Electrical Machines · Induction Motors

Torque-Speed Curve: Understanding Induction Motor Behavior

Dr. Mithun Mondal BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus Electrical Machines

Demonstrative Video

SECTION 01

Torque/Speed Curve

  • \(T\) depends on \(N_r\) but the relation between two cannot be represented by a simple equation

  • It is easier to show the relationship in the form of a curve

  • \(T\): nominal full-load torque of the motor

  • \(T_{st}\) \((N=0)\) is 1.5\(T\) and \(T_{max}\) (also called breakdown torque) is 2.5\(T\)

  • Motor (Electrical) Torque: magnetic flux \(\times\) armature current

  • Load (Mechanical) Torque: force \(\times\) distance

  • Motor running in steady state, \(I_a\) is constant, Electrical torque is equal and opposite to mechanical torque

  • Motor is decelerating, motor torque \(<\) load torque.

  • Motor is accelerating, motor torque \(>\) load torque

Torque Speed
torque speed
Torque Speed
  • When mechanical load increases, motor speed decreases till the motor torque becomes equal to the load torque

  • As long as the two torques are in balance, the motor will run at constant (not synchronous) speed

  • However, if the load torque exceeds 2.5\(T\), the motor will suddenly stops

For SCIM,/curve depends onandsupplied to the stator
torque curve
Torque Curve
  • For SCIM, \(T\)/\(N\) curve depends on \(V\) and \(f\) supplied to the stator

  • If \(f\) is fixed, \(T\propto V^2\) and \(N_s\) depends on \(f\)

  • In practice, \(V\) and \(f\) are varied in the same proportion in order to maintain a constant flux in the air-gap

  • Shape of \(T-N\) curve remain the same but its position will shift along the X-axis

  • Torque of SCIM remains the same whenever slip-speed remains the same

Torque Curve
torque curve
Torque Curve
SCIMdata
Scimdata
SECTION 02

Current-Speed Curve

current speed
Current Speed
  • V-shaped curve having a minimum value at \(N_s\)

  • This minimum is equal to the magnetising current which is needed to create flux in the machine

  • Since \(\Phi\) is purposely kept constant, it means that magnetising current is the same at all \(N_s\)

Locked rotor (for 440-V/60-Hz): Current (100 A) and Torque (75 N-m)
  • Locked rotor (for 440-V/60-Hz): Current (100 A) and Torque (75 N-m)

  • Variation of \(V/f\), \(I/N\) curve has the same shape, but shifts along the speed axis

TC speed
Tc Speed
  • Locked rotor (for 110-V/15-Hz): Current (75 A) and Torque (150 N-m)

  • Conclusion:

  • Big advantage of frequency control method

  • Another advantage: it permits regenerative braking

  • Popularity of frequency-control IM drives is ability to develop high torque from zero to full-speed together the economy of regenerative braking

SECTION 03

Torque-Speed Characteristics under Load

  • Stable operation lies over the linear portion of \(T-s\) curve

  • Slope of the straight line depends mainly on \(R_2\)

  • Higher \(R_2\) sharper the slope

  • \[s_2 = s_1 \cdot \dfrac{T_2}{T_1} \cdot \dfrac{R_2}{R_1} \cdot \left(\dfrac{V_1}{V_2}\right)^2\]
    The parameters under two different load conditions are related by