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Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Lab Report
Course Code : EEE 2208
Course Title : Electrical Machines I Sessional
Experiment No : 05
Name of the Experiment : Starting a DC shunt motor using 3 point starter.
Submitted By Submitted To
Name : Al-Momin Hosen Md. Ruhul Amin Ratul,
Roll: : 2101102 Assistant Professor
Section : B Dept. of Electrical & Electronic
Engineering, RUET
Date of Experiment : 02-10-2024
Date of Submission : 30-10-2024
Experiment no: 05
Experiment name: Starting a DC shunt motor using 3 point starter.
Theory: A DC shunt motor is one of the most widely used motors because of its
ability to maintain a constant speed under varying load conditions. In this type of
motor, the field windings (which create the magnetic field) are connected in parallel
(or shunt) with the armature. The main advantage of a DC shunt motor is that the
current in the field windings is relatively constant, which keeps the motor's speed
nearly constant as well. When the motor is started, the back electromotive force (Eb)
generated by the motor is zero because the motor is initially at rest. However, the
supply voltage is applied directly across the armature, which causes a large starting
current due to the low resistance of the armature. This large current can damage the
armature windings and the motor. To avoid this, a 3-point starter is used. When the
motor starts, current flows through both the field windings and the armature. The
interaction between the magnetic field generated by the field windings and the
armature current produces a torque that causes the rotor to rotate. As the motor picks
up speed, it generates a back EMF (Eb), which opposes the applied voltage and
reduces the current through the armature. This back EMF increases as the motor
reaches its normal operating speed, thus limiting the current automatically.
The relationship between terminal voltage (Vt), back EMF (Eb), and armature
current (Ia) is given by:
Vt - Eb = Ia.Ra
where Ra is the armature resistance.
As the motor speeds up, the back EMF (Eb) increases, reducing the armature current.
The back EMF is proportional to the motor's speed and the magnetic flux, and is
expressed as:
Eb=K⋅Φ⋅S
where K is a constant depending on the motor design. As the back EMF increases,
the armature current decreases, protecting the motor from excessive currents.
The force (F) experienced by the conductors in the armature can be calculated by:
F= I⋅(L*B)
where I is the current, L is the length of the conductor, and B is the magnetic field
strength.
A 3-point starter is used to protect the motor from damage caused by the high inrush
current during startup. The 3-point starter contains a variable resistance in series with
the armature circuit that is gradually reduced as the motor speeds up. This ensures
that the current is controlled during the critical starting phase, protecting the motor
from damage. Starting Handle (L) of three point starter controls the insertion and
removal of resistances in series with the armature. Initially, high resistance is
inserted to limit the current, and as the motor speeds up, the resistance is gradually
reduced. The overload protection works when the current exceeds a safe limit. The
overload protection opens the circuit, preventing damage. The No-Voltage coil
disconnects the motor in the event of a voltage drop, ensuring that the motor doesn't
restart automatically when the voltage is restored. The 3-point starter thus provides
critical protections during the startup of the motor, ensuring a smooth and controlled
increase in speed and torque while limiting the current drawn from the supply.
Required apparatus:
1. DC motor (Power Rating: 4.5KW;
Speed: 1450rpm;
Voltage rating: 250V;
Current rating: 1.8A;
Field current rating: 1.0 A;
Wound Type: Compound Wound;
Field Resistance: 152.8 ohms(at 25°C);
Enclosure Type: DP (Drip Proof);
Sustained HP: As 5 HP, 1500/3000 RPM, 240 V);
2. DC voltage supply (220V);
3. Ammeter (0-2A);
4. Connecting wires.
Circuit Diagram:
Fig 5.1: Circuit diagram of shunt motor with 3 point starter.
Discussion: The experiment highlighted the effectiveness of the 3-point starter in controlling
the initial high current surge in a DC shunt motor. As the motor accelerates, the starter gradually
raises the applied voltage, ensuring a smooth transition to its operating state. One of the primary
advantages of this starter is its no-voltage protection feature, which automatically disconnects the
motor during power interruptions. This prevents potential damage from uncontrolled restarts.
Additionally, the open field protection is crucial for preventing excessive motor speed in the event
of a field winding failure.Despite these benefits, the 3-point starter does have some limitations,
notably its sensitivity to fluctuations in the power supply. Even minor voltage dips or momentary
faults can trigger unintended shutdowns, which may disrupt operations. Although this sensitivity
is designed to enhance motor safety, it can occasionally lead to unnecessary interruptions.
In summary, the 3-point starter offers essential protective features for the safe operation of a DC
shunt motor. However, its vulnerability to power supply variations can sometimes cause
unexpected system disruptions in certain scenarios.
