Starting Induction Motors

Induction Motors can usually be started by simply connecting them to the supply line
voltage. This can, however, cause power system problems. Start currents (or "in-rush"
currents) are high, often about 6 times rated current. Starting a motor directly from the
supply line can cause the supply voltage to dip, or "sag", due to the higher than normal
voltage drop across supply line and transformer impedances. In severe cases, this voltage
sag can cause supply instability or the failure of sensitive power electronics connected to the
system.
Wound Rotor Motors

Start behaviour of wound rotor machines can be controlled by adding resistance to the rotor
circuit, as shown below:

In the circuit model above, the actual resistance RE has been referred to the rotor as RE. It
can be seen from the circuit model that the increased impedance will reduce the start
current. In addition, the extra rotor resistance will increase the motor torque during starting,
reducing the start time and overall impact of the in-rush current.
Cage Machines

Cage motors cannot have additional resistance added to the rotor circuit. A number of
options are available for cage motor starts:

Full Voltage, or direct-on-line start

Wye-Delta Start

Adding additional circuitry to the stator, including

Autotransformer

Additional resistance

Electronic soft-start or variable speed start

Andy Knight