Auto Transformer starting of an Induction Motor

A three phase Induction Motor takes a high current from the supply mains, during starting.
To limit this high starting current, different starting methods are used.
The main philosophy of starting any Induction Motor is to start it at a reduced
voltage and as soon as the motor reaches its rated speed, full supply voltage is applied to
the terminals of Induction Motor.
In an Auto-transformer, one winding is used for both input and output. This arrangement
makes it smaller, lighter and cheaper than an equivalent double – wound transformer. The supply
voltage is connected across the complete winding and the motor is connected to the reduced
voltage tapping.
It shall be observed that, using Auto-Transformer we are only applying a reduced voltage
xV1 to the Stator terminal of Induction Motor. Here x is less than 1. As soon as the Induction
Motor reaches its rated speed, full supply voltage is applied to the terminals of stator.

Technically, Auto – transformer start resolves the conflict involved in reduced voltage
starting. The conflict is between reducing the surge current taken at start and causing the run-up
time to be excessive. The transformer provides a number of secondary tapping, typically 50%,
65% or 80% tapping. The starter can be wired to the appropriate tapping point which gives an
acceptable reduction of surge current without undue increase in run-up time.
A major advantage of this type of starter over the star-delta starter is that the
KORNDORFFER connection and sequence allows the motor to be run-up to speed without
disconnecting from a driving voltage. This avoids the open transition current surge problems
associated with the star-delta starter.
A step-down transformer is used to provide reduced voltage to the motor at start. The motor
is allowed to run up to speed and then full voltage is applied. The motor is never disconnected from
the driving voltage, thus avoiding current surges.
A schematic diagram for Auto-Transformer Starting of an Induction Motor is given below.

𝑋𝑉1
Therefore, per phase starting current of Motor = = xIsc
𝑍𝑠𝑐

Here Isc is the current through the stator during direct switching of motor.

Thus we observe that starting current of Motor has reduced and is x times that of current during
DOL (Direct Online) starting.

Again,
Input VA of Auto-Transformer = Output VA of the Auto-Transformer
(Ist)(V1) = (xV1)(xIsc)

Therefore, per phase starting current from the Supply Mains Ist = x2Isc
Thus per phase starting current from Supply Mains has now became x2 times that of DOL current.
Since x is less than 1, x2 will be much less than 1.

Thus the main advantage of using Auto-Transformer is that it reduces the starting current from the
Supply Mains by x2 times.
Note that starting current is the motor winding is x times DOL starting current, while the starting
current from the supply mains has became x2 time DOL starting current.

The torque of an Induction Motor is directly proportional of square of applied voltage at the stator
terminals.
Therefore Starting Torque with Auto-Transformer Test = K(xV1)2 where K is constant of
proportionality.
Whereas, Starting Torque with DOL starter = KV12 where K is constant of proportionality.
Thus starting torque with Auto Transformer is less than the starting torque with DOL starting by a
factor of x2.
Qn (A) Sketch a circuit diagram illustrating the auto-transformer method of starting a large
induction motor.
(B) State the sequence of events in starting an induction motor by the auto-transformer
method
(C) State ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of the auto-transformer starter.

STARTING Sequence:

The following circuit diagram shows the arrangement of Auto transformer starter in KORNDORFFER
connection.
 (1) When the start button is pressed, contactors KM1 and KM2 close together. This
allows a reduced voltage to be applied to the motor windings U, V and W via the star
connected auto-transformer.
(2) After a pre-set time delay that allows the motor to run-up, the contactor KM1 opens.
This ends the auto-transformer action and the motor is connected to the main supply
through part of the auto-transformer windings which act as series choke coils.
(3) Now KM3 closes and full voltage is applied to the motor.
(4) KM2 opens and disconnects the auto-transformer from the supply.

The motor is never disconnected from the driving voltage, thus avoiding current surges.

So the sequence is
KM1 and KM2 close
Time Delay
KM1 opens
KM3 Closes
KM2 opens

Advantages:
1. Starting voltage & starting current are adjustable by varying the transformer tapping
2. Very little transition time
3. Motor can be run up to speed without disconnecting from a driving voltage.
Disadvantages:
1. Expensive
2. Big & Heavy
3. Limited starts / hour