Special Electrical Machines - Solved Question Paper
Q1. Write short notes on: (a) Slip power recovery (b) Universal motor (c) Stepper motor (d)
Single-phase induction motor (e) Linear induction motor (f) Permanent magnet DC motor
Answer:
(a) Slip Power Recovery:
Used in wound rotor induction motors to recover slip power and feed it back to the supply. Two methods:
Static Scherbius and Static Kramer drive.
(b) Universal Motor:
Runs on both AC and DC, high speed, used in mixers, drills.
(c) Stepper Motor:
Moves in steps, used for precise positioning in printers, CNC machines.
(d) Single-phase Induction Motor:
Requires auxiliary means for starting. Types: split-phase, capacitor start/run, shaded pole.
(e) Linear Induction Motor:
Provides linear instead of rotational motion. Applications: maglev trains, conveyors.
(f) Permanent Magnet DC Motor:
Rotor uses permanent magnets. Compact, efficient, used in robotics, portable tools.
Q2. Explain the construction and working of a double cage induction motor. Discuss the various
methods of speed control in a three-phase induction motor.
Answer:
Special Electrical Machines - Solved Question Paper
Double Cage Induction Motor:
Two cages: outer (high resistance) and inner (low resistance). At start, outer cage dominates giving high
torque. During running, inner cage provides efficiency.
Speed Control Methods:
1. Rotor resistance control
2. Voltage control
3. Frequency control using VFD
4. Pole changing
5. Cascade control
Q3. Describe the construction and operation of capacitor start and capacitor run single-phase
induction motors. Compare shaded pole motors with split-phase motors in terms of performance and
application.
Answer:
Capacitor Start: High starting torque, switch disconnects capacitor after starting.
Capacitor Run: Capacitor remains in circuit, better efficiency.
Shaded Pole: Simple, low cost, low torque.
Split Phase: Higher torque, uses centrifugal switch, better performance.
Q4. Explain the construction and characteristics of universal motors. Write short notes on: (i) Linear
Induction Motor (ii) Applications of single-phase motors.
Answer:
Universal Motor: Series motor, runs on both AC/DC, high speed, used in drills, blenders.
Special Electrical Machines - Solved Question Paper
(i) Linear Induction Motor: Produces linear thrust. Used in maglev trains.
(ii) Applications: Fans, blowers, pumps, mixers, appliances.
Q5. With neat diagrams, explain the construction and working of a variable reluctance stepper motor.
Explain the types of stepper motors with their characteristics.
Answer:
VR Stepper Motor: Rotor aligns with stator magnetic field. Moves in steps. No permanent magnets.
Types:
1. Variable Reluctance
2. Permanent Magnet
3. Hybrid
Characteristics: Precise, open-loop control, torque drops with speed.
Q6. What is a switched reluctance motor? Explain its working with a neat diagram. Describe the
advantages and disadvantages of switched reluctance motors.
Answer:
SRM: Rotor without windings/magnets. Stator excited sequentially. Rotor moves to align with flux path.
Advantages: Simple, robust, high speed.
Disadvantages: Noisy, complex control.
Special Electrical Machines - Solved Question Paper
Q7. Explain in detail the construction and working of a permanent magnet synchronous motor
(PMSM). Compare BLDC motors with PMSMs.
Answer:
PMSM: Rotor with permanent magnets. Synchronous speed. Used in HVAC, robotics.
BLDC: Trapezoidal EMF, uses Hall sensors.
PMSM: Sinusoidal EMF, smoother torque.
Q8. Write short notes on the following: (a) Rotor resistance control method (b) Static Scherbius drive
(c) Torque-speed characteristics of AC servo motors (d) Hysteresis motors
Answer:
(a) Adds external resistors to rotor for speed control.
(b) Recovers slip power and feeds back to supply.
(c) High torque at low speed.
(d) Smooth, silent, synchronous motors used in clocks.
Q9. Differentiate between constant torque and constant power control of slip ring induction motors.
Explain the role of frequency control and voltage control in performance enhancement of induction
motors.
Answer:
Constant Torque: Torque remains constant, power varies with speed.
Constant Power: Power constant, torque decreases with speed.
Frequency Control: Adjusts speed efficiently using VFDs.
Voltage Control: Used for small adjustments, less efficient.
