Principle and Working of Split Phase Induction Motor

PRINCIPLE OF SPLIT PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR

The basic principle of operation of a split phase induction motor is similar to that of a polyphaseinduction motor. The main difference is that the single phase motor does not produce a rotating magnetic field but produces only a pulsating filed.

Hence, to produce the rotating magnetic field for self-starting, phase splitting is to be done to make the motor to work as a two phase motor for starting.

Working of Split Phase Motor

In split phase motor two windings named as main winding and starting winding are provided. At the time of starting, both the main and starting windings should be connected across the supply to produce the rotating magnetic field.

The rotor is of a squirrel cage type and the revolving magnetic field sweeps part the stationary rotor, inducing emf in the rotor. As the rotor bars are short-circuited, a current flows through them producing a magnetic field.

This magnetic field opposes the revolving magnetic field and will combine with the main filed to produce a revolving filed. By this action, the rotor starts revolving in the same direction of the rotating magnetic field as in the case of a squirrel cage induction motor.

Hence, once the rotor starts rotating, the starting winding can be disconnected from the supply by some mechanical means as the rotor and stator fields from a revolving magnetic field. There are several types of split phase motors.