101 BASICS SERIES LEARNING MODULE 16: BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Cutler-Hammer BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL WELCOME Welcome to Module 16, which is about the basics of motors and motor control. An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. There are two main groups of electrical motors: DC and AC motors. This module will discuss both types of motors, and how to control them. FIGURE 1. TYPICAL ELECTRIC MOTOR Like the other modules in this series, this one presents small, manageable sections of new material followed by a series of questions about that material. Study the material carefully then answer the questions without referring back to what you’ve just read. You are the best judge of how well you grasp the material. Review the material as often as you think necessary. The most important thing is establishing a solid foundation to build on as you move from topic to topic and module to module. A Note on Font Styles Key points are in bold. Viewing the Glossary You may view definitions of glossary items by clicking on terms and words that are underlined and italicized in the text. You may also browse the Glossary by clicking on the Glossary bookmark in the left-hand margin. Glossary items are italicized and underlined the first time they appear. 1 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL WHAT YOU WILL LEARN We’ll step through each of these topics in detail: Section Title • • 4 • Magnetic Fields 4 • Current Flow 4 • Induced Motion 5 • Commutator 8 DC Motors 9 • Simple DC Motor • Practical DC Motor 10 • Electromagnets 11 • Motor Components 12 • Reversing a DC Motor 12 • DC Motor Types 13 9 • Review 1 14 • AC Motors 15 • • 2 Motor Theory Page Number • What Makes an AC Motor Different From a DC Motor? 15 • Single-Phase 15 • Three-Phase 16 The Squirrel Cage Induction Motor 17 • Induction Principle 17 • Applying the Induction Principle to the AC Motor 17 • Three-Phase Motor 19 • Construction of Three-Phase Motors 21 • Wye and Delta 21 • Dual Voltage 22 Review 2 23 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL WHAT YOU WILL LEARN (CONTINUED) • • • • Speed Control 24 • Force, Work and Torque 24 • Power and Horsepower 25 • Putting it All Together 26 • Application Types 27 • Speed Control for a DC Motor 28 • Speed Control for an AC Motor 29 Starting the Motor 32 • Across the Line 32 • Minimizing Inrush Current 32 Reversing the Motor 33 • Manual Reversing Starter 33 • Magnetic Reversing Starter 33 Braking the Motor 34 • DC Injection Braking 34 • Dynamic Braking 35 • Review 3 36 • Glossary 37 • Review Answers 40 • Appendix A: Typical Multispeed Motor Connections 41 3 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL MOTOR THEORY To understand motor theory, we need to cover the underlying principles of magnetic fields, current flow, and induced motion. NOTE: There are two theories regarding the flow of current. Electron Flow Theory states that current flows from negative to positive. Conventional Flow Theory states that current flows from positive to negative. This module uses Electron Flow Theory. For more information on these theories, see Module 2, Fundamentals of Electricity. Magnetic Fields Between the poles of a magnet, there exists a magnetic field. The direction of the magnetic field is called magnetic flux. Magnetic flux moves from the north pole to the south pole, as shown in Figure 2. FIGURE 2. LINES OF MAGNETIC FLUX FLOW FROM NORTH POLE TO SOUTH POLE Current Flow Now, let’s consider a wire (conductor) with an electric current flowing through it. A magnetic field surrounds the wire, as shown in Figure 3. ⊕ = CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE PAGE FIGURE 3. LEFT HAND FLUX RULE: LINES OF MAGNETIC FLUX SURROUND A CONDUCTOR Understanding the direction of the magnetic flux around the conductor is critical to understanding motor motion. The direction of the magnetic flux can be determined using the left hand flux rule. Imagine grasping the wire with your left hand, making sure your thumb points in the direction of the current flow. Your fingers will curl around the wire in the direction of the magnetic flux. In Figure 3, the current is flowing into the page, so the lines of flux rotate counterclockwise around the wire. 4 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Induced Motion When this current-carrying conductor is placed between the poles of a magnet, both magnetic fields distort. In Figure 4, the conductor will tend to move upward, since the current is flowing into the page. The force exerted upward depends on the strength of the magnetic field between the poles of the magnet, and the strength of the current through the conductor. A simple method for determining the direction of motion is the right hand motor rule. In Figure 4, the index finger points in the direction of the magnetic flux (N to S), the middle finger points in the direction of current flow through the conductor, and the thumb points in the direction of the conductor movement. DIRECTION OF MAGNETIC FLUX DIRECTION OF CONDUCTOR MOVEMENT DIRECTION OF CURRENT FLOW TO ELECTRICAL DC SOURCE + - FIGURE 4. RIGHT HAND RULE: WIRE IS MOVED UPWARD This means that if you know the direction the current is flowing, and the orientation the poles, you can determine which way the conductor will move through the magnetic field. Applying the right hand motor rule to Figure 4, the conductor will move upward through the magnetic field. If the current through the conductor were to be reversed, the conductor would move downward. Note that the conductor current is at a right angle to the magnetic field. This is required to bring about motion, since no force is felt by a conductor if the current and the field direction are parallel. 5 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Induced Motion (continued) Now, suppose we change the single conductor into a simple coil or loop of wire. This coil is called an armature, and is shown in Figure 5. DIRECTION OF ROTATION B C A D ARMATURE COMMUTATOR FIGURE 5. ARMATURE ROTATING Both sections of the armature AB and CD have a force exerted on them. Why does the coil want to move in a counterclockwise motion? Recall that the magnetic flux rotates around the conductors. Armature sections AB and CD have the current flowing in opposite directions. This means the magnetic flux flows around them in opposite directions, as shown in Figure 6. AB CD ⊕ = CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE PAGE ¤ = CURRENT FLOWING OUT OF THE PAGE FIGURE 6. MAGNETIC FLUX AROUND THE ARMATURE SECTIONS 6 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Induced Motion (continued) When the magnetic field of the magnets are put in the picture, the two magnetic fields distort. A turning force, or torque, acts on the coil. The lines of force act like stretched rubber bands that tend to contract. The result is that the armature rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the induced motion. ⊕ = CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE PAGE ¤ = CURRENT FLOWING OUT OF THE PAGE CD AB FIGURE 7. CREATING TORQUE: A CROSS SECTION The interaction between the two magnetic fields causes a bending of the lines of force. Where the lines straighten out, they cause the armature to rotate. The left conductor (AB) is forced downward, and the right conductor (CD) is forced upward, causing a counterclockwise rotation. 7 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Commutator As we mentioned earlier, when the armature is positioned so that the loop sides are at right angles to the magnetic field, a turning force is exerted. But what happens when the coil rotates 180°°? A problem arises here. The magnetic field in the conductor is now opposite that of the field, and this will tend to push the armature back the way it came, stopping the rotating motion. To solve this problem, some method must be employed to reverse the current in the armature every one-half rotation so that the magnetic fields will work together to maintain a positive rotation. A device called a commutator performs this task. Two stationary brushes, one supplied with positive DC current, the other with negative DC current, supply current to the two rotating commutator segments. As the armature and commutator rotate together, the commutator reverses the direction of the current through the armature. In this way, magnetic fields are always running in the direction needed to contribute to a continuing turning effort. ARMATURE ROTATION + + TO DC POWER TO DC POWER BRUSH CURRENT FLOW COMMUTATOR POSITION “A” - TORQUE POSITION “B” - NEUTRAL + + TO DC POWER TO DC POWER POSITION “C” - TORQUE POSITION “D” - NEUTRAL FIGURE 8. THE COMMUTATOR REVERSES THE CURRENT THROUGH THE ARMATURE Now we are getting somewhere. With the armature continuously rotating through the magnetic field, mechanical energy is created from electrical energy. 8 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL DC MOTORS Simple DC Motor What we have just described is a DC motor. Direct current is fed to the commutator. The commutator is connected to the armature in such a way that the current direction (called polarity) is switched every half-turn of the armature. This allows the armature to continue turning in the magnetic field, creating mechanical energy from electrical energy. However, this simple DC motor has a few shortcomings. Each time the armature is parallel to the magnetic field (called a neutral position), no torque is produced. (Refer back to Figure 8.) Recall that when the armature is positioned so that the loop sides are at right angles to the magnetic field, torque is exerted. But, as the armature turns in a circle, there are two points at which it is parallel to the magnetic field – at ¼ and ¾ of a turn – and no torque is generated. (Refer back to Figure 8.) The change in the amount of torque is shown graphically in Figure 9. The speed of the motor varies because of the changes in torque. Most devices require a motor to turn at a uniform speed, so the simple DC motor just described would not be suitable. MAX ----- TORQUE - - - SPEED MIN 0 ¼ ½ ¾ REVOLUTIONS 1 FIGURE 9. SIMPLE DC MOTOR TORQUE AND SPEED GRAPH Another problem with a simple DC motor is that it does not start easily. This is particularly true if the armature is in or near a neutral position. The armature must be moved out of the neutral position to start the motor. 9 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Practical DC Motor In a practical DC motor, the armature is never in a neutral position, and the torque is always at its maximum. This is accomplished by using an armature with more than one loop. A four loop armature is shown in Figure 10. As you can see, each loop of the armature is connected to a pair of commutator segments. BRUSH COMMUTATOR (FOUR SEGMENTS) + LOOPS - TO DC SOURCE BRUSH FIGURE 10. FOUR-LOOP ARMATURE When current flows through the brushes, all four loops act together, producing full torque at all times. There is no neutral armature position where torque is absent. Also, notice that the brushes are larger than the gaps between the commutator segments. This means that contact with the commutator is maintained at every instant of rotation of the armature. A DC motor of this type has uniform torque, both for running and for starting. It is a definite improvement over the simple DC motor. IN THE WORKPLACE This is a common cordless drill that might be used by a building maintenance person. It is run on a battery and uses a DC motor. The small size of the DC motor makes the drill very light, portable and convenient to use. CORDLESS DRILL USING A DC MOTOR 10 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Electromagnets In the previous drawings, we have shown the armature rotating between a pair of magnetic poles. Practical DC motors do not use permanent magnets; they use electromagnets instead. Electromagnets work very similarly to permanent magnets. To make one, simply wrap an iron rod with insulated wire and run current through the wire, as shown in Figure 11. The iron rod develops a magnetic field, and North and South magnetic poles. DIRECTION OF CURRENT FLOW FIGURE 11. ELECTROMAGNET The electromagnet has two advantages over the permanent magnet. • By adjusting the amount of current flowing through the wire, the strength of the electromagnet can be controlled. • By changing the direction of current flow, the poles of the electromagnetic can be reversed. In the diagram above, switching the leads on the battery terminals would change the direction current flow. (Connecting the leads to an AC source would switch the direction of current flow automatically. We will consider AC later in this module.) 11 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Motor Components We have already discussed three of the four major components that make up a DC motor: the armature, the brushes, and the commutator. The fourth is the field coils (also called field poles or stationary windings). Figure 12 shows a disassembled view of a typical four-pole DC motor. SHAFT FIELD POLES COMMUTATOR WINDINGS FAN FIGURE 12. A TYPICAL FOUR-POLE DC MOTOR, ASSEMBLED AND DISASSEMBLED Note that many turns (or windings) are used to make up the field poles. The larger the poles, the stronger the field. The larger the number of coils used in a DC motor, the smoother the motor will run. However, the number of field coils used must always be even. Each set of coils consists of a North and a South pole. Reversing a DC Motor The direction of rotation of a DC motor may be reversed using one of these methods: • Reversing the direction of the current through the field • Reversing the direction of the current through the armature The industrial standard is to reverse the current through the armature. This is accomplished by reversing the armature connections only. 12 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL DC Motor Types There are basically three DC motor types: The series motor, the shunt motor, and the compound motor. Internally and externally they are practically the same. The difference between them is the way the field coil and armature coil circuits are wired. The series motor (Figure 13) has the field coil wired in series with the armature. It is also called a universal motor because it can be used in DC or AC applications. It has a high starting torque and a variable speed characteristic. The motor can start heavy loads, but the speed will increase as the load is decreased. SERIES FIELD S2 ARMATURE S2 A1 A2 A2 S1 A1 ARM S1 DC VOLTAGE FIGURE 13. DC SERIES MOTOR: SCHEMATIC AND WIRING DIAGRAM The shunt motor (Figure 14) has the armature and field circuits wired in parallel, giving essentially constant field strength and motor speed. SHUNT FIELD F2 ARMATURE F2 A2 F1 ARM A1 F1 A2 A1 DC VOLTAGE FIGURE 14. DC SHUNT MOTOR: SCHEMATIC AND WIRING DIAGRAM The compound motor (Figure 15) combines the characteristics of both the series and the shunt motors. A compound motor has high starting torque and fairly good speed torque characteristics at rated load. Since complicated circuits are needed to control the compound motors, this wiring arrangement is usually only used on large bi-directional motors. SHUNT FIELD F2 SERIES FIELD ARMATURE F2 S2 A1 S2 A2 S1 S1 F1 A2 A A1 F1 DC VOLTAGE FIGURE 15. DC COMPOUND MOTOR: SCHEMATIC AND WIRING DIAGRAM 13 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL REVIEW 1 Answer the following questions without referring to the material just presented. Begin the next section when you are confident that you understand what you’ve already read. 1. The right hand rule is illustrated here. What does each finger indicate? Thumb _____________________ Index ______________________ Middle _____________________ 2. The 2 main problems with the simple DC motor are: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 3. Label the simple DC motor’s speed/torque graph below: MAX ----- ________ - - - ________ MIN 0 __ __ __ REVOLUTIONS __ 4. The 2 methods for reversing a DC motor are: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 5. The 3 DC motor types are: ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ 14 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL AC MOTORS While there are only three general types of DC motors, there are many different AC motor types. This is because each type is confined to a narrow band of operating characteristics. These characteristics include torque, speed, and electrical service (single-phase or polyphase). These operating characteristics are used to determine a given motor’s suitability for a given application. What Makes an AC Motor Different From a DC Motor? In a DC motor, electrical power is conducted directly to the armature through brushes and a commutator. An AC motor does not need a commutator to reverse the polarity of the current, as AC changes polarity “naturally.” Also, where the DC motor works by changing the polarity of the current running through the armature (the rotating part of the motor), the AC motor works by changing the polarity of the current running through the stator (the stationary part of the motor). The many types of AC motor may be split into two main groups: single-phase and polyphase. Single-Phase A single-phase power system has one coil in the generator. Therefore, one alternating voltage is generated. The voltage curve of a single-phase AC generator is shown in Figure 16. FIGURE 16. VOLTAGE CURVE OF A SINGLE-PHASE AC GENERATOR Single-phase motors are generally motors with horsepower ratings of one or below. (These are generally called fractional horsepower motors.) They are generally used to operate mechanical devices and machines requiring a relatively small amount of power. Types of single-phase motors include: shaded-pole, capacitor, split-phase, repulsion, series (AC or universal) and synchronous. However, the single-phase motor is generally not used because it is inefficient, expensive to operate, and is not self starting. We will not go into detail here regarding how each single-phase motor type functions. 15 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Three-Phase Three-phase or polyphase motors run on three-phase power. A three-phase power system has three coils in the generator. Therefore, three separate and distinct voltages will be generated. The voltage curve is shown in Figure 17. FIGURE 17. VOLTAGE CURVE OF A THREE-PHASE AC GENERATOR We will discuss how three-phase power works in more detail shortly. Types of three-phase motors include: induction (squirrel-cage or wound), rotor types, commutator, and synchronous. In an AC environment, the squirrel cage induction motor is the most widely used. We will focus only on this type of motor. 16 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL THE SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR Induction Principle Before we discuss the squirrel cage motor further, let’s consider the term induction. Induction refers to electrically charging a conductor by putting it near a charged body. The principle of the induction motor was first discovered by Arago in 1824. He observed that if a non-magnetic metal disk and a compass are pivoted with their axes parallel, so that one (or both) of the compass poles are located near the edge of the disk, spinning the disk will cause the compass needle to rotate. The direction of the induced rotation in the compass is always the same as that imparted to the disk. You can prove it to yourself if you like. Mount a simple copper or aluminum disk and a large compass on a vertical stem, so that each may be rotated on its own bearing, independently of the other. Spin the disk, and watch the compass needle. There is no more effective way to demonstrate the principle of induction. FIGURE 18. DEMONSTRATING THE PRINCIPLE OF INDUCTION Applying the Induction Principle to the AC Motor So, how do we apply the concept of induction to a motor? Recall that the AC motor works by changing the polarity of the current running through the stator (the stationary part of the motor). The stator plays the role of the metallic disk described above. A rotating magnetic field is established in the stator. The conductor, called the rotor, “follows” the rotating magnetic field by beginning to rotate, just like the compass needle described above. 17 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Applying the Induction Principle to the AC Motor (Continued) The induction motor uses a rotor of a special design. It resembles a cage used for exercising squirrels. This is why it is called a squirrel cage rotor. The rotor consists of circular end rings joined together with metal bars. Note that the metal bars are placed directly opposite each other and provide a complete circuit within the rotor, regardless of the rotor's position. Rotors normally have several bars, but only a few are shown here for clarity. FIGURE 19. THE ROTOR OF A SQUIRREL CAGE INDUCTION MOTOR Squirrel cage motors are usually chosen over other types of motors because of their simplicity, ruggedness and reliability. Because of these features, squirrel-cage motors have practically become the accepted standard for AC, allpurpose, constant speed motor applications. Without a doubt, the squirrel-cage motor is the workhorse of the industry. The squirrel cage induction motor has certain advantages over the DC motor. 18 • There are only two points of mechanical wear on the squirrel cage motor: the two bearings. • Since it has no commutator, there are no brushes to wear. This keeps maintenance minimal. • No sparks are generated to create a possible fire hazard. BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Three-Phase Motor An induction motor depends upon an electrically rotating magnetic field, not a mechanically rotating one. (A mechanically rotating field would work, but an electrically rotating magnetic field has significant advantages.) How is an electrically rotating field obtained? It all starts with the phase displacement of a three-phase power system. Three-phase power can be thought of as three different single-phase power supplies. They are called A, B, and C. In the three-phase motor, each phase of the power supply is provided with its own set of poles, located directly across from each other on the stator, and offset equally from each of the other two phases’ poles. PHASE C PHASE B PHASE A FIGURE 20. THREE PAIRS OF FIELD COILS ON THE STATOR, SET 120°° APART The three currents start at different times. Phase B starts 120° later than phase A and phase C starts 120° later than phase B. This is shown on the sine wave graph in Figure 21, which indicates the way the magnetic field will point at various times in the cycle. PHASE A PHASE B PHASE C FIGURE 21. MAGNETIC FIELD ROTATION PROVIDING TORQUE TO TURN THE MOTOR Introducing these different phase currents into three field coils 120° apart on the stator produces a rotating magnetic field, and the magnetic poles are in constant rotation. 19 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Three-Phase Motor (Continued) The magnetic poles chase each other, simultaneously inducing electric currents in the rotor (generally, bars of copper imbedded in a laminated iron core). The induced currents set up their own magnetic fields, in opposition to the magnetic field that caused the currents. The resulting attractions and repulsions provide the torque to turn the motor, and keep it turning. If each magnetic pole were to "light up" whenever it was energized, the effect would appear as though the lights were "running" around the stator, much as the lights on some electric signs simulate a running border. Let’s walk through one revolution of the motor to see how it works. First, the A poles of the stator are magnetized by phase A. Then, the B poles are magnetized by phase B. The rotor turns, due to the induced current. Then, the C poles are magnetized by phase C. The rotor turns, due to the induced current. The rotor has completed one-half turn at this point. FIGURE 22. ROTATING MAGNETIC FIELD TURNS THE MOTOR Now, the A poles of the stator are magnetized again, but the current flow is in the opposite direction. This causes the magnetic field to continue to rotate, and the rotor follows. Then, the B poles are magnetized by phase B. The rotor turns, due to the induced current. Then, the C poles are magnetized by phase C. The rotor turns, due to the induced current. FIGURE 23. ROTATING MAGNETIC FIELD TURNS THE MOTOR The rotor has completed one full revolution at this point, and the process repeats itself. 20 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Construction of Three-Phase Motors The three-phase motor is probably the simplest and most rugged of all electric motors. To get a perspective on how important the three-phase motor is, all you need to know is that this motor is used in nine out of ten industrial applications. All three-phase motors are constructed with a number of individually wound electrical coils. Regardless of how many individual coils there are in a threephase motor, the individual coils will always be wired together (series or parallel) to produce three distinct windings, which are called phases. Each phase will always contain one-third of the total number of individual coils. As we mentioned, these phases are referred to as phase A, phase B and phase C. Three-phase motors vary from fractional horsepower size to several thousand horsepower. These motors have a fairly constant speed characteristic but a wide variety of torque characteristics. They are made for practically every standard voltage and frequency and are very often dual voltage motors. (We will look briefly at dual voltage motors later.) Wye and Delta All three-phase motors are wired so that the phases are connected in either a Wye (Y) or Delta (∆) configuration. In a Wye (Y) configuration (Figure 24), one end of each of the three-phases is connected to the other phases internally. The remaining end of each phase is then brought out externally and connected to the power line. The external leads are labeled T1, T2 and T3, and are connected to the three-phase power lines labeled L1, L2 and L3, respectively. L1 L2 L3 PHASE C INTERNAL CONNECTION OF ONE END OF EACH PHASE T3 T2 PHASE B PHASE A T1 MOTOR STARTER FIGURE 24. WYE CONFIGURATION 21 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL In a Delta (∆ ∆ ) configuration (Figure 25), each winding is wired end to end to form a completely closed loop circuit. At each of the three points where the phases are connected, a lead is brought out externally. They are labeled T1, T2 and T3, and are connected to the three-phase power lines labeled L1, L2 and L3, respectively. L1 L2 L3 PHASE A T3 PHASE B T2 T1 PHASE C MOTOR STARTER FIGURE 25. DELTA CONFIGURATION In either case, for the motor to operate properly, the three-phase line supplying power to the motor must have the same voltage and frequency ratings as the motor. Dual Voltage Many three-phase motors are made so that they can be connected to either of two voltages. The purpose in making motors for two voltages is to enable the same motor to be used with two different power line voltages. Usually, the dual voltage rating of industrial motors is 230/460V. However, the nameplate must always be checked for proper voltage ratings. When the electrician has the choice of deciding which voltage to use, the higher voltage is preferred. The motor will use the same amount of power, giving the same HP output for either high or low voltage, but as the voltage is doubled (230 to 460), the current will be cut in half. With half the current, wire size can be reduced and savings can be realized on installation. 22 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL REVIEW 2 Answer the following questions without referring to the material just presented. Begin the next section when you are confident that you understand what you’ve already read. 1. Name the two groups of AC motors. ___________________________ ___________________________ 2. Explain why an AC motor does not need a commutator: _______________________________________________________________ _ 3. Three-phase power can be thought of as three different ____________ ___________ _________ ____________. 4. Fill in the blanks on the diagram below. L __ L __ L __ PHASE ___ T3 PHASE ___ T2 T1 PHASE ___ MOTOR STARTER 5. Does the diagram above show a WYE or DELTA configuration? Circle the correct answer. 23 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL SPEED CONTROL Speed control is essential in many applications. Mining machines, printing presses, cranes and hosts, elevators, and conveyors, among others, all depend on speed control. In choosing the speed control method for an application, there are three main factors to consider: • Type of equipment (load) the motor drives • Application type • Motor type We will discuss each of these factors in turn. Loads and application types are as varied as the types of motors available. However there are two fundamental motor types: AC and DC. Each type has its own ability to control different loads at different speeds. In order to select the correct motor type for a given application, it is necessary to understand the load requirements first. To understand these requirements, you need to be familiar with the concepts of force, work, torque, power and horsepower, and how they relate to speed. Force, Work and Torque Work is done when a force overcomes a resistance. Work is measured with the formula: Work = Distance x Force If you carry a 10-pound bag of groceries 50 feet, 500 foot-pounds (ft-lb.) of work is done. In the case of an electric motor, force is not exerted in a line, but in a circle, about a cylindrical shaft. As you recall, turning force is called torque. Torque = Radial Distance x Force If you apply 100 pounds of force to a motor shaft at a radial distance of 5 feet, 500 foot-pounds (ft-lb.) of torque is applied to the shaft. FORCE RADIAL DISTANCE FIGURE 26. TORQUE = RADIAL DISTANCE X FORCE 24 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Power and Horsepower Power takes into consideration how fast work is accomplished. Power is the rate of doing work. The formula to determine power is: Power = Work/Time If the 10-pound bag of groceries was connected to a very small motor, it might take the motor several minutes to move the load 50 feet. If a larger motor was used, it might move the load in only a few seconds. The reason for this difference is the amount of work that can be delivered in a given amount of time. Obviously, a larger motor should be able to deliver more work in a given time than one that is considerably smaller. It is this difference that determines the power rating of the motor. Motors are rated in horsepower (HP). One horsepower is equal to 33,000 ft-lbs. per minute. (Electrical power can also be measured in watts. One horsepower is equal to 746 watts of electrical power.) Let’s figure horsepower for a motor to move those groceries. Recall that: Work = Distance x Force If you carry a 10-pound bag of groceries 50 feet, 500 foot-pounds of work is done. If you connect the bag to a motor that can move it 50 feet in 15 seconds, what is the horsepower of the motor? Power = Work/Time Power = 500 ft-lb/.25 minutes Power = 2000 ft-lb. per minute And since 33,000 ft-lb. per min equals 1 HP, (2000 / 33,000) the motor has about 0.06 horsepower. 25 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Putting it All Together Torque, horsepower, and speed are all interrelated when turning a load. Horsepower is proportional to torque and speed. The following formula ties them all together: HP = (T x N)/5252 Where: HP = the horsepower provided by the motor T= the torque of the motor in foot-pounds N= the synchronous speed of the motor in rpm This means that if either speed or torque remains constant while the other increases, horsepower increases. Conversely, if either torque or speed decreases while the other remains constant, horsepower will decrease. Below is a chart that shows the relationship of horsepower, torque and speed. SPEED INCREASES TORQUE CONSTANT é SPEED DECREASES TORQUE CONSTANT ê SPEED CONSTANT TORQUE INCREASES é HORSEPOWER INCREASES é HORSEPOWER DECREASES ê HORSEPOWER INCREASES é HORSEPOWER DECREASES ê SPEED CONSTANT TORQUE DECREASES ê SPEED INCREASES TORQUE DECREASES é ê HORSEPOWER REMAINS CONSTANT SPEED DECREASES TORQUE INCREASES ê é HORSEPOWER REMAINS CONSTANT FIGURE 27. HORSEPOWER, TORQUE AND SPEED RELATIONSHIP 26 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Application Types When a motor is driving a load, it will be called upon to deliver either a constant or a variable torque, and either a constant or variable horsepower. The amount of torque and horsepower required, will depend upon the speed and size of the load. There are three main application types. Let’s consider each briefly. • Constant Torque/Variable Horsepower This type of load is often found on machines that have friction-type loads, such as conveyors, gear-type pumps, and load lifting equipment. The horsepower required increases when the speed increases. The torque requirement does not vary throughout the speed range except for the extra starting torque needed to overcome the breakaway friction. The torque remains constant because the force of the load does not change. • Constant Horsepower/Variable Torque This type of load is used for loads that demand high torque at low speeds and low torque at high speeds. Examples of these loads are machines that roll and unroll paper or metal. Since the linear speed of the material is constant, the horsepower must also be constant. While the speed of the material is kept constant, the motor speed is not. At start, the motor must run at high speed to maintain the correct material speed while torque is kept at a minimum. As material is added to the roll, the motor must deliver more torque at a slower speed. In this application, both torque and speed are constantly changing while motor horsepower remains the same. • Variable Torque/Variable Horsepower This type of load is used for loads that have a varying torque and horsepower at different speeds. Typical applications are fans, blowers, centrifugal pumps, mixers and agitators. As the motor speed is increased, so is the load output. Since the motor must work harder to deliver more output at faster speeds, both torque and horsepower are increased. 27 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Speed Control for a DC Motor Now that you understand what factors are important in choosing a motor for an application, we are ready to look at how to actually control the speed of the motor. Let’s start with the DC motor. The base speed of a motor is the speed at which the motor will run with full line voltage applied to the armature and the field. The speed of a DC motor is controlled by varying the applied voltage across the armature, the field, or both. When armature voltage is controlled, the motor will deliver a constant torque characteristic. When field voltage is controlled, the motor will deliver a constant horsepower characteristic. MOTOR SPEED IN RPM REDUCING FIELD VOLTAGE INCREASES SPEED ABOVE BASE SPEED BASE SPEED OF THE MOTOR (FULL FIELD AND ARMATURE VOLTAGE APPLIED) REDUCING ARMATURE VOLTAGE DECREASES SPEED BELOW BASE SPEED DC APPLIED VOLTAGE FIGURE 28. FIELD VOLTAGE VS. ARMATURE VOLTAGE IN CONTROLLING A DC MOTOR’S SPEED DC motors are used in industrial applications that require either variable speed control, high torque, or both. Since the speed of most DC motors can be controlled smoothly and easily from zero to full speed, DC motors are used in many acceleration and deceleration applications. The DC motor is ideal in applications where momentarily higher torque output is needed. The DC motor can deliver three to five times its rated torque for short periods of time. (Most AC motors will stall with a load that requires twice the rated torque.) For these reasons, DC motors are used to run large machine tools, cranes and hoists, printing presses, cranes, elevators, shuttle cars and automobile starters. 28 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Speed Control for an AC Motor Since each motor type has its own characteristics of horsepower, torque and speed, different motor types are more suited for different applications. The basic characteristics of each AC motor type are determined by the design of the motor and the supply voltage used. These design types are classified and given a letter designation, which can be found on the nameplate of motor types listed as “NEMA Design.” NEMA Design A Starting Torque Normal Starting Current Normal Breakdown Torque High Full Load Slip Low Typical Applications Machine Tool Fan Centrifugal Pump B Normal Low High Low Machine Tool Fan Centrifugal Pump C High Low Normal Low Loaded Compressor Loaded Conveyor D Very High Low --- High Punch Press The most commonly used AC NEMA Design motor is the NEMA B. IN THE WORKPLACE The conveyor on this beer bottling line is powered by a NEMA Design B motor. The NEMA Design B motor is a general purpose AC induction motor. It is the most commonly used NEMA Design motor, because it offers a good balance of function against price. MOTOR NEMA DESIGN B MOTOR AT WORK 29 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Speed Control for an AC Motor (continued) The induction motor is basically a constant speed device. The speed at which an induction stator field rotates is called its synchronous speed. This is because it is synchronized to the frequency of the AC power at all times. The speed of the rotating field is always independent of load changes on the motor, provided the line frequency is constant. Synchronous speed is determined by the number of poles that the motor has, and the frequency being supplied to it. The equation for determining the synchronous speed of a motor is: N = 120f/P Where: N= the synchronous speed of the motor in revolutions per minute (RPM) f= the frequency supplied to the motor in Hertz (Hz) P= the number of poles the motor has Motors designed for 60 Hertz use (standard in the US) have synchronous speeds as follows: Poles 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 RPM 3600 1800 1200 900 720 600 514 450 Induction motors do not run at synchronous speed; they run at full load speed, which is the rotational speed of the rotor. Full load speed is always slower. The percent reduction in speed is called percent slip. The slip is required to develop rotational torque. The higher the torque, the greater the slip. The motor speed, under normal load conditions, is rarely more than 10% below synchronous speed. If the motor is not driving a load, it will accelerate to nearly synchronous speed. As the load increases, the percent slip increases. For example, a motor with a 2.8% slip and 1800 rpm synchronous speed would have a slip of 50 rpm, and a full load speed of 1750 rpm (1800 - 50 = 1750 rpm). It is this full load speed that will be found on the motor's nameplate. From the formula, it is evident that the supply frequency and number of poles are the only variables that determine the speed of the motor. Varying the voltage is not a good way to change the speed of the motor. In fact, if the voltage is changed by more than 10%, the motor may be damaged. This is because the starting torque varies as the square of the applied voltage. 30 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Speed Control for an AC Motor (continued) Since the frequency or number of poles must be changed to change the speed of an AC motor, two methods of speed control are available. These are: • Changing the frequency applied to the motor Changing the frequency requires a device called an adjustable frequency drive to be inserted upstream from the motor. This device converts the incoming 60 Hz into any desired frequency, allowing the motor to run at virtually any speed. For example, by adjusting the frequency to 30 Hz, the motor can be made to run only half as fast. We will look at adjustable frequency drives in much more detail in Module 20, Adjustable Frequency Drives. • Using a multispeed motor Multispeed AC motors are designed with windings that may be reconnected to form different numbers of poles. They are operated at a constant frequency. Two-speed motors usually have one winding that may be connected to provide two speeds, one of which is half the other. Motors with more than two speeds usually include many windings. These can be connected many ways to provide different speeds. Refer to APPENDIX A: Typical Multispeed Motor Connections. IN THE WORKPLACE Everyone is familiar with this piece of equipment. The portable three-speed oscillating fan can be found in most homes. The fan’s multispeed motor contains many windings that can be connected three different ways. This allows the user to set the fan to run at any of the three preset speeds. THREE-SPEED OSCILLATING FAN 31 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL STARTING THE MOTOR Across the Line A starter is a device that is used to start a motor from a stop. The across-the-line starter is by far the most common. This type of starter places the motor directly across the full voltage of the supply lines, hence the name: "across-the-line.” When an induction motor is placed across-the-line, it will accelerate to full speed in a matter of seconds. What applications are suitable for this type of rapid acceleration? Pumps of all types, fans and blowers, and most machines such as drill presses, lathes and grinders are suitable. We will discuss starters in much more detail in Module 19, Starter Basics. Small DC motors are generally started by simply closing the line switch. No auxiliary starting equipment is necessary to limit the initial rush of current. The same practice applies to most small (and some large) polyphase motors. Minimizing Inrush Current During an AC motor’s start-up accelerating period, a large amount of current is required to start the motor rotating and bring it up to speed. This is called inrush current. Currents 6 to 8 times the full load rating of the motor are not uncommon when the motor is started across-the-line. From this, we can see that the power company will be rather concerned, since they have to supply the actual current necessary to start (and also to run) the motor. So, it is desirable (if not necessary) to limit the initial rush of current to a reasonable value, about 1.25 to 5 times the full load rating. There are several ways of doing this: 32 • (AC/DC) Inserting resistance in the line, and then cutting the resistance gradually as the motor comes up to speed. • (AC) Using a reduced voltage starter, which we will discuss in much more detail in Module 21, Reduced Voltage Starters. • (AC) Using a wound rotor type of motor, which employs a resistor controller for the starting function and which may also serve as a speed control device. • (AC) Using the Wye-Delta method, in which the stator is connected in a Wye at the instant of starting, and in Delta after the motor has reached normal speed. • (AC) Using an adjustable frequency drive, which we will discuss in much more detail in Module 20, Adjustable Frequency Drives. BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL REVERSING THE MOTOR In applications where it is desirable to run a motor in both forward and reverse, there are a few options for providing a reversing capability. Manual Reversing Starter A manual reversing starter can be used to change the direction of rotation of a three-phase, a single-phase or a DC motor. It is made by simply connecting two manual starters together. The electrical diagram is shown in Figure 29. POWER TERMINAL CONNECTIONS START START MECHANICAL INTERLOCK FORWARD CONTACTS F F F R R REVERSE R CONTACTS STOP STOP MOTOR TERMINAL CONNECTIONS FIGURE 29. MANUAL REVERSING STARTER This type of device is generally used to run lower horsepower motors, such as those found on fans, small machines, pumps and blowers. Magnetic Reversing Starter A magnetic reversing starter performs the same function as a manual reversing starter. Electrically, the only difference between manual and magnetic starters is the addition of forward and reversing coils and the use of auxiliary contacts. The forward and reversing coils replace the pushbuttons of a manual starter. The auxiliary contacts provide additional electrical protection and circuit flexibility. 33 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL BRAKING THE Two common methods used for braking a motor are DC injection braking and dynamic braking. We will look at both in detail, starting with electric braking. MOTOR DC Injection Braking DC injection braking is a method of braking in which direct current (DC) is applied to the stationary windings of an AC motor after the AC voltage is removed. This is an efficient and effective method of braking most AC motors. DC injection braking provides a quick and smooth braking action on all types of loads, including highspeed and high-inertia loads. Recall that opposite magnetic poles attract and like magnetic poles repel. This principle, when applied to both AC and DC motors, is the reason why the motor shaft rotates. In an AC induction motor, when the AC voltage is removed, the motor will coast to a standstill over a period of time, since there is no induced field to keep it rotating. Since the coasting time may be unacceptable, particularly in an emergency situation, electric braking can be used to provide a more immediate stop. By applying a DC voltage to the stationary windings once the AC is removed, a magnetic field is created in the stator that will not change polarity. In turn, this constant magnetic field in the stator creates a magnetic field in the rotor. Since the magnetic field of the stator is not changing in polarity, it will attempt to stop the rotor when the magnetic fields are aligned (N to S and S to N). STATOR ROTOR FIGURE 30. DC INJECTION BRAKING The only thing that can keep the rotor from stopping with the first alignment is the rotational inertia of the load connected to the motor shaft. However, since the braking action of the stator is present at all times, the motor is braked quickly and smoothly to a standstill. Since there are no parts that come in physical contact during braking, maintenance is kept to a minimum. 34 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Dynamic Braking Dynamic braking is another method for braking a motor. It is achieved by reconnecting a running motor to act as a generator immediately after it is turned off, rapidly stopping the motor. The generator action converts the mechanical energy of rotation to electrical energy that can be dissipated as heat in a resistor. Dynamic braking of a DC motor may be needed because DC motors are often used for lifting and moving heavy loads that may be difficult to stop. There must be access to the rotor windings in order to reconnect the motor to act as a generator. On a DC motor, access is accomplished through the brushes on the commutator. In this circuit, the armature terminals of the DC motor are disconnected from the power supply and immediately connected across a resistor, which acts as a load. The smaller the resistance of the resistor, the greater the rate of energy dissipation and the faster the motor slows down. The field windings of the DC motor are left connected to the power supply. The armature generates a voltage referred to as “counter electromotive force” (CEMF). This CEMF causes current to flow through the resistor and armature. The current causes heat to be dissipated in the resistor, removing energy from the system and slowing the motor rotation. The generated CEMF decreases as the speed of the motor decreases. As the motor speed approaches zero, the generated voltage also approaches zero. This means that the braking action lessens as the speed of the motor decreases. As a result, a motor cannot be braked to a complete stop using dynamic braking. Dynamic braking also cannot hold a load once it is stopped, because there is no more braking action. For this reason, electromechanical friction brakes are sometimes used along with dynamic braking in applications that require the load to be held, or in applications where a large heavy load is to be stopped. This is similar to using a parachute to slow a race car before applying the brakes. FIGURE 31. DYNAMIC BRAKING IS OFTEN USED WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL FRICTION BRAKING Dynamic braking for AC motors can be handled with an adjustable frequency drive. We will discuss adjustable frequency drive in much more detail in Module 20, Adjustable Frequency Drives. 35 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL REVIEW 3 Answer the following questions without referring to the material just presented. 1. Fill in the blanks for the following formulas: Work = _________ x_________ Power = _________ / __________ 2. Work out the horsepower rating of a motor that moves a load of 1000 pounds a distance of 330 feet in one minute. Answer: _________ HP 3. A conveyor is an example of a ________ Torque / _________ Horsepower application. 4. Name the two devices that can be used to reverse the direction of a motor. ________________________________ ________________________________ 5. Reducing the voltage supplied to the field of a DC motor will cause the motor speed to INCREASE or DECREASE. Circle the correct answer. 6. Using the synchronous speed formula, calculate the full load speed of a motor with 8 poles running on 60 Hz with a slip of 2.2%. Answer: _________ RPM 36 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL GLOSSARY Adjustable Frequency Drive This device converts the incoming 60 Hz power into any desired frequency, allowing an AC motor to run at virtually any speed. Armature The turning conductor in a DC motor. Base Speed The speed at which a DC motor will run with full voltage applied to the armature and the field Brushes The stationary components of the commutator, providing current to the rotating commutator segments. Coils The stationary windings of the DC motor that generate an electromagnetic field. Commutator A device used in a DC motor to reverse the current in the armature every one-half rotation so that the magnetic fields will work together to maintain rotation. Compound Motor A DC motor that combines the characteristics of both the series and the shunt motors. Conventional Flow A theory regarding the flow of current. It states that current flows from positive to negative. Theory DC Injection Braking A method of braking an AC motor in which direct current (DC) is applied to the stationary windings of an AC motor after the AC voltage is removed. Delta A motor connection arrangement where each winding is wired end to end to form a completely closed loop circuit. Dual Voltage Motor A motor made for two voltages. It enables the same motor to be used with two different power line voltages. Dynamic Braking A method of braking a DC motor by reconnecting a running motor to act as a generator immediately after it is turned off. Reconnecting the motor in this way makes the motor act as a loaded generator that develops a retarding torque, rapidly slowing the motor. Electron Flow Theory A theory regarding the flow of current which states that current flows from negative to positive. Full Load Speed The true speed at which a motor turns, found on the nameplate. To calculate, take Synchronous Speed minus Percent Slip. It is the speed of the rotor. Horsepower A unit of power measurement, used for rating the amount of Work a motor can do. One horsepower equals 33,000 footpounds per minute of Work. 37 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL 38 Induction The process of producing a current by the relative motion of a magnetic field across a conductor. Left Hand Flux Rule The relationship of the factors used to determine is which direction the magnetic flux moves around a conductor. Imagine grasping the wire with your left hand, making sure your thumb points in the direction of the current flow. Your fingers will curl around the wire in the direction of the magnetic flux. Magnetic Flux The direction of a magnetic field. Magnetic Reversing Starter A device that performs the same function as a manual reversing starter. Electrically, the only difference between manual and magnetic starters is the addition of forward and reversing coils and the use of auxiliary contacts. Manual Reversing Starter A device used to change the direction of rotation of a threephase, a single-phase or a DC motor. It is made by simply connecting two manual starters together. Neutral Position The position at which the armature in a DC motor is parallel to the magnetic field, where no torque is produced. Percent Slip The percentage difference between a motor’s Synchronous Speed and its Full Load Speed. Polarity Direction of current flow through a conductor. Poles The stationary windings of the DC motor that generate an electromagnetic field. Power A measure of work done per unit of time. Reduced Voltage Starter A type of starter that ramps up the power to a motor gradually to cut down on current draw at start-up. Right Hand Motor Rule The relationship between the factors involved in determining the movement of a conductor in a magnetic filed. The index finger points in the direction of the magnetic field (N to S), the middle finger points in the direction of electron current flow in the conductor, and the thumb points in the direction of the force on the conductor. Rotor The rotating part of an AC motor. Series Motor A DC motor with the field coil wired in series with the armature coil. It is also called a universal motor. Shunt Motor A DC motor with the field coil wired in parallel with the armature coil. BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Starter A device that is used to start a motor from a stop Stationary Windings The stationary windings of the DC motor that generate an electromagnetic field. Stator The stationary part of an AC motor. Squirrel Cage Induction Motor The most common AC motor type, named for the rotor’s resemblance to a cage used for exercising squirrels. Synchronous Speed The rotational speed of the stator, defined by the formula: N = 120f/P Where: N= the synchronous speed of the motor in revolutions per minute (RPM) f= the frequency supplied to the motor in Hertz (Hz) P= the number of poles the motor has REFERENCE Torque Turning or rotational force. Work Applying a force over a distance. Wye A motor connection arrangement where one end of each of the three-phases is connected to the other phases internally. The remaining end of each phase is then brought out externally. In preparing this training module, some material was taken from the publication listed below: Gary Rockis and Glenn A. Mazur, Electrical Motor Controls. (Homewood, IL: American Technical Publishers, Inc., 1997). 39 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL REVIEW 1 ANSWERS 1. Thumb: Index: Middle: Direction of the conductor movement Direction of the magnetic flux Direction of current flow through the conductor 2. When the armature is parallel to the magnetic field, no torque is produced. They are hard to start. 3. Blanks on the bottom of the graph, from left to right: “1/4”, “1/2”, “3/4”. Blanks on the side of the graph, from top to bottom: “Torque”, “Speed”. 4. Reversing the direction of the current through the field. Reversing the direction of the current through the armature. 5. Series, shunt and compound REVIEW 2 ANSWERS 1. Single phase and polyphase 2. AC changes polarity “naturally.” 3. single-phase power supplies 4. Blanks from left to right: “L1”, “L2”, “L3”, “B”, “C”, “A”. 5. Delta REVIEW 3 ANSWERS 1. Work = Distance x Force Power = Work/Time 2. 10 3. Constant Torque / Variable Horsepower 4. Manual reversing starter; Magnetic reversing starter 5. Increase 5. About 800 RPM 40 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL Common motor connection arrangements, conforming to NEMA standards, are APPENDIX A: used when connecting motors. The diagrams on these two pages are typical TYPICAL arrangements, but do not depict all possible arrangements. MULTISPEED MOTOR CONNECTIONS 41 BASICS OF MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL 42 Cutler-Hammer Milwaukee, Wisconsin U.S.A. Publication No. TR.90.06.T.E February 1999 Printed in U.S.A. (GSP) 101 Basics Series and 201 Advanced Series are trademarks of Cutler-Hammer University, Cutler-Hammer and Eaton Corp. ©1999, Eaton Corp.