Types of electric motor starter

Direct on Line

Is the most commonly used form of starter. The determining

factors in the use of this starter are the load demand on generators and
distribution boards, and for some equipment such as purifiers, start up time.
The starting current is 5 to 8 times full load, heating of the winding being
proportional to this current squared. There is also no windage or radiation on
starting so no cooling. Repeated starts without periods for cooling is
undesirable.

Star-Delta

Position 1 (as shown)- Start. Starting voltage reduced to 1 / (31/2 of

line voltage (0.58 VL) No overload coils (O/L) connected during starting. When
star connected the line current is only 1/3 of delta connected value. Power
reduced in same ratio so this starting only suitable for large motors requireing
low starting torque.
Position 2 - Run. Delta connected. Low voltage (L/V) coil gives cut
out at reduced voltage. O/L coils in circuit.
The disadvantage of this system is that starting torque is reduced
by 1/3 of direct on line torque. With single and double cage rotors of average
performance this is about 80% of full load torque. This assumes that the
supply voltage is normal, if there is an appreciable line drop the torque will
proportionally lower. These factors must be taken into account when deciding if
the star delta starting is to be used.
Suitable for centrifugal fans and pumps which do not require a
large starting torque. With centrifugal loads when starting the motor is run up
to about 80 to 85% full speed on the star connection at this point the motor
must be switched to the running or delta position. This must be done quickly as
with the usual type of starter the motor is momentarily disconnected during
the transition and therefore develops no torque. When the motor is
reconnected to the supply the delta connection will draw a line current
corresponding to its speed, at 80% full speed, this will be about 3 time full
load current. When transferring from star to delta connections transient effects
may occur. When the motor is disconnected the rotor field does not collapse
instantaneously and it induces e.m.f.'s in the stator windings. When the starter
is reconnected in delta the supply may be out of phase with relation to the
induced e.m.f.'s and dependant on the displacement violent current surges
may be set up.

Starting characteristics for Star-Delta starters.

Auto-transformer

The starter contacts are shown un the start position with the
centre tappings of the transformer in use. Voltage tappings can be made on
the auto transformer. Usually only one tapping is made but this may be at
30%, 45%, 60% or 75%.
Start current = Start torque = (Start voltage) 2
F.L. current F.L.Torque (F.L. Voltage)2
E.G. if starting on 0.75VL tapping then start current / F.L current =
(0.75)2 = 0.5625

Low voltage protection

No voltage coils are fitted to motor starters to prevent simultaneous and
uncontrolled start up of machinery after a black out or other loss of power.
Except in the case of sequential start up.
Control gear and controllers are designed so that they will function
to start the motor with 80% normal voltage for D.C. and 85% of normal
voltage for A.C. circuits. Once on load they will operate on voltages down to
2/3 of normal and in some cases even lower. With an induction motor torque is
proportional to voltage squared so that at 2/3 voltage available torque
available
has
fallen
to
about
40%.
The motor will therefore stall, causing a considerable increase in starter
current. If a drastic reduction in voltage is experienced, all running plant
should be inspected immediately.

Face plate starter.

Incorrect connection- if the shunt winding is connected here and

the main isolator is opened the sudden collapse of flux will induce a very high
e.m.f. in the field. This would cause a heavy sparking at the isolator and
possible break down of field insulation.
Correct connection- With shunt connection here, if the starting
handle is returned to off the kinetic energy in the machine armature maintains
rotation and acting as a generator the field current reduced slowly with no risk
of excessive e.m.f.'s being induced