Laboratory 4
Torque speed characteristics of a three phase induction
motor
INTRODUCTION:
This laboratory will demonstrate the relationship between the induced torque and the
speed of an induction motor. A general expression for the induced torque in the
induction motor can be found as a function of rotating speed of the motor by
considering the equivalent circuit of the induction motor. If we plot the induced torque
against the rotation speed, following three different regions can be identified.
Linear region or low slip region.
Moderate slip region located until the pullout torque level.
High slip region.
In this laboratory, the behavior of the linear region or the normal operating region will
be studied.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
Study the derivation of torque-speed characteristics of an induction motor.
Find the torque of the induction motor which gives the maximum efficiency.
EXPERIMENTAL OBJECTIVES:
Study the relationship between the induced torque and the speed of the induction
motor from the physical viewpoint.
Study the relationship between the induced torque and the line current of the
induction motor.
PRE-LAB:
Read and study the Background section of this Laboratory.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
Wattmeter 2 nos (Single-phase, 2 A, 300 V)
Ammeter 1 nos (5 A, AC)
Voltmeter 1 nos (300 V, AC)
Slip ring motor 1 nos (FH100)
BACKGROUND:
The principle of operation of an induction motor
Three phase Induction motor consist of two main parts. Those two parts are stator and
rotor. Stator is the stationary part and the rotor is the rotating part of the machine. The
operating principle of three phase induction motor is based upon the applications of the
Faraday law and the Lorentz force on a conductor. When AC power is supplied to the
stator of the motor, it creates a magnetic field. That magnetic field rotates in time with
the AC oscillations. That rotating magnetic field rotates at the synchronous speed (ns)
with respect to the stator. The synchronous speed of an induction motor is given by
equation (1).
120 f e
nS (1)
P
This rotating flux cuts the rotor conductors which are stationary at the beginning. And
also it induces a voltage across the rotor bars. This induced voltage is given by
equation (2).
eind (V B) l (2)
Since the rotor bars are short circuited via end rings, it starts to flow of current in the
rotor bars. This rotor current induces a rotor magnetic field. Due to the interaction
between the rotor magnetic field and the stator magnetic field, there will be an induced
torque on the rotor. Therefore the rotor will rotate and it will reach to a speed slightly
lower than the synchronous speed.
Modeling the torque-speed characteristics of an induction motor
Induced torque of the induction motor is given by equation (3).
ind k BR Bnet sin( ) (3)
It can be seen that the rotor magnetic field will increase when the rotor current
increases (provided that the rotor core is not saturated). Current flow will increase as
slip increases which results in reduction in rotational speed.
The net magnetic field density will remain constant since it is proportional to E1 (refer
to equivalent induction motor equivalent circuit). Since E1 is assumed to be constant,
Bnet can be assumed to be constant. The angle δ will increase as slip increases. Hence
the sin(δ) value will reduce until as such that the reduction of sin(δ) will be greater than
the increase of BR(pullout torque). Since δ is greater than 90 degrees, as such that:
sin( ) sin( r 900 ) cos( r ) (5)
Where θr is the angle between ER and IR (note that ER is in phase with Bnet). Since it is in
phase with Bnet , adding the characteristics of all there elements would give the torque
speed characteristics of an induction motor.
Figure 1: The torque-speed characteristics of an induction motor
PROCEDURE:
1. Study the terminal board, torque measurement unit, resistive load, slip ring
induction motor and identify the various terminals, controls and scales of every
apparatus.
2. Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 2. The DC machine is used to load the
induction motor. Note that the rotor winding of slip-ring induction motor should
be connected as shown in Figure 2 to convert squirrel cage rotor of slip-ring
induction motor to wound type rotor.
3. At the beginning, adjust the load resistance for minimum load.
4. Switch on the power supply to start the induction motor. Increase the excitation
current of the brake machine from 2 A up to 3.15 A in steps of 0.l5 A, taking
torque, speed, voltage, current and watt-hour meter readings.
5. Plot a graph of speed and current against the torque produced by the motor.
6. Calculate the output power, power factor and the efficiency of the motor and
tabulate them.
7. Then plot a graph of power factor and .efficiency against torque of the motor
Figure 2: The test circuit
DISCUSSION:
Comment on each graph.
Find the torque of the motor which gives the maximum efficiency.
REPORT:
Your instructor will inform you when a report is due. Make sure that you have recorded
all necessary information and data in your laboratory notebook to enable you to
prepare a report on this experiment, if so directed, at some time in the future.
