What is The Applications of Induction Motor?

What is The Applications of Induction Motor?

Induction Motor Definition

An induction motor is an AC electric motor that operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction.

Types of Induction Motors

Squirrel cage

A squirrel cage induction motor is a type of induction motor that has a cylindrical rotor with slots parallel to the shaft. The slots contain uninsulated conductor bars of aluminum or copper that are short-circuited by heavy end rings at both ends of the rotor. The rotor resembles a cage of a squirrel, hence the name.

Advantages of Squirrel Cage Motors

• It has a simple and robust construction that requires less maintenance and can withstand harsh environments.

• It has high efficiency and power factor at full load and near full load conditions.

• It has good speed regulation and can operate at a constant speed under varying loads.

• It has low cost and easy installation.

Disadvantages of Squirrel Cage Motors

• It has a high starting current that may cause a voltage drop and affect other devices on the same circuit.

• It has low starting torque that may limit its use for heavy loads or high inertia loads.

• It has poor speed control and cannot be easily varied by changing the supply frequency or voltage.

• It has a low power factor at light load and no load conditions that may cause reactive power losses.

Slip Ring

A slip ring induction motor is a type of induction motor that has a wound rotor with insulated conductors arranged in slots forming a three-phase double-layer winding similar to that of the stator winding. The rotor is star connected, and the open ends of the rotor are connected to slip rings mounted on the shaft. The slip rings are connected to external resistors through brushes that allow varying the rotor resistance for speed control.

 Advantages of Slip Ring Motors

• It provides high starting torque for heavy or high-inertia loads.

• It has a low starting current, reducing voltage drops and improving power factor.

• It offers good speed control by adjusting rotor resistance or supply frequency/voltage.

• It maintains a high power factor at all loads, reducing reactive power losses.

Disadvantages of Slip Ring Motors

• It has a complex and costly construction that requires more maintenance and care.

• It has higher losses due to slip rings, brushes, and external resistors that reduce the efficiency.

• It has a lower speed range than a squirrel cage induction motor due to the limitations of rotor resistance and slip rings.

• It has higher noise and sparks due to brushes and slip rings that may cause fire hazards. 

Applications of Induction Motor

• Oil and Gas Industry

• Refining Industry

• Power Distribution Industry

• Manufacturing Industry

• HVAC Industry

• Household Appliances