Instalaciones de Fuerza Motriz
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Emilio SalomonInstalaciones de Fuerza Motriz
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Emilio SalomonCommon questions
Con tecnología de IADifferent starting methods have varied impacts on starting current and mechanical stress. Direct starting methods are simple but cause high starting currents, about six to eight times the nominal current, leading to mechanical stress . The star-delta starting method reduces current by initially connecting the motor in a star configuration, then switching to a delta, thus using less current initially, but it's only applicable to specific motor types . Variators control frequency to maintain torque at nominal levels while keeping the current low, providing a smooth start but are complex and costly . Soft starters gradually increase voltage, lowering current spikes and mechanical stress, ideal for minimizing the mechanical load and maintaining efficiency . Rotor resistance starters, though uncommon, reduce starting current and increase starting torque by inserting resistance in circuit phases, effectively managing mechanical stress .
A star-delta starter operates by initially connecting the motor windings in a star configuration to reduce the voltage across each winding by a factor of the square root of three, lowering starting current. Once the motor reaches a certain speed, the connections switch to a delta configuration, allowing full line voltage to each winding for maximum power. This method is advantageous as it reduces the starting current and mechanical shock, making it suitable for motors that operate at high torque and power requirements .
Capacitor banks improve the power factor in motor circuits by compensating for the reactive power. The power factor, the ratio of real power to apparent power, can decrease when motors are oversized, leading to inefficiencies. A poor power factor results in higher apparent power draw, which can overload distribution systems. Capacitors provide leading reactive power, offsetting the lagging reactive power drawn by motors, thereby increasing the power factor towards unity. This adjustment is necessary to reduce losses and free up capacity in the power distribution network .
The stator in an electric motor forms a stationary magnetic field when current passes through its windings. The rotor, being free to rotate, responds to this field due to induced electromagnetic forces when current flows through its coils. The interaction between the magnetic fields of the stator and rotor produces torque, causing the rotor to turn, thereby converting electrical energy into mechanical energy .
A variable frequency drive controls the speed of an electric motor by converting the input AC power to DC and then back to AC with a variable frequency. This conversion allows for precise control of the motor's speed as the rotational speed is directly proportional to the frequency of the AC power supplied. The main components of a VFD are a rectifier that converts AC to DC, a DC intermediate circuit, and an inverter that converts the DC back to AC at the desired frequency .
Industrial lighting circuits have stricter voltage drop requirements compared to motor power circuits. According to the Reglamento de la AEA, lighting circuits must not exceed a 3% voltage drop to maintain luminary efficiency, whereas motor power circuits can tolerate up to a 5% voltage drop without affecting motor performance significantly. Additionally, motor power circuits must be designed to prevent voltage drops exceeding 15% during start-up. Moreover, motor power circuits are separated from lighting circuits in terms of conductors and pass-through and distribution boxes .
Industrial motor installations are more complex and subject to stricter safety regulations compared to residential electrical installations. They require independent conductors for motor power circuits, separate from lighting circuits, to prevent interference and ensure safe operation. Industrial setups often use three-phase power for efficiency and economy, with considerations for higher voltage drops and starting currents. Additional safety measures include the use of protective fuses and automatic breaker switches to handle higher loads and prevent electrical hazards during operation, starting, and stopping procedures .
Direct-on-line starting methods cause a surge in the electric current demand, generally six to eight times the motor's rated current, which can rise to fourteen times under certain conditions, potentially causing voltage drops and mechanical stress. This starting method does not offer speed control or reduced energy use, which means it can result in wear and tear due to sudden mechanical loads and high inrush currents, demanding more maintenance and resources .
A soft starter is preferable over a VFD when the primary need is to reduce starting current and mechanical stress without the need for speed control. Soft starters incrementally increase voltage to the motor, minimizing mechanical stress and reducing initial current spikes, which is beneficial for applications where gradual startup is needed but variable speed control is unnecessary. Examples include conveyor systems and water pumps where the load is constant, and the cost efficiency of a soft starter is desirable compared to the more expensive and complex VFD .
Rotor resistance starters offer the benefit of reducing starting current while increasing starting torque, making them suitable for applications needing high starting torque without stressing the power supply network. By varying resistance levels, the system achieves more controlled and quicker start-up. However, this method is limited to wound rotor motors, requires additional maintenance due to the resistors, and is larger and more complex due to the housed resistances. Also, they introduce additional energy losses in the resistors during startup, which might not be suitable for efficiency-focused applications .
