usually in the case of independent transformer power
supply (i.e., the power supplied by the transformer), if the
motor starts frequently, the motor power less than 20% of
the capacity of the transformer allows direct starting.

If the motor does not start frequently, the motor power less
than 30% of the transformer capacity is also allowed to start
directly. If there is no independent transformer for power
supply and the motor start more frequently, it is often estimated
by empirical formula. Starting directly is allowed if the
following relation can be satisfied.

starting current I st 3 Capacity of the power supply

 
rated current I N 4 4  power of the motor
 Example: there is a squirrel cage induction motor which is often
required to start, P N =20kW, I s t /I N =6.5. If the power supply
transformer (power supply) capacity is 560kVA, and the lighting
load exists, can it directly start？Under the same Ist/IN ratio，how
much the power of the motor is not allowed to start directly？
Solution: Calculation based on empirical formula
3 560kVA I
  7.75  st  6.5
4 4  20kW IN

Satisfying the above relationship, it is allowed to start

directly.
3 560kVA
6.5  
4 4   PN kW

The rated power greater than 24 kW motor is not allowed to

start directly.
2. Reducing voltage starting by connecting resistance or reactance
The principle of reducing voltage starting is shown in figure.

When starting, the contactor 1KM

is disconnected, the KM is turned
on, and the starting resistance is
connected to the stator circuit to
reduce the starting current;

When the speed increases to a

certain extent, then the 1KM is
turned on, the Rst is cut off, and
the motor is connected to the full
voltage and tends to be stable.
Characteristic ：

• The starting torque decreases with the square of the

stator voltage, so it can only be used in the case of no-load
or light load；

• Uneconomical. During the starting process, the

energy consumption of the resistor is large, and it is not
suitable for the motor which it often starts. If a reactance is
used to replace the resistor, the equipment is expensive and
the volume is large.
3．Y- starting
The wiring diagram of Y- starting is shown in figure:
When the motor starts, the stator winding is connected into a star shape, and the
stator winding is connected into a triangle when the speed increases to a certain
extent. Meanwhile the starting process is completed.
Set Uline as power supply voltage, IstY
and I st are the currents when the
stator windings are connected to the
star and triangle (line current). Z is
the equivalent impedance of each
phase winding when the motor starts.
There is
IstY  Uline 3Z Ist  3Uline / Z

so Ist
IstY 
3
Characteristics of Y- starting method ：

• The equipment is simple, economical and small starting

current；

• The starting torque is small, and the starting voltage

can not be adjusted according to the actual needs, so
it is only suitable for no-load or light load starting;

• Only applicable to the asynchronous motor whose

normal operation is under  connection way.
4． Autotransformer starting
The wiring diagram of auto transformer starting is shown in figure.
The starting circuit of the autotransformer is well known according
to the working principle of the transformer
U2 N2
K  1 U 2  KU 1
U1 N 1
At the starting time, the stator
winding voltage of each phase is
K times of the full voltage
starting, so the current is K times
of the full voltage starting, so
I2=KIst；Transformer primary
current I1=KI2=K2Ist， At this
point, the power supply current
I1 is K2 times of the direct starting
current Ist.
Characteristics：
• Unlike the starting type of Y- where the K is constant,
K is adjustable using the starting mode of autotransformer.
This is why this method is better than the Y- startup
method, of course, the starting torque is also K2 times of the
one under the full voltage starting.

• Large volume, heavy weight, high price, maintenance

trouble.
• Primary and secondary coils are not completely
isolated.
II. Starting method of the wire-wound asynchronous motor
The squirrel cage asynchronous motor has small starting torque and large
starting current. So it can't meet the requirement of high starting torque and
low starting current.
In the wire-wound asynchronous motor, external resistances can be connected
in series to the rotor circuit. Therefore, the starting torque and the starting
current are smaller.
There are two kinds of common methods: Step-by-step removal of the
starting resistance and the frequency sensitive rheostat starting method.

1．Step-by-step removal of the starting resistance

The method of removing starting resistors step-by-step is similar to the

startup method of cutting off resistors step-by-step in DC motor. The main
purpose is that the motor can keep a large acceleration torque during the
whole startup process. The startup process is as follows:
3KM 2KM 1KM
 2． Starting method using frequency
sensitive rheostat

The frequency sensitive rheostat is

essentially a large three-phase
reactance with much core loss. The
core is made up by a thickness of
iron or steel sheets, and it has three
columns. Each column is wound by
a coil. The three-phase coils are
connected into a star shape, and
then are connected to the rotor
circuit of the winding asynchronous
motor. (Equivalent to a series of
resistors and inductors connecting to
the circuit to improve the start-up
performance)
5.5 Speed regulation method and characteristics of
three phase asynchronous motor

If a series of variable speeds are required

 60 f
n 0  under a certain load, we can change four
 p parameters Tmax, Sm, f and p. Accordingly,
 R n  nm there are several methods to regulate the
S m  2  0
 X 20 n0 speed:

 U2 ü Change pole pairs
Tmax  K
 2 X 20 ü Voltage regulation
 R U 2
Tst  K 2 üConnecting resistances to rotor circuit
 R 22  X 202
 üConnecting electromotive force to rotor
  Tmax circuit
 TN
 üVariable frequency control
Ι、 Change pole pair 60 f
n0 =
According to ： p
The synchronous speed n0 is inversely proportional to the pole pair p, so
we can change the speed of the motor by changing the pole pair p. As shown
in the case of a double speed motor with single winding, the principle of
regulating speed through changing the pole pair is :

(a) Series connection 2p=4 (b) Parallel connection 2p=2

 The speed properties of multi-speed motor is related to the connection modes, e.g.,
the stator winding is changed from Y into YY [Fig.(a)], the torque remains unchanged,
while the power increased by 2 times, which belongs to the speed regulation
characteristics of constant torque; and when the stator winding is changed from  to
YY [Fig. (b)], the power is basically unchanged, and the torque decreases to half of
the original one, which belongs to the speed regulation characteristics of constant
power.
Keeping rated and constant
of half phase current

Y-YY △-YY
Because the pole pair changes, not only the speed changes, but
the current sequence of three-phase stator windings changes. In
order to keep the same rotational direction while changing the
pole pair, we need adjust phase sequence at the same time. As
shown in the diagram above, the B and C phases exchange, this is
the critical issue that should be paid attention to.
Ⅱ 、Speed regulation by changing the terminal voltage

For constant torque load TL1, the

intersection of the load characteristic
curve 1 and the mechanical
characteristics of the motor under
different voltages is a, b, c. As can be seen
from the figure, when the voltage changes,
the speed change is very small, that is, the
range of speed regulation is very small.
For the centrifugal fan type load T L2 , the
intersection of the load characteristic
curve 2 and the mechanical
characteristics under different voltage is d,
Tmax changed，n0 and Sm e, f. As can be seen from the figure, the
unchanged. range of speed regulation is slightly larger.
This method can realize stepless speed regulation. But when
the voltage is reduced, the torque is reduced by the square of
the voltage, so the speed regulation range is limit.
Ⅲ 、 Speed regulation by connecting resistance to rotor circuit
The principle and mechanical characteristics of this method are
the same as cutting off the starting resistances step by step：

(a) Connecting resistances (b) Mechanical characteristics

For different resistances, their n0 and Tmax are unchanged. However, the
Sm increases with the increase of the external resistance. For constant
torque load, by observing the intersection of the load characteristic
curve T L and the mechanical characteristics of the motor under
different external resistances (9, 10, 11 and 12), the speed of the motor
decreases with the increase of the external resistance.
This method is only applicable to the speed regulation of the winding
asynchronous motor. The starting resistor can be used as a speed
regulation resistor, but should increase the capacity of resistance to
avoid fever during stable operation.
It is simple and reliable to adjust the resistance of the rotor circuit.
As the speed decreases, the characteristic becomes soft.
The loss in rotor circuit resistance is proportional to the slip rate, large
loss at low speed.
Therefore, this method is used in most of the short-term and repeated
operation of the production machinery, such as lifting equipment etc.
IV、 Speed regulation by connecting electromotive force
In the rotor circuit, an additional electromotive force (Ead), which has
the same frequency as the rotor frequency f2 and the phase opposite to
(or same as) the rotor electromotive force (E2), is used to absorb the slip
power. The mechanical power of the actual output can be reduced to
achieve the purpose of reducing the rotational speed under the
condition of T=TL.
At this time, the slip power is supplied to the electric network by means
of the electric potential Ead, which plays an important role in saving
energy, thus improving the economy of speed regulation.
Because of I 2 = E2 SE 20
 T = KtΦ I2 cos2
2 2 2 2
R2 + X 2 R2 + ( SX 20 )

SE 20  Ead
（1） When Ead and E2 I2 =
R2 2 + ( SX 20 )2
are reversed，

Ead I2 T (T<TL) n S I2 T

SE 20  Ead
（2） When Ead and E2 I2 =
R2 2 + ( SX 20 )2
are in the phase,

Ead I2 T (T>TL) n S I2 T
 It is hard to keep Ead and E2 the same frequency. In practice, three-
phase rotor winding EMF is rectified into DC voltage Ud, and then, is
converted into three-phase alternating current through the inverter.

If E a d and E 2 reverse, then the speed is reduced, that is, under the
synchronous speed control; if the Ead and E2 in the same phase, the speed
increase, that is, the speed is above the synchronous speed, also known as
super synchronous speed control.
When the size of Ead is changed smoothly, the speed of asynchronous motor
can be adjusted smoothly. It has the advantages of wide speed range and
high efficiency.
 SE20  Ead R2
T = KtΦ I2 cos2 = KtΦ
R22 + ( SX20 )2 R22 + ( SX20 )2
SR2 E20 R2 Ead
= Kt Φ 2 2
 Kt Φ 2 2
= T1  T2
R2 + ( SX20 ) R2 + ( SX20 )

(a) Mechanical characteristics of cascade speed regulation

(b) Curves corresponding to different Ead as the phases of Ead and E2 are inverse .
(c) Curves corresponding to different Ead as the phases of Ead and E2 are same .
V、Variable frequency control
From the artificial mechanical properties as the
frequency of stator power changes, we can see that the
asynchronous motor speed is proportional to the stator
power frequency f. If we continuously adjust the frequency
of the stator power supply, we can continuously change the
speed of the motor.
 1）Variable voltage variable frequency speed regulation
U1  E1 = 4.44 fN 1Φm
1 U1
Φm 
4.44 N 1 f1
When designing the motor, we should make full use of
the ability of the iron core to pass through magnetic flux and
select the bending point of the magnetization curve (large,
close to saturation) as rated flux of the iron core to make the
motor produce enough torque.
When f1 is reduced, in order to prevent the saturation of the
magnetic circuit, the flux should be kept constant. So E1/f1
should be equal to the constant. At last, U1/f1 is a constant
since E1 is difficult to be controlled directly.
When the frequency is below the base frequency, to achieve
constant flux speed control, voltage and frequency should be
adjusted in proportion.
2）Constant voltage and weak magnetic speed regulation
It is difficult to adjust the voltage in proportion to the speed above
the base frequency. We usually keep the voltage constant. The higher
the frequency is, the weaker the flux is.

Frequency speed
regulation of asynchronous
m o t o r i s c o n t ro l l e d b y
stages: below the base
f re q u e n c y, t h e v o l t a g e
varies with the frequency
according to a constant
voltage frequency ratio;
above the base frequency,
voltage is constant and the
flux is weakened.
 The performance index of the frequency speed regulation is
similar with that of the DC motor speed regulation and has great
economic benefits:
1） Wide speed range. The minimum working frequency of the
general inverter is 0.5Hz with the general speed range 50/0.5=100 and
the advanced speed range 500.
2） Good smoothness of speed regulation. When the frequency
of a given signal is analog, the resolution of the output frequency is
0.05Hz; if the frequency of the given signal is digital, the resolution of
the output frequency can reach 0.002Hz. The speed difference
between each file is small.
3）Working characteristics (static and dynamic) can be roughly
the same degree as the DC speed regulating system.

4）High economic benefit. Three-phase AC asynchronous motor

with load of centrifugal fan such as fan, water pump consumes more
than 1/3 of the total generating capacity of the power plant every year.
If we use frequency speed regulation, there will be the savings of tens
of GW electricity annually.
5.6 Braking characteristics of three phase asynchronous motor
Asynchronous motor, the same as the DC motor, has three
types of braking: feedback braking, reverse braking and
energy consumption braking.
1. Feedback braking
For some reason, the speed of the asynchronous motor is higher than
its synchronous speed, that is, the induction motor is in the state of power
generation when n>n0，S=(n0-n)/n0<0. Obviously, The direction of the
rotor current is opposite to that in electric state. When current I2 changes
the direction, the direction of electromagnetic torque T = K t ΦI 2cos2 will
change, that is, T and n are in the opposite directions. T takes the braking
effect.
In feedback braking, when the motor absorbs power from the shaft,
part of power is converted to the rotor copper consumption. The most of
power enter the stator through the air gap. They feed back to the power
grid after supplying copper and iron loss. Therefore, the feedback brake
is also known as the power brake, then the asynchronous motor is
actually a asynchronous generator parallel with power grid.
 Since the T is negative, S<0, the mechanical characteristics of the
feedback braking is an extension of the mechanical characteristics of the
electrical state to the second quadrant, as shown in the figure.
There are two kinds of state of feedback braking in
asynchronous motor:
1）Feedback braking state of dropping potential load torque in a
crane.
For example, the motor of bridge
c r a n e s re v e r s e s ( i n t h e t h i r d
quadrant) dropping weight. At the
beginning, the motor starts to
work in the reverse electric state,
the electromagnetic torque and the
load torque directions are the
same. The weight drops rapidly
until |-n|>|-n0|. Then the
electromagnetic torque becomes
b r a k e t o rq u e . W h e n T = T L , i t
achieves a steady state with the
weight descending at a stable
speed, as shown in the point a.
Changing the series
resistance in the rotor
circuit can adjust the
stable operation speed
of dropping weight. As
shown in the point b,
the greater the rotor
resistance is, the higher
the motor speed is. But
in order to avoid the
accident caused by high
motor speed, the
resistance added to
rotor should not be too
large.
 2）Feedback braking state. When the number of pole
suddenly increases, power supply frequency suddenly reduces or
synchronous speed suddenly reduces during the process of pole-
changing control or variable frequency control of the motor.
For example, a production machine uses a two-speed motor to drive

60 f 60  50
At high speed with 4 poles（2p=4）， n01 = = = 1500 r/min；
p 2
At low speed with 8 poles（2p=8）， n02 = 60  50 = 750 r/min；
4
When the motor is switched from
a high speed to a low speed, because
the speed of the motor can not be
changed suddenly, the motor runs into
the power generation area (point b) of
the mechanical characteristic. At this
time, t he e l e c t ro m a gne t i c t orque
generated by the armature is negative.
The electromagnetic torque, together
with load torque, compels the speed of
the motor to reduce. In the process of
reducing speed, the motor converts
kinetic energy of the operating system
into electric energy which is fed back to
power grid.
 After the kinetic energy stored by motor at high
speed is consumed, the motor will enter into the electric
state of 2p=8. The motor runs stably at point c until the
electromagnetic torque of the motor is balanced with the
load torque again.
2. Electric power reverse braking If the phase sequence of three-
phase power supply of asynchronous motor during the normal
operation is changed suddenly, that is, power source is connected
reversely, the rotation direction of the rotating magnetic field
will be changed. The mechanical characteristic curve of the
motor is changed from curve 1 in the first quadrant to curve 2 in
the third quadrant, as shown in figure.
 Due to mechanical inertia, that is, the speed can not be
changed suddenly, the system operating point can transfers from
the point a to the point b of the characteristic curve 2. Then the
electromagnetic torque changes from positive to negative. Rotor
will slow down rapidly under the action of electromagnetic
torque and load torque.
 In the second quadrant from b to c, the directions of the
electromagnetic torque T and speed n are opposite with each
other with the motor going into the reverse braking state. When
n=0 (point c), the power supply should be cut off, otherwise the
motor will start running back.
 As the current in reverse braking is large, the squirrel-cage motor
should be connected with series resistance in the stator circuit and
wire wound type motor should be connected with series resistance in
the rotor circuit. At this time, the artificial mechanical characteristics
are shown in curve 3. When braking, the operating state is converted
from point a to point d and then decelerates along the curve 3 until the
power supply is cut off at point e (n=0) .
 3. Energy consumption braking
Using the reverse braking of asynchronous motor for accurately brake is
difficult, because it is easy to cause reversal and power loss is relatively large;
although the feedback braking method is economical, it can only be used at
the speed higher than the synchronous speed; Energy consumption braking is
a more common method of accurate parking. The principle of energy
consumption braking circuit is shown as follows:
 In the process of energy consumption braking, the stator winding is
disconnected from the three-phase AC power supply (1KM opens) and then a
low voltage DC power supply is connected to the stator winding (2KM closes).
After the direct current flows through the stator winding, a constant magnetic
field is established inside the motor. As the rotor continues to rotate under the
new established magnetic field, the induced electromotive force and current
are generated in the rotor conductor. The interaction between the current and
the constant magnetic field produces a braking torque whose direction is
opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

The speed of the

motor decreases rapidly
under the action of the
br aking torque . The
mechanical energy
stored in the system can
be converted into
electrical energy which
will be consumed in the
resistance of the rotor
circuit.
 The mechanical characteristics of the energy consumption braking is
shown in the following figure. In the braking, system operating point runs
from the point a of c har ac te r istic s c ur ve 1 to the point b of the
characteristics curve 2 and rapidly decelerates along the characteristic curve
2 until n=0 under the action of braking torque and load torque. When n=0,
T=0, the dynamic braking can realize accurate stop, unlike the reverse
braking which will reverse the motor if the power supply is not cut off on
time.
 When the motor stops, it should not be connected to
DC power supply, because the stator winding will be
burned. In addition, in the later stage of the energy
consumption braking, with the reduction of the rotational
speed, the dynamic braking torque is also quickly reduced.
So the brake is more stable, but the braking effect is worse
than the reverse braking.
We can change the stator excitation current or the
series resistance of rotor circuit (wound asynchronous
motor) to adjust the braking torque, thereby regulating
braking force. Because the braking time is very short, the
DC current If of the stator can be greater than the rated
current of the motor stator. Generally If =(2~3) I1N.
5.7 The basic structure and principle of single phase
asynchronous motor
Characteristics：
1. Motor capacity is small, ranging from a few watts to
several hundred watts;
2. Rotary motor powered by single-phase AC power
supply;
3. It has the advantages of simple structure, low cost,
reliable operation and the like.

So the single-phase asynchronous motor is widely used in

electric fans, washing machine, phonograph, vacuum
cleaners, medical equipment and automatic control device.
1. Magnetic field of single-phase asynchronous motor
The stator winding of the single-phase asynchronous motor is single-phase
and the rotor is squirrel cage type.

When a single-phase AC power supply is connected, it produces a

pulsating magnetic field in the air gap between stator and rotor. The
magnetic field does not rotate in space, but the amplitude of the flux or
magnetic induction varies sinusoidal with time, that is, B = Bmsinωt .
It can be proved that a pulsating magnetic field with fixed space
axis and the size changing according to the sine regularity
(represented by the magnetic induction B) can be decomposed
into two rotating magnetic field (Bm1 and Bm2 ) with equal speed
and opposite directions, which is shown in figure. The amplitude
of magnetic induction is: (animation)
Bm1 = Bm2 = Bm /2
60 f
The synchronous speed of two rotating magnetic fields is: n0 =
p
 If there is only one single phase winding, the rotor is static
before electrified, so is it after electrified.
 Two rotating magnetic fields are applied to the squirrel-cage
rotor to produce two opposite torque.
If we push it, the rotor rotates along
the push direction and achieves stable
operation finally.

Single-phase asynchronous motor has

no starting ability. But once it is
driven, it can rotate continuously.
We can draw a conclusion:
（1） Under the action of pulsating magnetic field, the single-phase
asynchronous motor has no starting ability, that is, the starting torque is zero;

（2）Once the single-phase asynchronous motor is started, it can

accelerate to the stable state. The rotation direction is not fixed, depending
entirely on the initial rotation direction.
Therefore, in order to solve the application problem of single-phase
asynchronous motor, the starting torque must be solved firstly.
2、Starting method of single-phase asynchronous motor
If a rotating magnetic field can be
generated when the single-phase asynchronous
motor starts, the starting torque can be set up
and the motor can be started automatically. The
following is a common starting method of
single-phase asynchronous motor.
When the parameter is chosen to make the
current in the BY winding 90°ahead of the
current in the AX winding, a rotating magnetic
field can be generated in the air gap between
the stator and the rotor:
 As is shown in figure. If starting
winding branch BY is connected to
a centrifugal switch QC. After the
motor is started, the speed reaches
the rated value, which cuts off the
QC by centrifugal force. Since then
the motor known as the capacitive
phase-separation motor has become
single phase operation. Centrifugal
switch need not be used sometime,
that is, the capacitor branch is not
cut off at runtime.
 It is worth noting that, to reverse
the motor, not like three-phase
asynchronous motor which
reverses motor through
exchanging two power line, series
position of capacitor C must be
exchanged in single motor, that is,
changing the position of the QB
can change the direction of the
rotating magnetic field, which
thus achieves the motor reversal.
The switch of the motor in the
washing machine is realized by
the automatic switch of the timer.
5.8 The basic structure and principle of synchronous motor
1、Basic structure of synchronous motor
Stator ：The stator is composed of an iron core, stator winding (also called the
armature winding, usually being three-phase symmetrical windings and
electrified three-phase alternating current), base and cover and other major
components.
Rotor：The rotor comprises a main magnetic pole, a DC excitation winding
arranged on the main magnetic pole, a specially arranged squirrel-cage
starting winding, an electric brush and a collecting ring and other major
components.

The synchronous
motor is divided into
two types: the hidden
pole and the salient pole
according to the shape
of the rotor main pole,
which is shown in the
figure.
2、Principle and operating characteristics of synchronous motor
1．principle
W h e n t h e a r m a t u re w i n d i n g i s c o n n e c t e d w i t h a
symmetrical three-phase alternating current, an armature
rotating magnetic field is generated in the air gap whose
rotating speed is synchronous speed： 60 f
n0 =
p
A f t e r t h e ro t o r e x c i t a t i o n w i n d i n g i s
connected with DC current, in the same air
gap, a DC magnetic field, which has the
stationary size and polarity, and the same
pole number with the armature rotating
magnetic field, appears. The interaction of
the two magnetic fields makes the rotor
dragged by the armature rotating magnetic
field to rotate at the same speed.
Synchronous motor is also named on the
basis of this.
2．mechanical properties

In the case that the power frequency f and the motor

rotor pole p are certain, the rotor speed is a constant n=n0 .
the synchronous motor has the characteristics of constant
speed and its speed is not changed with the load torque. The
mechanical characteristics of the synchronous motor are
shown in figure.
3、Starting of synchronous motor
Although the synchronous motor has the advantage that
the power factor can be adjusted, it is not widely used like
asynchronous motor, which is not only because of its
complicated structure and expensive price, but also the
difficult start-up.
In order to start the synchronous motor, the asynchronous starting method is
adopted, that is, the pole of the rotor pole is equipped with a starting winding
similar to the squirrel-cage winding.
 In starting state, the DC magnetic field is not added and only the three-
phase symmetrical voltage is added on the stator to generate a rotating
magnetic field.
When the rotating speed is close to the synchronous speed, the DC
excitation current is connected to the excitation winding, which will generate
magnetic field with fixed magnetic pole. Under the interaction of the rotating
magnetic field of the stator and the rotor magnetic field, the rotor will be
pulled into the synchronization.

The asynchronous
start wiring diagram of
synchronous motor is
shown in the figure on
the right.
Start steps ：
1）Excitation circuit is converted to location 1 through switching QB
and disconnecting the excitation winding from the DC power supply. Closed
loop is generated through rheostat in order to avoid the risk that at the start
the excitation winding produces higher induced electromotive force under the
action of rotating magnetic field.
2）Start-up according to the method of squirrel-cage asynchronous
motor. The stator winding of synchronous motor is connected with the rated
voltage, which increases the rotor speed around to the synchronous speed. If
necessary, step-down start can be used.

3）Excitation circuit switch QB is switched to location 2. Excitation

winding is connected with DC power supply. The rotor with fixed magnetic
pole will be dragged into synchronous by rotating magnetic field.

4） Adjust the excitation current with rheostat to regulate the power

factor of synchronous motor to the required value.
4、Characteristics of synchronous motor

1. Because of the double excitation and asynchronous

starting of synchronous motor, its structure is complicated;

2. Due to the need for DC power supply, start and control

equipment, its one-time input is much higher than the
asynchronous motor;

3. Synchronous motor has the characteristics of constant

speed, adjustable power factor, high efficiency and so on.

Therefore, the low speed and high power applications, such as

large flow pump, flour mill rotary shaft, rubber mill and mixer,
crusher, chopper, pulp grinder in paper industry, homogenate,
compressor, DC generator and rolling machine, use synchronous
motor to drive.