International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD)

Volume: 3 | Issue: 3 | Mar-Apr 2019 Available Online: www.ijtsrd.com e-ISSN: 2456 - 6470

Minimization of Starting Torque and Inrush Current of

Induction Motor by Different Starting Methods using
MATLAB/SIMULINK
Suraj Grover1, Mr. Mahesh Mankar2
1M.Tech
Student, 2Company Employee
1Shri Ramdeobaba College of Engineering and Management, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
2Paramount Conductors Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

How to cite this paper: Suraj Grover | ABSTRACT

Mr. Mahesh Mankar "Minimization of Induction motors are considered nowadays the most commonly used electrical
Starting Torque and Inrush Current of machines, which are mainly used as electrical induction motors and sometimes
Induction Motor by Different Starting as generators. This is mainly due to the simplicity of composition, low price, light
Methods using MATLAB/SIMULINK" weight, high reliability, easy to command and control performance and not
Published in International Journal of containing parts that could easily breakdown compared with DC machines and
Trend in Scientific Research and synchronous machines. Starting the IM is the most important and dangerous
Development step, where the motor properties play a major role in the evaluation of all
(ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456- electrical motors, and these properties are defined by the following factors:
6470, Volume-3 |
Issue-3 , April 2019, Starting torque. starting current. transient state. smoothness of the starting,
pp.646-651, URL: simplicity and economics of starting.
http://www.ijtsrd.co
m/papers/ijtsrd229 IJTSRD22935 In this paper, three different methods of starting three-phase Induction Motor
35.pdf are discussed and compared through curves of currents, torque, speed. These
methods are Direct On Line, Auto Transformer, Star-Delta, for a constant power
Copyright © 2019 by author(s) and load condition. Simulation is made in MATLAB/SIMULINK and comparatively
International Journal of Trend in results are estimated to evaluate the best starting method for different range of
Scientific Research and Development induction motor rating.
Journal. This is an Open Access article
distributed under
the terms of the KEYWORDS: Induction motor (IM), Direct on line (DOL), Auto transformer (AT),
Creative Commons Star-delta (Y-D), Starting Torque, Inrush Current
Attribution License (CC BY 4.0)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/4.0)
I. INTRODUCTION
A 3-phase induction motor is theoretically self-starting. The even on the rotor side with as many number of poles as in
stator of an induction motor consists of 3-phase windings, the stator winding.
which when connected to a 3-phase supply creates a rotating
magnetic field. This will link and cut the rotor conductors Squirrel cage induction motor just before starting is similar
which in turn will induce a current in the rotor conductors to a poly phase transformer with a short-circuited
and create a rotor magnetic field. The magnetic field created secondary. If normal voltage is applied to the stationary
by the rotor will interact with the rotating magnetic field in motor then, as in the case of a transformer, an initial current,
the stator and produce rotation. Based on the construction of to the turn of 5 to 6 times the normal current or the normal
the rotor, a 3-phase induction motor can be categorized into rated current, will be drawn by the motor from the mains.
two types: This initial excessive current is objectionable, because it will
1. Squirrel Cage Induction Motor produce line voltage (The potential difference or the voltage
2. Wound Rotor or Slip Ring Induction Motor across two phases) drop, which in turn will affect the
operation of the other electrical equipment and the lights
The stator of both types of motors consists of a three phase connected to the same line. The initial rush of current is
balanced distributed winding with each phase mechanically controlled by applying a reduced voltage to the stator
separated in space by 120 degrees from the other two phase (motor) winding during the starting period and then the full
windings. This gives rise to a rotating magnetic field when normal voltage is applied when the motor has run up to
current flows through the stator. In squirrel cage IM, the speed. For the small capacity motors say up to 3HP, full
rotor consists of longitudinal conductor bars which are normal voltage can be applied at the start. However, to start
shorted at ends by circular conducting rings. Whereas, the and stop the motor and to protect the winding from the over
wound rotor IM has a 3-phase balanced distributed winding load current and low voltages, a starter is required in the

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
motor circuit. In addition to this the starter may also reduce Figure 2 shows the connection diagram. For heavy rotating
the applied voltage to the motor at the time of starting. masses, with large moments of inertia, this is an ideal
switching method. The only limitation is the initial heavy
A. Starter inrush current, which may cause severe voltage disturbances
Function of starter is to limit the starting high current to a to nearby feeders (due to a large Ist.Z drop). However, the
safe value. The magnitude of induced emf depends upon the method of DOL switching for larger motors is recommended
flux linking with the rotor conductors and its relative speed. only where the supply source has enough capacity to feed
The strength of the rotor flux depends upon the applied the starting kVA of the motor, with a voltage dip of not more
voltage. At the instant of applying rated voltage to the stator than 5% on the LV side. Soft starting through a solid-state
winding, rotor is stationery and as such the ship is unity. So device are costly propositions. Autotransformer starting is
if full rated voltage is given to the stator winding, then the also expensive due to the cost of its incoming and outgoing
magnitude of the emf induced in the rotor conductors will be control gears and the cost of the autotransformer itself. This
high, because the relative speed between the rotor is not the case with Y/D starting. But, A/T and Y/D startings
conductors and stator revolving flux is very high i.e. equal to are reduced voltage startings and influence the starting
the synchronous speed of the stator flux. Further the rotor torque ofthe motor. It is possible that the reduced starting
conductors are short circuited and thus have low impedance. torque may not be adequate to drive the load successfully
Hence, the current drawn by the stator winding or motor is and within the thermal withstand time of the motor. Unlike
very large, approximately 5 to 7 times the full load current. in smaller ratings, where it is easy and economical to obtain
a high Tst characteristic, in large motors, achieving a high
There are three types of conventional starters: Tst, say, 200% and above, may be difficult and uneconomical.
1. Direct-On-Line starter With the availability of large contactors up to 1000 A and
2. Auto-Transformer Starter breakers up to 6400 A, DOL starting can be used for LV
3. Star-Delta Starter motors of any size, say, up to 600 h.p. The use of such large
LV motors is, however, very rare, and is generally not
II. DIRECT-ON-LINE STARTER recommended. Since large electrical installations are
This is an ideal type of starting, simple and economical. In normally fed from an MV or HV network, whether it is an
this type the full voltage is applied across the stator industry, residential housing, an office or a commercial
windings. The torque developed by the motor is maximum. complex, DOL switching, even when large LV motors are
The acceleration is fast and the heat of starting is low as seen used, may not pose a problem or cause any significant
figure 1. disturbance in the MV or HV distribution network. It is,
however, advisable to employ only MV motors, in large
ratings.

III. AUTO-TRANSFORMER STARTER

Figure1. Speed – Torque Curve in DOL method

Figure 3. Auto-transformer Connections

An Auto Transformer is a transformer with only one winding

wound on a laminated core. An auto transformer is similar to
a two winding transformer but differ in the way the primary
and secondary winding are interrelated. A part of the
winding is common to both primary and secondary sides. On
load condition, a part of the load current is obtained directly
from the supply and the remaining part is obtained by
transformer action. An Auto transformer works as a voltage
regulator. There are two types of auto transformer based on
the construction. In one type of transformer, there is
continuous winding with the taps brought out at convenient
Figure2. DOL Connections points determined by desired secondary voltage and in

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
another type of auto transformer, there are two or more that of a DOL. If load conditions are severe, it is likely that at
distinct coils which are electrically connected to form a certain points on the speed–torque curve of the motor the
continuous winding. torque available may fall short of the load torque and the
motor may stall. During starting the motor windings are
For smoother acceleration and to achieve a still lower connected in star configuration and this reduces the voltage
starting current than above, this type of switching, although across each winding 3. This also reduces the torque by a
more expensive, may be employed. In this case also the factor of three. After a period of time the winding are
starting current and the torque are reduced in a square reconfigured as delta and the motor runs normally.
proportion of the tapping of the autotransformer. The
normal tapping’s of an autotransformer are 40%, 60% and
80%. At 40% tapping the starting current and the starting
torque will be only 16% that of DOL values. At 40% tapping,
therefore, the switching becomes highly vulnerable as a
result of greatly reduced torque and necessitates a proper
selection of motor.

To determine the tapping of the autotransformer: Consider

an autotransformer with a tapping at 40%. Then by equating
the powers of the primary and the secondary sides of the
autotransformer
√3x VL x IAT x cosθ = √3x(0.4 VL) x (√3x (0.4 VL /Z)cosθ
Or IAT = 0.4²x√3x (VL /Z) (1)
While starting current on DOL is: IDOL = √3 x (VL/Z)
IAT = 0.4² IDOL (2)

i.e. proportional to the square of the tapping, where

IAT = starting current on an autotransformer switching IDOL
= starting current on a DOL switching
Z = impedance of the motor windings referred to the stator
side per phase.

Generalizing the above equation, autotransformer tapping Figure4. Speed-Torque Curve in Start- Delta starter
for a particular starting current. From this equation, the
desired tapping of the autotransformer, to limit the starting
current to a desired value can be determined.
IAT
Tapping = √ x100% (3)
IDOL

From this equation, the desired tapping of the

autotransformer, to limit the starting current to a desired
value can be found. The Rating of autotransformer can be
determined as follows:

Since an autotransformer is in the circuit for only a short

period (during the start only), it can be short-time rated. The
rating of the autotransformer can be calculated from
kVA = √3xkVx IAT (4)

where kV = applied voltage, and kVA(CMR) = continuous

rating of the autotransformer.

Since the transformer will be in the circuit for only 15 to 20

seconds, the approximate short-time rating of the
transformer can be considered to be 10–15% of its
continuous rating. The manufacturer of the auto transformer
would be a better guide to suggest the most appropriate
rating of the transformer, based on the tapping and starting Due to the greatly reduced Figure 5. Y-D Connection starting
period of the motor. torque of the motor, the accelerating torque also reduces
even more sharply and severely Figure 4. Even if this
IV. STAR- DELTA STARTER reduced accelerating torque is adequate to accelerate the
The use of this starting aims at limiting the starting inrush load, it may take far too long to attain the rated speed. It may
current, which is now only one third that of DOL starting. even exceed the thermal withstand capacity of the motor and
This is explained in figure below. This type of starting is, be detrimental to the life of the motor. This aspect should be
however, suitable for only light loads, in view of a lower considered when selecting this type of switching. To achieve
torque, now developed by the motor, which is also one third the required performance, it is essential that at every point

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
on the motor speed–torque curve the minimum available The voltage source used in this simulation diagram is
accelerating torque is 15– 20% of its rated torque. In “programmable voltage source” which is designed to work as
addition, the starting time must also be less than the thermal an auto-transformer and slowly rise the voltage level from
withstand time of the motor. This type of switching is limited 0V to line voltage i.e. 400V. Hence, voltage is provided in
to only LV system as MV motors are normally wound in star. small increments and thereby reduces the starting current as
However, in special cases, MV motors can also be designed well as starting torque to a large extent.
for delta at a higher cost to the insulation system which may
also call for a larger frame size. Also a provision can be made
in the switching device to avoid the condition of an open
transient during the changeover from Y to D. This type of
switching requires six cable leads to the motor as against
three for other types of switching’s to accomplish the
changeover of motor windings from Y to D.

V. SIMULATION STUDY
The models regarding different starting methods were
simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK software. The motor
ratings are taken from the pre-set MATLAB motors i.e. 4kW
(5HP).
Figure8. Star-Delta Simulation Diagram
For 4kW, 400V, 50Hz, 1430rpm:
Rated Motor Torque, Tm = Poutω = 2π×14304000×60 = 26.72Nm. In figure 8 simulation diagram, two identical transformers
are connected in parallel operation with two sources due to
A constant Power load is applied over a period of 15sec the fact that delta connected source is not available in
simulation time amounting to the rated motor torque of MATLAB software. Therefore, the transformers act as a star
26.72 Nm so that rated speed is maintained. At no load, Ta = source and delta source. Initially, star source is in operation
1.5 (Tm-Tl) and the circuit breaker is closed. After a stipulated time, the
other circuit breaker is closed and the previous circuit
Ta = 1.5*Tm = 1.5*26.72 = 40.08Nm. breaker is opened leading to the delta source to be
connected to the induction motor. Another buffer parallel
resistance load is connected between transformers and
induction motor to avoid MATLAB error of two current
sources connected together.

VI. WAVEFORMS

Figure6. DOL Simulation Diagram

Figure9. Voltage waveforms DOL vs Auto Transformer
The voltage source is 230V rms Voltage and full voltage is
supplied in this starting method from the beginning.

Figure10. Voltage waveforms Star-Delta

It can be observed in figure 9 that DOL has direct full voltage

Figure7. Auto-Transformer Simulation Diagram supply whereas auto transformer supplies voltage in
increments in some time. Also, in figure 10, star source peak

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
voltage is 326V which is 230V rms phase Voltage. Similarly, The following list of tables are derived from the waveform
full voltage is supplied from delta source which is peak 565V analysis of all the three methods employed in
which is rms 400V corresponding to the line voltage. MATLAB/SIMULINK software. The waveforms are
computed, compared and analyzed.

TABLE I. VARIATION OF PARAMETERS WITH DIFFERENT

METHODS
Auto Star-
Starting Method DOL
Transformer Delta
Starting Current
80-60 25-20 55-40
(Stator) (A)
Starting torque
136 74.5 60
(Nm)
Motor Heat During
440.06 43.76 211.82
Figure11. Speed Curves of different starting methods Start-up (J)

TABLE II SETTLING TIMES FOR DIFFERENT METHODS

Auto Star-
Starting Method DOL
transformer Delta
Speed (rpm) 0.4 sec 1 sec 0.25 sec
Electromagnetic
0.4 sec 1 sec 0.25 sec
torque (Nm)
0.15
Stator Current (A) 1 sec 0.1 sec
sec

VII. CONCLUSION
Simulation Models for analysis of three different starting
methods for induction motor were implemented in
Figure12. Electromagnetic Torque of different methods MATLAB/ SIMULINK software and waveforms regarding
stator current, electromagnetic torque, speed was observed
and noted. It is found that the best alternative for the present
rating of motor i.e. 4kW is star-delta starter. This is due to
the fact that auto transformer has a higher settling time as
compared to star-delta and also a reasonably higher starting
torque. This may prove to be a problem if the motor is
started at some delicate load which requires very low
torque. Also, starting current is lower as compared to DOL in
star-delta but is still higher than Auto transformer starting.
Motor heat-up is also lower than DOL but not auto-
transformer starting. The switching transient also does not
provide much disturbance in the speed obtained by the
motor and has a better starting torque to even start-up at
Figure13. Load Torque load condition if required. It is also observed that the rating
of the motor plays a very important role in the selection of
the starter. This is due to the fact that higher motor rating
may require even lower starting torque and a different
method may be employed in that case. Also, since solid-state
switching i.e. soft starting is usually most expensive out of
the conventional starting methods, it is not beneficial to
lower the cost of starter as well as simplification of the
methodology.

REFERENCES
[1] Electric Motor Control – Stephen. L. Herman
[2] “Starting Time Calculation for Induction Motor”,
Abhishek Garg and Arun Tomar, L&T Construction,
Manapakkam, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, Journal of
Electrical & Electronic Systems, Volume 4, Issue 2
1000149, ISSN: 2332-0796, DOI: 10.4172/2332-
0796.1000149.
[3] Electrical Power Engineering-Reference & Applications
Handbook-K.C. Agrawal.
Figure14. Stator Current of different methods

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) @ www.ijtsrd.com eISSN: 2456-6470
[4] Analysis Of Different Starting Methods Of Induction Engineering and Research (IJMTER) Volume 02, Issue
Motor, Prof. D. D. Dhawale, Anup M Bhagat, Shubham E 06, [June – 2015] ISSN (Online):2349–9745;ISSN
Baghele, Aishish Rawada, Vol-3 Issue-2 2017 IJARIIE- (Print):2393-8161.
ISSN(O)-2395-4396.
[6] 3 Phase AC Motor Starting Methods: An Analysis of
[5] Performance Of Three Phase Induction Motor Using Reduced Voltage Starting Characteristics. Thomas H.
Matlab Simulation, Bagirath Prassed Imlay, Vijay Blair; Tampa Electric Company & Motortronics, Inc.;
Bhuria, International Journal of Modern Trends in Tampa, FLY.

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