Difference Between Single Phase and Three Phase Induction Motor:
Difference Between Single Phase and Three Phase Induction Motor – In a 3-phase induction motor the maximum torque is independent of the rotor resistance, while the slip at which it occurs increases with the rotor resistance. No such neat result is possible in a single-phase induction motor as the backward rotating field reduces the voltage available for creating the forward rotating field thereby reducing the forward torque and also the torque of the backward field reduces the net available torque. As a result the maximum torque in a single-phase induction motor reduces as the motor resistance is increased while the slip at maximum torque increases.
As a consequence of the presence of the backward field, the performance of a single-phase motor in every respect is somewhat inferior to that of 3-phase motor for the same frame size. It has a lower maximum torque at higher slip and greater losses. Further, it has greater volt-ampere and watt input because of their consumption in the backward rotating field. Even the stator copper-losses are higher in a single-phase motor as a single winding is required to carry all the current. All this results in lower efficiency and higher temperature rise for single-phase motors. For a given power and speed rating, a single phase motor must therefore have a larger frame size than a 3-phase motor. Further, a single-phase motor also requires an auxiliary winding. In spite of these factors, the cost of a single-phase induction motor in fractional kilowatt ratings is comparable to that of its 3-phase counterpart owing to its greater volume of production. In fact the standard household power supply provides for single-phase loads only.
Performance and Cost Comparison and Choice of Single Phase Induction Motors:
Like other motors, the choice of a single-phase induction motor for a given application is dictated by factors such as initial cost, running cost, performance, weight and size, and other specific application requirements, the performance and the cost being the two important factors. Since high performance is associated with high cost, the application engineer has to arrive at a compromise between these two factors.
Cost wise the resistance split-phase motor has the lowest cost, the permanent-capacitor motor comes next and the 2-value capacitor motor has the highest price. Typical applications for these motors are listed below. It must be mentioned here that no clear-cut demarcation in motor application exists and a certain overlap in application is always found.
Resistance Split-phase Motor:
It has a low starting current and moderate starting torque. It is used for easily started loads and typical applications include fans, saws, grinders, blowers, centrifugal pumps, office equipment, washing machines, etc. These are usually available in the range of 1/20 to 1/2 kW.
Capacitor Start Motor:
This motor has a high starting torque and therefore is used for hard starting loads, such as compressors, conveyors, pumps, certain machine tools, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, etc. This is the most commonly used induction motor and is available up to sizes as large as 6 kW.
Permanent Capacitor Motor:
It has a high starting torque but slightly lower than that of the capacitor-start motor as a result of the compromise between starting and running performances and the capacitor cost. Because of the permanent capacitor it has a better running power factor and efficiency and a quieter and smoother operation. It is used for both easy and hard to start loads. In fact in modern practice ceiling fans, air-circulators and blowers use this type of motor.
Two Value Capacitor Motor:
It combines the advantages of capacitor-start and permanent-capacitor motors and is used for hard to start loads. At the same time it gives a high power factor and efficiency under running conditions. Typical applications are refrigerators, compressors and stockers.
Shaded Pole Motor:
It is a cheap motor with a low starting torque and low power factor and efficiency during running. It is available in small sizes up to 1/20 kW. It is commonly used for fans of all kinds (particularly table fans), humidifiers, vending machines, photocopying machines, advertising displays, etc.