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SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR - GENERAL :
A synchronous motor is electrically identical with an alternator or
a.c.generator. In fact, a given synchronous machine may be used, at
least theoretically,as an alternator when driven mechanically or as a
motor when driven electrically just as in the case of d.c.machine.
Some characteristic features of a synchronous motor are worth
noting :
1. It runs either at synchronous speed or not at all i.e. while
running it maintains a constant speed. The only way to change its speed
is to vary the supply frequency (because Ns = 120 f/p).
2. It is not inherently self-starting. It has to be run up to
synchronous (or near synchronous) speed by some means before it can
be synchronized to the supply.
3. It is capable of being operated under a wide range of power
factors both lagging and leading.
2. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION :
When a three phase winding is fed by a 3-φ supply, then a
Magnetic flux of constant magnitude but rotating at synchronous speed is
produced. Consider a two-pole stator of fig: 1. in which are shown two
stator poles (marked Ns and Ss) rotating at synchronous speed , say ,in
clockwise direction. With the rotor position as shown, suppose the stator
poles are at that instant situated at points A and B. The two similar
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poles , N (of rotor) and Ns (of stator) as well as S and Ss will repel each
other , with the result that the rotor tends to rotate in anti-clockwise
direction.
But half a period later , stator poles , having rotated around ,
interchange their positions i.e., Ns is at point B and Ss at point A. Under
these conditions , Ns attracts S and Ss attracts N. Hence , rotor tends to
rotate clockwise ( which is just the reverse of the first direction). Hence ,
we find that due to continuous and rapid rotation of stator poles , the rotor
is subjected to a Torque which is rapidly reversing i.e., in quick
succession , the rotor is subjected to a torque which tends to move it first
in one direction and then in the opposite direction . Owing to its large
inertia; the rotor can not instantly respond to such quickly reversing
Torques wiyh the result that it remains stationary.
Now , consider the condition shown in fig.2(a) . The stator and rotor
poles are attracting each other . Suppose that the rotor is not stationary
but is rotating clockwise with such a speed that it turns through one pole-
pitch by the time the stator poles interchange their positions as shown in
fig. 2(b).Here, again the stator poles attract each other. It means that if
rotor poles also shift their positions along with the stator poles, then they
will continuously experience a unidirectional torque i.e., clockwise torque
as shown in fig.2.
4.METHOD OF STARTING:
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The rotor (which is as yet unexcited) is speeded up to synchronous /
near synchronous speed by some arrangement and then excited by the
d.c.source. The moment this (near) synchronously rotating rotor is
excited, it is magnetically locked into position with the stator i.e., the
rotor poles are engaged with the stator poles and both run synchronously
in the same direction. It is because of this interlocking of stator and rotor
poles that the motor has either to run synchronously or not at all. The
synchronous speed is given by usual relation Ns = 120 f/p.
However, it is important to understand that the engagement between
the stator and rotor poles is not absolutely rigid one. As the load on the
motor is increased, the rotor progressively tends to fall back in phase (but
not in speed as in d.c.motors) by some angle (fig.3.) but it still continues
to run synchronously. The value of this load angle or coupling angle (as it
is called) depends on the amount of load to be met by the motor. In other
words , the Torque developed by the motor depends on this angle, say α .
The working of synchronous motor is , in many ways, similar to the
transmission of mechanical power by a shaft. In fig.4 are shown two
pulleys P and Q transmitting power from the driver to the load. The two
pulleys are assumed to be keyed together (just as stator and rotor poles
are interlocked) hence they run at exactly the same (average) speed.
When Q i.e., angle corresponds to α in motor, is loaded, it slightly falls
behind owing to the twist in the shaft. (twist angle corresponds to α in
motor) , the angle of twist, in fact, being measure of the Torque
transmitted. It is clear that unless Q is so heavily loaded as to break the
coupling , both pulleys must run at exactly the same average speed.
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4.MOTOR ON LOAD :
Before considering as to what goes on inside a synchronous motor , it
is worthwhile to refer briefly to the d.c.motors. We have seen that when a
d.c. motor is running on a supply of say , V volts then , on rotating , a
back emf Eb is set up in its armature conductors. The resultant voltage
across armature is (V-Eb) and it causes an armature current
Ia= (V-Eb)/Ra to flow where Ra is armature circuit resistance. The
value of Eb depends, among other factors. (Eb and Ia being in opposition
to each other).
