Delta connected motors

Figure 17-1 shows a typical system with a Y-connected generator, a delta-connected motor, and a transformer with a delta-connected primary and Y-connected secondary. 

The torque produced by the motor is therefore reduced in proportion to the square of the rms value of the applied voltage. Circuits are available for both star and delta connected motors. Closed loop feedback control may be used to adjust the firing of the thyristors, thereby making accurate speed regulation possible. These systems are only used for small machines, e.g. up to 20 kW because they tend to produce many harmonic currents and voltages in the supply. 

While connecting a delta-wound motor through a Y A starter, the metallic shorting links should be removed. Otherwise the starter will have a dead short-circuit at the motor terminal box and may burn the starter, damage the motor terminal box and even line cables. 

Changeover from star- to delta-connection takes place automatically by means of a timer. At changeover, the motor is momentarily disconnected from the supply and the delta contactor is then closed. The closure of the delta contactor can cause a further surge of current to occur. The magnitude of the surge will depend on the speed of the motor at changeover, but it can be comparable to that taken when started direct on line. 

The three-phase windings of an a.c. generator may be star connected or delta connected as shown in Fig. 2.54. The important relationship between phase and line currents and voltages is also shown. The square root of 3 (Vs) is simply a constant for three-phase circuits, and has a value of 1.732. The delta connection is used for electrical power transmission because only three conductors are required. Delta connection is also used to connect the windings of most three-phase motors because the phase windings are perfectly balanced and, therefore, do not require a neutral connection. 

V. A three-phase, three-wire system, delta-connected, with 240 V between phase conductors and no ground or neutral conductor. Used for motor and three-phase power loads. This system is gradually being replaced by the more modern 120/208-V system with grounded neutral. 

I Normally the external resistances are connected in star. But for larger motors, calling for high resistance grids, they may also be connected in delta, to reduce their current rating and hence the cost. Insulation is not a limiting factor usually, in case of resistance grids. 

Many of the electrical engineering textbooks that include the subject of motors in their contents describe the eqnivalent circnit of an indnction motor as a series and parallel combination of resistances and reactances, see References 1 to 8. The eqnivalent circnit nsnaUy defines the situation for one of the three phases and so care needs to be taken to ensure that the final resnlts obtained apply to the complete motor. Care is also necessary in nsing the ohmic data from mannfacturers, they may have either star winding valnes or delta winding valnes and the choice may not be obvious. The equivalent circuit of most practical use is shown in Figure 5.1 for one star connected winding, where -... 

The torque available from the main motor varies according to the method of start up. whether it is star-delta or direct-on-line. A motor connected in star produces a starting torque one third of that provided when starting direct-on-line. Direct-on-line starting torque can be two and a half times the motor s full load torque, with a starting current of six times full load current. 

When large industrial motors have to be started, a way of reducing the excessive starting currents must be found. One method is to connect the motor to a star delta motor starter. 

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