Working Principle And Types Of An Induction

Motor
Induction Motors are the most commonly used motors in many applications. These are
also called as Asynchronous Motors, because an induction motor always runs at a
speed lower than synchronous speed. Synchronous speed means the speed of
the rotating magnetic field in the stator.

There basically 2 types of induction motor depending upon the type of input supply -
(i) Single phase induction motor and (ii) Three phase induction motor.

Or they can be divided according to type of rotor - (i) Squirrel cage motor and (ii) Slip
ring motor or wound type

Basic Working Principle Of An Induction Motor

In a DC motor, supply is needed to be given for the stator winding as well as the rotor
winding. But in an induction motor only the stator winding is fed with an AC supply.
 Alternating flux is produced around the stator winding due to AC supply.
This alternating flux revolves with synchronous speed. The revolving flux is called
as "Rotating Magnetic Field" (RMF).
 The relative speed between stator RMF and rotor conductors causes an induced
emf in the rotor conductors, according to the Faraday's law of electromagnetic
induction. The rotor conductors are short circuited, and hence rotor current is
produced due to induced emf. That is why such motors are called as induction
motors.
 (This action is same as that occurs in transformers, hence induction motors can be
called as rotating transformers.)
 Now, induced current in rotor will also produce alternating flux around it. This rotor
flux lags behind the stator flux. The direction of induced rotor current, according
to Lenz's law, is such that it will tend to oppose the cause of its production.
 As the cause of production of rotor current is the relative velocity between rotating
stator flux and the rotor, the rotor will try to catch up with the stator RMF. Thus the
rotor rotates in the same direction as that of stator flux to minimize the relative
velocity. However, the rotor never succeeds in catching up the synchronous speed.
This is the basic working principle of induction motor of either type, single
phase of 3 phase.

Synchronous Speed:
The rotational speed of the rotating magnetic field is called as synchronous speed.

where, f = frequency of the spply

P = number of poles

Slip:
Rotor tries to catch up the synchronous speed of the stator field, and hence it rotates.
But in practice, rotor never succeeds in catching up. If rotor catches up the stator speed,
there wont be any relative speed between the stator flux and the rotor, hence no
induced rotor current and no torque production to maintain the rotation. However, this
won't stop the motor, the rotor will slow down due to lost of torque, the torque will again
be exerted due to relative speed. That is why the rotor rotates at speed which is always
less the synchronous speed.
The difference between the synchronous speed (Ns) and actual speed (N) of the rotor
is called as slip.
Three Phase Induction Motor
A three phase induction motor runs on a three phase AC supply. 3 phase induction
motors are extensively used for various industrial applications because of their following
advantages -

 They have very simple and rugged (almost unbreakable) construction

 they are very reliable and having low cost
 they have high efficiency and good power factor
 minimum maintenance required
 3 phase induction motor is self starting hence extra starting motor or any special
starting arrangement is not required
They also have some disadvantages

 speed decreases with increase in load, just like a DC shunt motor

 if speed is to be varied, we have sacrifice some of its efficiency

Construction Of A 3 Phase Induction Motor

Just like any other motor, a 3 phase induction motor also consists of a stator and a rotor.
Basically there are two types of 3 phase IM - 1. Squirrel cage induction motor and 2. Phase
Wound induction motor (slip-ring induction motor). Both types have similar constructed
rotor, but they differ in construction of rotor. This is explained further
.

Stator
The stator of a 3 phase IM (Induction Motor) is made up with number of stampings, and these
stampings are slotted to receive the stator winding. The stator is wound with a 3 phase winding
which is fed from a 3 phase supply. It is wound for a defined number of poles, and the number
of poles is determined from the required speed. For greater speed, lesser number of poles is
used and vice versa. When stator windings are supplied with 3 phase ac supply, they produce
alternating flux which revolves with synchronous speed. The synchronous speed is inversely
proportional to number of poles (Ns = 120f / P). This revolving or rotating magnetic flux induces
current in rotor windings according to Faraday's law of mutual induction.

Rotor
As described earlier, rotor of a 3 phase induction motor can be of either two types, squirrel
cage rotor and phase wound rotor (or simply - wound rotor).

Squirrel Cage Rotor

Most of the induction motors (upto 90%) are of squirrel cage type. Squirrel cage type rotor has
very simple and almost indestructible construction. This type of rotor consist of a cylindrical
laminated core, having parallel slots on it. These parallel slots carry rotor conductors. In this
type of rotor, heavy bars of copper, aluminum or alloys are used as rotor conductors instead of
wires.
Rotor slots are slightly skewed to achieve following advantages -
1. it reduces locking tendency of the rotor, i.e. the tendency of rotor teeth to remain under stator
teeth due to magnetic attraction.

2. increases the effective transformation ratio between stator and rotor

3. increases rotor resistance due to increased length of the rotor conductor

The rotor bars are brazed or electrically welded to short circuiting end rings at both ends. Thus
this rotor construction looks like a squirrel cage and hence we call it. The rotor bars are
permanently short circuited, hence it is not possible to add any external resistance to armature
circuit.

Phase Wound Rotor

Phase wound rotor is wound with 3 phase, double layer, distributed winding. The number of
poles of rotor are kept same to the number of poles of the stator. The rotor is always wound 3
phase even if the stator is wound two phase.
The three phase rotor winding is internally star connected. The other three terminals of the
winding are taken out via three insulated sleep rings mounted on the shaft and the brushes
resting on them. These three brushes are connected to an external star connected rheostat.
This arrangement is done to introduce an external resistance in rotor circuit for starting
purposes and for changing the speed / torque characteristics.
When motor is running at its rated speed, slip rings are automatically short circuited by means
of a metal collar and brushes are lifted above the slip rings to minimize the frictional losses.
Torque Equation Of Three Phase Induction Motor
Torque of a three phase induction motor is proportional to flux per stator pole, rotor
current and the power factor of the rotor.
T ∝ ɸ I2 cosɸ2 OR T = k ɸ I2 cosɸ2 .
where, ɸ = flux per stator pole,
I2 = rotor current at standstill,
ɸ2 = angle between rotor emf and rotor current,
k = a constant.

Now, let E2 = rotor emf at standstill

we know, rotor emf is directly proportional to flux per stator pole, i.e. E2 ∝ ɸ.
therefore, T ∝ E2 I2 cosɸ2 OR T =k1 E2 I2 cosɸ2.
Starting Torque
The torque developed at the instant of starting of a motor is called as starting torque.
Starting torque may be greater than running torque in some cases, or it may be lesser.
We know, T =k1 E2 I2 cosɸ2.

let, R2 = rotor resistance per phase

X2 = standstill rotor reactance

then,

Therefore, starting torque can be given as,

The constant k1 = 3 / 2πNs

Condition For Maximum Starting Torque
If supply voltage V is kept constant, then flux ɸ and E2 both remains constant. Hence,

Hence, it can be proved that maximum starting torque is obtained when rotor
resistance is equal to standstill rotor reactance. i.e. R22 + X22 =2R22 .

Torque Under Running Condition

T ∝ ɸ Ir cosɸ2 .
where, Er = rotor emf per phase under running condition = sE2. (s=slip)
Ir = rotor current per phase under running condition
reactance per phase under running condition will be = sX2
therefore,

as, ɸ ∝ E2.

Maximum Torque Under Running Condition

Torque under running condition is maximum at the value of slip (s) which makes rotor
reactance per phase equal to rotor resistance per phase.
Why Starting Torque is Poor in Squirrel Cage Induction
Motor?
The resistance cannot be varied in squirrel cage rotor as it is possible in slip
ring induction motor. The fixed resistance of the rotor of the squirrel cage
induction motor is very low. At the starting moment, the induced voltage in
the rotor has same frequency as the frequency of the supply. Hence the
starting inductive reactance gets higher value at stand still condition. The
frequency of the rotor current gets same frequency as the supply frequency at
standstill. Now the case is that the rotor induced current in spite of having
higher value lags the induced voltage at a large angle. So this causes poor
starting torque at the stand still condition. This torque is only 1.5 times of the
full load torque though the induced current is 5 to 7 times of the full load
current. Hence, this squirrel cage single bar single cage rotor is not being able
to apply against high load. We should go for deep bar double cage induction
motor to get higher starting torque.
Induction Motor Rotor
Rotor as the name suggests it is a rotating part of an electrical machine, in
which current is induced by transformer action from rotating magnetic field.
Induction motor rotor is of two types:
1. Squirrel Cage Rotor
2. Wound Type Rotor or Slip Ring Type Rotor
Squirrel Cage Rotor
In this type of rotor, the rotor winding consists of conductors, in form of copper
or aluminum bars embedded in semi-closed slots of a laminated rotor core. To
facilitate a closed path in the rotor circuit, both sides of the rotor bars are
short-circuited by end rings.

Features of Squirrel Cage Rotor

This type of rotor does not have a definite number of poles, but the same
number of stator poles will be induced in the rotor automatically through
induction. Hence for a squirrel cage rotor
The squirrel cage rotor has very low leakage reactance as it does contain any
winding on the rotor and it results in low starting torque and maximum
running torque.
As we know that for increasing the value of stating torque we have to increase
the value of rotor resistance and to increase it we have to insert a resistance in
series with rotor winding, but in case of squirrel cage rotor we cannot insert it
as its rotor bars are short-circuited by end ring from both sides. Thus we can
say that the squirrel cage rotor produces good running performance but poor
starting performance.
Drawbacks of Squirrel Cage Rotor
1. Low starting torque
2. High starting currents
3. Poor power factor
But starting characteristics of a squirrel cage rotor can be improved partially
by modifying circuit design.
Skewed Rotor Bars
One of the purposes of skewing the rotor bars is to increase the value of rotor
resistance so that starting torque can be improved. We know that resistance is
proportional to length hence by skewing the rotor bars length of bars is
increased hence resistance increases so does the torque.
Wound Type Rotor or Slip Ring Type Rotor
This type of rotor is also made up of laminated cold rolled grain oriented
silicon steel to reduce eddy current loss and hysteresis loss. The rotor winding
is distributed as well short pitched to get a sinusoidal emf output.

The operation of an induction motor is not possible with an unequal number of

stator and rotor poles, and this type of rotor does not respond automatically
to change in a number of stator poles. Hence the number of rotor poles must
be made equal to the number of stator poles.

If the rotor is provided with 3 – phase windings; the rotor windings must be
connected in star connection irrespective of whether the stator winding is
connected in star or delta.
Features of Wound Type Rotor or Slip Ring Type Rotor
The major difference between squirrel cage rotor and wound type rotor is the
presence of a slip ring in wound type rotor hence it is also called a slip ring
rotor. The three terminals of star connected rotor windings are brought out
and are connected to the external resistorsthrough the slip ring.
Slip rings are made up of a high resistance material such as phosphorous
bronze or brass. Brush contacts are used for making the connection of the
rotor winding with the external circuit, Brushes are made up of carbon or
copper material, but carbon is preferred due to its self-lubricating property. So
friction losses are less with carbon brushes.
To improve the starting torque, external resistors are used. This external
resistor also limits the starting current drawn by the motor at the time of
starting. Hence power factorimproves.
By seeing the above points, we can conclude that “due to the provision of
an extra resistor, Wound Type Rotor or Slip Ring Type Rotor type of induction
motor has good stating performance but poor running performance “

Construction of Deep Bar Double Cage Induction Motor

In deep bar double cage rotor bars are there in two layers.
Outer layer has the bars of small cross sections. This outer winding has
relatively large resistance. The bars are shorted at the both ends. The flux
linkage is thus very less. And hence inductance is very low. Resistance in
outer squirrel cage is relatively high. Resistance to inductive reactance ration
is high.

Inner layer has the bars of large cross section comparatively. The resistance is
very less. But flux linkage is very high. The bars are thoroughly buried in iron.
As flux linkage is high the inductance is also very high. The resistance to
inductive reactance ration is poor.

Operational Principle Construction of Deep Bar Double Cage

Induction Motor
At the stand still condition the inner and outer side bars get induced with
voltage and current with the same frequency of the supply. Now the case is
that the inductive reactance (XL = 2πfL) is offered more in the deep bars or
inner side bars due to skin effect of the alternating quantity i.e. voltage and
current. Hence the current tries to flow through the outer side rotor bars.

The outer side rotor offers more resistance but poor inductive reactance. The
ultimate resistance is somewhat higher than the single bar rotor resistance. The
higher valued rotor resistance results more torque to be developed at the
starting. When the speed of the rotor of the deep bar double cage induction
motor increases, the frequency of the induced EMF and current in the rotor
gets gradually decreased. Hence the inductive reactance (XL) in the inner side
bars or deep bars gets decreased and the current faces less inductive reactance
and less resistance as a whole. Now no need for more torque because the rotor
already has arrived to its full speed with running torque.
Speed Torque Characteristics of Deep Rotor IM

Where, R2 and X2 are the rotor resistance and inductive reactance at starting
respectively, E2 is the rotor induced EMF and

Ns is the RPS speed of synchronous stator flux and S is the slip of the rotor
speed. The above speed-torque graph shows that the higher valued resistance
offers higher torque at the stand still condition and the max torque will be
achieved at higher valued slip.
Comparison between Single Cage and Double Cage Motors

1. A double cage rotor has low starting current and high starting torque.
Therefore, it is more suitable for direct on line starting.
2. Since effective rotor resistance of double cage motor is higher, there is
larger rotor heating at the time of starting as compared to that of single
cage rotor.
3. The high resistance of the outer cage increases the resistance of double
cage motor. So full load copper losses are increased and efficiency is
decreased.
4. The pull out torque of double cage motor is smaller than single cage
motor.
5. The cost of double cage motor is about 20-30 % more than that of single
cage motor og same rating.
Construction of Three Phase Induction Motor
The three phase induction motor is the most widely used electrical motor. Almost
80% of the mechanical power used by industries is provided by three phase
induction motorsbecause of its simple and rugged construction, low cost,
good operating characteristics, the absence of commutator and good speed
regulation. In three phase induction motor, the power is transferred from
stator to rotor winding through induction. The induction motoris also called a
synchronous motor as it runs at a speed other than the synchronous speed.
Like any other electrical motor induction motor also have two main parts
namely rotor and stator.

1. Stator: As its name indicates stator is a stationary part of induction

motor. A stator winding is placed in the stator of induction motor and
the three phase supply is given to it.
2. Rotor: The rotor is a rotating part of induction motor. The rotor is
connected to the mechanical load through the shaft.
The rotor of the three phase induction motor are further classified as

1. Squirrel cage rotor,

2. Slip ring rotor or wound rotor or phase wound rotor.
Depending upon the type of rotor construction used the three phase
induction motor are classified as:
1. Squirrel cage induction motor,
2. Slip ring induction motor or wound induction motor or phase wound
induction motor.
The construction of stator for both the kinds of three phase induction motor
remains the same and is discussed in brief in next paragraph.

The other parts, which are required to complete the induction motor, are:

1. Shaft for transmitting the torque to the load. This shaft is made up of
steel.
2. Bearings for supporting the rotating shaft.
 3. One of the problems with electrical motor is the production of heat
during its rotation. To overcome this problem, we need a fan for
cooling.
4. For receiving external electrical connection Terminal box is needed.
5. There is a small distance between rotor and stator which usually varies
from 0.4 mm to 4 mm. Such a distance is called air gap.
Stator of Three Phase Induction Motor
The stator of the three-phase induction motor consists of three main parts :

1. Stator frame,
2. Stator core,
3. Stator winding or field winding.
Stator Frame
It is the outer part of the three phase induction motor. Its main function is to
support the stator core and the field winding. It acts as a covering, and it
provides protection and mechanical strength to all the inner parts of the
induction motor. The frame is either made up of die-cast or fabricated steel.
The frame of three phase induction motor should be strong and rigid as the
air gap length of three phase induction motor is very small. Otherwise, the
rotor will not remain concentric with the stator, which will give rise to an
unbalanced magnetic pull.
Stator Core
The main function of the stator core is to carry the alternating flux. In order to
reduce the eddy current loss, the stator core is laminated. These laminated
types of structure are made up of stamping which is about 0.4 to 0.5 mm thick.
All the stamping are stamped together to form stator core, which is then
housed in stator frame. The stamping is made up of silicon steel, which helps
to reduce the hysteresis loss occurring in the motor.
Stator Winding or Field Winding
The slots on the periphery of the stator core of the three-phase induction
motor carry three phase windings. We apply three phase ac supply to this
three-phase winding. The three phases of the winding are connected either in
star or delta depending upon which type of starting method we use. We start
the squirrel cage motor mostly with star-delta stater and hence the stator of
squirrel cage motor is delta connected. We start the slip ring three-phase
induction motor by inserting resistances so, the stator winding of slip ring
induction motor can be connected either in star or delta. The winding wound
on the stator of three phase induction motor is also called field winding, and
when this winding is excited by three phase ac supply, it produces a rotating
magnetic field.

Types of Three Phase Induction Motor

1. Squirrel Cage Three Phase Induction Motor

The rotor of the squirrel cage three phase induction motor is cylindrical
and have slots on its periphery. The slots are not made parallel to each
other but are bit skewed (skewing is not shown in the figure of squirrel
cage rotor besides) as the skewing prevents magnetic locking of stator
and rotor teeth and makes the working of the motor more smooth and
quieter. The squirrel cage rotor consists of aluminum, brass or copper
bars (copper bras rotor is shown in the figure beside). These aluminum,
brass 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. To provide mechanical strength, these rotor conductors 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. The squirrel cage rotor winding is made symmetrical. As end
rings permanently short the bars, the rotor resistance is quite small, and
it is not possible to add external resistance as the bars get permanently
shorted. The absence of slip ring and brushes make the construction of
Squirrel cage three-phase induction motor very simple and robust and
hence widely used three phase induction motor. These motors have the
advantage of adopting any number of pole pairs. The below diagram
shows a squirrel cage induction rotor having aluminum bars short
circuit by aluminum end rings.
Advantages of Squirrel Cage Induction Rotor
1. Its construction is very simple and rugged.
2. As there are no brushes and slip ring, these motors requires less
maintenance.
Applications of Squirrel Cage Induction Rotor
We use the squirrel cage induction motors in lathes, drilling machine,
fan, blower printing machines, etc

Slip Ring or Wound Rotor Three Phase Induction Motor

In this type of three phase induction motor the rotor is wound for the
same number of poles as that of the stator, but it has less number of
slots and has fewer turns per phase of a heavier conductor. The rotor
also carries star or delta winding similar to that of the stator winding.
The rotor consists of numbers of slots and rotor winding are placed
inside these slots. The three end terminals are connected together to
form a star connection. As its name indicates, three phase slip ring
induction motor consists of slip rings connected on the same shaft as
that of the rotor. The three ends of three-phase windings are
permanently connected to these slip rings. The external resistance can
be easily connected through the brushes and slip rings and hence used
for speed controlling and improving the starting torque of three phase
induction motor. The brushes are used to carry current to and from the
rotor winding. These brushes are further connected to three phase star
connected resistances. At starting, the resistance is connected to the
rotor circuit and is gradually cut out as the rotor pick up its speed.
When the motor is running the slip ring are shorted by connecting a
metal collar, which connects all slip ring together, and the brushes are
also removed. This reduces the wear and tear of the brushes. Due to the
presence of slip rings and brushes the rotor construction becomes
somewhat complicated therefore it is less used as compare to squirrel
cage induction motor.
Advantages of Slip Ring Induction Motor

3. It has high starting torque and low starting current.

4. Possibility of adding additional resistance to control speed.
Application of Slip Ring Induction Motor

Slip ring induction motor are used where high starting torque is
required i.e in hoists, cranes, elevator etc.