SPEED CONTROL OF INDUCTION

MOTORS
The speed of an induction motor is given as N = 120f/p (1-S). So
obviously the speed of an induction motor can be controlled by varying
any of three factors namely supply frequency f, number of pole P or
slip S.
1. Frequency Control
Through this method provides wide speed-control range with gradual
variation in speed throughout the range but the difficulty is how to get
the variable supply frequency. That is why this method is not used for
general purpose speed control applications.
2. By changing of Number of Poles.
This method is generally not applied to slip-ring motors as in such
machines this method would involve considerable complications of
design and switching, since the inter-connections of both primary and
secondary would have to be changed simultaneously in a manner to
produce the same number of poles in both windings. With two
independent sets of stator windings, each arranged for pole changing,
as many as four synchronous speeds can be obtained in a squirrel
cage motor. This method has the advantages of simplicity, good speed
regulation for each setting, high efficiency, and moderate first cost and
maintenance. This method is very satisfactory for applications such as
ventilating fans, conveyors, machine tools, or other applications which
require operation at only two or four speeds.
3. Slip Control.
The various methods of slip controls are given below:
a) Line voltage Control.
This method of speed control is simple, low in first cost and has low
maintenance cost, but because of limitations which it imposes on the
maximum developed torque, it is used only with small squirrel-cage
motors driving fans.
b) Rotor Resistance Control.
This method of speed control has characteristics similar to those of dc
shunt motors controlled by means of resistances in series with the
armature. Its drawbacks are lower efficiency and poor speed
regulation due to increase in motor resistance. Because of
convenience and simplicity, it is often employed when speed is to be
reduced for a short period only.
c) Secondary Foreign Voltage Control.
In this method, the speed of an induction motor is controlled by
injecting a voltage of slip frequency in the secondary circuit. If the
injected EMF is in the phase with the secondary circuit induced EMF
the slip will decrease (or speed will increase) and if it is in phase
opposition to the secondary circuit induced EMF, slip will increase i.e.
speed will decrease. It is costlier due to needs of auxiliary machines
for injecting EMF of Slip frequency in the secondary circuit and used
with motors of very large rating, such as for motors in rolling mills.
d) Speed Control by Cascade Arrangement.
In this method, two motors are required, at least one of which must
have a wound rotor. The two motors may be mechanically coupled
together to drive a common load. In practice, it is customary, to
connect the rotor output of first machine to the stator of second
machine in such a way that the revolving field of both the machines
are in the same direction; under this condition the resulting
synchronous speed will be given as
Ns = 120f/P1 +P2
Where f is supply frequency and P1 and P2 are the number of poles on
machines I and II respectively.

Unlike D.C. Motors, A.C. Induction Motors are not suitable for variable speeds.
Their speed control and regulation is comparatively difficult when compared with
D.C. Motors. These are some of the methods which are commonly used for the
speed control of squirrel cage induction motors:

1. Changing Applied Voltage

2. Changing Applied Frequency

The above three methods are most commonly used for the speed
control of squirrel cage Induction motors.

1. Changing Applied Voltage: This method, even though easiest, it is

rarely used. The reasons are (a) for a small change in speed, there
must be a large variation in voltage. (b) This large change in voltage
will result in large change in flux density, thereby seriously disturbing
the magnetic distribution/condition of the motor.

2. Changing Applied Frequency: We all know that the synchronous

speed of the induction motor is given by Ns = 120f/P. So from this
relation, it is evident that the synchronous speed and thus the speed
of the induction motor can by varied by the supply frequency. This
method has its own limitations. The motor speed can be reduced by
reducing the frequency, if the induction motor happens to be the only
load on the generators. Even then the range over which the speed
can be varied is very less. This method is famous in some electrically
driven ships although not common in shore.