Skip to main content
Log in

An improved delta-star switching scheme for reactive power saving in three-phase induction motors

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Frontiers in Energy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

It is proposed that a capacitor can be connected permanently across each phase winding of a three-phase induction motor along with the conventional delta-star switching, for further saving in VARh at reduced loads on the motor. The method of choosing a suitable value for the capacitor and the criteria to be adopted for calculating the power output at which the star to delta switching is to be made are also explained. The experimental results on a 3- phase, 4-pole, 415 V, 50 Hz, 3.3 kW induction motor verify the advantages in adding the capacitor to the phase winding of the motor. Compared to using only a single delta connected stator winding or a delta-star switching, the advantages of the proposed addition of a capacitor, are also demonstrated through a case study conducted on a 400 V, 250 kW motor. Any further improvement in grid side power factor can be achieved by employing a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) of reduced VAR rating.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ferreira J T E, de Almeida A T, Ge B, Faria S P, Marques J M. Automatic change of the stator-winding connection of variable-load three-phase induction motors to improve the efficiency and power factor. In: IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT). Hong Kong, China, 2005

    Google Scholar 

  2. Ammasai Gounden N, Subbiah M, Krishnamurthy M R. Operating cost optimisation of speed-changing induction motors. IEE Proceedings, 1988, 135(1): 33–38

    Google Scholar 

  3. Mohan N. Improvement in energy efficiency of induction motors by means of voltage control. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, 1980, PAS-99(4): 1466–1471

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Rowan T M, Lipo T A. A quantitative analysis of induction motor performance by SCR voltage control. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 1983, IA-19(4): 545–553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Blaabjerg F, Pedersen J K, Rise S, Hansen H H, Trzynadlowski A M. Can soft starters help save energy? IEEE Industry Applications Magazine, 1997, 3(5): 56–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Kostic M M, Radakovic J. Induction motors with YY/Δ connection change for efficiency and power factor increasing at partial loads. Facta Universitatis-series, lectronics and Energetics, 2006, 19(1): 85–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Karthigaivel R, Kumaresan N, Subbiah M. A three stage stator switching scheme for MWh and MVARh saving in induction motors. In: IEEE International Conference on Power Engineering (IPEC). Singapore, 2007, 1103–1108

    Google Scholar 

  8. Kumaresan N, Ammasaigounden N, Subbiah M. A new four-stage power controller for improved energy efficiency and saving in reactive power for three-phase induction motors and wind-driven grid-connected induction generators. Indian Patent No. 234172, 2009

    Google Scholar 

  9. Ferreira F J T E, de Almeida A T. Novel multiflux level, three-phase, squirrel-cage induction motor for efficiency and power factor maximization. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 2008, 23(1): 101–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Ferreira F J T E, de Almeida A T. Method for in-filed evaluation of the stator winding connection of three-phase induction motors to maximize efficiency and power factor. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, 2006, 21(2): 370–379

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Raja P, Kumaresan N, Subbiah M. Grid-connected induction generators using delta-star switching of the stator winding with a permanently connected capacitor. Wind Engineering, 2012, 36(2): 219–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to N. Kumaresan.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Raja, P., Kumaresan, N. & Subbiah, M. An improved delta-star switching scheme for reactive power saving in three-phase induction motors. Front. Energy 8, 364–370 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-014-0324-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-014-0324-8

Keywords

Navigation