Unit-IV

SINGLE PHASE MOTOR AND SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR

SINGLE PHASE MOTOR

4.1 Introduction
Single phase power system is widely used as compared to three phase system for domestic
purpose, commercial purpose and to some extent in industrial purpose. As the single phase system is
more economical and the power requirement in most of the houses, shops, offices are small, this can be
easily met by single phase motor. The single phase motors are simple in construction, cheap in cost,
reliable and easy to repair and maintain. Due to all these advantages the single phase motor finds its
application in vacuum cleaner, fans, washing machine, centrifugal pump, blowers, washing machine,
small toys etc.

4.1.1 Types of single phase induction motor

Single phase motor are generally built in the fractional horse power range and may be classified in
to the following four basic types
1. Single phase induction motor
(i) Split phase type
(ii) Capacitor type
(iii) Shaded pole type
2. AC series motor or universal motor
3. Repulsion motors
(i) Repulsion start induction run motor
(ii) Repulsion induction motor
4. Synchronous motor
(i) Reluctance motor
(ii) Hysteresis motor

4.1.2Construction of Single Phase Induction Motor

Like any other electrical motor single phase induction motor also have two main parts namely
rotor and stator.
4.1.2(a)Stator:
As its name indicates stator is a stationary part of induction motor. A single phase ac supply is
given to the stator of single phase induction motor.
4.1.2(b)Rotor:
The rotor is a rotating part of induction motor. The rotor is connected to the mechanical load
through the shaft. The rotor in single phase induction motor is of squirrel cage rotor type. The
construction of single phase induction motor is almost similar to the squirrel cage three phase motor

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except that in case of asynchronous motor the stator have two windings instead of one as compare to the
single stator winding in three phase induction motor.

(a)Stator of Single Phase Induction Motor

The stator of the single phase induction motor has laminated stamping to reduce eddy current
losses on its periphery. The slots are provided on its stamping to carry stator or main winding. In order to
reduce the hysteresis losses, stamping are made up of silicon steel. When the stator winding is given a
single phase ac supply, the magnetic field is produced and the motor rotates at a speed slightly less than
the synchronous speed Ns which is given by

Where, f = supply voltage frequency,

P = No. of poles of the motor.
The construction of the stator of asynchronous motor is similar to that of three phase induction
motor except there are two dissimilarity in the winding part of the single phase induction motor.
• Firstly the single phase induction motors are mostly provided with concentric coils. As the number
of turns per coil can be easily adjusted with the help of concentric coils, the mmf distribution is
almost sinusoidal.
• Except for shaded pole motor, the asynchronous motor has two stator windings namely the main
winding and the auxiliary winding. These two windings are placed in space quadrature with respect
to each other.
(b)Rotor of single phase induction motor
The construction of the rotor of the single phase induction motor is similar to the squirrel
cage three phase induction motor. The rotor is cylindrical in shape and has slots all over its
periphery. The slots are not made parallel to each other but are bit skewed as the skewing
prevents magnetic locking of stator and rotor teeth and makes the working of induction motor
more smooth and quieter i.e. less noise. The squirrel cage rotor consists of aluminum, brass or
copper bars. These aluminum or copper bars are called rotor conductors and are placed in the
slots on the periphery of the rotor. The rotor conductors are permanently shorted by the copper or
aluminum rings called the end rings.
In order to provide mechanical strength these rotor conductor are braced to the end ring
and hence form a complete closed circuit resembling like a cage and hence got its name as
squirrel cage induction motor. As the bars are permanently shorted by end rings, the rotor
electrical resistance is very small and it is not possible to add external resistance as the bars are
permanently shorted. The absence of slip ring and brushes make the construction of single phase
induction motor very simple and robust.

4.1.3Working Principle of Single Phase Induction Motor

We know that for the working of any electrical motor whether its ac or DC motor, we require
two fluxes as, the interaction of these two fluxes produced the required torque, which is desired parameter
for any motor to rotate.

When single phase ac supply is given to the stator winding of single phase induction motor, the
alternating current starts flowing through the stator or main winding. This alternating current produces an

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alternating flux called main flux. This main flux also links with the rotor conductors and hence cut the
rotor conductors. According to the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, emf gets induced in the
rotor. As the rotor circuit is closed one so, the current starts flowing in the rotor. This current is called the
rotor current. This rotor current produces its own flux called rotor flux. Since this flux is produced due to
induction principle so, the motor working on this principle got its name as induction motor. Now there are
two fluxes one is main flux and another is called rotor flux. These two fluxes produce the desired torque
which is required by the motor to rotate.

4.1.4Why Single Phase Induction Motor is not Self Starting?

According to double field revolving theory, any alternating quantity can be resolved into two
components, each component have magnitude equal to the half of the maximum magnitude of the
alternating quantity and both these component rotates in opposite direction to each other.

For example
A flux, φ can be resolved into two components

Each of these components rotates in opposite direction i.e. if one φm / 2 is rotating in clockwise
direction then the other φm / 2 rotate in anticlockwise direction. When a single phase ac supply is given to
the stator winding of single phase induction motor, it produces its flux of magnitude, φm. According to the
double field revolving theory, this alternating flux, φm is divided into two components of magnitude φm
/2. Each of these components will rotate in opposite direction, with the synchronous speed, Ns. Let us call
these two components of flux as forward component of flux, φf and backward component of flux, φb. The
resultant of these two components of flux at any instant of time, gives the value of instantaneous stator
flux at that particular instant.

Now at starting, both the forward and backward components of flux are exactly opposite to each
other. Also both of these components of flux are equal in magnitude. So, they cancel each other and hence
the net torque experienced by the rotor at starting is zero. So, the single phase induction motors are not
self starting motors.

4.1.5 Methods for Making Single Phase Induction as Self Starting Motor
From the above topic we can easily conclude that the single phase induction motors are not self
starting because they produced stator flux is alternating in nature and at the starting the two components
of this flux cancel each other and hence there is no net torque. The solution to this problem is that if the
stator flux is made rotating type, rather than alternating type, which rotates in one particular
direction only. Then the induction motor will become self starting.

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 Now for producing this rotating magnetic field we require two alternating flux, having some
phase difference angle between them. When these two fluxes interact with each other they will produce a
resultant flux. This resultant flux is rotating in nature and rotates in space in one particular direction only.
Once the motor starts running, the additional flux can be removed. The motor will continue to run under
the influence of the main flux only.

4.1.6 Comparison between Single Phase and Three Phase Induction Motors
1. Single phase induction motors are simple in construction, reliable and economical for small power
rating as compared to three phase induction motors.
2. The electrical power factor of single phase induction motors is low as compared to three phase
induction motors.
3. For same size, the single phase induction motors develop about 50% of the output as that of three phase
induction motors.
4. The starting torque is also low for asynchronous motors / single phase induction motor.
5. The efficiency of single phase induction motors is less as compare it to the three phase induction
motors.
Single phase induction motors are simple, robust, reliable & cheaper for small ratings. They are generally
available up to 1 KW rating

4.1.7. (a) Split Phase Induction Motor

In addition to the main winding or running winding, the stator of single phase induction motor
carries another winding called auxiliary winding or starting winding. A centrifugal switch is connected in
series with auxiliary winding. The purpose of this switch is to disconnect the auxiliary winding from the
main circuit when the motor attains a speed up to 75 to 80% of the synchronous speed. We know that the
running winding is inductive in nature. Our aim is to create the phase difference between the two winding
and this is possible if the starting winding carries high resistance. Let us say Irun is the current flowing
through the main or running winding, Istart is the current flowing in starting winding, and VT is the supply
voltage.

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 We know that for highly resistive winding the current is almost in phase with the voltage and for
highly inductive winding the current lag behind the voltage by large angle. The starting winding is highly
resistive so, the current flowing in the starting winding lags behind the applied voltage by very small
angle and the running winding is highly inductive in nature so, the current flowing in running winding
lags behind applied voltage by large angle. The resultant of these two current is IT. The resultant of these
two current produce rotating magnetic field which rotates in one direction. In split phase induction
motor the starting and main current get splitted from each other by some angle so this motor got its name
as split phase induction motor.

Applications of Split Phase Induction Motor

Split phase induction motors have low starting current and moderate starting torque. So these
motors are used in fans, blowers, centrifugal pumps, washing machine, grinder, lathes, air conditioning
fans, etc. These motors are available in the size ranging from 1 / 20 to 1 / 2 KW.

4.1.7(b)Capacitor Start IM and Capacitor Start Capacitor Run IM

The working principle and construction of Capacitor start induction motors and capacitor start
capacitor run induction motors are almost the same. We already know that single phase induction motor is
not self starting because the magnetic field produced is not rotating type. In order to produce rotating
magnetic field there must be some phase difference. In case of split phase induction motor we use
resistance for creating phase difference but here we use capacitor for this purpose. We are familiar with
this fact that the current flowing through the capacitor leads the voltage. So, in capacitor start inductor
motor and capacitor start capacitor run induction motor we are using two winding, the main winding
and the starting winding. With starting winding we connect a capacitor so the current flowing in the
capacitor i.e Ist leads the applied voltage by some angle, φst.

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 The running winding is inductive in nature so, the current flowing in running winding lags behind
applied voltage by an angle, φm. Now there occur large phase angle differences between these two
currents which produce an resultant current, I and this will produce a rotating magnetic field. Since the
torque produced by these motors depends upon the phase angle difference, which is almost 90°. So, these
motors produce very high starting torque. In case of capacitor start induction motor, the centrifugal
switch is provided so as to disconnect the starting winding when the motor attains a speed up to 75 to
80% of the synchronous speed but in case of capacitor start capacitors run induction motor there is no
centrifugal switch so, the >capacitor remains in the circuit and helps to improve the power factor and the
running conditions of single phase induction motor.

Application of Capaitor Start IM and Capacitor Start Capacitor Run IM

These motors have high starting torque hence they are used in conveyors, grinder, air
conditioners, compressor, etc. They are available up to 6 KW.

4-1-7(c)Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) Motor

It has a cage rotor and stator. Stator has two windings – main and auxiliary winding. It has only
one capacitor in series with starting winding. It has no starting switch.

Advantages and Applications

No centrifugal switch is needed. It has higher efficiency and pull out torque. It finds applications
in fans and blowers in heaters and air conditioners. It is also used to drive office machinery.

4.1.7(d)Shaded Pole Single Phase Induction Motors

The stator of the shaded pole single phase induction motor has salient or projected poles. These
poles are shaded by copper band or ring which is inductive in nature. The poles are divided into two
unequal halves. The smaller portion carries the copper band and is called as shaded portion of the pole.
When a single phase supply is given to the stator of shaded pole induction motor an alternating
flux is produced. This change of flux induces emf in the shaded coil. Since this shaded portion is short
circuited, the current is produced in it in such a direction to oppose the main flux. The flux in shaded pole

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 lags behind the flux in the unshaded pole. The phase difference between these two fluxes produces
resultant rotating flux. We know that the stator winding current is alternating in nature and so is the flux
produced by the stator current. In order to clearly understand the working of shaded pole induction motor
consider three regions-
1. When the flux changes its value from zero to nearly maximum positive value.
2. When the flux remains almost constant at its maximum value.
3. When the flux decreases from maximum positive value to zero.

REGION 1:
When the flux changes its value from zero to nearly maximum positive value – In this region the
rate of rise of flux and hence current is very high. According to Faraday's law whenever there is change in
flux emf gets induced. Since the copper band is short circuit the current starts flowing in the copper band
due to this induced emf. This current in copper band produces its own flux. Now according to Lenz's law
the direction of this current in copper band is such that it opposes its own cause i.e rise in current. So the
shaded ring flux opposes the main flux, which leads to the crowding of flux in non shaded part of stator
and the flux weaken in shaded part. This non uniform distribution of flux causes magnetic axis to shift in
the middle of the non shaded part.

REGION 2:
When the flux remains almost constant at its maximum value- In this region the rate of rise of
current and hence fluxes remains almost constant. Hence there is very little induced emf in the shaded
portion. The flux produced by this induced emf has no effect on the main flux and hence distribution of
flux remains uniform and the magnetic axis lies at the center of the pole.

REGION 3:
When the flux decreases from maximum positive value to zero - In this region the rate of
decrease in the flux and hence current is very high. According to Faraday's law whenever there is change
in flux emf gets induced. Since the copper band is short circuit the current starts flowing in the copper
band due to this induced emf. This current in copper band produces its own flux. Now according to Lenz's
law the direction of the current in copper band is such that it opposes its own cause i.e decrease in current.
So the shaded ring flux aids the main flux, which leads to the crowding of flux in shaded part of stator
and the flux weaken in non shaded part. This non uniform distribution of flux causes magnetic axis to

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shift in the middle of the shaded part of the pole. This shifting of magnetic axis continues for negative
cycle also and leads to the production of rotating magnetic field. The direction of this field is from non
shaded part of the pole to the shaded part of the pole.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Shaded Pole Motor

The advantages of shaded pole induction motor are
• Very economical and reliable.
• Construction is simple and robust because there is no centrifugal switch.
The disadvantages of shaded pole induction motor are
• Low power factor.
• The starting torque is very poor.
• The efficiency is very low as, the copper losses are high due to presence of copper band.
• The speed reversal is also difficult and expensive as it requires another set of copper rings.

Applications of Shaded Pole Motor

Applications of Shaded pole motors induction motor are- Due to their low starting torques and
reasonable cost these motors are mostly employed in small instruments, hair dryers, toys, record players,
small fans, electric clocks etc. These motors are usually available in a range of 1/300 to 1/20 KW.

4.1.8 Universal motor - construction, working and characteristics

A universal motor is a special type of motor which is designed to run on either DC or single
phase AC supply. These motors are generally series wound (armature and field winding are in series), and
hence produce high starting torque (See characteristics of DC motors here). That is why, universal
motors generally comes built into the device they are meant to drive. Most of the universal motors are
designed to operate at higher speeds, exceeding 3500 RPM. They run at lower speed on AC supply than
they run on DC supply of same voltage, due to the reactance voltage drop which is present in AC and not
inDC.
There are two basic types of universal motor :
(i) Compensated type and
(ii)Uncompensated type
Construction of Universal Motor
Construction of a universal motor is very similar to the construction of a DC machine. It consists
of a stator on which field poles are mounted. Field coils are wound on the field poles.
However, the whole magnetic path (stator field circuit and also armature) is laminated. Lamination is
necessary to minimize the eddy currents which induce while operating on AC.
The rotary armature is of wound type having straight or skewed slots and commutator with brushes
resting on it. The commutation on AC is poorer than that for DC. because of the current induced in the
armature coils. For that reason brushes used are having high resistance.

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Working of Universal Motor

A universal motor works on either DC or single phase AC supply. When the universal motor is
fed with a DC supply, it works as a DC series motor. (see working of a DC series motor here). When
current flows in the field winding, it produces an electromagnetic field. The same current also flows from
the armature conductors. When a current carrying conductor is placed in an electromagnetic field, it
experiences a mechanical force. Due to this mechanical force, or torque, the rotor starts to rotate. The
direction of this force is given by Fleming's left hand rule.
When fed with AC supply, it still produces unidirectional torque. Because, armature
winding and field winding are connected in series, they are in same phase. Hence, as polarity of AC
changes periodically, the direction of current in armature and field winding reverses at the same time.
Thus, direction of magnetic field and the direction of armature current reverses in such a way that the
direction of force experienced by armature conductors remains same. Thus, regardless of AC or DC
supply, universal motor works on the same principle that DC series motor works.

Speed/Load Characteristics

A speed/load characteristic of a universal motor is similar to that of DC series motor. The speed
of a universal motor is low at full load and very high at no load. Usually, gears trains are used to get the
required speed on required load. The speed/load characteristics are (for both AC as well as DC supply)

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areshowninthefigure.

Applications of Universal Motor

 Universal motors find their use in various home appliances like vacuum cleaners, drink and food
mixers, domestic sewing machine etc.
 The higher rating universal motors are used in portable drills, blenders etc.

4.1.9 Operation of three phase motor with single phase supply

How to use three phase motor in single phase power supply? Actually three phase motor can
operate in single phase power supply with the help of a permanent CAPACITOR. Normally 3-phase
induction motor will have star or delta connection
How to install and wiring capacitor for three phase motor with single phase power
supply?
1) Wiring of capacitor for FORWARD rotation
-For FORWARD rotation, we must install capacitor in DELTA connection as per drawing below.
* Symbol –> The change of the connection terminal * of the capacitor allows to invert the turning
sense of the motor.

2) Wiring of capacitor for REVERSED rotation

– For REVERSED rotation,we must install capacitor in any two phase of winding in STAR (Y)
connection as per drawing below.
* symbol –> The change of the connection terminal * of the capacitor allows to invert the turning sense of
the motor.

Output of Motor
We must to consider the output of motor when we converted from three phase to single phase
power supply to match and suitable with our application. But we cannot get the actual value due to so

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many aspects we must calculate and it’s so complicated. So we can estimate the approximate value of
motor output as per percentage (%) below:-

B.) SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR

4.2 Introduction
A Dc generator can be run as DC motor likewise an alternator may operate as a motor by
connecting its armature winding to a 3 phase supply. It is then called as synchronous motor .as a name
implies a synchronous motor runs at synchronous speed (NS=120f/P) i.e., in synchronism with the
revolving field produced by the 3 phase supply. The speed of the rotation is ,therefore tied to the
frequency of the source .since the frequency is fixed ,the motor speed stays constant irrespective of the
load or voltage of 3-phase supply .However, synchronous motors are not used so much because they runs
at constant speed (i.e., synchronous speed ) but because they posses other unique electrical properties. In
such Synchronous motors are called so because the speed of the rotor of this motor is same as the rotating
magnetic field. It is basically a fixed speed motor because it has only one speed, which is synchronous
speed, and therefore no intermediate speed is there or in other words it’s in synchronism with the supply
frequency. Synchronous speed is given by

where f = supply frequency & p = no. of poles

4.2.1Construction of Synchronous Motor

Normally it's construction is almost similar to that of a 3 phase induction motor, except the fact
that the rotor is given DC supply, the reason of which is explained later. Now, let us first go through the
basic construction of this type of motor. From the above picture, it is clear that how this type of motors
are designed. The stator is given is given three phase supply and the rotor is given dc supply.

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Main Features of Synchronous Motors
• Synchronous motors are inherently not self starting. They require some external means to bring
their speed close to synchronous speed to before they are synchronized.

• The speed of operation of is in synchronism with the supply frequency and hence for constant
supply frequency they behave as constant speed motor irrespective of load condition

• This motor has the unique characteristics of operating under any electrical power factor. This
makes it being used in electrical power factor improvement.

4.2.2 Principle of Operation Synchronous Motor

`Synchronous motor is a doubly excited machine i.e two electrical inputs are provided to it. It’s
stator winding which consists of a 3 phase winding is provided with 3 phase supply and rotor is provided
with DC supply. The 3 phase stator winding carrying 3 phase currents produces 3 phase rotating magnetic
flux. The rotor carrying DC supply also produces a constant flux. Considering the frequency to be 50 Hz,
from the above relation we can see that the 3 phase rotating flux rotates about 3000 revolution in 1 min or
50 revolutions in 1 sec. At a particular instant rotor and stator poles might be of same polarity (N-N or S-
S) causing repulsive force on rotor and the very next second it will be N-S causing attractive force. But
due to inertia of the rotor, it is unable to rotate in any direction due to attractive or repulsive force and
remain in standstill condition. Hence it is not self starting. To overcome this inertia, rotor is initially fed
some mechanical input which rotates it in same direction as magnetic field to a speed very close to

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 synchronous speed. After some time magnetic locking occurs and the synchronous motor rotates in
synchronism with the frequency.

4.2.3 Methods of Starting of Synchronous Motor

1. Motor starting with an external prime Mover :

Synchronous motors are mechanically coupled with another motor. It could be either 3 phase
induction motor or DC shunt motor. DC excitation is not fed initially. It is rotated at speed very close to
its synchronous speed and after that DC excitation is given. After some time when magnetic locking
takes place supply to the external motor is cut off.

2. Damper winding :

In case, synchronous motor is of salient pole type, additional winding is placed in rotor pole face.
Initially when rotor is standstill, relative speed between damper winding and rotating air gap flux in
large and an emf is induced in it which produces the required starting torque. As speed approaches
synchronous speed, emf and torque is reduced and finally when magnetic locking takes place, torque
also reduces to zero. Hence in this case synchronous is first run as three phase induction motor using
additional winding and finally it is synchronized with the frequency.

4.2.4 Phasor Diagram for Synchronous Motor

We will discuss here the simplest way of drawing the phasor diagram for synchronous motor
and we will also discuss advantages of drawing the phasor diagram. Before we draw phasor diagram, let
us write the various notations for each quantity at one place. Here we will use:Ef to represent the
excitation voltage Vt to represent the terminal voltage Ia to represent the armature current Θ to represent
the angle between terminal voltage and armature current ᴪ to represent the angle between the excitation
voltage and armature current δ to represent the angle between the excitation voltage and terminal voltage
ra to represent the armature per phase resistance. We will take Vt as the reference phasor in order to
phasor diagram for synchronous motor. In order to draw the phasor diagram one should know these
two important points which are written below: (1) We know that if a machine is made to work as a
asynchronous motor then direction of armature current will in phase opposition to that of the excitation
emf. (2) Phasor excitation emf is always behind the phasor terminal voltage. Above two points are
sufficient for drawing the phasor diagram for synchronous motor. The Phasor diagram for the
synchronousmotorisgivenbelow,

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 In the phasor one the direction of the armature current is opposite in phase to that of the excitation
emf.It is usually customary to omit the negative sign of the armature current in the phasor of the
synchronous motor so in the phasor two we have omitted the negative sign of the armature current. Now
we will draw complete phasor diagram for the synchronous motor and also derive expression for the
excitation emf in each case. We have three cases that are written below:

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(a) Motoring operation at lagging power factor.
(b) Motoring operation at unity power factor.
(c) Motoring operation at leading power factor.
(a) Motoring operation at lagging power factor:
In order to derive the expression for the excitation emf for the lagging operation we first take the
component of the terminal voltage in the direction of armature current Ia. Component in the direction of
armature current is VtcosΘ.
As the direction of armature is opposite to that of the terminal voltage therefore voltage drop will
be –Iara hence the total voltage drop is (VtcosΘ - Iara) along the armature current. Similarly we can
calculate the voltage drop along the direction perpendicular to armature current. The total voltage drop
comes out to be (Vtsinθ - IaXs). From the triangle BOD in the first phasor diagram we can write the
expression for excitation emf as

(b) Motoring operation at unity power factor:

In order to derive the expression for the excitation emf for the unity power factor operation we
again first take the component of the terminal voltage in the direction of armature current Ia. But here the
value of theta is zero and hence we have ᴪ = δ. From the triangle BOD in the second phasor diagram
we can directly write the expression for excitation emf as

(c) Motoring operation at leading power factor:

In order to derive the expression for the excitation emf for the leading power factor
operation we again first take the component of the terminal voltage in the direction of armature current Ia.
Component in the direction of armature current is VtcosΘ. As the direction of armature is opposite to that
of the terminal voltage therefore voltage drop will be (–Iara) hence the total voltage drop is (VtcosΘ - Iara)
along the armature current. Similarly we can calculate the voltage drop along the direction perpendicular
to armature current. The total voltage drop comes out to be (Vtsinθ+IaXs). From the triangle BOD in the
first phasor diagram we can write the expression for excitation emf as

4.2.5Advantages of Drawing Phasor Diagrams for Synchronous Motor

(1) Phasors are highly useful for gaining physical insight into the operation of the synchronous motors.
(2) We can derive mathematical expressions for various quantities easily with the help of phasor
diagrams.
4.2.6Synchronous Motor Excitation
Prior to understanding this synchronous motor excitation, it should be remembered that any
electromagnetic device must draw a magnetizing current from the AC source to produce the required
working flux. This magnetizing current lags by almost 90° to the supply voltage. In other words, the
function of this magnetizing current or lagging VA drawn by the electromagnetic device is to set up the
flux in the magnetic circuit of the device. The synchronous motor is doubly fed electrical motor
Synchronous converts electrical energy to mechanical energy via magnetic circuit. Hence, it comes under
electromagnetic device. It receives 3 phase ac electrical supply to its armature winding and DC supply is

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provided to rotor winding. Synchronous motor excitation refers to the DC supply given to rotor which is
used to produce the required flux. One of the major and unique characteristics of this motor is that it can
be operated at any electrical power factor leading, lagging or unity and this feature is based on the
excitation of the synchronous motor.
When the synchronous motor is working at constant applied voltage V, the resultant air gap flux
as demanded by V remains substantially constant. This resultant air gap flux is established by the co
operation of both AC supply of armature winding and DC supply of rotor winding.

CASE 1:
When the field current is sufficient enough to produce the air gap flux, as demanded by the
constant supply voltage V, then the magnetizing current or lagging reactive VA required from ac source is
zero and the motor operate at unity power factor. The field current, which causes this unity power factor
is called normal excitation or normal field current.
CASE 2:
If the field current is not sufficient enough to produce the required air gap flux as demanded by
V, additional magnetizing current or lagging reactive VA is drawn from the AC source. This magnetizing
current produces the deficient flux (constant flux- flux set up by dc supply rotor winding). Hence in this
case the motor is said to operate under lagging power factor and the is said to be under excited.
CASE 3:
If the field current is more than the normal field current, motor is said to be over excited. This
excess field current produces excess flux (flux set up by DC supply rotor winding – resultant air gap flux)
which must be neutralized by the armature winding. Hence the armature winding draws leading reactive
VA or demagnetizing current leading voltage by almost 90o from the AC source. Hence in this case the
motor operate under leading power factor. This whole concept of excitation and power factor of
synchronous motor can be summed up in the following graph. This is called V curve of synchronous
motor.

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An overexcited synchronous motor operate at leading power factor, under-excited synchronous motor
operate at lagging power factor and normal excited synchronous motor operate at unity power factor.

4.2.7 Application of Synchronous Motor

• Synchronous motor having no load connected to its shaft is used for power factor improvement.
Owing to its characteristics to behave at any electrical power factor, it is used in power system in
situations where static capacitors are expensive.
• Synchronous motor finds application where operating speed is less (around 500 rpm) and high
power is required. For power requirement from 35 kW to 2500 KW, the size, weight and cost of
the corresponding three phase induction motor is very high. Hence these motors are preferably
used. Ex- Reciprocating pump, compressor, rolling mills etc.
4.2.8 Hunting in Synchronous Motor
We come across the term HUNTING when we study about three phase synchronous motor
operations. The word hunting is used because after sudden application of load the rotor has to search or
hunt for its new equilibrium position. That phenomena is referred as hunting in synchronous motor.
Now let us know what is the condition of equilibrium in synchronous motor.A steady state operation of
synchronous motor is a condition of equilibrium in which the electromagnetic torque is equal and
opposite to load torque. In steady state , rotor runs at synchronous speed thereby maintaining constant
value of torque angle (δ). If there is sudden change in load torque, the equilibrium is disturbed and there is
resulting torque which changes speed of the motor.

What is Hunting?
Unloaded synchronous machine has zero degree load angle. On increasing the shaft load
gradually load angle will increase. Let us consider that load P1 is applied suddenly to unloaded machine
shaft so machine will slow down momentarily.

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 Also load angle (δ) increases from zero degree and becomes δ1. During the first swing electrical
power developed is equal to mechanical load P1. Equilibrium is not established so rotor swings further.
Load angle exceeds δ1 and becomes δ2. Now electrical power generated is greater than the previous one.
Rotor attains synchronous speed. But it does not stay in synchronous speed and it will continue to
increase beyond synchronous speed. As a result of rotor acceleration above synchronous speed the load
angle decreases. So once again no equilibrium is attained. Thus rotor swings or oscillates about new
equilibrium position. This phenomenon is known as hunting or phase swinging. Hunting occurs not only
in synchronous motors but also in synchronous generators upon abrupt change in load.
Also load angle (δ) increases from zero degree and becomes δ1. During the first swing electrical power
developed is equal to mechanical load P1. Equilibrium is not established so rotor swings further. Load
angle exceeds δ1 and becomes δ2. Now electrical power generated is greater than the previous one. Rotor
attains synchronous speed. But it does not stay in synchronous speed and it will continue to increase
beyond synchronous speed. As a result of rotor acceleration above synchronous speed the load angle
decreases. So once again no equilibrium is attained. Thus rotor swings or oscillates about new equilibrium
position. This phenomenon is known as hunting or phase swinging. Hunting occurs not only in
synchronous motors but also in synchronous generators upon abrupt change in load.

Causes of Hunting in Synchronous Motor

1. Sudden change in load.
2. Sudden change in field current.
3. A load containing harmonic torque.
4. Fault in supply system.

Effects of Hunting in Synchronous Motor

1. It may lead to loss of synchronism.
2. Produces mechanical stresses in the rotor shaft.
3. Increases machine losses and cause temperature rise.
4. Cause greater surges in current and power flow.
5. It increases possibility of resonance.

Reduction of Hunting in Synchronous Motor

Two techniques should be used to reduce hunting.
These are –
1. Use of Damper Winding : It consists of low electrical resistance copper / aluminum brush
embedded in slots of pole faces in salient pole machine. Damper winding damps out hunting by
producing torque opposite to slip of rotor. The magnitude of damping torque is proportional to the
slip speed.
2. Use of Flywheels: The prime mover is provided with a large and heavy flywheel. This increases
the inertia of prime mover and helps in maintaining the rotor speed constant.

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4.2.9 Difference between Synchronous Motor and Induction Motor

AC motors can be divided into two main categories –

(i) Synchronous motor and
(ii) Asynchronous motor. An asynchronous motor is popularly called as Induction motor.
Both the types are quite different from each other. Major differences between a
synchronous motor and an induction motor are discussed below.

(a)Constructional Difference
 Synchronous motor:
Stator has axial slots which consist stator winding wound for a specific number of poles.
Generally a salient pole rotor is used on which rotor winding is mounted. Rotor winding is fed with
a DC supply with the help of slip rings. A rotor with permanent magnets can also be used.

Synchronous motor
 Induction motor:
Stator winding is similar to that of a synchronous motor. It is wound for a specific
number of poles. A squirrel cage rotor or a wound rotor can be used. In squirrel cage rotor, the rotor
bars are permanently short-circuited with end rings. In wound rotor, windings are also permanently
short-circuited, hence no slip rings are required.

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 Induction motor

(b)Difference In Working
 Synchronous motor:
Stator poles rotate at the synchronous speed (Ns) when fed with a three phase
supply. The rotor is fed with a DC supply. The rotor needs to be rotated at a speed near to the
synchronous speed during starting. If done so, the rotor poles get magnetically coupled with the
rotating stator poles, and thus the rotor starts rotating at the synchronous speed.

Synchronous motor always runs at a speed equal to its synchronous speed.

i.e. Actual speed = Synchronous speed
or N = Ns = 120f/P
.
 Induction motor:
When the stator is fed with two or three phase AC supply, a Rotating Magnetic Field
(RMF) is produced. The relative speed between stator's rotating magnetic field and the rotor will
cause an induced current in the rotor conductors. The rotor current gives rise to the rotor flux.
According to Lenz's law, the direction of this induced current is such that it will tend to oppose the
cause of its production, i.e. relative speed between stator's RMF and the rotor. Thus, the rotor will
try to catch up with the RMF and reduce the relative speed.
Induction motor always runs at a speed which is less than the synchronous speed.
i.e. N < Ns
.

(c)Other Differences

• Synchronous motors require an additional DC power source for energizing rotor winding.
Induction motors do not require any additional power source.

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• Slip rings and brushes are required in synchronous motors, but not in Induction motors (except
wound type induction motor in which slip ring motors are used to add external resistance to the
rotor winding).

• Synchronous motors require additional starting mechanism to initially rotate the rotor near to the
synchronous speed. No starting mechanism is required in induction motors.

• The power factor of a synchronous motor can be adjusted to lagging, unity or leading by varying
the excitation, whereas, an induction motor always runs at lagging power factor.

• Synchronous motors are generally more efficient than induction motors.

• Synchronous motors are costlier.

4.2.10 comparison of synchronous and induction motors

S.NO PARAMETERS SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR 3-PHASE INDUCTION

MOTOR
1 Speed Remains constant from no Decreases with load
load to full load
2 Power factor Can be made to operate from Operate at lagging power factor
lagging to leading power
factor
3 Excitation Requires DC excitation at No excitation for rotor
rotor
4 Economy Economical for speeds below Economical for speeds above
300RPM 600RPM
5 Self starting No self starting torque Self starting
6 Construction Complicated Simple

7 Starting torque More Less

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 REVIEW QUESTIONS
Q1: Where do we require single-phase induction motors?
Ans: Single-phase induction motors are required where
(i) 3 phase supply is not available
(ii) efficiency is of lesser importance
(iii) Rating is less than one H.P.
(iv) Equipment is portable

Q2: Why is the power factor of a single-phase induction motor low?

Ans: It is due to the large magnetizing current which ranges from 60% to 70% of full-load current. As a
result, even at no-load, these motors reach temperatures close to the full-load temperature.

Q3: What is the function of centrifugal starting switch in a single-phase induction motor?
Ans: The centrifugal switch is connected in series with the starting winding. The primary function of the
centrifugal switch is to produce rotating flux in conjunction with main winding at the time of starting.
When the motor has started and reaches nearly 75% of synchronous speed, it produces its own rotating
field from the cross field effect. The starting winding now has no function to perform and is removed
from the circuit by a centrifugally operated switch.

Q4: What happens when the centrifugal starting switch fails to open?
Ans: If the starting switch fails to open when needed, then the starting winding will overheat and burn out
and motor will not start next time.

Q5: What happens when the centrifugal switch fails to close when needed?
Ans: If the centrifugal starting switch fails to close, the motor will overheat the main winding without any
failure of the main winding.

Q6: Why are resistance split-phase inductions motors most popular?

Ans: These motors are most popular due to their low cost. They are used where moderate starting torque
is required and where the starting periods are not frequent. They drive fans, pumps, washing machines,
small machine tools etc. They have power ranting between 60 watts and 250 watts.

Q7: What is the draw back of the resistance split-phase induction motor?
Ans: The starting winding has a relatively small number of turns of fine wire and its resistance is higher
than that of the main winding. Therefore the current density is high and the winding heats up quickly. If
the starting period lasts for more than 5 seconds, the winding begins to smoke and may burn out unless
the motor is protected by a built-in-thermal relay.

Q8: Why is the starting torque of a resistance split-phase induction motor not high?
Ans: The starting torque is given as, Ts = K Im Is Sin Ф
Where
K = constant whose magnitude depends upon the design of the motor
(i) The angle between Is and Im is small (approximately 25 degree) in a resistance split-phase induction
motor, so the starting torque is small.
(ii) Since currents Is and Im are not equal in magnitude, the rotating magnetic field is not uniform and the
starting torque produced is small.

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Q9: Why is the starting torque of a capacitor start induction motor high?
Ans: The capacitor C in the starting winding is so chosen that Is leads Im by 75 degree. Since the starting
torque is directly proportional to Sin Ф, and it is quite high in capacitor-start induction motor.

Q10: Why do we use capacitor-start induction motors in applications requiring high starting torque
in preference to repulsion induction motors?
Ans: Capacitors are easily available, cheaper and reliable. Repulsion-induction motors posses a special
commutator and brushes that require maintenance. Most manufacturers have stopped making them.

Q11: What is the principle of operation of shaded-pole induction motor?

Ans: A shaded-pole motor is basically a small single-phase squirrel cage motor in which the starting
winding is composed of short-circuited copper ring (called shading coil) surrounding one-third of each
pole. The effect of the shading coil is to cause a flux to sweep across the pole faces, from unshaded to
shaded portion of the pole, producing a weak rotating magnetic field. As a result, the rotor is set in motion
due to induction principle.
Q12: Which type of torque is developed in single phase motors?
Ans: Pulsating torque is produced.

Q13: If a single phase motor is driven in any direction by any means, it starts running in that
direction. Explain why?
Ans: Actually a pulsating torque has two components which are equal in magnitude and rotate in opposite
direction with synchronous speed at unity slip. Now if the motor rotates in any direction, the slip
decreases and the torque component in this direction increases than the other component and hence motor
runs in that direction.

Q14: What is a fractional H.P. motor?

Ans: A small motor having H.P. less than unit is called fractional H.P. motor.

Q15: Which type of rotor is used in single phase motors?

Ans: Squirrel cage type

Q16: How the starting winding produce rotation in a single phase resistance start induction motor?
Ans: The starting winding is highly resistive and the main winding is inductive. So the phase difference
between the two currents becomes nearly 90 degree and hence the motor start as two phase motor.

Q17: How the starting winding is made resistive?

Ans: It consists of only few turns of smaller diameter.

Q18: How the speed of rotation of a split phase induction motor is reversed?
Ans: The terminal connections of the starting windings are reversed with respect to main running
windings.

Q19: What will happen if the centrifugal switch fails to open the starting winding?
Ans: Excessive heat will be produced due to high resistance of the starting winding due to which stator
temperature will rise and eventually both windings will burn.

Q20: How speed control is made in single phase motors?

Ans: It is usually controlled by applying a variable voltage from tapped transformers, variacs, potentio
meters, and tapped reactors.

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Q21: Is there any relation between the capacitances of two capacitors used in two value capacitor
motor?
Ans: Starting capacitor has about 10 – 15 times high capacity than the value of running capacitor.

Q22: What is size of shaded-pole motor?

Ans: These are usually built in small fractional H.P, not exceed 1/4 H.P.

Q23: Why shaded-pole single phase induction motor does not need any special starting technique
like capacitors and auxiliary winding etc.
Ans: Because it is inherently self started motor. The construction of the poles is such that they give a
sweep to the magnetic flux and motor starts rotating.

Q24: How can a universal motor be reversed?

Ans: By reversing either the field leads or armature leads but not both.

Q25: What are applications of Stepper motors?

Ans: (i) Paper feed motors in typewriters and printers
(ii) Positioning of print heads
(iii) Pens in XY-plotters
(iv) Recording heads in computer disc drives etc.

Q26: Why do we use capacitor-start induction motors in applications requiring high starting torque
in preference to repulsion induction motors?
Ans: Capacitors are easily available, cheaper and reliable. Repulsion-induction motors posses a special
commutator and brushes that require maintenance. Most manufacturers have stopped making them.

Q27: If a single phase motor is driven in any direction by any means, it starts running in that
direction. Explain why?
Ans: Actually a pulsating torque has two components which are equal in magnitude and rotate in opposite
direction with synchronous speed at unity slip. Now if the motor rotates in any direction, the slip
decreases and the torque component in this direction increases than the other component and hence motor
runs in that direction.

Q28: What is a fractional H.P. motor?

Ans: A small motor having H.P. less than unit is called fractional H.P. motor.

Q29: Which type of rotor is used in single phase motors?

Ans: Squirrel cage type

Q30: How the starting winding produce rotation in a single phase resistance start induction motor?
Ans: The starting winding is highly resistive and the main winding is inductive. So the phase difference
between the two currents becomes nearly 90 degree and hence the motor start as two phase motor.

Q31: How the starting winding is made resistive?

Ans: It consists of only few turns of smaller diameter.

Q32: How the speed of rotation of a split phase induction motor is reversed?
Ans: The terminal connections of the starting windings are reversed with respect to main running
windings.

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SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR QUESTION AND ANSWER

Q1: Why synchronous motor is not self starting?

Synchronous motor is a doubly excited machine i.e two electrical inputs are provided to it. It’s stator
winding which consists of a 3 phase winding is provided with 3 phase supply and rotor is provided with
DC supply. The 3 phase stator winding carrying 3 phase currents produces 3 phase rotating magnetic flux.
The rotor carrying DC supply also produces a constant flux. At a particular instant rotor and stator poles
might be of same polarity (N-N or S-S) causing repulsive force on rotor and the very next second it will
be N-S causing attractive force. But due to inertia of the rotor, it is unable to rotate in any direction due to
attractive or repulsive force and remain in standstill condition. Hence it is not self starting.

Q2: What are the methods of starting synchronous motor?

1. Pony motor starting( using ac or dc motor)
2. Starting as squirrel cage Induction motor or using damper winding
3. Starting as slip ring Induction motor or synchronous motor
4. Using dc machine coupled to it.

Q3: What is pony motor starting?

In this method the rotor is made to rotate by some external device called pony motors. Once the rotor
attains synchronous speed, the DC excitation to the rotor is switched on. Once synchronism is established
the pony motor is decoupled. The synchronous motor continuously runs at synchronous speed.

Q4: Why damper windings are used in synchronous motor? Or How synchronous motor is started as
squirrel cage motor?
The damper winding consists of short circuited copper bars embedded in the the face of the rotor poles.
When an ac supply is provided to stator of a 3-phase synchronous motor, stator winding produces rotating
magnetic field. Due to the damper winding present in the rotor winding of the synchronous motor, emf is
induced in damper winding and hence currents starts to flow. Hence torque acts on rotor. Damper
windings in synchronous motor will carryout the same task of induction motor rotor windings. Therefore
due to damper windings synchronous motor starts as induction motor and continue to accelerate. When
the motor attains about 95% of the synchronous speed, the rotor windings is connected to exciter
terminals and the rotor is magnetically locked by the rotating magnetic field of stator and it runs as a
synchronous motor. Now as the rotor rotates at synchronous speed the relative motion between rotating
magnetic field and damper winding is zero. Hence there will be no emf induced in damper winding.

Q5: What is the function of damper winding?

To provide starting torque
To prevent or minimize hunting

What is hunting?
The sudden changes of load on synchronous motor set up oscillations in the rotor. Such oscillation of
rotor about its new equilibrium position is called hunting.

Q6: What are the effects of hunting?

Loses synchronism
Develops mechanical stress on rotor shaft
Increase machine losses
Increase temperature of machine

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Q7: What is pull in torque?
The torque which is required to pull the motor into synchronism when it is running as induction motor is
called pull in torque.

Q8: What is pull out torque?

The maximum torque developed by the motor without pulling out of synchronism is called pull out
torque. Its value varies from 1.5 to 3.5 times full load torque.

Q9. What is the effect on speed if the load is increased on a 3 phase synchronous motor?
The speed of operation remains constant from no load to maximum load in
the motor operating at constant frequency bus bars.

Q10.Why a synchronous motor is a constant speed motor?

When load increase in synchronous motor the load angle
δ also increases but speed remains constant. The further increase in load cause further increase in load
angle. When load angle reaches 90 degree electrical then the motor comes out of synchronism. Hence the
motor rotates at synchronous speed otherwise it comes out of synchronism.

Q11: What is normal excitation?

The excitation for which power factor of the synchronous motor is lagging and the back emf is equal to
supply voltage.

Q12: What is under excitation?

The excitation for which power factor of the synchronous motor is lagging and the back emf is less than
supply voltage.

Q13: What is over excitation?

The excitation for which power factor of the synchronous motor is leading and the back emf is greater
than supply voltage.

Q14: What is critical excitation?

The excitation for which power factor of the synchronous motor is unity and the back emf is equal to
supply voltage.

Q15. What is synchronous condenser?

An over-excited synchronous motor under no load , used for the improvement of power factor is called as
synchronous condenser because, like a capacitor it takes a leading current.

Q16. Distinguish between synchronous phase modifier and synchronous condenser

A synchronous motor used to change the power factor or power factor in
the supply lines is called synchronous phase modifier.
A synchronous motor operated at no load with over excitation condition to
draw large leading reactive current and power is called a synchronous
condenser.

Q17. How the synchronous motor can be used as s synchronous condenser?

Synchronous motor is operated on over excitation so as to draw leading
reactive current and power from the supply lines. This compensates the
lagging current and power requirement of the load making the system
power factor to become unity. The motor does the job of capacitors and
hence called as synchronous condenser.

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Q18. What are V and inverted V curves of synchronous motor ?
The variation of magnitude of line current with respect to the field current
is called V curve .

The variation of power factor with respect to the field current is called inverted V curve.
Q19 Write the applications of synchronous motor.
a. Used for power factor improvement in sub-stations and in industries.
b. As synchronous condenser
c. Used for constant speed applications

Q20. State the characteristic features of synchronous motor.

a. the motor is not inherently self starting
b. The speed of operation is always in synchronous with the supply frequency
irrespective of load conditions
c. The motor is capable of operating at any power factor.

Q21. In what way synchronous motor is different from other motors?

All dc and ac motors work on the same principle. Synchronous motor operates
due to magnetic locking taking place between stator and rotor magnetic fields.

Q22 A synchronous motor starts as usual but fails to develop its full torque. What could it be due to?
a. Exciter voltage may be too low.
b. Field spool may be reversed
c. There may be either open-circuit or short-circuit in the field.

Q23 What could be the reasons if a 3-phase synchronous motor fails to start?
It is usually due to the following reasons
a. Voltage may be too low.
b. Too much starting load.
c. Open circuit in one phase or short circuit.
d. Field excitation may be excessive

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