Rotating Magnetic Field

Submitted By: Syeda Maira Zia

Roll# : EL-008 (Electronics)
Section: A
Introduction
A magnetic field is a picture that we use as a tool to describe how the magnetic
force is distributed in the space around and within something magnetic.
Most of us have some familiarity with everyday magnetic objects and recognize
that there can be forces between them. We understand that magnets have two
poles and that depending on the orientation of two magnets there can be
attraction (opposite poles) or repulsion (similar poles). We recognize that there is
some region extending around a magnet where this happens. The magnetic field
describes this region.
The fundamental principle of operation of AC machines is the generation of a
rotating magnetic field, which causes the rotor to turn at a speed that depends on
the speed of rotation of the magnetic field.

Rotating Magnetic Field

If one magnetic field is produced by the stator of an ac machine and the other
one is produced by the rotor of the machine, then a torque will be induced in the
rotor which will cause the rotor to turn and align itself with the stator magnetic
field. If there were some way to make the stator magnetic field rotate, then the
induced torque in the rotor would cause it to constantly "chase" the stator
magnetic field around in a circle. This in a nutshell, is the basic principle of all ac
motor operation.
How can the stator magnetic field be made to rotate? The fundamental principle
of ac machine operation is that if a three-phase set of currents, each of equal
magnitude and differing in phase by 120°,flows in a three-phase winding, then it
will produce a rotating mangnetic field of constant magnitude.

Concept of Rotating Magnetic Field

In this article, we will try to understand the theory behind the production of
rotating magnetic field. For that, we will first imagine one stator of an electric
motor where three-phase winding is physically distributed in the stator core in
such a manner that winding of each phase is separated from other by 120o in
space.

Although the vector sum of three currents in a balanced three-phase system is

zero at any instant, but the resultant of the magnetic fields produced by the
currents is not zero rather it will have a constant non-zero value rotating in space
in respect to time.

The magnetic flux produced by the current in each phase can be represented by
the equations given below. This is a similar representation of current is a three-
phase system as the flux is cophasial with the current.

Where, φR, φY and φB are the instantaneous flux of corresponding Red, Yellow and
Bluephase winding, φm amplitude of the flux wave. The flux wave in the space can
be represented as shown below.

Now, on the above graphical representation of flux waves, we will first consider
the point 0.
Here, the value of φR is

The value of φY is

The value of φB is

The resultant of these fluxes at that instant (φr) is 1.5φm which is shown in the
figure below.
Now, on the above graphical representation of flux waves, we will consider the
point 1, where ωt = π / 6 or 30o.

Here, the value of φR is

The value of φY is

The value of φB is

The resultant of these fluxes at that instant (φr) is 1.5φm which is shown in the
figure below. here it is clear thet the resultant flux vector is rotated 30o further
clockwise without changing its value.
Now, on the graphical representation of flux waves, we will consider the point 2,
where ωt = π / 3 or 60o.

Here, the value of φR is

The value of φY is

The value of φB is
The resultant of these fluxes at that instant (φr) is 1.5φm which is shown in the
figure below. here it is clear thet the resultant flux vector is rotated 30° further
clockwise without changing its value.

Now, on the graphical representation of flux waves, we will consider the point 3,
where ωt = π / 2 or 90o.

Here, the value of φR is

The value of φY is
The value of φB is

The resultant of these fluxes at that instant (φr) is 1.5φm which is shown in the
figure below. here it is clear thet the resultant flux vector is rotated 30o further
clockwise without changing its value.

In this way we can prove that the due to balanced supply applied to the three
pfase stator winding a rotating or revolving magnetic fiels is established in thew
space.