Simplified Approach for Predicting the Starting Performance of Induction Machines Based on Rotor Design Modification

A simplified approach for predicting the starting performance of induction motors based on the equivalent circuit model and single slot pitch 2D and 3D FEA is proposed in this paper. The influence of the radial cooling ducts, rotor bar extension/end ring, as well as deep bar or skin effects, magnetic saturation are taken into account for prediction of starting performance with high precision. The results of the proposed method are compared to conventional methods, and verified through experimental testing on 6.6 kV, 522 kW induction motors. The results show that the proposed method can provide fast prediction of the starting characteristics for the given rotor design without sacrificing accuracy.