Starter - Part Winding
Starter - Part Winding
In order to understand the wye-delta motors and wye start delta run motors, we should discuss motor connection
and starting terminology as applied to three phase motors. The simplest and most economic way to start a three
phase, squirrel cage, induction motor is with a full voltage starter. This starting method is referred to as:
Full voltage starting or
Across-the-line (ATL) starting or
Direct-on-line (DOL) starting
A motor designed to operate at a single voltage requires only three leads and is suitable for full voltage starting.
The internal connections of the motor coils may be wye (Y) (also known as star (A) or delta ( ). This type of motor
requires no connection diagram because the electrician simply connects the three motor leads (which may be
labeled T1, T2 and T3) to the respective starter terminals, which connect to power supply lines, L1, L2 and L3.
See the figure below for the connection schematics.
Many OEMs and most distributors like to stock motors that may be used with various power supplies. For this
reason we find many motors rated for dual voltage. The most common domestic motor in NEMA frames is the 9
lead, dual voltage motor rated 230/460 volts. Note, the voltage ration is 1:2. For 230 volt operation, the coils are
connected in parallel; for 460 volt operation, in series (see the schematics below).
Many foreign countries have 380 volt and 220 volt, 50 Hertz power supply; it would therefore be desirable to
stock motors with such voltage combinations. It so happens that the relationship between a delta connected
motor and a wye connected motor is 1 3 or 1:1.173 or 220:380 volts as shown on the following schematics. This
type of motor has six leads identified as shown below.
The above connected motor is also suitable for reduced voltage type starting known as wye-delta or star-delta on
220 volt power supply. In the starting mode the special magnetic starter connects the motor coils in wye. Note
above that in wye connection, the motor should see 380 volts to develop full load torque; but, since we only apply
220 volts, the motor will only develop 33% torque and will draw only 33% of the normal starting current. After a
predetermined time, the starter changes the motor coils from wye to delta, which is the full voltage running
connection.
Note that in the following figure one of the "S" contactors is shown dotted since some starter manufacturers use
only two instead of three contactors. Also note that a 3/50/220/380 motor could also be called a 3/50/220 motor
wye-delta start.
1M & 2M Contactors
Close During Run, "S" Contactors Open
It is not always clear what a customer wants. A typical request for a three phase motor may state that the power
supply is 50 Hertz, 220/380 volts. This generally means 380 volts, three phase/220 volts, single phase.
If the request is for a 3/50/220/380 motor, the customer may want to use the motor on 220 volt power supply with
a wye-delta starter. He may also sell the motors to different countries having either 220 volt or 380 volt power
supply.
Occasionally, we come across requests for 3/50/380/660 motors. We cannot furnish such a motor in NEMA size
ratings unless the customer wants a 380 volt motor suitable for wye-start, delta-run. The reason why we cannot
furnish such a motor is because our random wound insulation system used in NEMA frame motors is only
approved for 600 volts, plus 10%. According to a chart titled, "World Electricity Supplies:, there are only two
countries, Finland and East Germany, which have a 660 volt power supply. There are also some power plants
which tend to use a 660 volt distribution for their in-plant equipment.
There are also some distributors or OEMs who like to stock dual voltage wye-start, delta run motors such as
3/50/220/440. This type of motor requires twelve leads and is connected parallel wye-delta for low voltage and
series wye delta for high voltage. See the figure below.
220 Volt
440 Volt
Part Winding. This method used only a portion (usually one-half, but sometimes two-thirds) of the motor winding,
increasing the impedance seen by the power system. It is to be used only for voltage recovery, and must not be
left on the start connection for more than 2 to 3 seconds. The motor is not expected to accelerate on the start
connection, and may not even turn.
2.
Starting torque is very low (may not even turn the shaft).
Electronic Soft-Start
For across-the-line arrangement, you can use the electronic soft start method with one or two variations. In one
version, SCRs (silicon controlled rectifiers) are used in series with the line of a 3-lead motor. The other version
places the SCRs inside the delta of a wye-delta connected (six leads) motor. Both versions provide variable
reduced voltage at the motor terminals on startup. Essentially, the motor is soft-started then the voltage is
increased until the motor achieves the rated speed eventually bypassing the soft-starter and connecting the
motor across the line.
Using electronic soft start gives you control over the starting current, torque, time, and acceleration. However,
load inertia will affect starting time regardless of the reduced voltage or torque starting method.