INTRODUCTION

Squirrel cage induction motors have been a cornerstone of industrial applications for over a
century, known for their reliability, efficiency, and robust construction. These motors are the
workhorses that drive countless industrial processes, from conveyor belts to pumps and fans.
However, the conventional squirrel cage induction motor design, while highly dependable, often
falls short when it comes to precise control and adaptation to modern power systems, particularly
in environments where high-order harmonics play a significant role.

The ABC frame squirrel cage induction motor, designed with advanced engineering and
construction, presents an intriguing challenge and opportunity for the field of electrical
engineering. Its 7th order design introduces a level of complexity that significantly departs from
traditional motor configurations, requiring a deeper understanding of its behavior and an accurate
mathematical model that can predict its performance under various operating conditions.

This laboratory experiment aims to delve into the intricacies of the 7th order squirrel cage
induction motor with an ABC frame. Our primary focus is on developing and validating a
mathematical model that accurately represents the electrical and mechanical characteristics of
this motor. This model will not only aid in understanding the motor's operation but also serve as
a valuable tool for engineers and researchers working with advanced motor designs and power
systems.

In this introduction, we will provide an overview of the objectives and the importance of this
experiment, outlining the steps involved in developing and validating the mathematical model
for the 7th order squirrel cage induction motor in the ABC frame. We will also discuss the
broader significance of this work, including its relevance to modern industrial applications,
energy efficiency, and the management of high-order harmonics in electrical systems.

By the end of this experiment, participants will have gained invaluable insights into the
complexities of high-order harmonics and their influence on motor behavior. This knowledge is
essential for advancing motor design, control strategies, and the effective integration of these
motors into today’s diverse and dynamic power systems.
THEORY

The squirrel cage induction motor is one of the most common types of electric motors used in
various industrial and domestic applications. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic
induction and is renowned for its robust and maintenance-free design. To understand its theory
of operation, let's break it down into key principles and components:

Stator: The stationary part of the motor is called the stator. It consists of a laminated iron core
with evenly spaced slots to hold the stator windings. These windings are typically connected to a
three-phase AC power supply, creating a rotating magnetic field when energized. The rotating
magnetic field is essential for inducing current in the rotor.

Rotor: The rotor is the rotating part of the motor. In a squirrel cage motor, it consists of a
cylindrical iron core with conductive bars or short-circuited conductive rings (resembling a
squirrel cage) placed in the rotor slots. These bars or rings are made of conductive materials like
aluminum or copper. When the rotating magnetic field is produced by the stator, it induces a
current in these conductive elements, generating a secondary magnetic field in the rotor.

Induction Principle: The operation of a squirrel cage motor is based on Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction. When the stator's rotating magnetic field cuts across the conductive
elements of the rotor, it induces a current in the rotor bars or rings. According to Lenz's law, the
induced current creates a magnetic field opposing the stator's field. This interaction leads to the
rotor's rotation in the same direction as the rotating magnetic field, following the law of
electromagnetic induction.

Synchronous Speed: The synchronous speed (N_sync) of the squirrel cage motor is determined
by the frequency (f) of the AC power supply and the number of poles (P) in the stator windings.
It is calculated as follows:

N_sync = (120 * f) / P

The motor's rotor speed (N) will always be slightly less than the synchronous speed due to slip
(S), a result of the rotor current lagging behind the stator field. The difference between
synchronous speed and rotor speed is referred to as slip:
Slip (S) = (N_sync - N) / N_sync

The slip is necessary for the motor to generate torque.

Torque Production: The torque produced by the squirrel cage motor is a result of the interaction
between the rotating magnetic field and the induced current in the rotor. The torque is
proportional to the product of the rotor current, stator magnetic field strength, and the sine of the
phase angle between them. This torque causes the rotor to turn, enabling the motor to perform
mechanical work.

In summary, a squirrel cage induction motor operates by inducing a current in the rotor through
electromagnetic induction when connected to a three-phase AC power supply. The interaction
between the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator and the induced current in the rotor
generates the necessary torque for motor rotation. This design is characterized by its simplicity,
efficiency, and reliability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.