Speed Control of 3-
Phase Induction Motor
Understanding Methods and Applications
Introduction to
Induction Motors
3-phase induction motors are the workhorses of industrial
and commercial applications.
They are widely used due to their robustness, reliability,
and simplicity of design.
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Importance of speed
control in industrial
applications
Speed control plays a vital role in optimizing efficiency,
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ensuring process flexibility, protecting equipment,
enhancing safety, maintaining product quality, and
achieving energy savings in industrial applications.
Implementing effective speed control strategies is
essential for maximizing productivity, reducing
operational costs, and promoting sustainable industrial
practices.
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Speed-Torque
Characteristics
The torque-speed characteristics of a motor are a curve
that shows the relationship between the motor's rotational
speed and the torque it develops. Torque is the rotational
force of an electric motor, while speed is the rate at which
it rotates. The torque-speed characteristics of a 3-phase
induction motor are used to express the relationship
between its torque and speed, as the two are dependent on
each other but cannot be expressed by a simple equation
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Basic Principle of
Speed Control
The basic principle of speed control is that speed is
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dependent on armature voltage supervisor and flux.
However, DC motor speed controllers cannot control
armature current, so speed cannot be controlled by
armature current.
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Voltage Control
Method
Voltage control methods are used in power systems to
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keep voltage levels stable and efficient. These methods
include:
• Reactive-power compensation
• Tap-changing transformers
• Voltage regulators
• Capacitors
• Reactors
• Static VAR compensators
• Flexible AC transmission systems
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Advantages and
limitations
A direct voltage control method without an inner current
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control loop has the following advantages and limitations:
• Advantages: Faster and more robust performance
• Limitations: Can't limit current in the DER unit during
abnormal conditions, which can damage power
electronic components or trip out the DER unit
• Other limitations: Prone to dynamic overload
conditions because it can't quickly limit output power
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Examples of
applications
• Light dimming circuits
•
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Temperature control of electrical heating systems
• Speed control of motors
• AC magnet controls
• Lighting control
• Domestic and industrial heating
• Speed control of fan, pump, or hoist drives
• Soft starting of induction motors
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Frequency
Control Click icon to add picture
Method
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Frequency control is a mechanism that keeps a power
system's frequency stable by balancing the amount of
power generated and consumed. It's important to keep the
system frequency close to its nominal value because the
actual current load rarely matches the estimated value.
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Advantages
• Energy efficiency: VFDs can reduce energy
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consumption by adjusting motor speed to match the
load
• Precision control: VFDs offer precise control over
motor speed and torque
• Improved process control: VFDs can improve process
control and product quality
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Disadvantages
• Cost: VFDs can be more expensive than some VSDs,
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especially for simpler applications
• Limited speed accuracy: Speed accuracy is limited as
update times within the frequency converter get faster
• Noise: Frequency converters can cause noise in the
motor power cables
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Voltage and
Frequency Click icon to add picture
Control
Method
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Voltage and frequency control methods are used to keep
the voltage and frequency of an electric power system
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within predefined limits. These methods are typically
managed by a combination of control devices, generators,
and grid infrastructure.
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Benefits of combined
control
Combined voltage and frequency control can regulate
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voltage, frequency, and power in low-voltage AC
microgrid (MG) networks. This can be done by combining
improved droop control (IDC) with a fractional-order
controller (FOC).
• Full controllability: The power flow between linked
MGs can be fully controlled
• Decoupling: The frequencies of AC MGs and the
voltage of DC MGs can be decoupled, allowing MGs
to operate at different frequencies or DC voltages
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Real-world
examples
• Fleet tracking: GPS tracking allows managers to
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monitor company vehicles, including their speed and
when they reach destinations. Managers can use this
information to plan more efficient routes and warn
drivers about traffic.
• Driving: Drivers continuously adjust their steering to
account for obstacles and their destination.
• Sailing: Sailors continuously navigate a ship's
movements.
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Application of 3-phase
induction motors
Three-phase induction motors are commonly used in
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industrial applications that require precise speed control,
such as:
Transportation, Robotics, Centrifugal pumps, Mills, Ball
mills, Mixers, Clocks, Timers, Ventilation fans, Air-
conditioning, Large water pumps, and Conveyors.
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Experiment
setup
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Figure 1.2 : Varied Frequency Drive Method
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Figure 1.3 : Rotor Resistance Control Method
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Data collection
and Data Click icon to add picture
analysis
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Figure 2.2: Rotor Speed for VFD method
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Figure 2.3 : Rotor Speed for RRC method
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Discussion
Based on the data and results obtained, the different
methods of controlling the speed of the motor provide a
variety in the way the rotor speed increases. The varied
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Frequency Drive method produces an oscillating
amplitude with high frequency while the Rotor Resistance
Control method produces a gradual increase in amplitude.
The different way the rotor speed increases has their pros
and cons. The varied Frequency Drive method has higher
efficiency and control range but usually are more
expensive. The Rotor Resistance Control method is more
robust and can operate under a lot of loads but has limited
control range and is less efficient.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the experiment has achieved all of the
objectives. A three-phase induction motor and the Click icon to add picture
methods to control its rotor speed have been successfully
developed and evaluated. The experiment recommends the
Varied Frequency Drive method over the Rotor Resistance
Control method. This is because the high efficiency and
large amount of control range the Varied Frequency Drive
method offers outweighs the robust and high load
endurance the Rotor Resistance Control method provides.
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Thank you
