AC Motor Theory

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History AC Motors Convert Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy

Induction Motor Components The Magnetic Field Speed Slip Slip Control

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AC Motor Theory
Overview

(cont.)

AC Motors Convert Electrical Energy to Mechanical Energy

Torque

Speed Control Nameplate Information Motor Winding Connections Types of Induction Motors

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AC Motor Theory
First
First

Electric Motor Was DC in 1833

AC Motor in 1899

Simple to control speed

Simple and Robust Fixed speed and torque characteristics

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

When a conductor is moving across a magnetic field a voltage is induced If the conductor is part of a closed circuit there will be a current induced

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 AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

In a motor, the induction principle is utilized in reverse
A live conductor is placed in a magnetic field The conductor is influenced by a force which tries to move it through the magnetic field

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

The AC motor is made up of two parts
The Stator

The stationary section that contain the windings The rotating section that contains the conductors

The Rotor

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

The Magnetic Field
Rotates in the air gap between the stator and the rotor Has a fixed location in the stator core but its direction varies

Speed of direction change is determined by the frequency of the AC line The field changes 60 times per second with 60 Hz power

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

The Magnetic Field
When three phases are introduced in the motor three magnetic fields are introduced

Make up a symmetrical rotating 120 degrees apart Poles of opposite polarity are formed

Speed = (frequency x 120) / # of poles

(60 Hz x 120) / 4 poles = 1800 rpm Theoretical or Synchronous - need to factor in slip

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

Slip
The rotor is not quite able to keep up with the magnetic field rotation so rotates slightly slower Slip is typically 3-8% of synchronous speed So, actual motor speed equals: Speed = ((Frequency x 120) / # of poles) - Slip ((60Hz x 120) / 4 poles) - 50 rpm) = 1750 rpm

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

Slip Control
Slip can be controlled through motor voltage If voltage is reduced then slip will increase

Soft Starts

Since AC motors are designed for a certain voltage and frequency ratio, changing the voltage alone will cause improper magnetization and increase losses and motor heat

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

Speeds of Typical Motors @ 60 Hz 2 pole = 3600 rpm - slip 4 pole = 1800 rpm - slip 6 pole = 1200 rpm - slip 8 pole = 900 rpm - slip

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AC Motor Theory
AC

Motors Convert Electric Energy into Mechanical Energy

Motor torque is affected by the voltage As voltage increases in relation to frequency, torque increases

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AC Motor Theory
Torque

in AC Motors

A one hp, four pole motor (1800 rpm sync.) has approximately 3 ft-lbs. of torque If the V/Hz ratio remains constant then the torque will remain constant over the speed range

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AC Motor Theory Pop Quiz!

Motor A is a Four Pole, 1750 rpm, 100 hp motor Motor B is a Two Pole, 3500 rpm, 200 hp motor Which motor has more torque?

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AC Motor Theory
Speed

Control In AC Motors

Proper Speed Variation

Since the rotor follows the rotating magnetic field then the rotor will slow with a lower frequency Since the motor is designed for a certain voltage to frequency ratio, if we lower voltage in proportion to the frequency the torque will remain constant

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AC Motor Theory
Typical

Motor Nameplate Data

Frame size
NEMA standard sizes Lower rpm motors will have larger frame sizes to help cool since the cooling fan is moving less air

Horsepower RPM Voltage Full Load Amps

For each voltage (208-230/460 VAC)

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AC Motor Theory
Typical

Motor Nameplate Data

Power Factor (not on all motors)

Ratio of how much current is active to reactive

Active current goes to shaft output Reactive current builds the magnetic field

Insulation class Enclosure

ODP - Open, drip proof TEFC - Totally enclosed, fan cooled TEBC - Totally enclosed, blower cooled

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AC Motor Theory
Motor

Winding Connections

Typical motor has nine leads Follow motor instructions for connections for your nominal voltage
230 VAC diagrams will have the windings in parallel 460 VAC diagrams will have the windings in series

On part winding start motors tie both the start and the run together
Verify that both windings have the same rotation

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AC Motor Theory
Types

of AC Induction Motors

Standard efficient Energy efficient

Federal government requiring all new motors to be energy efficient

Inverter Duty
Higher class insulation, phase paper, mounts for constant velocity fan

Vector Duty

Same as inverter duty but with a shaft encoder

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AC Motor Theory
Summary

AC Motors operate through rotating magnetic fields The speed of the motor is determined by the frequency of the power supply The torque of the motor is determined by the voltage applied AC motors are designed for a fixed voltage to frequency ratio

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Common Applications
*Electric fan *Ceiling fan *AC induction motor * Mechanical systems *Gyroscope * Electric water pump

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