Three Phase Induction Motors

May 19, 2015

3-Phase-Induction-Motors

Three phase induction motors have been a popular choice for many industrial applications for a number of reasons:

  • Non-complex construction – they don’t require permanent magnets, brushes or windings on the rotor
  • They run directly off of the electric distribution grid
  • Low cost
  • Rugged and suitable for hazardous environments
  • Due to not having brushes, they are long lasting and require minimal maintenance

However, one of the main drawbacks of the 3 phase induction motor is that they have a small, load-dependent speed range.  This limits the types of applications induction motors can be used for.

But what causes this to be a drawback for induction motors?

The synchronous speed of induction motors is dependent on the number of poles of the motor and the frequency of the supply power.  Simply put, where ns is the synchronous speed, f is the supply frequency and p is the number of motor poles.  The actual motor speed will then be slightly less than the synchronous speed and will be dependent on the motor load.

ns = 120f/p

For a given motor, the number of poles is fixed so the only way to change speeds is to change the frequency of the power supply to the motor.  Because electrical grids run at a fixed frequency, induction motors generally run at a constant speed, with only slight variation as the load changes.

A variety of methods have been developed for speed control of AC induction motors but one of the most cost effective ones is the open loop, “V/f” control.

The ratio of voltage to frequency (or V/f) is used because the flux in the air gap of an induction motor is proportional to V/f.  So in order to maintain constant flux, the V/f control will change the voltage proportionally to the frequency.

For example, a 230 V, 60 Hz motor has a V/f ratio of 3.83.  If it is a 2 pole motor, its synchronous speed is 3600 RPM.  In order to cut the synchronous speed in half to 1800 RPM, the control would supply 115 V, 30 Hz, which maintains the V/f ratio of 3.83.

This method of control still allows slight variations of speed due to changing motor loads. Some control manufacturers fix this problem by using a slip compensation feature, which basically estimates how the load effects speed and then increases the power supply frequency to provide even better speed regulation.

How to use the Motor Search Tool

Narrow your search by selecting motor type, gearbox, voltage, and phase options for your desired motor.

Select a dominant variable: choose one of the three parameters to narrow your search. The selected variable determines which slider bar you will be able to manually move.

Use the slider corresponding to your dominant variable to further narrow your motor selection. The other sliders will automatically move to show available ranges based on the range of your selected variable.

Results will upload as your search criteria changes. If you have any questions regarding your results or how to use the search tool, you can chat with us using the green tab on the left-hand side of your screen.


Note: Groschopp Universal motors are custom built to fit your application so no additional options are available to narrow the search. Selecting the Universal motor type will prompt a message taking you to the Universal product page.

Not sure what you need?

One of our team members would be happy to help. Contact us at 800-829-4135 or by email at sales@groschopp.com. You can also chat with us using the green tab on the left side of your screen.

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Universal Motors

Groschopp Universal motors are custom built to fit your application so no additional options are available to narrow the search. Standard frame sizes and motor features can be found on the Universal page.

go to Universal page