Aug.

22, 1967

J. BAUDE

3,337,785

SYNCHRQNOUS MOTOR STARTING SYSTEM

Filed March 23, 1964

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United States Patent 0

C6

3,337,785
Patented Aug. 22, 1967

3,337,785

12 and 13 to a primary winding 36;; of a transformer 36.

A phase comparison means 40 is connected to receive a
measure of the power source and the transducer output

Manufacturing Company, Milwaukee, Wis.

through transformers 36 and 33 at secondary windings

SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR STARTING SYSTEM

John Baude, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Allis-Chalmers
Filed Mar. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 353,816
16 Claims. (Cl. 318-175)

36s and 33s, respectively.

>

In phase comparison means 40 one terminal of second

This invention relates to synchronous motor control

ary windings 33s and one terminal of secondary winding

systems, particularly to angle switching synchronous mo

tor starting systems.

36s are connected to a conductor 41. The other terminal

When the motor has reached a preselected percentage of

ductor :45 through diodes 46 and 47.

of secondary winding 33s and the other terminal of

secondary winding 36s are connected to a conductor 42

Synchronous motors are started as induction motors. 10 through diodes 43 and 44 and are connected to a con

synchronous speed, the ?eld winding is energized from

a direct current source and the motor then operates in

Conductor 42 is connected to a base of a pnp resis

tor 51 through a base current limiting resistor 52. A bias

synchronism with the alternating current power supply. 15 ing resistor 53 is connected between the base and emitter
The ?eld energization is preferably accomplished at a par
ticular phase angle between the ?eld pole and the stator
magnetic flux wave. Accurate angle switching is desir

of transistor 51.
Conductor 45 is similarly connected to a base of an
npn transistor 55 through a base limiting resistor 56. A

able and is usually necessary with relatively large motors.

biasing resistor 57 is connected between the base and
With this invention it is possible to accurately deter 20 emitter of transistor 55. A capacitor 58 is connected be
mine the phase angle between the rotor pole and the mag
netic ?ux wave thereby enabling accurate selection of the
time of ?eld energization.

tween conductor 45 and the collector of transistor 55

through a diode 59.
A source of electrical energy, such as a direct current

A system according to this invention utilizes means re

source, is applied at terminals 60 and 61 which are con
sponsive to the speed of rotation of the rotor of a syn~ 25 nected through the phase comparison means to conduc
chronous motor for producing an output having a wave
tors 41 and 62. The emitter-collector circuits, which func
form indicating the ?eld pole position and a frequency
tion as output circuits, of transistors 51 and 55 and a
varying as a function of the rotor speed. When the rotor
loading resistor 63 are connected in parallel across con
attains a predetermined speed of rotation, the varying
ductors 41 and 62.

frequency is compared to the phase angle of the electrical 30

A limiting resistor 64 is connected between the direct
power supply and a signal pulse is produced when the
current source and the parallelly connected output cir
power source and the varying frequency are simultane
cuits of transistors 51 and 55. Diode 65 is connected to
ously in phase at a zero point in their cycles. The use of
prevent reverse current ?ow to the subsequent circuitry
zero points enables an accurate comparison not obtain
along conductors 41 and 62. Diode 59 makes the collec-'
able when other points in a wave form are used. This sig
tor of transistor 55 slightly more positive than the emitter
nal pulse accurately indicates a particular phase relation
of transistor 51 to assure more stable operation of the
ship between the rotating stator ?ux ?eld and the ?eld
circuitry.
_
poles. By adjusting the means for producing the varying
Conductors 41 and 62 deliver the output of phase com

frequency a preselected phase angle between the ?eld

parison means 40 to a time delay means 70 through con
pole and the varying frequency may be sensed. If neces 40 tacts 35A and 35B of a relay 35. Contacts 35A and 35B
sary, an appropriate time delay after the signal pulse can
be introduced to allow for the time required to close con

tacts and energize the ?eld winding.

The objects of this invention are to provide a new and

are closed by the operation of speed sensing means 35

when a predetermined frequency has been attained by

transducer 30. This predetermined frequency indicates

that the motor has achieved a selected speed relative to

improved synchronous motor starting system; to provide 45 the
synchronous speed that is su?iciently high to permit
a synchronous motor starting system that does not utilize
successful synchronization.

the current induced in the ?eld winding of the synchro

nous motor in determining the time of ?eld energization;
to provide a synchronous motor starting system that ac

Time delay means 70 is connected to a control means

72 that energizes relay 22 when an appropriate signal is

received from the phase comparison means.
curately determines the phase relationship between the 50 In the operation of the system shown in the ?gure,

synchronous motor stator magnetic flux and the ?eld

poles; and to provide a synchronous motor starting sys
tem capable of accurate timing of ?eld excitation applica
tion.
The ?gure is a drawing of an embodiment of this in
vention.
Referring to the ?gure, an alternating current power

source such as a three phase alternating current power '

source 10 supplies power to a synchronous motor 11

along conductors 12, 13 and 14.

A DC source 20 is connected to a ?eld winding 21 of

synchronous motor 11 through contacts 22A and 22B of

a contactor 22. A ?eld resistor 23 and a contact 22C

electrical power is supplied from source 10 to synchro

nous motor 11. As motor 11 begins rotating, transducer
30 begins producing an output having a frequency pro

portional to the speed of rotation. The phase angle of

this frequency has a predetermined relationship to the
rotor pole position. This relationship is selectable and
therefore enables a time delay to be introduced at this
point in the system if necessary. As the speed of the syn

chronous motor approaches synchronism, the frequency

60 of the output of transducer 30 increases toward a maxi

mum frequency. This maximum frequency would usually

be selected to be the same as the frequency of the alter
nating current source.
When the frequency of transducer 30 reaches a pre

are connected in series with ?eld winding 21. Upon ener

gization of contactor 22, contacts 22A and 22B are closed 65 determined frequency, speed sensing circuit 35 closes
and contact 22C is opened. A transducer 30, shown con
contacts 35A and 35B to connect phase comparison circuit
nected to rotate with the rotor of synchronous motor 11,
40 to control means 72 through time delay means 70.
produces an output along conductors 31 and 32 that is
A measure of the output of transducer 30 and of a
delivered to a primary winding 33p of a transformer 33
phase
of alternating current power source 10 appears
70
and to a speed sensing circuit 35.
at secondary windings 33s and 36s, respectively. Gating
One phase of source 10 is delivered along conductors

means, comprising diodes 43, 44, 46 and 47 connected

3,337,735
3

After the rotor has obtained a predetermined speed,

to receive the signals appearing at the secondary wind~

ings, produces a ?rst output along conductor 45 vary
ing as an instantaneous function of the positive portions

speed sensing means 35 closes contacts 35A and 35B.

The pulse appearing across conductors 41 and 62 can be

or the signals appearing at the secondary windings and

produces a second output along conductor 42 varying

length of time, if necessary.

delayed by time delay circuit 70 for a predetermined

'

This length of time delay would be determined pri

marily by the time required to energize the ?eld winding

as an instantaneous function of the negative portions of

the signals appearing at the secondary windings.

because this time can exceed the time of a cycle. Time

Electronic switching means or circuits are provided

delays of less than a cycle can be easily accomplished

by transistors 51 and 55 with their emitter-collector cir

cuits operating as output circuits. The transistors are 10 by adjustment of the relationship between the transducer

output wave form and the ?eld poles position. These

connected to receive the positive and negative outputs

delays are constant and predictable and as a result the

from the gating means as inputs to control ?ow of elec

time excitation of the ?eld winding can be accurately
trical energy from the direct current source at terminals
selected because the phase angle of stator flux and ?eld
60 and 61 to timing means 70 and control means 72
pole is accurately sensed.
15
when contacts 35A and 35B are closed.

The signal pulse received by control means 72 acti

The polarity of the signals applied to the bases of the

transistors determine the conditions of their output cir
cuits to provide an on, or conducting, condition, and
an off, or nonconducting, condition. When the output

vates the control means to energize the coil of contactor

22 to operate its contact to apply excitation to the syn
chronous motor. In the system shown, the control means

along conductor 45 is positive (when the polarity of 20 functions to maintain the contactor coil energized. Other
circuits can be used to provide other types of protection
either one of the inputs appearing at the secondary wind
for the motor and these could be applied to the control
ings is positive), transistor 55 is turned on to effectively
means or could operate in any of the many ways known
maintain the voltage appearing across conductors 41 and
in the art.
62 at zero. Similarly, when the output along conductor 42
In describing the invention, the preferred embodiment
is negative (when the polarity of either one of the inputs 25
has been shown and described but it is obvious to one
is negative), transistor 51 is turned on to effectively
skilled in the art that there are many variations, com
maintain the voltage appearing across conductors 41 and
binations, alterations, and modi?cations that may be
62 at zero. When either one of the inputs is not at zero,

made without departing from the spirit of the invention

at least one of the transistors is turned on. When either

one or both of the transistors is on, a short circuit is

or from the scope of the appnded claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclu
maintained across the emitter-collector circuits of the
sive property or privilege is claimed are de?ned as follows:
turned on transistor and the voltage of .the direct current
1. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the
source appears across resistors 63 and 64 While the volt
synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current
age appearing across conductors 41 and 62 is substantially
zero. The low resistance of the turned on emitter 35 power source, said system having means for connecting
the ?eld winding of the synchronous motor to a direct
collector circuit of the conducting transistor or transistors
current source at a predetermined phase angle between
prevents any signi?cant voltage from appearing across

the rotating magnetic ?ux wave and the ?eld pole posi
tion, said means comprising:

conductors 41 and 62.

When both inputs appearing at the secondary windings

33s and 36s are at zero points in their cycles, both tran 40
sistors are turned off and the potential of direct current

source 60 appears across'resistor 64, diode 65, diode 59,

and between conductors 41 and 62. This potential be
tween cond-uctors 41 and 62 is the output signal or pulse
of the phase comparison means that indicates that both
inputs from secondary windings 33s and 36s are simul 45

means responsive to the speed of the motor for pro

ducing an output having a frequency varying as a
direct function of the motor speed and having a pre

determined phase relationship to the ?eld pole posi

tion of the motor;
means responsive to the alternating current source and

responsive to the output for producing a signal pulse

when the wave form of the alternating current source
and the wave form of the ?rst means output are in
phase at a zero point; and

taneously at zero points in their wave forms.

Means are provided for controlling the output con
dition of one of the transistors to produce the output

signal or pulse only when the inputs are in phase at zero

point in their wave forms. In this embodiment this means 50
is an electrical energy storage means such as capacitor
58 that functions to maintain transistor 55 conductive

means connected to receive the signal pulse for sub

stantially instantaneously connecting the ?eld wind

ing to the direct current source.

2. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the

synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current
power source, said system having means for connecting

for a time, a fraction of a cycle, after the input applied

to its base is no longer positive. Capacitor 58 charges as

the positive signal is applied to the base of transistor 55 the ?eld winding of the synchronous motor to a direct
55 along conductor 45 and discharges when the poten
current source at a predetermined phase angle between
tial of the inputs along conductor 45 is zero. Discharg
the
rotating magnetic ?ux wave and the ?eld pole posi
ing of capacitor 58 keeps transistor 55 temporarily con
tion, said means comprising:
ductive by keeping its base positive until the capacitor
?rst means responsive to the speed of the motor for
is discharged. Capacitor 58 is selected to assure that the
producing an output having a frequency varying as a
discharge lasts sufficiently long to prevent the turning
direct function of the motor speed and having a pre
on of transistor 55 at the zero point in the cycle occur

determined phase relationship to the ?eld pole posi

ring after each positive half cycle.

Therefore, the output pulse occurs when both inputs
are zero after their respective negative half cycles. The 65
relationship of negative to positive half cycles can be
determined and selected in the output of the frequency
generator means or by the relative direction of the pri
mary and secondary windings of transformers 33 and
36. This selection is determined to produce the control 70
output when the ?eld poles and the rotating stator ?ux
are at the desired angle. Also, capacitor 58 can be con

stantaneously connecting the ?eld winding to the

direct current source; and
third means responsive to the alternating current source
and responsive to the ?rst means output for con

trolling the ?ow of electrical energy from the direct

current source to the second means in response to

nected to either transistor 51 or 55 to select the zero

a_ predetermined polarity change of the alternating

occurring after either the positive or the negative half

cycles.

tion of the motor;

second means connected to receive electrical energy
from the direct current source for substantially in

75

current source and of the ?rst means output.

3,337,735

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said third

means comprises:
one transistor responsive to a negative input;
another transistor responsive to a positive input;
said transistors connected to control the ?ow of elec 5
trical energy from the direct current source to the
second means; and
means connected to the alternating current source and

6
output for producing a control signal when the out
put and the measure of the alternating current source
are simultaneously in phase at a zero point in their
wave forms; and
control means responsive to the control signal for con
necting the ?eld winding to the direct current source.

9. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the

synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current
the ?rst means for separating the electrical energy
power source, said system having means for connecting
from the alternating current source and the ?rst 10 the ?eld winding of the synchronous motor to a direct
means into positive polarity portions and negative
current source at a predetermined phase angle between
polarity portions and for connecting said one tran
the rotating magnetic ?ux wave and the ?eld pole posi
sistor to receive the negative portions and for con
tion, said means comprising:
necting said other transistor to receive the positive
?rst means responsive to the speed of the motor for
portions.

15
producing an output having a frequency varying as

4. A circuit according to claim 3 wherein means are

'rconnected to said one transistor for maintaining said one
'transistor conductive for a predetermined time after re

a direct function of the motor speed and having a

predetermined phase angle relative to the position

of the ?eld pole of the motor;

moval of a positive input.

5. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the
synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current
power source, means for energizing the ?eld winding of

second means responsive to the alternating current

source and responsive to the ?rst means output for
producing a signal pulse when the wave form of the
alternating current source and the wave form of the

said synchronous motor from a direct current source com

first means output are in phase at a zero point in

prising:

means connected to rotate with the rotor of the syn

chronous motor for producing an output having a

their wave forms;

25

third means connected to the second means to receive

the signal pulse for substantially instantaneously con

frequency varying as a function of the rotor speed

necting the ?eld winding to the direct current source;

and having a preselected phase relationship to the

?eld pole position of the motor;

and
means interposed between the second means and the
third means for delaying the signal pulse for a pre

means connected to receive a measure of the alternat

ing current power source and connected to receive

determined time.
10. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the
synchronous motor is energized by an alteranting current

the output for producing a control signal when the

output and the measure of the alternating current

source are simultaneously in phase at a zero point

power source, means for energizing the ?eld winding of
in their wave forms; and
35 said synchronous motor from a direct current source com
control means responsive to the control signal for con~
prising:
necting the ?eld winding to the direct current source.
frequency generating means connected to rotate with
6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the means
the rotor of the synchronous motor for producing
for producing a control signal comprises:
an output having a frequency varying as a function
means connected to receive a measure of the alternating
of the speed of the rotor and having a predetermined
current source and a measure of the output as input

signals for producing a ?rst output varying as an

instantaneous function of the sum of the negative
portions of the input signals and for producing a sec
ond output varying as an instantaneous function of 45

the sum of the positive portions of the input signals;

?rst semiconductor switching means, having an output
circuit, connected and responsive to the ?rst output
to open its output circuit when said ?rst output is

substantially zero;

phase relationship to the ?eld poles of the motor;

phase comparison means connected to receive a meas
ure of the alternating current power source and con

nected to received the output of the frequency gen

erating means for producing a control signal when
the output of the frequency generating means and
the measure of the alternating current source are

simultaneously in phase at a zero point in their wave

forms;

50

second semiconductor switching means, having an out.

put circuit, connected and responsive to the second
output to open its output circuit when said second
output is substantially zero; and
said two switching means output circuits connected in 55
parallel across said source of electrical energy to

control means responsive to the control signal for con

necting the ?eld winding to the direct current source;
and

means interposed between the phase comparison means

and the control means for delaying the control signal
for a predetermined time.

11. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the

synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current
power source, said system having means for connecting

produce the control signal upon simultaneous open

ing of the output circuits of the ?rst and second
switching means,
7. A circuit according. to claim 6 wherein the circuit 60 the ?eld winding of the synchronous motor to a direct
current source at a predetermined phase angle between
also comprises means connected to one of the switch
the rotating magnetic ?ux wave and the ?eld pole posi
ing means for delaying the opening of the output circuit
of said one of the switching means.

8. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the

synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current 65

, power source, means for energizing the ?eld winding of

said synchronous motor from a direct current source com
_ prising:

means connected to rotate with the rotor of the syn

chronous motor for producing an output having a 70

frequency proportional to the motor speed with said

output having a predetermined phase angle relative
to the position of the ?eld poles of the motor;

means connected to receive a measure of the alternating

current power source and connected to receive the 75

: tion, said means comprising:

?rst means responsive to the speed of the motor for

producing an output having a frequency varying as
a direct function of the motor speed and having a

predetermined phase relationship to the ?eld poles

of the motor;
second means responsive to the alternating current
source and responsive to the ?rst means output for

producing a signal pulse when the wave form of the

alternating current source and the ?rst means output
are in phase at a zero point;
third means connected to the second means to receive

the signal pulse for substantially instantaneously

, 3,337,785
7 .

connecting the ?eld winding to the direct current

taneously in phase at a zero point in their wave forms;

a control circuit for connecting the ?eld winding to

source; and
fourth means responsive to the speed of the motor for
making the third means inoperative when the motor

the direct current source in response to the signal

pulse to effect excitation of the ?eld winding at a

predetermined phase angle between the rotating mag

netic ?ux wave and the position of the ?eld poles;

speed is less than a predetermined speed.

12. A synchronous motor starting system wherein the
synchronous motor is energized by an alternating current

and
a speed sensing circuit connected to receive the trans
ducer output and responsive to the frequency of the
transducer output for connecting the phase com
parison circuit to the control circuit only when the
motor speed is greater than a predetermined speed.
15. A synchronous motor starting system wherein a

power source, said system having means for connecting

the ?eld winding of the synchronous motor to a direct
current source at a predetermined phase angle between 10

the rotating magnetic ?ux wave and the ?eld pole position,
said means comprising:
?rst means responsive to the speed of the motor for

synchronous motor is energized by a polyphase power

producing an output having a frequency proportional

to the motor speed with said frequency having a pre 15 source, said system having means for connecting the ?eld

determined phase relationship to the ?eld pole posi

winding of the motor to a direct current source at a pre

tion;

?ux wave and the ?eld poles position, said means com

determined phase angle between the rotating magnetic

second means responsive to the alternating current

source and responsive to the ?rst means output for
producing a signal pulse when the wave form of 20
the alternating current source and the wave form
of the ?rst means output are in phase at a zero point;
third means connected to the second means to receive

prising:
a transducer connected to rotate with the motor to

produce an output having a frequency proportional

to the speed of the motor and having a predetermined

phase angle relationship to the position of the ?eld

poles;

the signal pulse for substantially instantaneously

connecting the ?eld winding to the direct current 25
source;

use of a phase of the polyphase power source and a

measure of the transducer output for producing a

fourth means responsive to the speed of the motor for

disconnecting the second means from the third means
when the motor is at less than a predetermined speed;
30
and
?fth means interposed between the second means and

the third means for delaying the signal pulse a pre

determined time.
13. A synchronous motor starting system wherein a

source, said system having means for connecting the ?eld

winding of the motor to a direct current source at a pre

determined phase angle between the rotating magnetic

prising:

signal pulse when the measure of the phase and the

measure of the transducer output are simultaneously
in phase at a zero point in their wave forms;
m

control circuit for connecting the ?eld winding to the

direct current source in response .to the signal pulse
to effect excitation of the ?eld winding at a pre

synchronous motor is energized by a polyphase power

flux wave and the ?eld poles position, said means com

phase comparison circuit connected to receive a meas

in

40

a transducer connected to rotate with the motor to

produce an output having a frequency varying as a

determined phase angle Lbetween the rotating mag

netic ?ux wave and the position of the ?eld poles;
a speed sensing circuit connected to receive the fre
quency generator output and responsive to the fre
quency of the frequency generator output for con~
necting the phase comparison circuit to the control
circuit only when the transducer output frequency
is greater than a predetermined frequency; and
a time delay circuit connected to delay the signal pulse

for a predetermined time.

16. A synchronous motor starting system wherein a
determined phase angle relationship to the position
synchronous motor is energized by a polyphase power
45 source, said system having means for connecting the ?eld
of the ?eld poles;

function of the speed of the motor and having a pre

a phase comparison circuit connected to receive a

winding of the motor to a direct current source at a pre
measure of a phase of the polyphase power source
determined phase angle between the rotating magnetic
and a measure of the transducer output for producing
?ux wave and the ?eld poles position, said means com
a signal pulse when the measure of the phase and
prising:
the measure of the transducer output are simul 50
a transducer connected to rotate with the motor to pro
taneously in phase at a zero point in their wave
duce an output having a frequency proportional to
forms; and
the speed of the motor and having a constant phase
a control circuit connected to the phase comparison
angle relationship to the position of the ?eld poles;

circuit for connecting the ?eld winding to the direct

current source in response to the signal pulse to effect 55

excitation of the ?eld winding at a predetermined

phase angle between the rotating magnetic ?ux wave

and the position of the ?eld poles.

14. A synchronous motor starting system wherein a

synchronous motor is energized by a polyphase power 60
source, said system having means for connecting the ?eld
winding of the motor to a direct current source at a pre

determined phase angle between the rotating magnetic

?ux wave and the ?eld poles position, said means com

prising:

65

a phase comparison circuit connected to receive a meas

ure of a phase of the polyphase power source and a
measure of the transducer output for producing a

signal pulse when the measure of the phase and the

measure of the transducer output are simultaneously
in phase at a zero point in their wave forms;
a control circuit for receiving the signal pulse and con
necting the ?eld winding to the direct current source

in response to the signal pulse to effect excitation of

the ?eld winding at a predetermined phase angle be
tween the measure of the phase of the polyphase

a transducer connected to rotate with the motor to

produce an output having a frequency varying as a

power source and the measure of the transducer

function of the speed of the motor and having a

a speed sensing circuit connected to receive the trans

predetermined. adjustable phase angle relationship

70
to the position of the ?eld poles;
a phase comparison circuit connected to receive a
measure of a phase of the polyphase power source
and a measure of the transducer output for pro

ducing a signal pulse when the measure of the phase

and the measure of the transducer output are simul 75

output;
v ducer output and responsive to the frequency of the

transducer output for connecting the phase compari

son circuit to the control circuit when the transducer

output frequency is greater than a predetermined

frequency; and
a time delay circuit connected between the phase com

3,337,735
9
pari'son circuit and .the control circuit to delay the
signal pulse for a predetermined time.
References Cited

UNITED STATES PATENTS

1,768,788

7/1930

Reagan ________ __ 318-181 X

2,210,627

8/1940

Lauder ________ __ 318-175 X

10
2,249,821
2,278,179

7/ 1941 Gulliksen ______ __ 318-181 X

3/ 1942 Lauder ________ __ 318175 X

2,504,812

4/1950
'

Daugert ________ __ 318-183 X

5 ORIS L. RADER, Primary Examiner.

G. Z. RUBINSON, Assistant Examiner.