Wye Start Delta Run

This method is actually reduced voltage but is accomplished by changing

the motor phase connections such that a winding that is designed to run
with phase voltage equal to line voltage on delta connection is wye
connected for starting to put less than line voltage on each phase.
Effectively, the voltage is reduced by 1.732 factor. The impedance seen by
the power system is 3 times the impedance of the delta run connection.

Wye Start, Delta Run

Starting Characteristics:
1. Starting current is approximately 30% of normal.
2. Starting torque is approximately 25-30% of normal.
Applications:
1. Where load torque during acceleration is very low.
2. May be used for partial acceleration.
3. Used more often for European motors.

Five Cases Where 3-Phase Motors May Run Single Phase

If a one phase conductor supplying a 3-phase running motor is opened the
motor usually continues to run as a single-phase machine. But current
drawn by the operating phase is greater than design conditions for the
winding. You may not discover single-phasing until the winding is
damaged. Under some conditions, you may not recognize it at all.
Preventing trouble is simple: use overload protectors in all three phases.
Typical Single-Phase Conditions
Motor-circuit fuse blows or circuit opens because of burned connection,
worn switch contacts, etc. and motor goes on running. Two overload relays
are sufficient to protect the motor. You can use suitable dual-element fuses
instead of relays. This trouble often occurs because relay heaters selected
are too high, or have been tampered with or neglected. Check relays
regularly.

Open Primary Phase

Where transformers are connected wye-delta or delta-wye and have
isolated neutral, they can cause severely unbalanced 3-phase current in
motor. Current in one phase sometimes runs as much as twice that in
others. If high phase lacks relays, like B (below), motor keeps on running
until winding is damaged. Or on starting attempts, damage may be done
before overload relays trip.

Unbalanced Primary Voltage

With delta-wye, wye-delta transformers can also be a trouble source. A 2%
voltage unbalance in one phase of primary can cause 15% over current in
one motor phase. If this phase is the unprotected one of a heavily loaded
motor, winding can be damaged. Voltage unbalance isn't rare, so three
relays are in order where you use this transformer connection.

Shunted Single-Phase Load

The shunted single phase load can produce unbalanced currents in a
motor when one line is opened. Depending on magnitude of shunted load
and load on motor, one motor may carry current high enough to damage
the winding. This is another case where detection may not be easy, so
avoid trouble with a third relay. Most modern starters provide plenty of
space for easy installation of third relay.

Parallel 3-Phase Motors

Parallel 3 phase motors that are supplied from the same source can
exchange current under some circumstances when one line is open. Larger
motor, No. 1 below, will supply unbalanced 3-phase current to smaller
motor, No. 2. Motor No. 2 may even be able to start. But one phase will
carry overload while other two lines carry about normal current or lower,
so again damage may result to unprotected phase.

Part Winding
In order to understand the wye-delta motors and wye start delta run
motors, we should discuss motor connection and starting terminology as
applied to three phase motors. The simplest and most economic way to
start a three phase, squirrel cage, induction motor is with a full voltage
starter. This starting method is referred to as:

Full voltage starting or

Across-the-line (ATL) starting or
Direct-on-line (DOL) starting
A motor designed to operate at a single voltage requires only three leads
and is suitable for full voltage starting. The internal connections of the
motor coils may be wye (Y) (also known as star (A) or delta ( ). This type of
motor requires no connection diagram because the electrician simply
connects the three motor leads (which may be labeled T1, T2 and T3) to
the respective starter terminals, which connect to power supply lines, L1,
L2 and L3. See the figure below for the connection schematics.

Many OEMs and most distributors like to stock motors that may be used
with various power supplies. For this reason we find many motors rated for
dual voltage. The most common domestic motor in NEMA frames is the 9
lead, dual voltage motor rated 230/460 volts. Note, the voltage ration is
1:2. For 230 volt operation, the coils are connected in parallel; for 460 volt
operation, in series (see the schematics below).

Many foreign countries have 380 volt and 220 volt, 50 Hertz power supply;
it would therefore be desirable to stock motors with such voltage
combinations. It so happens that the relationship between a delta
connected motor and a wye connected motor is 1 3 or 1:1.173 or 220:380
volts as shown on the following schematics. This type of motor has six
leads identified as shown below.

The above connected motor is also suitable for reduced voltage type
starting known as wye-delta or star-delta on 220 volt power supply. In the
starting mode the special magnetic starter connects the motor coils in
wye. Note above that in wye connection, the motor should see 380 volts to
develop full load torque; but, since we only apply 220 volts, the motor will
only develop 33% torque and will draw only 33% of the normal starting
current. After a predetermined time, the starter changes the motor coils
from wye to delta, which is the full voltage running connection.
Note that in the following figure one of the "S" contactors is shown dotted
since some starter manufacturers use only two instead of three
contactors. Also note that a 3/50/220/380 motor could also be called a
3/50/220 motor wye-delta start.

1M & "S" Contactors

Close During Start

1M & 2M Contactors
Close During Run, "S" Contactors Open

It is not always clear what a customer wants. A typical request for a three
phase motor may state that the power supply is 50 Hertz, 220/380 volts.
This generally means 380 volts, three phase/220 volts, single phase.
If the request is for a 3/50/220/380 motor, the customer may want to use
the motor on 220 volt power supply with a wye-delta starter. He may also
sell the motors to different countries having either 220 volt or 380 volt
power supply.
Occasionally, we come across requests for 3/50/380/660 motors. We
cannot furnish such a motor in NEMA size ratings unless the customer
wants a 380 volt motor suitable for wye-start, delta-run. The reason why
we cannot furnish such a motor is because our random wound insulation
system used in NEMA frame motors is only approved for 600 volts, plus
10%. According to a chart titled, "World Electricity Supplies:, there are only
two countries, Finland and East Germany, which have a 660 volt power
supply. There are also some power plants which tend to use a 660 volt
distribution for their in-plant equipment.
There are also some distributors or OEMs who like to stock dual voltage
wye-start, delta run motors such as 3/50/220/440. This type of motor
requires twelve leads and is connected parallel wye-delta for low voltage
and series wye delta for high voltage. See the figure below.

220 Volt

440 Volt
Part Winding. This method used only a portion (usually one-half, but
sometimes two-thirds) of the motor winding, increasing the impedance
seen by the power system. It is to be used only for voltage recovery, and
must not be left on the start connection for more than 2 to 3 seconds. The
motor is not expected to accelerate on the start connection, and may not
even turn.

Part Winding Start

Starting Characteristics:

1. Starting current is 60-75% of normal, depending on the specific

winding connection.
2. Starting torque is very low (may not even turn the shaft).
3. Winding heating is very high on start connection.
Applications:
Where power system has automatic voltage recovery and normal inrush
would cause unacceptable voltage dip. Should not stay on start connection
more than 2 to 3 seconds.

Series Reactance Reduced Voltage

In this method, a voltage-dropping reactance is placed in series with the
motor during starting. The impedance seen by the power system then is
that of the reactance plus that of the motor.

START: R OPEN, S CLOSED

RUN: R CLOSED, S OPEN
CLOSED TRANSITION (R CLOSES BEFORE S OPENS)
Series Reactor Reduced Voltage Starting
Starting Characteristics:
1. Motor terminal voltage is reduced from line voltage.

2. Motor current equals line current.

3. Starting torque is reduced by the square of the terminal voltage.
Applications:
1. Usually on high voltage and large low-voltage motors.
2. Where current reduction requirements are low, or where load torque
during acceleration is minimal.
3. May be used for full acceleration or for system voltage recovery.