Monday, May 4, 2009

Three-phase AC induction motors

Where a polyphase electrical supply is available, the three-phase (or polyphase) AC induction motor is commonly used, especially for higher-powered motors. The phase differences between the three phases of the polyphase electrical supply create a rotating electromagnetic field in the motor.

Through electromagnetic induction, the time changing and reversing rotating magnetic field induces a time changing and reversing current in the conductors in the rotor; this sets up a time changing and opposing moving electromagnetic field that causes the rotor to turn with the field. The rotor always rotates slightly behind the phase peak of the primary magnetic field of the stator and, thus, is always moving slower than the rotating magnetic field produced by the polyphase electrical supply.

Induction motors are the workhorses of industry and motors up to about 500 kW (670 hp) in output are produced in highly standardized frame sizes, making them nearly completely interchangeable between manufacturers (although European and North American standard dimensions are different). Very large induction motors are capable of tens of megawatts of output, for pipeline compressors, wind-tunnel drives, and overland conveyor systems.

There are two types of rotors used in induction motors: squirrel cage rotors and wound rotors.

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