Design of rotor - Design of Synchronous Machines

Design of rotor

There are two types of rotor construction. One is the squirrel cage rotor and the other is the slip ring rotor. Most of the induction motor are squirrel cage type. These are having the advantage of rugged and simple in construction and comparatively cheaper. However they have the disadvantage of lower starting torque. In this type, the rotor consists of bars of copper or aluminum accommodated in rotor slots. In case slip ring induction motors the rotor complex in construction and costlier with the advantage that they have the better starting torque. This type of rotor consists of star connected distributed three phase windings. Between stator and rotor is the air gap which is a very critical part. The performance parameters of the motor like magnetizing current, power factor, over load capacity, cooling and noise are affected by length of the air gap. Hence length of the air gap is selected considering the advantages and disadvantages of larger air gap length.

Advantages:

(i)                         Increased overload capacity

(ii)                         Increased cooling

(iii)                         Reduced unbalanced magnetic pull

(iv)                        Reduced in tooth pulsation

(v)                         Reduced noise

Disadvantages

(i)                         Increased Magnetising current

(ii)                         Reduced power factor