troduction

The available power supply and its characteristics must be understood by the motor salesman in order to properly apply an AC induction motor and controls. This section discusses the following power supply factors: Voltages o Power Distribution Systems Frequency 50 Hz Operation of 60 Hz Motors Power Regulations and Rates Power Supply Variations o Voltage variation from nominal values o Frequency variation from rated values o Unbalanced voltage between phases o Combined variation of voltage and frequency

Voltage
The supply voltage must be known in order to select the proper motors and controls for an application. The supply voltage should normally exceed the nameplate voltage by a slight amount, however, some voltage variance is allowable (see "Power Supply Variation" below). Generally, generator and transformer secondary windings are rated the same value as the nominal system voltage. Motors, motor controls and other power utilization equipment are listed lower than nominal system voltages to compensate for system voltage drops. NEMA (1) and the Edison Electric Institute have recommended voltage standards for power generation and distribution equipment, and for motor nameplate values which are as follows: Three Phase Nominal System Voltage 50 Hz 60Hz 120* 208 240 480 600 2400 Single Phase 120 240 (1) MG1-10-30, "Voltages" *Applies to motors rated 15 hp and smaller. The common 3 phase supply voltage for a 4-wire network is 208 nominal volts. Many induction motors of 220 volt designation are unusable on 208 volt network, however, the operating characteristics will be modified (see "Power Supply Variation"). Motors rated 115 230 110 220 Suitable + or - 10% Motor Nameplate Voltage 60 Hz 50 Hz 115* 220 200 380 230 460 575 2300

230 volts will not operate satisfactorily on 208 volt networks. See "Power Supply Variation" for effect of voltage variations for rated value. Many motors are offered with connections for two different voltages; for example 230/460. See footnotes in price book for dual voltage identification. Motors specified as dual voltage will operate successfully at either voltage if connected properly. Multi-speed motors are almost always single voltage rated. Some Reliance motors will have a tag attached which will remind the motor user of the suitable operating voltages of the motor on a 60 Hz power supply. Some of these stickers are shown below and can be obtained from Stationery Stores in Cleveland.

Power Distribution Systems

The electrical power distribution systems in most common usage today are Radial and Network Systems. Radial Systems distribute electrical power in a form similar to the spokes of a wheel. On this system distribution to each spoke is independent of distribution to other spokes, thus voltage deviations of 10% can occur. Network Systems are stiffer than Radial Systems since they are constructed similar to a grid with two or more busses supplying the network. Individual segments of the network thus support distribution to other areas. 120/208 Volt Systems can be either Radial or Network Systems and are usually found when there is a high lighting load with respect to power load.

Figure 1 120/208 Volt - 4 Wire System

The line to neutral voltage on this "Y" system is 120V, i.e.: (208) single phase and is

used for lighting loads. The line-to-line voltage (208V) is used for 3 phase power loads. Since each 1% increase in voltage over 120V decreases light bulb life 10% (5% increase reduces life 50%), these systems are arranged to prevent over voltage on the 120V system. Hence the 3 phase output power voltage is set for 208V maximum. Voltage deviations of 208V - 10% occur on 120/208 volt systems. To meet these conditions NEMA has adopted a 200V standard to replace the 208V motor of the past. The Electric Motor Industry's change from 220/440 volts does not result from a recent significant change in power distribution voltages. Distribution voltages of 240/480 have been standard in most areas for over 20 years. The previous motor voltage standards of 220/440 were correct for these nominal power system voltages of 240/480, since voltage regulation practice and location of transformers and switchgear with respect to load, resulted in greater line voltage drops than exist today. Today's higher voltage at the load results from improved regulation and closer proximity of transformers to load which decrease line voltage drop. Table 1 shows the voltage ranges at the load found in industry, taken from the 1964 NEMA survey and conclusively demonstrates the logic of the new motor standard of 230/460 for 240/480 nominal power systems. Median Voltage at Load

New Selected Voltage Range at Motor Voltage 10% of New Std.

% of reading Below 253 Above 207 99% Above 414 All Above 420 Above 220

230

253/207

All Below 250 Below 506

228 80% Above 440 462 90%

480

506/414

All Below 500

Table 1 Today's stiffer distribution systems are illustrated by Table 2 which shows that median voltages at the transformer are only a few percent higher than voltages at the load. Median Voltage Nominal Power System Voltage At Transformer At Load 240 480 233 470 228 462 Table 2

Phases

Three-phase power is the most commonly used throughout the world since three times the power transmitted by single phase can be obtained by using three wire, three phase system rather than a two wire, single phase system. The addition of the third wire and use of 3 phases makes economic sense. Single phase, if necessary, can be obtained from a three phase supply simply by tapping into any two lines of the three wire system. Two phase power supply is found in only a few scattered areas around the U.S. and the world. Two phase motors are not generally available in stock; Check AC Products in Cleveland for availability. Two winding multi-speed motors are difficult to wind for two phases, therefore, transformation to allow three phase operation is recommended. If a change of the direction of rotation of a driven machine would be disastrous, the power system should be checked to determine the likelihood of phase reversal. If necessary, phase-failure relays (nonreverse couplings) may be installed.

Frequency
The standard frequency in the United States is 60 cycles (Hz and cps). In foreign countries, 50 cycle systems have been used extensively in traction and steel mill applications, but the modern trend is tow 60 cycle in these applications. The use of 40 and cycle systems are isolated and demand is relatively small, so stock motors are notavailable. Some 60 Hz motors having a 1.15 service factor may successfully be operated at 50 Hz at a reduced voltage and horsepower rating (see "50 Hz motor applications" for details). To order 60 Hz rated and nameplated motors, refer to price adder in price book. Higher than 60 Hz frequencies are obtainable for special high-speed motor application by using induction frequency converters or alternators. For information on the effect of frequency variation from rated, see the "Power Supply Variation" section below.

50 Hertz Operation Of 60 Hertz Motors

Basically the 60 hertz motor will operate at 50 hertz on selected voltages at 85% or 80% of the 60 hertz rated horsepower. Because of the increasing number of requests for operation of 60 hertz motors on 50 hertz power supplies, we are making available a self adhesive label, RE 491A3, a sample of which is reproduced here. The label may be used on all non-modified motors, cast iron or rolled steel, 48T thru 440T frames subject to the following conditions. 1. 2. 3. The label will not be applied by our plants or stock centers. Use for customer incidental requirements - the best motor for 50 hertz operation is still one designed specifically for that service. Standard NEMA Design B - 2, 4, 6 and 8 pole, 3 phase, Design C, Design D, multi speed motors.

4. 5. 6. 7.

Motors may have less than NEMA torques. Care must be exercised in using for hard-to-start and hard-to- accelerate loads. Not to be used on motors with inherent thermal protection. Not to be used on explosion-proof motors. Temperature limits for "de-rate factor" loads will apply (900 C rise for Class B insulation).

The label is available now without charge through Stationery Stores.

Power Regulations And Rates

Power companies sometimes indirectly regulate the amount of motor starting power that a customer can use. This is due to the power companies capacity to serve a given installation. The power capacity of a plant is limited by the size and number of incoming power lines, transformers, and other distribution equipment. If the power system is not "stiff enough" to handle the normal load and the in-rush load due to motor starting which will be 4-1/2 to 7 times full load current depending on motor design, reduced voltage starters might be needed to keep the high motor starting current from exceeding the systems capacity. See "Reduced Voltage Starting" in the Starting Methods section, page 0-1 for more information on starters. Note that most motors today, however, are started across the line, especially those under 100 hp. ** All Reliance motors are electrically and mechanically capable of across-the-line starting. To protect their systems, electric utilities sometime establish limitations on starting of large motors. These limitations(2) generally take one of the following three forms: 1. A maximum allowable current or power consumption per motor horsepower during any portion of the starting period. This protects the power company in a general situation. Such limitations are defined in terms of amperes per horsepower and kilovolt-amperes (kva) per horsepower. A maximum permissible motor horsepower, or a maximum allowable current or power consumption during any portion of the starting period. Generally, this recognizes the specific size of motor to be used, application of the motor, capacity of the power distribution system serving the motor, and location of the motor in the power distribution system. Such limitations are defined in terms of amperes and kva. A maximum allowable increase in current or power consumption per unit of time during the starting period. This type of limitation generally occurs where a power company's automatic voltage regulator is capable of maintaining relatively constant voltage at the distribution point, providing a large change in load is not suddenly applied. Such limitations are defined in terms of amperes, or kva, per unit of time, in which case the unit of time is given in terms of seconds or fractions of a second. Generally, there is no definite limit to the ultimate value of the inrush current.

2.

3.

(2) From: "Motor and Starters", H.A. Wolfberg, Air Conditioning, Heating, and Ventilating," February, 1965.

The cost of energy to the customer may effect his choice of motors and controls. Motor efficiencies can vary widely, particularly when speed adjustment is involved and the customer may purchase the motor with the highest operating efficiency simply due to the savings in power expense over the life of the motor. This factor in motor selection becomes more important as the size of the motor and power utilized increases. Power rate structure varies with each power company and each power company has a large number of rate schedules which are applied to different customers depending on what load they use. Large power users sometimes negotiate a power rate with the power company on an individual basis if other established rates do not apply to them. Power rates are usually based on four major functions which are total power consumption, largest demand requirement, the power factor, and the cost of coal. The total power consumed may be measured in either kWh or kva and in some cases the rate schedule may state that a set amount of power per month is without charge. Most rate schedules have a demand charge. This is a rate based on maximum demand in a given period of time, as well as energy consumed. For example, a customer is charged a power rate which is determined by his peak load during a given time for all the power he consumed even though the peak load may have existed for only a short period of time. Rate schedules also incorporate a power factor clause, which adjusts the rate proportionally to the power factor and/or specifies a penalty or bonus charge to the customer if the power factor is below or above a stated lagging value. For example, if the P.F. is below 80% a penalty is charged or if the P.F. is above 90% a bonus is awarded. For more information on the definition and correction of a power factor, see the "Power Factor" section. A coal clause is usually written into a rate schedule which allows the power company to increase the users rate as the price of coal increases. This clause is meant to protect the power company from the inflation effects on coal which is the main energy source for the power companies. For example, the cost of coal per ton was about $5.50 in 1965 and has risen to over $24.00 per ton today. This is one of the major reasons for the increasing cost of electric power in recent years.

Power Supply Variations

An ideal power supply would have constant voltage, frequency and phasing, but in reality they fluctuate around the nominal values specified for the particular system. Voltages will usually range from 10% above to 10% below the nominal values and sometimes more in an industrial environment. Frequency is usually closely controlled whether power is purchased or generated in a private plant, but it also can vary. Phasing, which is balanced when the voltage in each phase of a polyphase system is equal, can be unbalanced by 1, 2, or more percentage points. The effect of this power supply variation on electric motor performance is different for each type of motor (an AC induction motor is different than a synchronous is different than a DC). This section will discuss only the effect on AC induction motors. Each type of power variation (voltage, frequency or phasing) has a different effect on the operation of an AC induction motor. For ease of understanding, each power variation and its effect will be discussed individually below. In an actual industrial environment,

however, it is common to simultaneously experience a combination of the three different power supply variations. When this occurs the effect on the motor is the result of the combined effects superimposed on one another.

Voltage Variation from Nominal Values

Applicable for 180-449 frames. NEMA has established a standard for AC induction motors which concerns variation from rated voltage. The standard is MG1-12.43 (Jan. 1993) Which states that motors shall operate "successfully" under running conditions at rated load with a variation in the voltage up to 10% with rated frequency. "Successfully" does not mean that the motor will operate at rated performance. For example, the motor may not be able to start and accelerate the driven load under a voltage variation condition since the speed-torque curve will change. The major effects on motor operation due to a voltage variation are: Reduced Voltage 1. 2. 3. increased temperature rises reduction in starting torque reduction in running torque

Increased Voltages 1. 2. 3. increased starting and running torques higher starting current decreased power factor

See Table A at the end of this section for quick reference to the effect of voltage variation on motor operation. Voltage variations are caused by changing amounts of current flowing through a distribution system which contains impedance. The change in current results in a change in IR drops in the system, and therefore, a variation in the voltage levels throughout the system and at the utilization equipment terminals. Voltage variations are described as voltage spread" regulation, or flicker. Voltage spread is defined as the difference between the minimum and maximum voltages experienced at any particular location. Voltage regulation is the percentage decrease in voltage from no load to full load at a particular location. Voltage flicker is the rapid cyclid variation in voltage generally detectable by changes in illumination intensity.

Frequency Variation from Rated Value

NEMA standard MG1-12.44 states, "alternating current motors shall operate successfully

under running conditions at rated load and at rated voltage with a variation in the frequency up to 5% above or below the rated." "Shall operate successfully," does not mean the motor will run at rated performance; motor current, torque, efficiency, power factor and full-load speed will be affected by a deviation of frequency from nameplate values. The approximate changes in motor performance due to frequency variations are shown in Table A at the end of this section.

Unbalanced Voltage between Phases

A polyphase induction motor is designed to operate on a power supply where the voltage is equal in each phase of the supply. When the voltage is unequal, a small rotating magnetic field is created which moves in the opposite direction as the main field. This bucking magnetic field produces induced voltages and thus high currents. A large current unbalance can result from a slight voltage unbalance, and for a given % unbalance, the current will range from a large value at no load to a lesser value at locked rotor condition. Motor temperature is also significantly affected by a slight unbalance. The percentage increase in temperature rise will be approximately two times the square of the percentage voltage unbalance or: Unbalanced Temp. Rise = Balanced Temp. Rise x (1 + 2 (% Voltage unbalance) 2) / 100 As an example, 3.5% voltage unbalance will cause an approximate 25% motor temperature increase. Other effects of a voltage unbalance are that a marked reduction in motor efficiency can be expected, locked-rotor torque and breakdown torque will decrease slightly, full-load speed will decrease slightly, and full-load power factor will decrease. See Table A below for the approximate changes in motor performance due to voltage unbalance.

Combined Variation of Voltage and Frequency

Applicable for 180-449 frames. NEMA standard MG-1-12.45 (Jan. 1993) states that an "AC motor shall operate successfully under running conditions at rated load with a combined variation in the voltage and frequency up to 10percent above or below the rated voltage and the rated frequency, provided that the frequency variation does not exceed 5 percent." ***Reliance motors meet or exceed the operating performance specified in the NEMA standards concerning power supply variations.*** GENERAL EFFECT OF VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY VARIATION ON STANDARD EFFICIENT INDUCTION MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS POWER VARI STAR SYNCH FULL EFFICIENCY FUL STA TE MAX MAGN % FACTOR ATIO TING RONOU L- RTIN MP OVER ETIC SLIP N & S LOAD FU 3/4 1/2 FU 3/4 1/2 LOA G RIS LOAD NOISE

MAX SPEED RUNN ING TORQ UE

SPEE LL LOA LO LL LO LO D CUR E, CAPA -NO D LO D AD LO AD AD CUR REN FU CITY LOAD AD AD REN T LLIN T LO PARTI AD CULA R Dec Pract Slig reas Decre icall Increa ht e 1ase y no se 1% Incr 2 17% chan ease poin ge ts Dec reas e 510 poin ts Dec reas e5 poin ts Dec reas Increa Increa e 5se 2- se 106 4% 12% poin ts Volta ge Pract icall y no chan ge Incr ease 1-2 poin ts Slig ht Incr ease Incr ease 5 poin ts Slig ht Incr ease Incr ease 2-3 poin ts Slig ht Incr ease Incr Decre ease Increa ase 4-5 se 1010poin 11% 12% ts Slig ht Incr ease Incr ease Increas 3-4 Increas e degr e 21% Slightly ees C (Volta ge)2 Incr ease Decrea Decreas 6-7 se e degr 19% Slightly ees C Decrea Decreas se e Slightl Slightly y

110% Increas No voltag e 21% Change e

Functi (Synch 1/(Vo on of (Voltag ronous Constant ltage) voltag e)2 speed 2 e slip) 90% Decrea No voltag se 19% Change e Freq. variati Decrea Increase on: se 10% 5% 105% freq. Functi on of 1/(Freq Frequenc freque uency)2 y ncy Dec Increa Decrea reas se se 1- e 2 23% 1/2% poin ts

Practi Slig Sligh cally Increa ht t no se 5% Incr Incre chang ease ase e (Synch ronous speed slip)

Dec Decre Decre reas ase ase 5- e Slight 6% Slig ly htly 1/Freq uency

Practi Slig Slig Slig Sligh 95% cally ht ht ht Increas Decrease Decrea t freque no Dec Dec Dec e 11% 5% se 5% Decr ncy chang reas reas reas ease e e e e 1% Slight Slight Unbal Decrea Decrease ance se 2% Slight Slight Unbal Decrea Decrease ance se 2% Slight Dec Decrea reas se e 8% Slight Dec Decrea reas se e 56% Dec reas e 7% Dec reas e

Slig ht Dec reas e

Slig ht Dec reas e

Increa Incr Increas Increa Increas se ease e se 5e Slight Slig Slightl 6% Slightly ly htly y 1Slight 2% 1/2% Decre Incr Increa ase ease se 3% Slight 8% Increa Decre Incr se ase ease

NOTE: This table shows general effects, which will vary somewhat for specific ratings. Table A

Figure 2

Rectified Power Supplies and AC Input Voltages

Contact Product Marketing for DC motors to be operated from rectified power supplies with AC input voltages higher than the cataloged standard. The increased phase back required to produce rated voltage results in more ripple and increased motor heating. 460 Volts AC = 500 Volts DC is OK 550 Volts AC = 500 Volts DC is Not OK 460 Volts AC = 400 Volts DC is Not OK For regenerative applications, the AC input voltage should be approximately 10% less than the DC output voltage. For non-regeneration applications, the AC input voltage should be approximately 15% to 20% less than the DC output voltage. This will assure lower ripple and reduce the likelihood that a choke would be required. Drive DC Output Volts can be as High as: 300 600 Lowest Current Ripple when Drive AC Input Volts are: Regen 215 450 Non-regen 190-205 400-425

DC Motor Drive AC Arm Volts Input Volts 240 500 230 460

Volts per Commutator Bar Limits Mica Average Peak to Peak Volts, Thickness, Volts Shunt & Stab Shunt inch 0.020 0.025 15 15 30 30

Peak to Peak Volts, Shunt Compensated

0.035 0.045 0.062

15 16 18

35 45 53 24

Average Volts per Bar = No. of Paths x Arm V / No. of Bars. For lap windings the number of paths usually equals the number of poles. Wave windings have only two paths.

Power Supply Characteristics and NEMA Code Letters

The Power Supply Code or "Power Code" letter as stamped on the nameplate, defines the motor's, drive compatibility. The Power Code is defined by NEMA and based on 60 Hertz power to the rectifier. The Power Code letter defines the type of rectified power the motor can operate on at nameplate rating, without incurring heating or commutation problems due to the amount of current ripple being supplied by the drive. Power Supply Code ID letters are in alphabetical order of increasing magnitude of ripple current. To operate a motor from a power supply with more ripple than the motor was designed for requires the use of an inductance choke to reduce the magnitude of the current ripple or derating the motor or both. Power Supply Codes are defined on page C-105 in the price book and in Reliance Instruction Manuals. Power supplies are also defined by NEMA MG 1-1993 in Parts 10 and 12. In Part 14, NEMA covers Form Factor and Current Ripple. Motors designed to run on Code C power can also run on Code A power. Motors designed to run on Code E power can also run on Code D, C and A power. Power Supply NEMA Reliance Code Code A C D E 3/3-480-60-0 K 2/2-230-60-0 S-3R S-2 S-2R S-0 S-6 S-3

Description Battery, DC Generator or 12 pulse/cycle, 6 phase, full control 6 pulse/cycle, 3 phase, full control 230 or 460 volts, 60 Hertz 3 pulse/cycle, 3 phase semi bridge, 1/2 control, 230 or 460 v, 60 Hz 3 pulse/cycle, 3 phase, 1/2 wave, 460 volt, 60 Hertz 3 pulse/cycle, 3 phase, 1/2 wave, reversing, 460 volt, 60 Hertz 2 pulse/cycle, 1 phase, full wave, with free wheeling diode, 230 v, 60 Hz 2 pulse/cycle, 1 phase, full wave, reversing, no free wheeling, 230 v, 60 Hz

Reliance DC motors are designed for use with adjustable voltage power supplies with defined characteristics. When quoting and when entering an order, it is important that the power supply be defined. When the power supply code can not be designated by a NEMA single letter code, the power supply should be identified as follows: M/N F-V-H-L

Where: M = total pulses per cycle N = total controlled pulses per cycle F = free wheeling, when used V = nominal line to line AC voltage to the rectifier H = line frequency in Hertz L = external inductance (choke) to be added in the armature circuit in milliHenries Example: A 600 Volt DC motor running on 3 phase, full wave, 6 total pulses per cycle, 6 controlled pulses per cycle, without free wheeling, 550 Volts, 60 Hertz AC input, without a choke being required, would have the power stated as: 6/6-550-600. The zero at the end means that a choke is not required. If instead of zero, the number was "0.25", a 0.25 mH choke would be required. You must know both the full load and over load current when purchasing a choke. The motor plant does not supply chokes.

Rectified Power, the Effect on the Motor

The effect of rectified power on the motor can be significant and is related to Power Code, Form Factor and Current Ripple. The following concerns are a result of operating on rectified power. Heating Current ripple causes heating. Losses are a function of rms current squared. Armature copper losses are increased by the form factor squared. A motor operating with a 1.2 form factor will have armature copper losses 10% higher than if it were run on pure DC. (1.2 2 = 1.10) As speed decreases, ripple increases and heating increases. Additional losses produced by pulsating flux in the frame and pole pieces add to the heating. Commutation Commutation deteriorates as ripple increases; the rate is non-linear. The ability to commutate deteriorates rapidly as ripple increases. Noise A loud transformer type hum is sometimes produced when a motor is run on rectified power. Torque Pulsations and Vibration Rectified power may produce torque pulsations that are not acceptable for some applications such as grinders, film coaters etc. Shaft Currents As a result of capacitance between the armature winding and ground, currents can pass through the motor bearings to ground. These currents can sometimes be harmful to bearings.

Current Ripple

In general, a motor's commutating ability decreases 20% to 25% for each 5% increase in ripple current.

Armature Current Ripple

Rectified power supplies produce AC components of voltage and current which are superimposed on the DC voltage and current. It is the current component that creates heat and is of most concern. Peak-to-Peak Armature Current Ripple or "Ripple" is the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the current wave form. Ripple is often expressed as a percent of the average armature current. Ripple can be measured with an oscilloscope. Armature current ripple of a motor-rectifier circuit may be established by calculation. Motor heating increases with increases in armature current ripple. Commutation becomes more difficult with increased armature current ripple. Ripple has a greater effect on commutation at higher speeds. Current ripple is a function of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Total drive & motor circuit inductance (inductance Motor speed (speed , ripple ) Motor load (load , ripple ) AC line voltage (volts , ripple ) Type of circuit , ripple )

The maximum ripple occurs at about 68% of base speed. When a 60 Hertz rated motor is used on 50 Hertz power, the armature current ripple is increased approximately as the inverse ratio of the frequencies. That is, there is about 20% more current ripple operating on 50 Hertz power (1 / (50 / 60)). The continuous load capability is then reduced 5% when the motor is operated on 50 Hertz power. The motor can be operated without the derating if a choke is added that is equal to 20% of the armature circuit inductance.

Armature Current Form Factor

The rms or heating value of the current wave is higher than the DC or torque producing value. The ratio between the two is the Armature Current Form Factor or "Form Factor". Armature copper losses are increased by the form factor squared. At 68% of base speed these losses are increased 50%. In motors larger than 50 hp additional losses produced by pulsating flux in the frame and pole pieces become significant. The armature current form factor for a motor-rectifier circuit can be calculated. Form Factor = Effective or RMS Current / Average Current Ripple = IAC / IRated R = 24.79 / 142 = .1746 = 17.46% of the average I Arm FF = SQRT(1 + (% ripple / 100)2) FF = SQRT(1 + (17.46% / 100)2 = 1.015) Form factor changes with motor design. Note how armature circuit inductance increases with reduction in base speed and form factor improves. Two pole motors have more inductance than four pole motors. The following tables are for discussion only and not a Reliance or industry standard.

Form Factor/Heating Example: Machine Tool Motors 240 V Arm % Heat Increase BS Arm Cir Code E Code C Mfg Frm HP Code E Code C RPM Ind H FF FF Pwr Pwr RE 328 40 GE 365 40 IE IE 328 40 368 40 GE 368 40 1150 1150 1150 650 650 .00217 .00300 .00240 .00540 .00480 1.0331 1.0300 1.0440 1.0090 1.0100 1.0018 1.0017 1.0020 1.0005 1.0006 6.7 6.0 9.0 1.8 2.0 .36 .34 .40 .10 .12

Power Code A C D E K

Armature Current Circuit Form Factor at FL and BS 1750 RPM 2 pole mtr 4 pole mtr 1.00 1.01 1.05 1.20 1.35

% Heating Increase Above Code A 2 pole 4 pole 0 2 10 44 82

Major Effect on the motor

commutation heat & comm heat & comm heating

Other system considerations and Information

The 3 pulse voltage waveform of the S3R drive produces a higher form factor than the 6 pulse S6R drive. The current form factor with a S3R is some what higher than the current form factor with a S6R. The smoothing affect of the inductance of the S3R transformer keeps the current form factor lower than it would be otherwise. The lower Code E form factor in the first table is a result of a double way (not single way) bridge and thus is not true Code E power. Both drives cause line notching but the S6R has twice the number of notches per line cycle as the S3R. Then there is price!

Reliance RPM DC Motors are specifically designed to operate on Rectified Power Supplies.
With battery or generator power there is always current to the interpole when the brush changes bars. Interpoles compensate for armature reaction and overcome sparking voltage. With rectified power there is pulsating DC current and the interpole field is not present when the brush changes bars. Or we could say that interpole flux lags armature current by about 45? in a solid frame DC motor when run on 3 pulse static power. In the mid 1960's Reliance developed RPM (Rectified Power Motor) laminated frame designs, in which inductance is reduced, which puts the interpole flux more in phase with the armature current. The result was a motor in which the interpole flux lags the armature current by about 22? and thus commutates better when run on rectified power. In addition to better commutation due to the laminated frame design, eddy currents are reduced and thus heating is reduced.

Solid Frame DC Motors

An approach used with solid frame motors to allow them to run on rectified power is to reduce or smooth out the ripple by increasing the inductance through use of an inductive reactance choke filter or choke coil. This increases inductance that puts the interpole flux more out of phase with the armature current but the ripple amplitude is then so small that commutation is good. Two pole motor armatures have higher inductance than four pole motor armatures and thus tend to commutate better on rectified power due to the higher inductance. Last Updated September 1, 1998