UNIT 1

Construction of 3-Phase Induction Motor

A 3-phase induction motor has two main parts −

 Stator
 Rotor
The rotor and stator are separated by a small air gap ranges from 0.5 mm to 4 mm
depending on the power rating of the motor.

Stator of Three Phase Induction Motor

The stator is the stationary part of the motor. It consists of a steel frame which
encloses a hollow cylindrical core. The core of the three phase induction motor is
made up of thin laminations of silicon steel to reduce the eddy current and
hysteresis losses.
A number of equally spaced slots are provided on the inner periphery of the
laminated core as shown in the figure. The insulated conductors are placed in these
stator slots and are connected in a suitable manner to form a balanced 3-phase star
or delta connected stator winding.

The 3-phase stator windings are wound for a definite number of poles depending
upon the requirement of speed, i.e., greater the number of poles, lesser is the speed
of the motor and vice-versa.
When a balanced 3-phase supply is fed to the stator winding a rotating magnetic
field (RMF) of constant magnitude is produced and this RMF induces currents in the
rotor circuit by electromagnetic induction.

Rotor of Three Phase Induction Motor

The rotor of an induction motor is a hollow cylindrical laminated core, having slots on
its outer periphery. The rotor windings are placed in these rotor slots.
Depending upon the winding arrangement, the rotor of a 3-phase induction motor is
of two types −

 Squirrel Cage Type Rotor

  Wound Type or Slip-Ring Type Rotor
Squirrel Cage Type Rotor
The squirrel cage rotor consists of a cylindrical laminated core having slots on its
outer periphery which are nearly parallel to the shaft axis or skewed. An uninsulated
copper or aluminium bar (rotor conductor) is placed in each slot.
At each end of the rotor, the rotor bar conductors are short-circuited by heavy end
rings of the same material (see the figure). This forms a permanently short circuited
winding which is indestructible. This entire arrangement resembles a cage which
was once commonly used for keeping squirrels and hence the name.

This rotor is not connected electrically to the supply but has currents induced in it by
the electromagnetic induction from the stator.
Those 3-phase induction motors which employed squirrel cage rotor are known
as squirrel cage induction motors. Most of the 3-phase induction motors in the
industries use squirrel cage rotor because it has simple and robust construction
enabling it to operate in the most adverse environment. Although, it suffers from a
disadvantage of low starting torque.
The skewing of squirrel cage rotor conductors offers following advantages −

 The noise is reduced during operation.

 More uniform torque is produced.
 The cogging or magnetic locking tendency of the rotor is reduced. During cogging,
the rotor and stator teeth locked with each other due to magnetic action.

1. Explain the operation of slip ring induction motor with neat sketch and list out the
difference between squirrel cage rotor and slip ring rotor.
1. The stator of the 3 - phase induction machine consists of normal distributed AC
windings.

2. Balanced three phase voltages impressed on the stator, cause balanced three
phase currents to flow in the stator.

3. These stator currents cause a rotating flux pattern (the pattern is a flux
distribution which is sinusoidal with respect to the space angle) in the air gap.

4. The rotating flux pattern causes three phase induced EMFs in rotor windings
(again normal ac windings). These windings, if shorted, carry three phase-balanced
currents. Torque is produced as a result of interaction of the currents and the air gap
flux.

5. The rotor may also take the form of a squirrel cage arrangement, which behaves in
a manner similar to the short-circuited three phase windings.

In actual practice, the three coils form three windings distributed over several slots.
These windings may be connected in star or delta and three terminations are brought
out. These are conventional three phase windings which are discussed in greater detail
in the chapters on alternators. Such windings are present n the stator as well as rotor

Figure 1: stator of an induction machine

The stator of an induction machine is shown in fig. 1. A close up of the windings is

shown in fig. 2.the several turns that makeup a coil are seen in this picture. The three
terminations are connected to rings on which three brushes make a sliding contact. As
the rotor rotates the brushes slip over the rings and provide means of connecting
stationary external circuit elements to the rotating windings. A schematic of these
arrangements is shown in fig. a wound rotor for an induction machine is shown in fig.
the slip ring portion. Brushes are not shown in this picture.

2. A 40 A, 50 Hz induction motor runs at 576 rpm at full load. Determine: (a) the
synchronous speed and the number of poles. (b) the frequency of rotor currents (c) the
rotor speed relative to the revolving field.
(a) ns = 600 rpm , P = (120 X 50) / 600 = 10
(b) s = (600 – 576) / 600 X 100 = 4
F2 = 0.04 X 50 = 2 Hz
(c) Rotor speed relative to the revolving field = 6000 – 576 = 24 rpm

3. A 3-phase induction motor runs at a speed of 940 rpm at full-load when supplied
with power at 50 Hz, 3-phase. (a) How many poles does the motor have? (b) What is
its slip at full-load? (c) What is the corresponding speed of : (i) the rotor field wrt the
rotor surface (ii) the rotor field wrt the stator (iii) what is the rotor speed at twice full-
load slip?
(a) ns = 1000 rpm, P = (120 X 50) / 1000 = 6
(b) s = (1000 – 940)/1000 X 100 = 6%
(c) (i) 1000 – 940 = 60 rpm (ii) 960 + 40 = 1000 rpm (iii) 2s = 12 %
n = 1000 – (12 X 1000)/100 = 880 rpm

4. Draw the construction diagram of synchronous motor.

the principle of operation of a synchronous motor, assume that the armature winding
(laid out in the stator) of a 3-phase synchronous machine is connected to a suitable
balanced 3-phase source and the field winding to a D.C source of rated voltage. The
current flowing through the field coils will set up stationary magnetic poles of alternate
North and South. On the other hand, the 3-phase currents flowing in the armature
winding produce a rotating magnetic field rotating at synchronous speed. In other
words there will be moving North and South poles established in the stator due to the
3-phase currents i.e. at any location in the stator there will be a North Pole at some
instant of time and it will become a South Pole after a time period corresponding to
half a cycle. (After a time = 1/2f , where f = frequency of the supply). Assume that the
stationary South pole in the rotor is aligned with the North pole in the stator moving in
clockwise direction at a particular instant of time, as shown in Figure below. These
two poles get attracted and try to maintain this alignment (as per Lenz’s law) and
hence the rotor pole tries to follow the stator pole as the conditions are suitable for the
production of torque in the clockwise direction. However, the rotor cannot move
instantaneously due to its mechanical inertia, and so it needs some time to move. In
the mean time, the stator pole would quickly (a time duration corresponding to half a
cycle) change its polarity and becomes a South Pole. So the force of attraction will no
longer be present and instead the like poles experience a force of Repulsion as shown
in Figure below. In other words, the conditions are now suitable for the production of
torque in the anticlockwise direction. Even this condition will not last longer as the
stator pole.
Now, the stator poles are revolving with synchronous speed (let’s say clockwise). If
the rotor position is such that, N pole of the rotor is near the N pole of the stator (as
shown in first schematic of above figure), then the poles of the stator and rotor will

rotating with synchronous speed, and they rotate around very fast and interchange their
position. But at this very soon, rotor cannot rotate with the same angle (due to inertia),
and the next position will be likely the second schematic in above figure. In this case,
poles of the stator will attract the poles of rotor, and the torque produced will be
to a rapidly reversing torque, and the motor
will not start. But, if the rotor is rotated up to the synchronous speed of the stator by
means of an external force (in the direction of revolving field of the stator), and the
rotor field is excited near the synchronous speed, the poles of stator will keep attracting
the opposite poles of the rotor (as the rotor is also, now, rotating with it and the
position of the poles will be similar throughout the cycle). Now, the rotor will undergo
unidirectional torque. The opposite poles of the stator and rotor will get locked with
each other, and the rotor will rotate at the synchronous speed.

5. Explain the speed control methods used in induction motor with neat sketch.

Speed control by changing applied voltage From the torque equation of the induction
machine given in eqn.17, we can see that the torque depends on the square of the
applied voltage. The variation of speed torque curves with respect to the applied
voltage is shown in fig. 18. These curves show that the slip at maximum torque sˆ
remains same, while the value of stall torque comes down with decrease in applied
voltage. The speed range for stable operation remains the same.

Further, we also note that the starting torque is also lower at lower voltages. Thus,
even if a given voltage level is sufficient for achieving the running torque, the machine
may not start. This method of trying to control the speed is best suited for loads that
require very little starting torque, but their torque requirement may increase with
speed.

The variation of torque with speed is such that T ∝ ω2. Here one can see that it may
be possible to run the motor to lower speeds within the range ns to (1 − sˆ)ns. Further,
since the load torque at zero speed is zero, the machine can start even at reduced
voltages. This will not be possible with constant torque type of loads.

One may note that if the applied voltage is reduced, the voltage across the magnetizing
branch also comes down. This in turn means that the magnetizing current and hence
flux level are reduced. Reduction in the flux level in the machine impairs torque
production
The slip at maximum torque eqn.18 is dependent on the rotor resistance. Therefore, we
may expect that if the rotor resistance is changed, the maximum torque point shifts to
higher slip values, while retaining a constant torque. Figure 28 shows a family of
torque-speed characteristic obtained by changing the rotor resistance.Rotor resistance
variation
Cascade control The power drawn from the rotor terminals could be spent more
usefully. Apart from using the heat generated in meaning full ways, the slip ring output
could be connected to another induction machine. The stator of the second machine
would carry slip frequency currents of the first machine which would generate some
useful mechanical power. A still better option would be to mechanically couple the
shafts of the two machines together. This sort of a connection is called cascade
connection and it gives some measure of speed control as shown below.

Let the frequency of supply given to the first machine be f1 , its number poles be p1,
and its slip of operation be s1 . Let f2, p2 and s2 be the corresponding quantities for the
second machine. The frequency of currents flowing in the rotor of the first machine
and hence in the stator of the second machine is s1f1. Therefore f2 = s1f1. Since the
machines are coupled at the shaft, the speed of the rotor is common for both. Hence, if
n is the speed of the rotor in radians,
Note that while giving the rotor output of the first machine to the stator of the second,
the resultant stator mmf of the second machine may set up an air-gap flux which
rotates in the same direction as that of the rotor, or opposes it.

UNIT 2

1. With neat sketch explain about the protection circuit for induction motor.

The DOL starter basically consists of two main protection parts

 Overcurrent Protection
 Overload Protection

An Electromagnetically operated contactor is used which can be opened by thermal

overload relay whenever a fault condition occurs. Contactors are typically going to be
controlled by separate start and stop buttons, and there is also an additional contact on
the contactor is employed across the start button as a hold in contact. For example, the
contactor used is electrically latched based and closed whereas the motor is working.

Overcurrent Protection:

Overcurrent faults occur mostly and mainly due to ground faults and short circuit
faults. When such type of fault occurs at any place a large amount of leakage current
start to flow from the circuit and can cause huge damage to not only in the system but
also someone’s life. Therefore, fuses and circuit breakers are used that show quick
response towards fault when such type of fault (large) current passes from the system.
That’s why to protect the system from the short-circuiting and also from the overload
current we use MCCB’s or Fuses of specific ratings.

When the amount of current larger than the rated current of the device passed through
the system such devices operates and open the circuit until the fault is removed from
the system. We can also say that when a little higher amount of current beyond the
rating of motor pass Overload protection starts operating and prevent the machine from
any hazard. If the overload current persists for a long span of time then things and
machines get damaged. Overload protection doesn’t trip even if a high value of current
flows for a short span of time such as the starting of the motor. Overcurrent protection
rating is always selected with so much care that it must provide

Overload Protection:

Whenever motor draws too much amount of current to fulfil the load demand and if
load demand goes beyond the allowable limit, such condition or situation is called as
Overload. An electric overload occurs when an excessive amount of current passes
through electric wires or from motor windings. The wires or windings can heat and
melt, with the risk of starting a fire. Therefore, overload protection is used in it. It is
basically a type of safety protection when the motor draws too much current or
overload current and causing the overheating of the electrical machine. So that’s why
we use a different kind of overload relays to avoid the system or machine from
overheating due to the excessive amount of current drawn for a too long period.
Sometimes motor starters come with built-in overload relay.

Overload relays are classified on the base of different tripping classes. Tripping class is
a term used in overload relay designing which means how much seconds an overload
relay takes to trip. Overload protections are provided with the help of an overload
relay.

enough protection against high current and also it must allow enough current without
operating the overcurrent protection for the motor to operate under heavy mechanical
load.

2. With the neat sketch explain about the ground fault protection
.
In an isolated neutral system (see Figure 1), the neutral has no intentional connection
to ground: the system is connected to ground through the line-to-ground capacitances.
Single line-to-ground faults shift the system-neutral voltage but leave the phase-to-
phase voltage triangle intact. 3 A B C Ground fault G CA CB CC CAB CAC CBC N
Figure 1 Isolated Neutral System For these systems, two major ground fault current
magnitude-limiting factors are the zerosequence line-to-ground capacitance and fault
resistance. Because the voltage triangle is relatively undisturbed, these systems can
remain operational during sustained, low-magnitude faults. Self-extinction of ground
faults in overhead-ungrounded lines is possible for low values of ground fault current.
At higher magnitudes of fault current, faults are less likely to selfextinguish at the fault
current natural zero-crossing because of the high transient recovery voltage. Later, we
discuss how a resonant-grounded system damps this recovery voltage rise, thereby
increasing the likelihood of causing the ground fault to self-extinguish. Zero-sequence
[9], or three-phase voltage relays can detect ground faults in ungrounded systems. This
method of fault detection is not selective and requires sequential disconnection or
isolation of the feeders to determine the faulted feeder. A sensitive, directional ground
varmetric element is the typical alternative to sequential disconnection [2]. These
elements respond to the quadrature component of the zero-sequence current with
respect to the zero-sequence voltage. Later we introduce a new directional element that
uses the measured impedance as the measurand for differentiating forward and reverse
ground faults

3. With the neat sketch explain about the phase fault protection.
fault current limiters (FCLs) have been utilized in order to obtain optimum settings of
suitable to protect microgrid with islanded and grid-connected operating capabilities.
Similarly, several other studies have been proposed with or without utilizing FCLs
[23,24] . This scheme is cheaper as it does not need any additional piece of equipment
unlike in adaptive protection scheme. ...
... It is to be noted that the values of fault currents are relatively lower in microgrids as
compared to that in the main grid which is mostly protected by using standard IDMT
type characteristic curves of DOCRs. Therefore, adopting the same characteristic
curves for protection of microgrids will result in higher operating times of the relays
[22][23][24] . So, the microgrids may be forced to be under stress for a longer period
during faults which may damage the entire system.

4. Explain about the motor speed control by using thyristor.

An ac regulator converts a constant ac voltage into a variable ac voltage of the same

frequency. No doubt, ac voltage level can be changed by auto-transformer, tap-
changing transformer, saturable reactors etc. These devices have been in use for long
time and still are in use. But ac regulators using thyristors and triacs are becoming
more and more popular because of their high efficiency, fast control and compact size.
However, ac regulators using thyristors and triacs introduce objectionable harmonics in
the circuits. AC regulators are classified as single- phase or three-phase. Each of these
may be half-wave (i.e., unidirectional) or full-wave (i.e., bidirectional).

Since the input to an ac regulator is ac, it is always line commutated. Therefore, forced
commutation is not required. As such the circuits of ac regulators are quite simple.
Two types of controls are used in ac regulators. These are known as integral cycle
control and phase control.
Direct Online Starter – DOL Starter Wiring Diagram for Motors
DOL Starter for Motors – Direct Online Starter Diagram, Working,
Types & Applications
The induction motor draws a huge amount of current at startup. This starting current
can damage the motor windings. In order to avoid any damage, we use different
techniques to reduce the starting current using Motor Starter. These techniques
depend on the motor ratings and the load connected to the motor. Apart from this,
the motor starter also protects the motor from overloading and overcurrent.
The Direct Online or DOL starter employs full voltage or across the line starting
technique where the motor is directly connected to full voltage through MCCB or
circuit breaker and relays for overload protection. This is why such a starter is used
with induction motors rated below 5 hp.
Following is the basic wiring diagram of a DOL (Direct Online Starter).

Protection Offered by DOL Starter:

The Motor starters not only provide the safe starting current but also provide
protection to keep the motor safe during operation. It is clear that the DOL starter
provides the full line voltage but it does provide the following protection:
Overcurrent Protection:
The condition that causes the flow of a faulty current in a large amount mostly due to
a short circuit or ground fault is called overcurrent.
The overcurrent condition can cause damage to the motor, power lines and can be a
hazard for operators. Such an amount of current is too dangerous for a brief
moment.
In the DOL starter, we use a circuit breaker or fuses for protection against
overcurrent. They open the circuit and breaks the current flow in an instant until the
problem in the system is resolved. The fuse or circuit breaker is carefully selected
with its rating kept in mind. Because we do not want the fuse to break but to tolerate
the starting current as well as the heavy load current. The overcurrent breaker’s
rating is kept a bit higher than the rated starting current of the motor.
Overload Protection:
The condition where the load connected to the motor increases beyond its limit and
the motor draws an excessive amount of current is called overload condition. During
overload, the current flow is beyond the safe limits which damage the wires as well
as the motor windings. It melts the windings and may cause fire hazards.
In order to protect the motor from overloading, we use an overload relay that trips the
power supply and protects the system from overheating. The overload relay monitors
the current and breaks the current flow when it exceeds a certain limit for a period of
time. The tripping mechanism may vary and depends on the application of motor.
Following are a few types of overload relays used for motor protection:
Thermal Overload Relay: This type of overload relay works on the principle of
expansion due to the heat generated by the current flow. A bimetallic strip is used
with different thermal expansion to break or make the circuit based on the
temperature.
Magnetic overload relay: such relays works on the principle of the magnetic field
generated by the current flow through a coil. An excessive current drawn by the
motor (that is a predetermined amount) generates enough magnetic field to trips the
contact terminals and breaks the current supply.
Electronic Overload Relay: Electronic relay is a solid-state device without any
movable parts or contacts. It utilizes current sensors to monitor the motor current
and has an adjustable setting that allows the tripping at a wide range of current
ratings.
Construction of DOL Starter:
A DOL or Direct Online starter has simply two buttons; Green and Red, where the
green button is used for starting and the red is used for stopping the motor. The
green button connects the terminals and closes the circuit while the red button
disconnects the terminals and breaks the circuit.
The DOL starter is made of a circuit breaker or MCCB or fuse, an overload relay and
contactor or coil. The circuit breaker is used for protection against short circuits while
the overload relay protects the motor from overloading. The contactor is used for
starting and stopping the motor where the green and red buttons are connected. The
wiring for the start and stop button is briefly explained in this article below.
Parts of DOL Starter:
A DOL starter is made of following parts:
Circuit breaker or Fuse:
The circuit breaker or fuse is directly connected to the power mains and it is used for
protection against short circuits. It trips the power supply in case of short circuit to
protect the system from any potential hazards.
Magnetic Contactors:
A magnetic contactor is an electromagnetic switch that operates electromagnetically
to switch the power supplied to the motor. It connects and disconnects multiple
contacts conveniently by providing remote control over the operation.
The magnetic field generated by the coil is used for switching the terminals. The
passing current through the coil magnetizes the iron core that is surrounded by the
coil. The magnetic force pulls on the armature to close or open the contacts.
The magnetic contactors have three NO (Normally open) main contacts used for
power supply to the motor and auxiliary contacts (NO and NC) with a lesser rating
used for the control circuit. The coil is connected to the voltage source through
auxiliary contacts. Also, keep in mind that the coil used for a single-phase and three
phase supply vary as the supply voltages are different.
Overload Relay:
OLR or overload relay is the last part used in the DOL starter and it is used for
protection against overloading of motor. It breaks the current flow when it exceeds a
certain limit but it also tolerates the high starting current. So the OLR is carefully
selected in such a way that its tripping current limit does not fall below the starting
current range.
The excessive amount of current flow can damage the insulation of electrical wires
as well as the motor winding. The motor life expectancy decrease and it can short
the windings causing a risk of fire.
A simple fuse or circuit breaker cannot protect the system from overloading because
they are used for overcurrent (short circuit) protection. The OLR has current sensing
properties that can differentiate between the starting and overload current.

Circuit and Working Principle of Autotransformer Starter

The circuit diagram of an autotransformer starter for starting a 3-phase induction
motor is shown in the figure. The autotransformer starter can be used for starting
both star and delta connected 3-phase induction motors. In this method, the starting
current of the motor is limited by using a 3-phase autotransformer to decrease the
initial applied voltage to the stator. The autotransformer is provided with a number of
tappings to obtain the variable voltage.

In the autotransformer starting method, the starter is connected to a particular

tapping of the autotransformer to obtain the most suitable starting voltage. A
changeover switch S is used to connect the autotransformer in the circuit for starting
the motor.
When the handle (H) of the switch S is at the START position, the primary winding
of the autotransformer is connected to supply line and the induction motor is
connected to the secondary winding of the autotransformer. When the motor picks
up the speed (about 80 % of the rated speed), then the handle H is thrown to the
RUN position. Consequently, the autotransformer is isolated from the circuit and the
motor is now directly connected to the supply line and gets its rated voltage. The
handle is held in the RUN position by the under-voltage relay. When the supply
voltage fails or falls below a certain value, then the handle is released and comes
back to the OFF position. To provide the overload protection to the motor, a thermal
overload relay is used in the motor circuit.
Star Delta Starter

The Star Delta Starter is a very common type of starter and is used
extensively as compared to the other type of starting methods of the
induction motor. A star delta is used for a cage motor designed to run
normally on the delta-connected stator winding. The connection of a
three-phase induction motor with a star-delta starter is shown in the
figure below:

When switch S is in the START position, the stator windings are

connected in the star as shown below:
 When the motor picks up the
speed, about 80 percent of its rated speed, the switch S is immediately
put into the RUN position. As a result, a stator winding which was in star
connection is changed into DELTA connection now. The delta
connection of the stator winding is shown in the figure below:

Firstly, the stator winding is

connected in star and then in Delta so that the starting line current of the
motor is reduced to one-third as compared to the starting current with
the windings connected in delta. At the starting of an induction motor
when the windings of the stator are star-connected, each stator phase
gets a voltage VL/√3. Here VL is the line voltage.

Since the developed torque is proportional to the square of the voltage

applied to an induction motor. Star delta starter reduces the starting
torque to one-third that is obtained by direct delta starting.
 Soft Starter, Its Circuit Diagram, Operation, Advantages
& Applications
Our industries use various kinds of machines. The induction machine is one of the
most used three phase AC machine which is almost 70% of the motors used in
industries. their robust construction and high efficiency makes it the best choice for
every industrial sector. But they do require protection devices & equipment used for
their safe operation so it can operate safely and prevents any potential damage to
the motor and also increase their life span. The most essential equipment used for
three phase induction motor is a motor starter.
Motor Starter
A motor starter is an electrical device that is used for safely starting and stopping
an electrical motor. It also offers protection against overcurrent & low voltage
protection.
Since the induction motor is extensively used for various kinds of applications in
industries, they need motor starter to safely start & stop it. The induction motors
draws a huge amount of current at starting. It is due to the low impedance of the
windings of the motor at standstill.
It is very essential for safe operation of induction motor. It is due to the low rotor
impedance of the motor in rest position. The rotor impedance depends upon the slip
(Relative speed between the rotor & stator) of the induction motor. The slip of
induction motor is not constant & varies throughout its operation thus the rotor
impedance also varies. It is inversely proportional to the slip of motor.
At standstill (rest position), the slip of induction motor is maximum i.e. 1, thus the
rotor impedance is minimum. Connecting the motor to power supply draws a huge
amount of current in the stator winding due to this low impedance called inrush
current. The alternating current in the stator generates a rotational magnetic field
(RMF) that induces current in the rotor windings.
The rotor current generates its own magnetic field that try to cancel its cause & starts
rotating in the direction of RMF. Thus the rotor experience torque & as its speed
starts increasing the slip of the motor decreases (i.e. the rotor RMF speed
approaches near stator RMF speed). Since the slip is reduced, the impedance of the
rotor increases & the motor start drawing normal rated current.
The High inrush current is 5-8 time larger than the full load rated current of the
motor. Induction motor cannot tolerate such amount of current as it can quickly
damage or burn the windings, reducing the performance & lifespan of the motor.
Such high currents can also cause huge dip in the line voltage which is dangerous
for other appliances connected to the same line.
In order to prevent such high inrush current, we use motor starters that reduces the
initial current for a short duration. Once the motor gains certain speed, the normal
power supply is resumed. It also offers protections against low voltage & overcurrent.
These motor starters are usually used for heavy power rated motors. Small motors
below 1Hp does not require motor starter due to their high impedance. However,
they do need overcurrent protection that is available in DOL starter.
The motor starter uses various kinds of techniques to start a motor such as
 Full voltage or Across the line starting technique; it connects the motor to the full
voltage of the supply. it is used for small motor
 Reduced Voltage Starter; it reduces the supply voltage during motor startup to reduce
the inrush current. The soft starter uses this technique to start an induction motor.
 Multispeed Starter; the motor is designed to have multiple preselected speeds that is
achieved through pole (winding) configuration. Gradual increases of speed reduce the
inrush current.
What is Soft Starter?
The soft starter is a type of motor starter that uses the voltage reduction technique to
reduce the voltage during the starting of the motor.
The soft starter offers a gradual increase in the voltage during the motor startup. This
will allow the motor to slowly accelerate & gain speed in a smooth fashion. It
prevents any mechanical tear & jerking due to sudden supplying of full voltage.
The torque of an induction motor is directly proportional to the square of current.
& the current depends on the supply voltage. So the supply voltage can be used to
control the starting torque. In a normal motor starter, applying full voltage to the
motor generates maximum starting torque which possess mechanical hazard to the
motor.
Therefore we can say that a soft starter is a device that reduces the starting torque &
gradually increase it in a safely manner until it reaches it rated speed. One the motor
attains its rated speed, the soft starter resumes the full voltage supply through it.
During motor stopping, the supply voltage is gradually reduced to smoothly
decelerate the motor. Once the speed reaches zero, it breaks the input voltage
supply to the motor.
The main component used for the regulation of voltage in a soft starter is
a semiconductor switch such as a Thyristor (SCR). Adjusting the firing angel of the
thyristor regulates the voltage supplying through it. Other components such as OLR
(overload relay) used for overcurrent protection is also used.
Diagram of Soft Starter
In a three phase induction motor, two SCRs are connected in an anti-parallel
configuration along each phase of the motor making it a total of 6 SCRs. These
SCRs are controlled using a separate logic circuitry that can be a PID controller or
a microcontroller. The logic circuitry is powered from the mains using a rectifier
circuit as shown in the figure.

Apart from the Power switches & logic circuitry, other protection components such as
the circuit breaker or fuse, magnetic contactor for isolation & an OLR (Overload
relay) for prevention of overcurrent is used.
A bypass switch is also used to resume the full voltage across the motor when it
attains the full rated speed.
Working Principle of Soft Starter
The main component used for controlling the voltage in a soft starter is a thyristor. It
is a controlled rectifier that starts conduction of the current flow in only one direction
when a gate pulse is applied called the firing pulse.
The angle of the firing pulse determine how much of the input voltage cycle should be
allowed through it. Since AC swings between maximum & minimum peak forming a
complete 360° cycle, we can use the angle of firing pulse to switch on the thyristor for a
specific duration and control the supplied voltage.

The firing pulses can vary between 0° to 180°. The decrease in the angle of firing
pulse increases the conduction period of thyristor, thus allowing high voltage through
it.

Two such thyristors are connected in back-to-back formation for each phase. So it can
control the current in both directions. Each half cycle, the firing angle
The three pairs of thyristors, each pair for individual phase are used for controlling the
voltage to start & stop the motor. The thyristor conduction period depends on the firing angle
controlled by the logic circuitry.

The logic circuitry contains PID controller or a simple microcontroller programmed to

generate pulses. The controller is isolated from the supply mains using opto-isolator
& a rectifier is used for supplying DC source. The pulses generated by
microcontroller are fed to a thyristor firing circuit that amplifies it before triggering the
SCR.
When the motor starts up, the controller generates pulses for each individual SCR.
The pulse is generated based on the zero crossing that is detected using a zero
crossing detector. The first firing pulse angle is approximately near 180° (very low
conduction period) to allow minimum voltage.
Gradually after each zero crossing, the angle of firings pulses starts decreasing,
increasing the conduction period of thyristor. The voltage through thyristor starts
increasing. Hence the motor speed gradually increases.
Once the motor attains its full rated speed (at 0° firing angle), the thyristors are
completely bypassed using a bypass contactor under normal operation. It increases
the efficiency of the soft starter since the SCR stops firing. During motor stopping,
the SCR takes the control & starts firing in orderly fashion to reduce the supply
voltage.
The bypass contactors can be internal or external. The internal bypass contactors
are embedded inside the power switches. Each SCR have a bypass switch in
parallel that supply the current under normal condition. Such contactors configuration
takes small space & the starters are in compact design. While the external bypass
contactors are connected externally in parallel with the soft starter. Such soft starter
are bulky.
The bypass contactors are not meant to break or make the current supply to the
circuit, thus it can be a low rated contactors.

Advantages of Soft Starter

Smooth Startup: Unlike conventional motor starter, it provides very gradual
increase of voltage thus speed that results in a very smooth startup. There is no
mechanical stress whatsoever or jerks that can damage the motor.
Acceleration & Deceleration Control: It offers a fully adjustable acceleration &
deceleration of the motor. Varying the firing angle slowly or quickly can control the
acceleration during startup & deceleration during stopping of motor. This is used in
application where startup acceleration needs to be adjusted.
No Power Surges: Since the conventional motor starter allows full voltage across
the motor, a huge inrush current start flowing into the motor that cause a power
surge in the circuit. the soft starter limits such current thus preventing the power
surges.
Multiple Startups: Some applications require the motor to start & stop multiple
times in small period of time. such motor if used with a conventional starter will
experience overheating due to high starting current. However, soft starters drastically
increases the number of startups for a motor in a specific duration.
Reduction of Overheating: The motor overheating is a very serious problem. It
occurs due to the high winding current during its startup. The soft starter allows a
very small amount of starting current which prevents the overheating of motor.
Increased Life Span: The soft starter as compared to a conventional starter
improves the life time of the motor. it is due to the smooth operation & absence of
electrical & mechanical stress on the motor.
Less Maintenance: Due to its smooth operation, the induction motor is less likely to
have any mechanical faults, which is why it require less maintenance as opposed to
conventional motor starter.
Efficiency: A conventional motor starter supply full voltage (very high inrush current)
to the motor that consumes too much energy. A soft starter significantly reduces it &
allows a gradual increase in energy consumption. Also the power switches are
controlled using very low voltage level. It improves the overall efficiency of the
motor.
Compact & Small Size: The soft starter has a very compact design that takes up
very small space. Unlike other motor starters, it has very small size.
Low Cost: compared to other starters such as VFD, this sure does cost cheaper.
Disadvantages of Soft Motor Starter
No Speed regulation: The soft starter only allows the control of input voltage supply
i.e. from 0 volts to line voltage with a fixed line frequency. Since the frequency is
constant the motor speed is constant & only regulates by the load connected with it.
The speed of induction motor is regulated by varying the supply frequency below or
above the line frequency according to the need. Such feature is only available
in VFD (variable frequency drive).
Heat dissipation: The semiconductor switches inside the soft starter dissipates
some energy in the form of heat. Therefore, it also requires heat sinks for cooling the
power switches.
Reduced starting Torque: Since it reduces the input voltage that corresponds to
the input current which is directly proportional to the starting torque of the induction
motor, it significantly reduces the starting torque. This is why Soft starters are used
for low or medium starting torque application.
Applications of Soft Starter
The soft starter is used in industries & is more appropriate to be used for motors that
run on a constant speed.
Fans: The huge fans used in industries runs at a constant speed. However, they do
require the startup protection. A soft starter is a best option for such fans.
Conveyer belts: The conveyer belts in industries are used for moving objects & it
needs extra care. The sudden jerks during starting or stopping using conventional
starter may misalign the belts, damages the belt due to mechanical stress & damage
the objects placed on it. It requires a smooth starting & stopping offered by a soft
starter
Motors using belt & pulleys: The motor that drives load through belts & pulleys
cannot tolerate the sudden jerks. It wears the belt that couples it to the load. A soft
starter offers a smooth starting for such motor applications.
Water or liquid Pump: Any type of pump connected with a motor requires a smooth
starting & stopping due to the sudden pressure building inside the pipes. A
conventional starter may generate enough pressure at startup to break the line. A
soft starter offer gradual increase in the pressure to such liquid pumps. However,
there is no speed control of the pump during normal operation. A VFD is a better
choice for variable pump speed.

COMPARISON BETWEEN DOL STARTER AND STAR DELTA

STARTER

DOL Starter Star Delta Starter

Motor starts on its full starting Starts motor on third of its

torque starting torque

Motor starts at full starting Reduces starting current

current

Very simple and needs just one More complicated in design and
contactor needs 3 contactors

Suitable for high starting torque Not good for applications with
applications high starting torque

Lower cost, and requires less Costs more, and requires more
maintenance maintenance

Works for motors with Delta or Motor must be designed to work

Star connection on Delta connection

Full voltage is applied to the The voltage is reduced to a

motor at the starting lower value
comparison between Direct ON Line Starter and Star Delta Starter is
given as below.
Sr.No Direct ON Line Starter Star Delta Starter
1 The control circuit The control circuit consists of three
consists of only one contactors. ( 1 ) Main connection ( 2
contactor. ) Star connection ( 3 ) Delta
connection. The rating of the star
contactor should be 1 / √ 3 times that
of main / delta contactor rating.
2 Each winding gets Each winding gets only 58% of the
rated line voltage. rated line voltage.
3 The starting current is The starting current is 1/3rd that of in
5 to 6 times as that of the Direct ON line starter.
full load current
4 The three winding is The three winding is connected first
generally connected in in the star at the time of starting then
the star. delta at the time of running
condition.
5 The starting torque is The starting torque is reduced 1/3th
1.5 to 3.0 times that of that of in the Direct ON line starter.
full load torque. The star delta starter is equivalent
to auto transformer with 57.7%
tapping.
6 The Direct ON Line The Star delta starter is not used
Starter is used where where high starting torque is
high required.
starting torque requires
7 Only one contactor First main and star contactor
 operates for entire operates, then main and delta
operation. contactor operates.
8 Only three wires are There are six wires are brought out
brought out from the from the motor terminals
motor terminals
9 Application : up to 5 Application : up to 10 HP motor
HP motor
10 Compact size Large space requires
11 Low cost High cost
 COMPARISON BETWEEN DOL STARTER AND SOFT STARTER

Direct On-Line Starter Soft Starter

A type of motor starter that

A type of motor starter that reduces the voltage
supply full voltage to the motor at
to the motor at startup.
startup.

It does not reduce the starting

It reduces the starting inrush current.
inrush current.

It is used for low rated motors

It is used for heavy motors above 5 HP.
below 5 HP.

It cannot prevent the mechanical There are no mechanical jerks at starting &
jerks at startup. stopping of the motor.

The huge current draw causes

It does not cause any voltage dip in the line.
voltage dips in the circuit.

It offers high starting torque. It offers low to medium starting torque.

There is no acceleration or The acceleration & deceleration can be

deceleration control. programmed for starting & stopping a motor.

It has a very simple design. It has a complex design with logic circuitry.

It is very cheaper. It is very expensive.

The startup cycles are limited to

It increases the startup cycles of the motor
a few times in a minute otherwise
significantly.
the winding would overheat.

It is larger in size due to complex circuitry &

It is smaller in size.
large heat sinks required for thyristors.

The motor needs frequent

It needs less maintenance than DOL starter
maintenance.

Its efficiency is less than a soft

It has high efficiency.
starter.
COMPARISON BETWEEN STAR-DELTA STARTER AND SOFT STARTER

Star Delta Starter Soft Starter

A solid-state motor starter that reduces

A motor starter that reduces the starting
the starting current by varying the
current by changing the winding’s
conduction period of the thyristors or
configuration between star & delta.
SCR.

It has two voltage states i.e. low voltage

It has infinite voltage states
which is 1/√3 of line voltage(star
electronically controlled from 0% to
connection) & full line voltage (delta
100% of line voltage.
connection).

Its starting characteristics are flexible

It has limited & fixed starting
& can be adjusted based on
characteristics.
application.

The starting current abruptly increases

It offers a smooth startup with a
when switched between star & delta
gradual increase in current.
connection.

It does not offer a soft stop feature. It also offers a soft stop feature.

It offers low to medium & adjustable

It offers low & fixed starting torque.
starting torque.

The starting time is fixed. The starting time can be controlled.

It is used for starting the motor in It can be used for starting the motor in
unloaded conditions. both loaded & unloaded conditions.

It has a simple design but too many wire It has a complex design but with few
connections. wire connections.

Its installation is very complex. It is very easy to install.

Switching between star & delta causes an The power supply is continuous &
open circuit & momentarily power loss there is no power loss. Hence no such
which causes current transients. transients.

It is cheaper & less efficient than a soft It is expensive but more efficient than
starter. a star-delta starter.

It is used for running large induction It is used for running conveyor belts,
motors in unloaded conditions. cranes, the motor with belts & pulley.
COMPARISON OF DOL, STAR DELTA, AUTO TRANSFORMER AND SOFT STARTERS

Method Starting current Starting Torque Pros Cons

Economical
5-10 times the 5-10 times the High in-rush
Direct-on- and Higher
full load current full load torque current
Line (DOL) starting torque.

Inrush current
can be reduced
Starting
2-3 times the 2-3 times the to one-third
Star-Delta torque will
full load current full load torque when
Starter reduce
compared to
DOL.

Inrush current
can be reduced
Starting
2-3 times the 2-3 times the to one-third
Auto- torque will
full load current full load torque when
transformer reduce
compared to
DOL.

Inrush current
can be
1.5-2.5 times Starting
3-5 times the reduced.
the full load torque will be
Soft starter full load current Starting torque
torque less
can be
controlled.

Speed and
1.5-2.5 times torque control,
1.1-1.5 times
Variable the full load communication Higher cost
full load current
Speed drive torque and Energy
saving.