Single Phase Induction Motor

Single Phase induction Motor [1/Ch. 36]

Equivalent Circuit of a Single-Phase Induction Motor without Core
Loss [1/36.5/p.1373]
A single-phase motor may be looked upon as consisting of two motors, having a common
stator winding, but with their respective rotors revolving in opposite directions. The equivalent
circuit of such a motor based on double-field revolving theory is shown in Fig. 36.14.

Here the single-phase motor has been

imagined to be made up of (i) one stator
winding and (ii) two imaginary rotors. The
stator impedance is Z=R1+jX1. The
impedance of each rotor is (r2+jx2) where
r2 and x2 represent half the actual rotor
values in stator terms (i.e. x2 stands for
half the standstill reactance of the rotor, as
referred to stator).
Since iron loss has been neglected, the
exciting branch is shown consisting of
exciting reactance only. Each rotor has
been assigned half magnetizing reactance
(i.e. xm represents half the actual
reactance). The impedance of ‘forward
running’ rotor is
r
jx m ( 2 + jx 2 )
Zf = s
r2
+ j ( xm + x2 )
s
And it runs with a slip of s.
Fig. 36.14
The impedance of ‘backward running’ motor is
r
jx m ( 2 + jx 2 )
Zb = 2−s
r2
+ j ( xm + x2 )
2−s
And it runs with a slip of (2-s). Under standstill condition, Vf=Vb, but under running
conditions Vf is almost 90 to 95% of the applied voltage.
I 2r
The forward torque in synchronous watts is T f = 3 2 . Similarly, backward torque
s
2
I r
is Tb = 5 2 . The total torque is
2−s
I 2r I 2r I 2 (2 − s ) − I 52 s 2 I 2 − s ( I 32 + I 52 )
T = T f − Tb = 3 2 − 5 2 = r2 3 = r2 3 .
s 2−s s (2 − s ) s (2 − s )

Equivalent Circuit of a Single-Phase Induction Motor with Core Loss

[1/36.6/p.1374]

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

The core loss can be represented by an equivalent resistance which may be connected either
in parallel or in series with the magnetizing reactance as shown in Fig 36.15.
Since under running condition Vf is very high (and Vb is correspondingly, low) most of the
iron loss takes place in the ‘forward motor’ consisting of the common stator and forward-running
rotor. Core-loss current Iw=core-loss/Vf. Hence, half value of core-loss equivalent resistance is
rc=Vf/Iw. As shown in Fig 36.15, rc has been connected in parallel with xm in each rotor.

(a) (b)
Fig. 36.15

Example 36.3. A 250 W, 230 V, 50 Hz capacitor-start motor has the following constants for the
main and auxiliary winding: Main winding, Zm=(4.5+j3.7) ohm, Auxiliary winding,
Za=(9.5+j3.5) ohm. Determine the value of the starting capacitor that will place the main and
auxiliary winding currents in quadrature at starting.
Solution: Let XC be the reactance of the capacitor connected in the auxiliary winding.
Then Za=9.5+j(3.5-XC )=(9.5-jX) ohm
where, X is the net reactance
Now, Zm=(4.5+j3.7)=5.82∠39.4o ohm
Obviously, Im lags behind V by 39.4o.
Since time phase angle between Im and Ia has to be 90o,
Ia must lead V by (39.4o- 90o)=-50.6o.
For auxiliary winding,
tanφa=(3.5-XC )/R
or tan(-50.6o)= (3.5-XC )/9.5=-1.217
Or (3.5-XC )=-9.5×1.217=-11.56 ohm
∴XC=11.56+3.5=15.06 ohm
Or 1/(2×π×50×C)=15.06
or C=1/(2×π×50×15.06)= 211×10-06 F
∴C=211 µF.

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

Capacitor Start-and-Run Motor [1/36.8/1381]

This motor is similar to the capacitor-start motor except that the starting winding and
capacitor are connected in the circuit at all time.
The advantage of leaving the capacitor permanently in circuit are:
(i) improvement of over-load capacity of the motor,
(ii) a higher power factor,
(iii) higher efficiency, and
(iv) quieter running of the motor which is so much desirable for small power drivers in
offices and laboratories.
Some of these motors which start and run with one value of capacitance in the circuit are
called single-value capacitor-run motor. Other which start with high value of capacitance but
run with a low value of capacitance are known as two-value capacitor-run motor.

Single-value Capacitor Run Motor

It has one running winding and one starting winding in series with a capacitor as shown in
Fig. 36.28. Since the capacitor remains in the circuit permanently, this motor is often referred to as
permanent-split capacitor-run motor and behaves practically like an unbalanced two-phase motor.

Fig. 36.28 Fig. 36.29 Fig. 36.30

Obviously, there is no need to use centrifugal switch which has necessary in the case of
capacitor-start motors. Since the same capacitor is used for starting and running, it is obvious that
neither optimum starting nor optimum running performance can be obtained because value of
capacitance used must be a compromise between the best value for starting and that for running.
Generally, capacitors of 2 to 20 µF capacitance are employed and are more expensive oil or
pyranol-insulated foil-paper capacitors because of continuous-duty rating. The low value of the
capacitor results in small starting torque which is about 50 to 100% of the rated torque as shown in
Fig. 36.29. Consequently, these motors are used where the required starting torque is low such as air-
moving equipment i.e. fans, blowers and voltage regulator and also oil burners where quiet operation
is particularly desirable.
One unique feature of this type of motor is that it can be reversed by an external switch
provided its running and staring winding are identical. One serves as the running winding and the
other as a starting winding for one direction of rotation. For reverse rotation, the one that previously
served as a running winding becomes the starting winding while the former starting winding serves
as a running winding. As seen from Fig. 36.30 when the switch in the forward position, winding B

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

serves as running winding and A as starting winding. When switch is in ‘reverse’ position, winding A
becomes the running winding and B the starting winding.
Such reversible motors are often used for operating device that must be moved back and forth
very frequently such rheostats, induction regulations, furnace controls, valves and arc-welding
controls.
Two-Value Capacitor-Run Motor
This motor starts with a high capacitor in series with the starting winding so that the starting
torque is high. For running, a lower capacitor is substitute by the centrifugal switch. Both the running
and starting windings remain in circuit.
The two values of capacitance can be obtained as follows:
1. by using two capacitors in parallel at the starting and then switching out one for
low-value run as shown in Fig. 36.31, or
2. by using a step-up auto-transformer in conjunction with one capacitor so that
effective capacitance value is increased for starting purpose.
In Fig. 36.31, B is an electrolytic capacitor of high capacity (short duty) and A is an oil
capacitor of low value (continuous duty). Generally, starting capacitor B is 10 to 15 times the
running capacitor A. At the start, when the centrifugal switch is closed, the two capacitors are put in
parallel, so that their combined capacitance is the sum of their individual capacitances.
After the motor has reached 75% full-load speed, the switch opens and only capacitor A
remains in the starting winding circuit. In this way, both optimum starting and running performance
is achieved in such motors. If properly designed, such motors have operating characteristics very
closely resembling those displayed by two-phase motors. Their performance is characterized by
1. ability to start heavy loads,
2. extremely quiet operation,
3. higher efficiency and power factor, and
4. ability to develop 25% overload capacity
Hence, such motors are ideally suited where load requirements are severe as in the case of
compressors and fire strokers etc.
As motor speeds up, the centrifugal switch shifts the capacitor from one voltage tap to
another so that the voltage transformation ratio changes from higher value at starting to a lower value
for running. The capacitor which is actually of the paper-tinfoil construction is immersed in a high
grade insulation like wax or mineral oil.
The use of an auto-transformer and single oil-type capacitor is illustrated in Fig. 36.32. The
transformer and capacitor are sealed in a rectangular iron box and mounted on top of the motor. The
idea behind using this combination is that a capacitor of value C connected to the secondary of a
step-up transformer appears to the primary as though it had a value of K2C where K is voltage
transformation ratio.

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

Fig. 36.31 Fig. 36.32

For example, if actual value of C=4 µF and K=6, then low-voltage primary acts as if it had a
144 µF (=62×4) capacitor connected across its terminals. Obviously, effective value of capacitance
has increased 36 times. In the ‘start’ position of the switch, the connection is made to the mid-tap of
the auto-transformer so that K=2. Hence, effective value of capacitance at start is 4 times the running
value and is sufficient to give a high starting torque.

Problem A 250 W, 230 V, 50 Hz capacitor-start motor has the following constants for the main and
auxiliary winding: Main winding, Zm=(4.5+j3.7) ohm, Auxiliary winding, Za=(9.5+j3.5) ohm.
Calculate (a) the value of the starting capacitor that will place the main and auxiliary winding
currents in quadrature at starting, and (b) the magnitudes and phase angles of the currents in
the main and auxiliary windings when rated voltage is applied to the motor under starting
conditions.
Solution: Let XC be the reactance of the capacitor connected in the auxiliary winding.
Then Za=9.5+j(3.5-XC )=(9.5-jX) ohm
where, X is the net reactance
Now, Zm=(4.5+j3.7)=5.82∠39.4o ohm
Obviously, Im lags behind V by 39.4o.
Since time phase angle between Im and Ia has to be 90o,
Ia must lead V by (39.4o- 90o)=-50.6o.
For auxiliary winding,
tanφa=(3.5-XC )/R
or tan(-50.6o)= (3.5-XC )/9.5=-1.217
Or (3.5-XC )=-9.5×1.217=-11.56 ohm
∴XC=11.56+3.5=15.06 ohm
Or 1/(2×π×50×C)=15.06
or C=1/(2×π×50×15.06)= 211×10-06 F
∴C=211 µF.

Problem: A 220 V, 1.5 hp, 59 Hz, two poles, capacitor start induction motor has the following main
winding impedances: R1=4 ohm, X1=2.0 ohm, Xm=200 ohm, R2=3 ohm and X2= 4.04 ohm. At
slip of 0.05, calculate (i) stator current, (ii) stator power factor, (iii) input power, (iv) forward
torque, and (v) backward torque.

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

Example 36.3. A 250 W, 230 V, 50 Hz capacitor-start motor has the following constants for the
main and auxiliary winding: Main winding, Zm=(4.5+j3.7) ohm, Auxiliary winding, Za=(9.5+j3.5)
ohm. Determine the value of the starting capacitor that will place the main and auxiliary winding
currents in quadrature at starting.
Problem 1. 400-W, 120-V, 50-Hz capacitor start motor has main winding impedance Zm = 3 + j4 Ω
and auxiliary winding impedance Za = 6 + j8 Ω at starting. Find the value of starting capacitance
that will place the main and auxiliary winding currents in quadrature at starting.
Problem [6]: The impedance of the main and auxiliary windings of a 50 Hz single-phase induction
motor are 3+j3 Ω and 6+j3Ω respectively. What will be the value of the capacitor to be connected in
series with auxiliary winding to achieve a phase difference of 90o between the currents of the two
windings?
V∠0 V∠0 V∠ − 45° V∠0 V∠0 V∠ − 26.5°
Im = = = Ia = = =
3 + j 3 4.24∠45° 4.24 6 + j 3 6.7∠26.5° 6.7
The current flowing through the auxiliary winding after connecting a capacitor C in series should
make an angle 90o with Im or make an angle 90o-45o = 45o with the applied voltage V.
Since the new current of auxiliary winding should be leading the voltage V by an angle of 45o, the
capacitive reactance of the auxiliary circuit is greater than the inductive reactance. Thus

XC − XL (1 / ωC ) − 3
tan 45° = 1= (1 / ωC ) − 3 = 6 (1 / ωC ) = 9
R 6
ωC = 1 / 9; C = 1 / 9ω C = 353.6 µF

Example 6.2 [SKB]: A 50 Hz Split-phase induction motor has a resistance 5 Ω and an inductive
reactance 20 Ω in both main and auxiliary winding. Determine the value of resistance and
capacitance to be added in series with auxiliary winding to send the same current in each winding
with a phase difference of 90o.
Z = 5 + j 20 = 20.6∠76°
V∠0 V∠0 V∠ − 76°
Im = Ia = = =
5 + j 20 20.6∠76° 20.6
The current flowing through the auxiliary winding after connecting resistor R and a capacitor C in
series should make an angle 90o with Im or make an angle 90o-76o =14o with the applied voltage V.
Since the new current of auxiliary winding should be leading the voltage V by an angle of 14o, the
capacitive reactance of the auxiliary circuit is greater than the inductive reactance. Thus
5+ R
cos14° = ; 5 + R = Z cos14°; R = 20.6 cos14° − 5 = 19.99 − 5 = 14.99 Ω
Z
X − XL
Again sin 14° = C ; X C − X L = Z sin 14°; X C = 20.6 sin 14° + X L
Z
X C = 20.6 sin 14° + 20 = 24.98 Ω
(1 / ωC ) = 24.98 C = 127 µF
Problem: A 50 Hz split-phase induction motor has a resistance 10 Ω and an inductive reactance 80
Ω in both main and auxiliary winding. Determine the value of resistance and capacitance to be added
in series with auxiliary winding to send the same current in each winding with a phase difference of
90o.
Solution:
Z = 10 + j80 = 80.62∠82.87°
V∠0 V∠0 V∠ − 82.87°
Im = Ia = = =
10 + j80 80.62∠76° 80.62

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

The current flowing through the auxiliary winding after connecting resistor R and a capacitor C in
series should make an angle 90o with Im or make an angle 90o-82.87o =7.13o with the applied voltage
V.
Since the new current of auxiliary winding should be leading the voltage V by an angle of 14o, the
capacitive reactance of the auxiliary circuit is greater than the inductive reactance. Thus
10 + R
cos 7.13° = ; 10 + R = Z cos 7.13°; R = 80.62 × 0.992 − 10 = 69.97 Ω
Z
X − XL
Again sin 7.13° = C ; X C − 80 = Z sin 7.13°; X C = 80.62 sin 7.13° + 80
Z
X C = 80.62 × 0.124 + 80 = 89.99 Ω
1
(1 / ωC ) = 89.99 C= = 0.354 ×10−6 F
2 × 3.14 × 50 × 89.99

Possible Questions
1. Write different classifications of single phase induction motors.
2. Classify the single-phase motors depending on their construction and method of starting.
3. What are the differences between single-phase and three-phase induction motor constructionally?
4. State and explain double field revolving theory.
5. Draw the forward, backward, resultant, torques versus slip curve for a single phase induction
motor according to the double-field revolving theory.
6. Write the equations for forward, backward, resultant, torques at standstill conditions.
7. Using double field revolving theory, show that the forward torque and the backward torque
developed by a single phase induction motor is the same in magnitude at unity slip.
8. Using double field revolving theory, show that the starting torque of a single-phase induction
motor is zero. What is the remedy of this problem?
9. Prove that for a single phase induction motor running at a speed of N rpm, slip corresponding to
the backward field (sb) = 2 – s, here ‘s’ is the slip corresponding to the forward field.
10. State and explain cross-field theory.
11. Using the cross-field theory, briefly explain why the single phase induction motor is not self-
starting.
12. Using the cross-field theory, briefly explain why the single phase induction motor will continue
to rotate; producing induction motor torque in a rotating magnetic field, once a rotational emf has
been initiated.
13. Define a split phase induction motor.
14. Why is phase splitting necessary in a single phase induction motor?
15. Why two windings (one main and other auxiliary) in a single-phase induction motor are
necessary, briefly explain.
16. Draw the equivalent circuit of a single-phase induction motor without core loss.
17. Draw the equivalent circuit of a single-phase induction motor with core loss.
18. With necessary circuit and vector diagram, briefly explain the operation of the split-phase (or
resistance-start split phase) induction motor.
19. Draw the circuit diagram and vector diagram for a resistance-start split phase induction motor.
20. Draw the torque vs speed curve for a resistance-start split phase induction motor.
21. With necessary circuit and vector diagram, briefly explain the operation of the capacitor-start
induction run motor.
22. Draw the circuit diagram and vector diagram for a capacitor-start induction run motor.
23. Draw the torque vs speed curve for a capacitor-start induction run motor.

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 Single Phase Induction Motor

24. What are the differences between resistance-start and capacitor-start single-phase induction
motors?
25. What are the advantages of leaving the capacitor permanently in the auxiliary circuit of a single-
phase induction motor?
26. With necessary circuit diagram, briefly explain the operation of the single-value capacitor-run
induction motor.
27. Explain why in the case of single-value capacitor-run induction motor, neither optimum starting
nor optimum running performance can be obtained.
28. With necessary circuit diagram, briefly explain the operation of the two-value capacitor-run
induction motor.
29. What are the advantages of two-value capacitor-run induction motor?

References
[1] B. L. Theraja, A. K. Theraja, “A Textbook of ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY in SI Units Volume
II, AC & DC Machines”, S. Chand & Company Ltd., (Multicolour illustrative Edition).
[2] A. F. Puchstein, T. C. Lloyd, A.G. Conrad, “Alternating Current Machines”, © 1942, Asia
Publishing House, Third Edition (Fully revised and corrected Edition 2006-07).
[3] Jack Rosenblatt, M. Harold Friedman, “Direct and Alternating Current Machinery”, Indian
Edition (2nd Edition), CBS Publishers & Distributors.
[4] A. E. Fitzgerald, Charles Kingsley, Jr. Stephen D. Umans, Electric Machinery, 5th Edition in SI
units, ©1992 Metric Edition, McGraw Hill Book Company.
[5] Irving L. Kosow, Electrical Machinery and Transformers, Second Edition, Prentice –Hall India
Pvt. Limited.
[6] S. K. Bhattacharya, Electrical Machines, Second Edition, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company, New Delhi.

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