Alexandria University
Faculty of Engineering
Production Engineering Department
Electrical Power Transmission:
Graduation Project
Presented by
Donia Abd El-Atty Abass Rozza
01208149300
Supervised by
Prof. Hassan Ragab
Chapter (3)
Electric System
3.1 Introduction to Power Transfer in Electric Motors
Electrical power transmission refers to the process of transferring electrical energy
from a source to an end-use device or system where it is converted into useful work.
This field plays a vital role in modern engineering and industrial applications, as it
enables the efficient and controlled delivery of power over various distances and
through different media. Unlike mechanical or hydraulic transmission systems,
electrical transmission offers several advantages including higher efficiency, reduced
energy loss, ease of control, and the ability to integrate with automation
technologies.
Electric motors are electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into
mechanical energy through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying
conductors. This energy transfer is fundamental to industrial applications, from
grinding machines (as in the studied AGM 60 L/40 motor) to HVAC systems and
robotics.
Fig (1): Electric motor
3.1.1 Principles of Power Transfer
The motor’s stator generates a rotating magnetic field when energized, inducing
motion in the rotor via electromagnetic forces (Lorentz Force Law). The mechanical
output (torque and speed) depends on:
Input parameters: Voltage (V), current (A), frequency (Hz).
Design: Winding configuration (Δ/Y), core material, and cooling systems.
3.2 Electric Motors
3.2.1 Introduction
Electric motors are electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into
mechanical energy through electromagnetic interactions. They are classified based on
power supply (AC/DC) and operational principles.
3.2.2 DC Motor (Direct Current Motor)
3.2.2.1 Construction
Stator: Permanent magnets or electromagnets creating a fixed magnetic field.
Rotor (Armature): Windings connected to a commutator and brushes.
Commutator: A rotary switch reversing current direction to maintain
rotation.
Brushes: Conduct current to the commutator (carbon or graphite material)
2.2 Working Principle
1. Lorentz Force Law: When current flows through rotor windings, it interacts
with the stator’s magnetic field, producing torque (τ=I × B × r).
2. Commutation: The commutator reverses current polarity every half-rotation
to sustain unidirectional motion.
Fig (2): DC motor construction
3.2.3 AC Motor
3.2.3.1 Types
Synchronous Motors: Rotor speed matches the AC frequency (e.g., clocks).
Induction Motors (Asynchronous): Most common in industry (e.g., AGM 60
L/40).
3.2.3.2 Induction Motor Construction
Stator: 3-phase windings generating a rotating magnetic field (ns=120 f / P).
Rotor:
o Squirrel Cage: Copper/aluminum bars short-circuited by end rings.
o Wound Rotor: Slip rings for external resistance (used in heavy starts).
3.2.3.3 Working Principle
1. Rotating Magnetic Field: 3-phase AC in the stator creates a field rotating at
synchronous speed (ns).
2. Electromagnetic Induction: The rotor’s conductors cut the stator’s field,
inducing current and torque.
3.2.4. 3-Phase Induction Motor
3.2.4.1 Enhanced Construction Details of a 3-Phase AC Induction Motor
1. Stator Core and Windings
The stator is constructed with laminated silicon steel sheets to minimize eddy
current losses. These laminations are stacked and insulated to form a cylindrical core
with slots.
Windings: Three sets of insulated copper coils are inserted into the slots,
spaced 120° apart electrically. Each phase (U, V, W) is distributed to create
a rotating magnetic field when energized.
Pole Configuration: The number of poles (e.g., 2-pole, 4-pole) determines
the synchronous speed (ns=120 f / P). For 50Hz, a 4-pole motor
has ns=1500ns=1500 RPM.
2. Rotor Types
A. Squirrel Cage Rotor
Bars and End Rings: Made of cast aluminum or copper, short-circuited by
conductive end rings.
Advantages: Rugged, low maintenance, and cost-effective.
Disadvantage: Fixed torque-speed characteristics (no external control)
B. Wound Rotor
Slip Rings and Brushes: Three insulated windings connected to external
resistors via slip rings.
Advantage: Allows torque control by varying external resistance (used in
cranes or heavy starters).
Fig (2): 3-Phase
Induction motor
3. Air Gap
A critical design parameter (typically 0.5–2 mm) affecting efficiency and
magnetizing current. A smaller gap improves power factor but increases
manufacturing precision.
4. Frame and Cooling
Frame: Made of cast iron or aluminum, providing mechanical support and
heat dissipation.
Cooling Methods:
o TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled): External fan blows air over
fins.
o IC 411: Standard cooling for industrial motors (e.g., AGM 60 L/40).
5. Bearings and Shaft
Bearings: Ball or roller bearings reduce friction between stator and rotor.
Shaft: Connects to the load (e.g., grinding wheel) and must withstand
mechanical stress.
Fig (2): 3-Phase
AC motor construction
3.2.4.2 Advantages
Self-starting, high efficiency, and balanced power delivery.
No brushes/commutators (low maintenance).
Cost-effective for medium and high-power applications.
Smooth and reliable performance, especially at constant speed.
3.2.4.3 The Grinding Wheel Data (e.g., AGM 60 L/40)
Voltage: 230VΔ / 400VY.
Power: 15–17.5 kW.
Frequency: 50Hz/60Hz.
Frequency effect: When the frequency increases to 60Hz, the power output rises
to 17.5kW due to the increase in the speed of the rotating magnetic field.
Connection Type Selection (Δ or Y):
3.2.4.4 Star (Y) vs. Delta (Δ) Connection
Star (Y): Lower starting current, used for high voltage (400V).
Delta (Δ): Higher torque, used for low voltage (230V).
Fig (3): Delta & star connection
3.2.5. Conclusion
In this chapter, the fundamentals of electric power transmission and the operational
principles of electric motors were explored in detail. Emphasis was placed on both
DC and AC motor types, with a particular focus on 3-phase induction motors due to
their widespread industrial use. The construction, functionality, and advantages of
squirrel cage and wound rotor designs were discussed, along with key performance
aspects such as the air gap, cooling methods, and shaft dynamics.
Furthermore, the analysis of the AGM 60 L/40 grinding motor highlighted the
practical implications of frequency variation and connection types (Star vs. Delta) on
power output and current draw. Understanding these electrical parameters is essential
for selecting and operating motors efficiently in industrial applications, ensuring
optimized performance, reduced energy losses, and extended equipment lifespan.
