CHAPTER 5: STARTING METHODS OF MOTORS

5.1 INTRODUCTION
The stator of an inductionmotor consists of 3-phase windings, which when connected to a 3-
phase supply creates a rotating magnetic field. If an induction motor is directly switched on
from the supply, it takes 4 to 8 times its full load current and develops a torque which is
only 1.5 to 2.5 times the full load torque. This large starting current produces a large voltage
drop in the line, which may affect the operation of other devices connected to the same line.
Hence, it is not advisable to start induction motors of higher ratings directly from the mains
supply.
There are many methods in use to start 3-phase induction motors. Some of the common
methods are:
 Direct On-Line Starter (DOL);

 Star-Delta Starter;
 Auto Transformer Starter;
 Stator resistance starter
 Rotor Impedance Starter;

 Power Electronics Starter.

5.2 Connections of motors

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 A- Essential characteristics of a 3 phase induction motor
The information is usually presented on the name plate:
- Number of Phases
- Rated Operating Voltage
- Motor Rated Power (kW)
- Frame Size
- Degree of Protection
- Full Load Speed ((RPM))
- Power factor
- weight of the motor
- ambient temperature (AMB)
- Rated Operating Current
- …

B- Relation between rated voltage on name plate, supply voltage and method of connection

The manufacturer indicates one or two voltages on the name plate of the motor which enable the choice
of connection (Δ or Υ) of the stator winding.
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 - 110V/220V : each coil should have 110V for the normal operation
- 220V/380V : each coil should have 220V for the normal operation
- 380V : each coil should have 380V for the normal operation

Table: Relation between rated voltage on name plate, supply voltage and method of connection

Indication on name plate Supply voltage Winding connection ( Υ or Δ)

(rated voltage) U (V) U(V)
3 × (127/220) Impossible
380 or 380/660 3 × 380 Δ
(220/380)
3 × 660 Υ
(380/660)
220 or 220/380 3 × 220 Δ
3 × 380 Υ
3 × 660 Impossible
110 or 110/220 3 × 220 Υ
3 × 380 Impossible
3 × 660 Impossible

5.3 A control circuit

It is used to ensure that the motor is started and stopped in a safe manner for both the operator and the
equipment. A control circuit controls the operation of the power circuit.
It is made of:
- A supply
- An isolator equipment
- A protection devices (fuse,…)
- Control unit or sensor (push buttons, contactor coil, …)

5.4 Power circuit

It consists of necessary equipment for the operation of the plant and serves to execute the orders
received from the control circuit.
The power circuit consists of:
- Supply
- Isolation equipment (isolator)
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 - Circuit protective devices (protective relays, fuse)
- Power control unit (contactor)
- Power unit (motor)

 Contactor

A contactor is an electromechanical switch used for controlling an electrical circuit. It differs from a
relay in terms of its capacity to handle higher current and voltage levels. Contactors are commonly used
to remotely control power circuits, providing a safe and efficient means of starting and stopping motors,
lighting systems, and other electrical loads.

Construction:
Contactors consist of various components designed to withstand the rigors of electrical switching. The
main parts include the coil, contacts, and an enclosure.
Components of a Contactor:
1. Coil
The coil is the electromagnet that, when energized, generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field pulls
the contacts together, closing the circuit.
2. Contacts:
Contacts are conductive pieces that open or close to control the flow of current. They are typically made
of materials capable of withstanding arcing.
3. Enclosure

Operating Principal:
When the coil is energized, it creates a magnetic field that attracts the contacts, closing the circuit. This
allows current to flow through the main contacts, connecting the load to the power source. Upon de-
energizing the coil, a spring mechanism or other forces separate the contacts, interrupting the current
flow.

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  Thermal overload relays

Thermal overload relays are designed to provide electromechanical protection to motors against
overloading from drawing excessive input currents from the main circuit. These electronic components
can provide great protection against permanent electrical damages during electrical anomalies like phase
failure and over voltages.

What Is the Function of Thermal Overload Relay?

The thermal overload relay serves as a crucial protective device in electrical systems, primarily used to
safeguard motors from overheating and potential damage due to excessive current. It operates based on
the principle of thermal sensing, monitoring the heat generated by the motor during operation.

When the motor draws excessive current over an extended period, indicating a potential overload, the
thermal overload relay responds by disconnecting the power supply to the motor. This prevents the
motor from overheating, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational safety.

5.5 Direct On-Line Starter (DOL)

The Direct On-Line (DOL) starter is the simplest and the most inexpensive of all starting
methods. Small three phase induction motors can be started direct-on- line, which means
that directly connects the contacts of the motor to the full supply voltage. The starting
current is very large, normally 5 to 7 times the rated current.

Direct online starters are used on a large scale due to their list of beneficial features. The
following are some features of DOLs:

 Start and stop the motor.

 Provide the necessary overload and short circuit protection for the motor.
 Facilitate remote on/off control feature.
 Allow you to switch the current rapidly.
 Isolate the motor from the main supply.

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5-3-1 Connection of Direct On Line starter
Materials needs:

 01 Contactor (KM1)
 01 Thermal Relay (F)
 01 Auxiliary contact (this would not be necessary if you just connect your load
directly across the coil of the contactor).
 You could also wish to add indicator lamps ( H1: indicator lamp of the motor's state,
H2: indicator lamp for Overload, H3: indicator lamp for presence of supply). This
indicator lamps are necessary when the motor control is to be controlled at a distance
at a control board. And ease work of the operator and for easy maintenance.
 Three pole Fuse Isolator (Q1).
 Two pole Fuse Isolator (Q3).
 Circuit Breaker (CB)
 01 stop push button (S1: Normally closed-NC)
 01 start push button (S2: Normally open-NO)
 A 3 phase motor with power less than 10kW.
 Supply (in our case 3 phase system)

The circuit is divided into two circuits: the power and control circuit.

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Power circuit control circuit

a) Principle of operation of the Direct On line starter

 When the fuse Isolator and circuit breaker is switched ON (closed). Thelamp H3
shines indicating the presence of supply.

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 Figure: presence of supply

To Start the motor, press the start push (S2). This is what happens when youpress the start
push button to put on the motor.

 When S2 pressed, current flows to the coil of the contactor (KM1) and the coil
energizes.
 As the contactor energizes, it closes its main contacts ( the contacts of KM1 at the
power circuit) and closes the hold on contact ( The contacts of KM1 at the control
circuit) and we see that the motor is supplied as the contactsare close.

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 Note that, as the contactor energizes, it closes its hold on contact so that current
keeps flowing to the contactor and the contactor is continuously in the energized
state.

start push button pressed to put on motor

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So if there is no hold on contact, when the push button is pressed and released, the contactor
will just energize and dis-energize immediately the push button is released. Hence, the
motor will not run (instant ON and OFF).

 To stop the motor when running, press the stop push button (S1) and the motor is
stopped (gradually goes to rest).
 In the case of prolonged overload on the motor, the thermal relay is activated and
puts off the motor by opening its normally closed contact (F- NC) and puts on the
fault indicator lamp by closing its normally opened contact to which the lamp is
connected (F-NO).

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 Figure: overload

 Advantages of DOL starter

 It has the shortest starting time.

 It is a cheap solution compare to star-delta and soft starter.
 It is very easy to implement.
 Troubleshooting is very easy.
 It is compact in size.

5.3.2 DOL Forward and reverse direction

To change the rotation of a 3-phase motor, you can swap the connections of any two of the three
phases. For example, if the original connections were U → Phase 1, V → Phase 2, and W → Phase 3,
you can change them to U → Phase 2, V → Phase 1, and W → Phase 3

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Operating principle:
When the fuse isolator and the circuit breaker are closed, an action on the start push button S2 energizes
the contactor KM1 which closes the main contacts of the contactor, closes its hold on contact, opens the
interlock on kM2 (so that KM2 should not be energized) and closes the open contact of KM1 to which
the lamp H1 is connected. The motor rotates in the forward direction and the lamp H1 shines which
indicates the motor is running in the forward direction.

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To reverse the direction of rotation of the motor, the motor must first be stopped by pressing S1.
For reverse rotation, an action on the reverse push button S3 energizes the contactor KM2 which closes
the main contacts of the contactor, closes its hold on contact, opens the interlock on KM1 (so that KM1
should not be energized) and closes the open contact of KM2 to which the lamp H2 is connected. The
motor rotates in the reverse direction and the lamp H2 shines which indicates the motor is running in the
reverse direction.
The chronogram below shows how the pulse created by push button S3 energizes the reverse contactor
and puts ON H2.

5.3.3 Star delta

A star delta starter is the most commonly used method for the starting of a 3 phase induction motor. In
star delta starting an induction motor is connected in through a star connection throughout the starting
period. Then once the motor reaches the required speed, the motor is connected in through a delta
connection.

A star delta starter will start a motor with a star connected stator winding. When motor reaches about
80% of its full load speed, it will begin to run in a delta connected stator winding.

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  Advantages of Star Delta Starter

The advantages of star delta starters include:

1. Inexpensive
2. No heat is produced
3. Starting current reduced to 1/3 of direct online starting current.

 Disadvantages of Star Delta Starter

The disadvantages of star delta starters include:

1. Starting torque is reduced to 1/3 of full load torque.

2. A particular set of motors required.

a) ON Delay Timer Timing Diagram

A timing diagram is a graph that shows the status of the timer to the timing device in relation to the
performance of the contact or output of the timer. The diagram has two graphs, one is used to
represent the input signal to the timing device; following graphic lines are used to represent the
timing devices outputs or contacts. The graphic lines in a timing diagram are drawn to show a false to
true, on to off, or high to low.

Fig.2: Normally Open Timed Closed (NOTC)

Figure 2 is the timing diagram used to represent a normally open timed closed delay contact. When
the timer coil receives power the preset time starts to count. Once the accumulated time has equaled the
preset time the timer contact will change from normally closed to open and will remain open until the
timer coil has lost power. At this time the timer has been reset back to zero and the cycle can begin
again.

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 Fig.3: Normally Close Timed Open (NCTO)

Figure 3 timing diagram is used to represent the normally closed timed open contact. In this diagram,
the load connected to the timer contact is on and will stay on after the timer coil has been energized and
the preset time has become equal to the accumulated time. At that point of time, the contact will open
causing the load to turn off and stay off until the timer coil has been de-energized. Once de-energized,
the timer coil will return to zero and be ready to cycle again.

b) OFF Delay Timer Timing Diagram

The off delay timing diagram can be interpreted in the same manner as the on delay timing diagram. The
important factor to remember when interpreting the off delay timing diagram is to remember that an off
delay timer contains instantaneous contacts.

Fig.4: Normally Closed Time Closed Off Delay Contact (NCTC)

Figure 4 timing diagram is used to represent the normally closed contact of an off delay timer. The load
connected to the normally closed contact will be on before the timer coil is energized. Once the timer
coil has been energized the contact will immediately go open causing the load to turn off and remain off
until the coil has been de-energized and the preset time has elapsed.

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Fig.5: Normally Open Timed Open OFF Delay Contact (NOTO)

Figure 5 timing diagram is used to represent the normally open timed open off delay contact. In the
graph, the timer coil is energized and the contact the load is connected to is open. When the timer coil is
energized the contact will immediately close turning on the load connected to the contact. The load will
stay on after the timer coil has been de-energized until the pre-set time equals the elapsed time then the
load will turn off.

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5.4 Motor Auto Transformer Starter

An Auto transformer Starter is suitable for both star and delta connected motors. In this method, the
starting current is limited by using a three-phase auto transformer to reduce the initial stator applied
voltage.

Instead of resistors, autotransformer starting uses a step down autotransformer (single-winding

transformer) to reduce the line voltage. Autotransformer starters offer the greatest reduction of line
current of any reduced-voltage starting method. Multiple taps on the transformer permit the voltage,
current, and torque to be adjusted to satisfy many different starting conditions. In closed transition
starting, the motor is never disconnected from the line source during acceleration.

5.5 Motor Primary Resistance Starter

The motor is started by closing the main contactor. This supplies power to the motor through series
starting resistance. The contactor (across resistors R1,R2,R3) is open thus the current has to pass through
the resistors resulting in voltage drop. Due to voltage drop in these resistors, the motor gets reduced
voltage. A timer is installed with a preset time delay. When the delay is over, the contactor is closed
closing the parallel switches.

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5.6 Motor Secondary Resistance Starter

The secondary resistance starter comprises a contactor to switch the stator and a series of resistors that
are applied to the rotor circuit and gradually reduced in value as the motor accelerates to full speed. The
rotor would normally be shorted out once the motor is at full speed. The resistor values are selected to
provide the torque profile required and are sized to dissipate the slip power during start. The secondary
resistors can be metallic resistors such as wound resistors, plate resistors or cast iron resistors.

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Assignment (Due day: 5/12/24): / 4 marks

Using Schemaplic draw the following starting method (control and power circuit):

- DOL
- Star / delta
- Motor Secondary Resistance Starter

- Motor primary Resistance Starter

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