Double Revolving Field Theory of Single Phase Induction Motor

Double Revolving Field Theory of Single Phase Induction Motor

Consider two magnetic fields represented by quantities OA and OB of equal magnitude revolving in opposite directions as shown in fig:

The resultant of the two fields of equal magnitude rotating in opposite directions is alternating. Therefore an alternating current can be considered as having two components which are of equal in magnitude and rotating in opposite directions.

From the above, it is clear that when a single phase alternating current is supplied to the stator of a single phase motor, the field produced will be of alternating in nature which can be divided into two components of equal magnitude one revolving in clockwise and other in counter clockwise direction.

If a stationary squirrel cage rotor is kept in such a field equal forces in opposite direction will act and the rotor will simply vibrate and there will be no rotation.

But if the rotor is given a small jerk in any direction in this condition, it will go on revolving and will develop torque in that particular direction. It is clear from the above that a single phase induction motor when having only one winding is not a self-starting. To make it a self-starting anyone of the following can be adopted.

(i)  Split phase starting.

(ii) Repulsion starting.

(iii) Shaded pole starting.