DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

Question Bank
UNIT I: RECTIFIER CONTROL OF DC DRIVES

PART-A

1. What is phase control? (2016)

The single phase and three phase converters are triggered with respect to the zero crossing of the
applied voltage. The firing angle determines the average voltage applied to the DC motor.
2. Explain the operation of three phase dual converter fed dc drives. (2016)
3. What is the average voltage output from a single phase half controlled
converter?
Average output voltage = Vm(1+cos(α))/π
4. Draw the circuit diagram for 3-phase dual converter drive for separately excited motor. (2011)

5. Describe the speed-torque relationship for a three phase fully controlled rectifier fed separately
excited DC motor drive system.

= 3Vmcos(α)/π – TaRa/K2
6. Compare the circulating current and circulating current free dual converters. (2010)
The circulating current dual converters have an inductor between the output terminals so that the converters
can be turned on in the same cycle. The instantaneous output of the each converter will be different and
hence the inductor is used to limit the circulating current. The converters are operated so that the average
output voltage is same using the condition α1+α2 = 180o. The advantage of moving from motoring to
regeneration mode can be achieved in a single cycle. In the circulating current free dual converter, there is no
inductor and hence the converters cannot be operated together. The back-emf from the DC motor is sensed to
be zero or the motor speed is sensed to be zero before turning on the other converter. This topology is used
where dynamic response is not very important.
7. Discuss the effects on performance of current ripples for 1-phase DC drives with and
without controlled freewheeling. (2012)
The advantage of controlled freewheeling is that the instant for freewheeling can be controlled by turning on
a controlled switch and hence the motor current ripple can be minimized and hence the torque ripple can
also be controlled.
8. Obtain the speed-torque relation for 1phase fully controlled rectifier fed separately excited DC
motor. (2012)
For a single phase fully controlled rectifier armature voltage Va=2Vmcos(α)/π
Also Torque Ta = Kia
Va = IaRa +Kωm
Hence ωm = Va/K – IaRa/K
ωm = 2Vmcos(α)/Kπ – TaRa/K2
Here α is the firing angle of the fully controlled converter.
9. What is the advantage of continuous current operation in converter controlled DC drives?
Continuous current operation results in reduced ripple in armature current and hence in reduced
torque ripple. For a constant load, this will lead to reduced fluctuations in speed.
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

10. What causes discontinuous conduction operation in converter controlled DC drives? Discontinuous
conduction is caused if the firing angle is increased to such an extent that the current does not rise
significantly in the armature winding. Also for small motors the armature inductance may be small and
hence the current may fall to zero rapidly. For a given firing angle, if the motor operates below critical
speed, the current falls to zero causing discontinuous operation.
11. What is the importance of freewheeling diodes in converter circuits?(2014 , 2017)
In single phase converter controlled DC drives especially half controlled converters, a freewheeling diode is
placed across the DC armature circuit so that the armature current has a conduction path when the thyristor
in the converter circuit is turned off. This results in reduced armature current ripple and also protects the
switches in the converter from high voltage caused due to instant turn-off of armature current.
12. What is the effect of source inductance in 1-phase controlled DC drives.
The effect of source inductance is to cause a reduced average voltage at the converter output. The presence
of source inductance causes voltage regulation and the reduction in the average output voltage increases with
armature current for a given source inductance.
13. What are the quadrants of operation for a three phase converter controlled DC drive.
The three phase converter controlled DC drive is able to produce positive voltage and negative voltage
with positive load current. Hence it can operate in two quadrants.
14. How is braking accomplished in 1-phase fully controlled DC drive.
In single phase fully controlled DC drive if the average voltage is made negative, the power fed to the DC
motor is negative causing braking action. If the firing angle α is greater than 90 0, then the average voltage
is 2Vmcos(α)/π and hence braking operation is possible.
15. Describe how a 1-single phase converter operates with controlled freewheeling.
In a single phase full controlled converter, turning on T1 and T3 will cause a positive output voltage across the
load. Similarly turning on T2 and T4 will cause a negative output voltage across the load. By turning on
T1 and T2, the switches in the same leg across the load, the load current can be freewheeled. Hence
the instant of turning on T2 when T1 is already on can be used for controlled freewheeling.
16. What are some of the methods by which armature current ripple can be reduced?
A filter inductance in the armature circuit may be used for ripple reduction. In three phase converters, the
use of 12 pulse converter made of two six pulse converters one supplied by a star connected transformer and
the other fed from a delta connected transformer may also be used for output voltage ripple reduction.
17. Describe the advantages of dual converter and give a typical application.
Dual converters are used for four quadrant operation of DC drives such as electric vehicles and
locomotives. The ability to change rapidly from one quadrant to another by operating one converter in the
motoring mode and the other converter in the generation mode makes them ideal for such applications.
18. What is the relationship between the Rms value of per phase current in a three phase
full converter with the output DC armature current which is free of ripple?
The rms current in phase A can be written as Ia = Id, where Id is the armature current.
19. What is the disadvantage of three phase semiconverter in comparison to a three phase full
converter for a DC drive application?
Three phase semiconverters can operate only in one quadrant producing positive voltage and positive
current. Three phase full converters are able to produce positive and negative voltage with positive load
current and hence can be used for motoring and braking modes. They can operate in two quadrants.
20. In a DC drive application such as a traction drive what will be the firing angle at the
beginning and how will the firing angle be varied as the motor starts gaining speed?
The firing angle needs to be small to apply almost full voltage so that the torque produced is large enough
to overcome static friction and make the drive to start rotation. Once the drive starts rotation, the firing
angle may be reduced in a controlled manner so that the required speed may be achieved.

21. Explain how power factor can be improved in three phase controlled converters?
In three phase controlled converters, the power factor may be improved by using forced commutation so that
the voltage output waveform may be shaped to be symmetrical about the input voltage zero crossing.
Devices such as GTOs may be used in the converters to achieve this improved power factor. Power factor
can also be used by using multistage converters so that the first converter is operated from α1=0 and the
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

current starts flowing at ωt =0. The second converter may be operated at a delayed angle of α2 so that the
average output voltage may be controlled accordingly.
22. Draw the output voltage variation for single phase half controlled rectifier fed separately excited
DC motor as the firing angle varies from 0 to π.
Plot the output voltage Va= 2Vm(1+cos(α))/π with respect to firing angle α.
23. Draw the speed torque characteristics of single phase half controlled rectifier fed series excited
DC motor for various firing angles.

24. Mention the performance parameters of single phase converters.(2014, 2017)

The rms value of fundamental current is 2√2 Io/π. The displacement factor is cos α, Current
distortion factors is is 2√2 /π .Harmonic factor = 0.48, power factor PF = 2√2 cos α /π
25. What are the performace parameters in three phase control of separately excited DC
motor? (2013)
The rms value of fundamental current is √6 Id/π. The per phase source current is Ia = √2Id/√3. Displacement
factor = cos(α); Harmonic factor = Ih/I1; PF = Three phase Input power /Three phase Volt-amps. Here I d is
the DC current, α is the firing angle, Ih is the total harmonic current, I1 is the fundamental current.

PART-B

1.Discuss in detail the principle of operation of a single phase full converter feeding a separately excited DC
motor with relevant circuit diagram and waveforms
.Assume the motor current is continuous. The speed of a 20HP, 460V, 1000rpm separately excited DC motor is
controlled by a single phase full wave controlled rectifier bridge. The rated motor armature current is 35A and the
armature resistance is 0.15ohms. The ac supply voltage is 480V. The motor back-emf constant is K eφ is
0.45V/rpm.
Assume that sufficient inductance is present in the armature circuit to make the motor current continuous and
ripple free. For a firing angle of 60o and rated armature current determine (1)motor torque (2) speed of the motor
(3) supply power factor.

2.The semiconverter is connected to a 120V, 60 Hz supply. The current Ia can be assumed to be

continuous and its ripple current is negligible. The turns ratio of the transformer is unity. (i)Express
the input current as a Fourier series. Determine the harmonic factor (HF) of input current,
displacement factor (DF) and input power factor (PF). (ii) If the angle is α=π/2 calculate Vdc, Vn,
Vrms, HF, DF and PF.
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

3.Explain in detail about the single phase converters using separately excited DC motor. (2015)

4.A 3-phase full converter is used to control the speed of a 100HP, 600V, 1800rpm separately excited DC
motor. The converter is operated from a 3-phase, 480V, 60Hz supply. The motor parameters are Ra = 0.2
ohms, La=6 mH, Kφ=0.3V/rpm. The rated armature current is 120A.
(i) Rectifier operation (motoring) The machine operates as a motor draws rated current and runs at
1500rpm. The motor current is ripple free. Determine the firing angle and the supply power factor.
(ii) Inverter operation: The DC machine is operated in the regenerative braking mode. At 1000 rpm and
rated motor current determine the firing angle, power feedback to the supply and the supply power factor.

5.Explain the continuous conduction mode of operation of single phase full converter fed separately
excited DC motor with relevant waveforms and obtain expression for performance parameters. Describe
the regenerative braking operation of a separately excited DC motor with circuit and waveform.

6.Explain the three phase full converter fed separately excited DC motor for continuous armature
current operation with circuit and waveforms and obtain expression for performance parameters.

7.With necessary equations and waveforms, explain the mode of operation of a 3-phase fully controlled
rectifier fed DC motor. Also draw the speed torque curves for various values of firing angles. (2012)

8.A 220V, 1500rpm, 11.6A separately excited DC motor has Ra = 2 ohms and La = 28.36mH. The motor is
controlled by a single phase fully controlled rectifier with ac source voltage of 230V, 50Hz. Identify modes and
calculate developed torques for the following conditions of operation.
(i) α = 30 and speed = 1480 rpm.
(ii) ) α =120 and speed = -1178 rpm. Discuss the regenerative braking operation of separately excited
DC motors. (2012)

9.A dc brush motor with separate excitation with the data Keφ = 2Wb, Ra = 5ohms, La=0.1H is fed through a
thyristor from a single phase ac source whose voltage is V . The motor speed is
considered constant at n = 750rpm.
(a) Calculate the motor current ia time variation for a delay angle α=30o.
(b) How does the motor voltage vary with time?
(c) How does ia vary in time in the presence of a freewheeling diode in parallel with the motor armature.

10.Explain the operation of a dual converter fed dc motor drive along with the circuit diagram and
relevant waveforms. Calculate the circulating current between the two converters and show the voltage
and current waveforms. Use VL = 220V, ω =377.8 rad/s, L = 10mH, α1=60o.
11. A separately excited DC motor operating from a single phase half controlled bridge at a speed of 1400 rpm
has an input voltage of 330 sin 314t and a back emf of 80V. The SCRs are fired symmetrically at α=30
in every half cycle. The armature has a resistance of 4Ω. Calculate the average armature current and
the motor torque. (2016)

12.Explain the operation and advantages of three phase dual converter fed DC drives.(2016,2017))

13.The speed of a 10HP, 230V, 1200 rpm separately excited DC motor is controlled by a single phase full
converter. The rated motor armature current is 38A and the armature resistance is 0.3 ohms. The ac supply
voltage is 260V. The motor voltage constant is Keφ = 0.182V/rpm. Assume that sufficient inductance is
present in the armature circuir to make the motor current continuous and ripple free. For a firing angle of
α=30deg and rated motor current calculate a)motor torque b)Speed of the motor c)Supply power factor
Draw and explain the general electric drive system. (2014)
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

14.Describe the working of three phase converter DC drives with neat diagram and necessary waveforms.
(2014)

15.Explain the operation of a three phase full converter fed DC drive. Draw the waveforms for α= 60 deg
and 90 deg. Draw the diagram of dual converters and explain the drive operation. (2014 , 2017)

16.A 220V, 1500 rpm, 50A separately excited motor with armature resistance of 0.5. It is fed from a three
phase fully controlled rectifier. Available ac source has a line voltage of 440vat 50Hz. A star delta connected
transformer is used to feed the armature so that motor terminal voltage equals rated voltage when converter
firing angle is zero. Calculate
a)transformer turns ratio
b)Detrmine the value of firing angle when
(i)motor is running at 1200 rpm and rated torque
(ii)motor is running at 800 rpm and twice the rated torque. Assume continuous conduction. (2014,2017)

17.Discuss the various modes of operation of the three phase dual converter DC drive. (2015)

UNIT-II: CHOPPER CONTROL OF DC DRIVES

PART-A

1. Which converter is preferred when the regenerative braking method is mployed.(2016)

The Class B step up converter may be used for regenerative braking.
2. Mention few applications of DC chopper? (2016)
The DC chopper is used to control the speed of a dc drive driven from a DC source. The duty cycle of
the chopper can be varied to control the dc motor current.
3.Mention the effect of current ripples in drive (2017)
3. What is a chopper?
A chopper is a DC-DC converter used to provide a variable average voltage input to a load such as a
DC motor for armature current control.
4. What is meant by dynamic braking?(2017)
Dynamic braking is the method of reducing the speed of a DC motor by absorbing the energy generated
and dissipating the same energy in a resistor called the braking resistor.
5. What is meant by regenerative braking?
Regenerative braking is the method of recovering the energy generated by a motor by feeding the power
back into the source or into a secondary storage device.
6. What is meant by hysteresis control in chopper controlled DC drives?
Current is controlled within an upper limit and a lower limit within a band called the hysteresis band. If
the current needs to be set at 10A, then current control is achieved by limiting the current within a 5%
band so that the maximum current is 10+0.05*10 = 10.5A and the lower limit is 10-0.05*10 = 9.5A.
7. Define step up chopper (2016)
The Class B chopper shown below is an example of the step up chopper whose output voltage is higher
than the input voltage.
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

8. Sketch the equivalent circuits of a Class A chopper in the various modes of operation?

9. What is meant by a two quadrant chopper?

A two quadrant chopper is able to apply positive voltage to the DC motor and has the ability to conduct bi-
directional armature current thus allowing motoring and regenerative modes of operation. Class C chopper
is an example of a two quadrant chopper.
10. What is meant by multi-phase chopper?

11. A 220V Dc series motor with Rf=Ra = 0.5 ohms with rated current 50A and 1500rpm is operated
under dynamic braking at thrice the rated torque and 1000rpm. Find the value of braking current.
T1=Kia12, T2= Kia22 = 3 Kia12 ; Hence ia2 = 1.732*50 = 86.6A
12. Describe the PWM method of current control in DC motors.
PWM control refers to the control of ON time with respect to period during which the input voltage
is applied to the armature coil of the DC motor. A chopper is used to connect the DC bus voltage to
the armature coils. The pulse width change is controlled from a microcontroller.
13. Draw the circuit diagram and waveforms for Class C chopper controlled dc motor.(2013)
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

14. What are the disadvantages of variable frequency time ratio control? (2012)
The control of a chopper using variable frequency results in the generation of harmonics whose frequency
cannot be easily predicted. Hence designing filters for such converters is difficult. These converters therefore
generate electromagnetic interference (EMI) signals that may interfere with other electronic equipment in
the vicinity.
15. What are the advantages of multi-phase choppers?
Multi-phase choppers are used to increase the current handling capability of choppers so that many stages
can be operated in parallel between the input source and the load. The sizes of the reactive components are
therefore reduced since the current handling capability of each stage is smaller. Also by operating the various
stages with staggered turn-on intervals, the ripple component of output current can be kept within limits
causing minimal torque ripple.

16. What are the factors that affect the efficiency of a chopper based drive?
A chopper has controllable switches such a mosfets, one or more diodes and reactive components such as
inductors. The major components of losses are switching losses and conduction losses in the mosfets and
diodes. Also the core losses in the inductors are also a significant component of losses that have a
significant effect on the efficiency of the converter.
17. What are the performance parameters that usually need to be optimized when choppers are
used? The output of a chopper produces a voltage ripple which when connected to a DC drive will result in
armature current ripple and hence torque ripple. Torque ripple can be minimized by operating the chopper in
a narrow hysteresis current band or operating the chopper at high PWM frequency. A high PWM switching
frequency operation could cause significant switching losses in the converter. The efficiency, output current
ripple and reduction in EMI are performance parameters that may be optimized.
18. Define step up choppers.(2015)
Class B chopper is a step up chopper used for regenerative braking. The output voltage of a step up chopper
is higher than the input voltage. The chopper uses a controlled switch that is turned ON to increase the
current in the armature winding when the motor is in regenerative mode. When the switch is turned OFF, the
energy in the armature inductance is transferred to the DC power supply.

19. What is the equation for the output voltage for a Class B chopper?
Output voltage Vo = Vin/(1-K) where K is the duty ratio.
20. If the switching frequency for a Class B chopper is 1KHz and the input voltage is 24V, find the
duty ratio to produce an output voltage of 72V.
Vo=Vin/(1-K). Hence (1-K) = 24/72 = 1/3. Hence Duty ratio K = (1-1/3) = 2/3 = 0.667
21. If the ON time for a Class A chopper is 1ms and the off time is 3 ms, what will be the input voltage
if the output voltage is 100V.
Vo = Vin(Ton/T). Hence Vin = 100*(1ms+3ms)/1ms = 400V
22. What is meant by composite braking?
Composite braking is the combination of regenerative braking and dynamic braking.. Energy generated by the
motor is first consumed by the source using regenerative braking. Energy that cannot be absorbed by the source
further is dissipated by dynamic braking by connecting the motor terminals with a braking resistor.
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PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

23. How to implement braking in a DC controlled drive? (2014)

Dynamic braking can be used to disspate the energy using the circuit shown below.

Switch S in parallel with resistance RB is used for the purpose of braking. The switch is operated with
a period T and duty cycle δ. Energy consumed by RB is EB = Ia2RB(1-δ)T
Average power consumed by RB is Pa= EB/T = Ia2RB(1-δ)
Effective value of braking resistance Re = Pa/Ia2 = RB(1-δ)
24. Describe the PWM method of current control in choppers.
PWM control refers to the control of ON time with respect to period during which the input voltage
is applied to the armature coil of the DC motor. A chopper is used to connect the DC bus voltage to
the armature coils. The pulse width change is controlled from a microcontroller.
25. Draw the circuit diagram for Class E chopper (2014)

Forward motoring mode

Regenerative mode

PART-B
1. A 220V 70A 600rpm separately excited dc motor has an armature resistance of 0.12Ω. Motor is controlled by a
chopper with a source voltage of 220V. Available chopper provides a variation in duty ratio from 0.1 to
0.9. In dynamic braking
(i) Calculate braking resistor so that maximum braking speed at the armature current of 70A will be
800 rpm.
(ii) Also calculate the maximum available motor torque for a speed of 87 rpm with braking
resistance as calculated in (i). (2016)
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

2.Explain how a two quadrant chopper can be used for motoring and regenerative braking mode of operation
of separately excited DC motor. Draw relevant diagrams.
A shunt DC motor runs at 2000 rpm when supplied from a 220V supply. It takes a current of 25A. The
armature and field resistances are 0.5ohms and 180ohms respectively. A chopper is used to supply the
armature field being supplied from a separate 220V source. The speed control range required is 500-1000rpm
at the same load torque as above. What is the range of chopper frequencies if thyristor ON time is fixed at
3ms? What is the range of time ratios if the chopper period is fixed at 5ms?

3.With relevant current and voltage waveforms, explain the principle of operation of Type A chopper.
Discuss in detail the time domain analysis of Type-A chopper.(2013)

4.Explain the chopper based regenerative braking operation of a separately excited DC motor. Draw relevant
diagrams and characteristics.
A 230V, 1200 rpm separately excited DC motor has an armature resistance of 1.2 ohms. Motor is operated
under dynamic braking mode with chopper control. Braking resistance has a value of 20 ohms. Calculate
duty ratio of the chopper for motor speed of 1000r pm and braking torque equal to 1.5times the rated
torque of the motor.

5.Explain operation of Class D chopper controlled separately excited DC motor with waveforms. (2011)

6.Explain the motoring and braking mode of operation of two quadrant Class B chopper. (2011)

7.Explain the operation of Class E chopper fed separately excited dc motor in reverse motoring and reverse
regeneration modes with waveforms. (2016)

8.Describe the operation of two phase chopper with circuit and waveforms. (2011)

9.A 230V, 1200rpm 30A separately excited DC motor has Ra =0.7ohms and La = 50mH. Motor is controlled
by regenerative braking by a chopper operating at 800Hz from a DC source of 230V. Assuming continuous
conduction
(i) Calculate duty ratio of chopper for rated torque and motor speed of 800rpm.
(ii)What will be the motor speed for a duty ratio of 0.6 and rated motor torque?
(iii)What will be the maximum allowable speed of the motor if the chopper has a maximum duty ratio of
0.9and maximum allowable motor current is twice the rated current. Calculate power fed to the source.

(iv)Motor field is also controlled along with armature voltage. Rated field current is 0.5A. Calculate
field current for the duty ratio of 0.9 and motor speed of 1500rpm and armature current of 30A.

10.Describe the various methods of braking schemes in choppers such as dynamic, regenerative and
composite methods. A 220V, 300A DC series motor has a combined resistance of armature and field of
0.04ohms. Running on no load as a generator, with field winding connected to a separate sourceit gave
the following magnetization characteristics at 600rpm.

Field Current(A) 50 100 150 250 300 350

Terminal Voltage (V) 66.5 124 158.5 198.5 211 221.5

Motor is controlled from a chopper with a source voltage of 220V.

(i) Calculate the motor speed for a duty ratio of 0.8 and motor current of 300A
(ii) Calculate torque for a speed of 500rpm and duty ratio of 0.8
11. A 220V, 500rpm, 90A separately excited DC motor has the armature resistance and inductance of 0.115
ohms and 0.011H respectively. The motor is controlled by a chopper operating 400Hz. If the motor is
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PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

regenerating, find the motor speed and the regenerated power at the rated current and a duty cycle of 0.5.
Also calculate the maximum safe speed if the minimum value of the duty cycle is 0.1 (2012)

12. Explain the motoring and braking operation of separately excited dc motor using two quadrant chopper.
A 230V 500rpm 75A separately excited DC motor has the armature resistance and inductance of 0.1150 and
0. 02H respectively. The motor is controlled by Class C two quadrant chopper with a source voltage of 220V
and a frequency of 400Hz. What is the speed for a motoring operationat duty cycle of 0.5 and ¾ of rated
torque. (2012)

13. A DC chopper is used to control the speed of a separately excited DC motor. The DC voltage is 220V,
Ra = 0.2 and motor constant Keφ = 0.08V/rpm. The motor drives a constant load requiring an average
armature current of 25A. Determine
a)Range of speed control
b)The range of duty cycle assume continuous conduction. (2014,2017)

14. Explain the braking mode of operation of a two quadrant Class B chopper. (2014)

15. Explain the operation of four quadrant chopper fed Dc separately excited motor drive with
necessary diagrams. (2014,2017)

16. Draw the power circuit for a voltage commutated chopper and also explain the various modes
of operations with relevant diagrams. (2015)

17. Discuss the working of load commutated chopper with relevant voltage and current waveforms. (2015)

18. What is a multiphase chopper? Bring out clearly with appropriate waveforms the difference between
the in-phase operation and phase shifted operation. Explain why phase shifted operation is preferred. (2016)

19. Derive the expression for commutating components L and C for a voltage commutated chopper. Discuss
the assumptions made. (2016)

20. Explain with relevant waveforms the TRC and CLC of chopper (2017) 6M

21. Mention the application and importance of chopper based implementation of braking schemes with neat
diagram. (2017)

UNIT III
CONTROL OF INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVES – STATOR SIDE AND ROTOR SIDE

PART-A
1. What are the advantages of induction motors over D.C. motors?
The main drawback of D.C. motors is the presence of commutator and brushes, which require frequent maintenance
and make them unsuitable for explosive and dirty environments. On the other hand, induction motors, particularly
squirrel-cage are rugged, cheaper, lighter, smaller, and more efficient, require lower maintenance and can operate in
dirty and explosive environments.
2. Give the applications of induction motors drives.
Although variable speed induction motor drives are generally expensive than D.C. drives, they are used in a number
of applications such as fans, blowers, mill run-out tables, cranes, conveyors, traction etc., because of the advantages
of induction motors. Other applications involved are underground and underwater installations, and explosive and
dirty environments.
3. How the speed is controlled in induction motor?(November 2014)
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PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

The induction motor speed can be controlled by supplying the stator with a variable voltage, variable frequency
using static frequency converters. Speed control is also possible by feeding the slip power to the supply system using
converters in the rotor circuit; basically one distinguishes two different methods of speed control. i)Speed control by
varying the slip frequency when the stator is fed from a constant voltage, constant frequency mains. ii)Speed control
of the motor using a variable frequency variable voltage motor operating at constant rotor frequency.
4. How is the speed control by variation of slip frequency obtained?
Speed control by variation of slip frequency is obtained by the following ways.
Stator voltage control using a three-phase voltage controller. Rotor resistance control using a chopper controlled
resistance in the rotor circuit, Using a converter cascade in the rotor circuit to recover slip energy. Using a cyclo
converter in the rotor circuit.
5. Mention the effects of variable voltage supply in a cage induction motor.
When a cage I/M is fed from a variable voltage for speed control the following observations may be made. The
torque curve beyond the maximum torque point has a negative shape. A stable operating point in this region is not
possible for constant torque load. The voltage controlled must be capable of withstanding high starting currents. The
range of speed control is rather limited. The motor power factor is poor.
6. How the speed of a squirrel cage induction motor is controlled?
The speed of a squirrel cage I/M can be controlled very effectively by varying the stator frequency. Further the
operation of the motor is economical and efficient, if it operates at very small slips. The speed of the motor is
therefore, varied by varying the supply frequency and maintaining the rotor frequency at the rated value or a value
corresponding to the required torque on the linear portion of the torque-speed curve.
7. Why the control of a three-phase indication motor is more difficult than D.C. motors.
The control of a 3-Ф I/M, particularly when the dynamic performance involved is more difficult than D.C. motors.
This is due to relatively large internal resistance of the converter causes voltage fluctuations following load
fluctuations because the capacitor cannot be ideally large, In a D.C. motor there is a decoupling b/w the flux
producing magnetizing current and torque producing armature current. They can be independently controlled. This
is not the case with I/Ms, An I/M is very poorly damped compared to a D.C. motor.
8. Where is the V/f control used?(May 2016)
The V/f control would be sufficient in some applications requiring variable torque, such as centrifugal pumps,
compressors and fans. In these, the torque varies as the square of the speed. Therefore at small speeds the required
torque is also small and V/f control would be sufficient to drive these leads with no compensation required for
resistance drop. This is true also for the case of the liquid being pumped with minimal solids.
9. What are the components of the applied voltage to the induction motor?
The applied voltage to the induction motor has two components at low frequencies. They are
Proportional to stator frequency, To compensate for the resistance drop in the stator, The second component deepens
on the load on the motor and hence on rotor frequency.
10. What are the effects of harmonics in VSI fed induction motor drive?(November 2014)
The motor receives square wave voltages. These voltages have harmonic components. The harmonics of the stator
current causes additional losses and heating. These harmonics are also responsible for torque pulsations. The
reaction of the fifth and seventh harmonics with the fundamental gives rise to the seventh harmonic pulsations in the
torque developed. For a given induction motor fed from a square wave inverter the harmonic content in the current
tends to remain constant independent of input frequency, with the rang of operating frequencies of the inverter,
11. What is a current source inverter?
In a D.C. link converter, if the D.C. link current is controlled, the inverter is called a current source inverter, the
current in the D.C. link is kept constant by a high inductance and the capacitance of the filter is dispensed with. A
current source inverter is suitable for loads which present low impedance to harmonic currents and have unity p.f.
12. Explain about the commutation of the current source inverter.
The commutation of the inverter is load dependent. The load parameters form a part of the commutation circuit. A
matching is therefore required between the inverter and the motor. Multimotor operation is not possible. The
inverter must necessarily be a force commutated one as the induction motor cannot provide the reactive power for
the inverter. The motor voltage is almost sinusoidal with superimposed spikes.
13. What are the various applications of stator voltage control scheme?
The various applications of stator voltage control scheme is fan drives, pump and crane drives.
14.State the advantages of CSI fed machines.(June 2013) (May 2016)
In a CSI drive, the simultaneous conduction of two switches in the same leg of the inverter,due to misfiring or
commutation failure does not lead to a shoot through fault because the resultant current which rises slowly due to
large inductance value can be regulated by the control of rectifier firing angle.
15.What are the drawbacks of AC voltage controller?.(June 2013)
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The harmonic content increases the losses and requires derating of the motor.it decreases the power factor and the
output voltage.
16. What do you expect will happen to the characteristics of the induction machine, if v/f ratio is held constant
during generation mode of operation?(June 2014)
The variation in the characteristics of torque- speed exists if v/f ratio is held constant during generation mode of
operation.
17.What is the major difference in performance of the induction machine fed by a sinusoidal voltage and PWM
voltage?(June 2014)
The peak-peak ripple in motor current is restricted to the hysteresis band, the harmonic content and the maximum
instantaneous current have low values.
18. Compare VSI and CSI fed drives.
Regenerative braking in CSI whereas dynamic braking in CSI. Because of large value of Ld,the dynamic response of
CSI is slow compared to VSI.
19.What is VSI variable frequency drives?
Except in the minimum loss control, the basic control strategy is to operate the machine with nearly constant flux up
to the base speed and a fixed terminal voltage above the base speed.
20. Define modulation index.
M=Ar/Ac where Ar is the amplitude of the reference signal and Ac is the amplitude of the carrier signal.
21.Why CSI not used in multimotor drive?
Because of large internal impedance,the terminal voltage of a CSI inverter changes substantially with a
change in load.
22. What is the use of a six step inverter voltage control?
Six step inverter voltage control is used to control the dc input voltage,control the ac output voltage by the use of
multiple inverters.
23. How do you give the relation for p?
P = fc/f = frequency of the carrier signal / frequency of the modulating signal.
24.what is the strategy for VSI variable frequency drives?
Except in the case of minimum loss control,the basic control strategy is to operate the machine with nearly constant
flux upto the base speed and a fixed terminal voltage.
25. What is the effect of C in CSI based control?
The voltage spikes increases with the increase in the leakage inductance,so a large value of C is used to limit
their magnitude.
26.Mention the advantages of PWM inverter and write its applications.(May 2015) (May 2016)
The advantages of PWM inverter is
1. The output voltage control can be obtained without any additional components.
2.Lower order harmonics can be eliminated along with its output voltage control.
PWM inverter is used for speed control, power factor improvement.
27.Mention some of the PWM techniques.(May 2015)
1. Single pulse modulation
2. Multiple pulse modulation
3.Sinusoidal pulse modulation.
28.How is the speed control by variation of slip frequency obtained?
Speed control by variation of slip frequency is obtained by the following ways.
Stator voltage control using a three-phase voltage controller., Rotor resistance control using a chopper
controlled resistance in the rotor circuit, Using a converter cascade in the rotor circuit to recover slip
energy.Using a cycloconverter in the rotor circuit.

29.What is slip controlled drive?

When the slip is used as a controlled quantity to maintain the flux constant in the motor the drive is called slip
enrolled drive. By making the slip negative (i.e., decreasing the output frequency of the inverter) the machine
may be made to operate as a generator and the energy of the rotating parts fed back to the mains by an
additional line side converter or dissipated in a resistance for dynamic barking. By keeping the slip frequency
constant, braking at constant torque and current can be achieved. Thus braking is also fast.

30.Where is the rotor resistance control used?

Where the motors drive loads with intermittent type duty, such as cranes, ore or coal unloaders, skip hoists,
mine hoists, lifts, etc. slip-ring induction motors with speed control by variation of resistance in the rotor
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circuit are frequently used. This method of speed control is employed for a motor generator set with a flywheel
(Ilgner set) used as an automatic slip regulator under shock loading conditions.
31.What are the advantages and disadvantages of rotor resistance control?(May 2016)
Advantage of rotor resistance control is that motor torque capability remains unaltered even at low speeds.
Only other method which has this advantage is variable frequency control. However, cost of rotor resistance
control is very low compared to variable frequency control.
Major disadvantage is low efficiency due to additional losses in resistors connected in the rotor circuit.
32.Give the conventional methods used for obtaining variable resistance.
A number of methods are used for obtaining variable resistance. In drum controllers, resistance is varied by
using rotary switches and a resistance divided in few steps. Variable resistance can also be obtained by using
contactors and resistors in series. High power application by use a slip-regulator, which consists of three
electrodes, submerged in an electrolyte, consisting of saline water. Resistance is varied by changing the
distance between electrodes and earth electrode. When the power in high, electrodes are driven by small
motor. Advantage of this method is that resistance can be changed sleeplessly.
33.Why the static scherbius drive has a poor power factor?
Drive input power is difference between motor input power and the power fed back. Reactive input power is
the sum of motor and inverter reactive power. Therefore, drive has a poor power factor throughout the range of
its options.
34.How is super synchronous speed achieved?
Super synchronous speed can be achieved if the power is fed to the rotor from A.C. mains. This can be made
possible by replacing the converter cascade by a cycloconverter. A cycloconverter allows power flow in
either direction making the static sherbets drive operate at both sub and supper synchronous speeds.
35. Give the features of static scherbius drive
The torque pulsations and other reactions are minimal. The performance of the drive improves with respect to
additional losses and torque pulsations. A smooth transition is possible from sub to super synchronous speeds
without any commutation problems. Speed reversal is not possible. A step up transformer may be interposed
between the lines and the converter, to reduce the voltage rating of the converter.
36. Where is Kramer electrical drive system used?
Some continuous rolling mills, large air blowers, mine ventilators, centrifugal pumps and any other
mechanisms including pumps drives of hydraulic dredgers require speed adjustment in the range from 15 to
30% below or above normal. If the induction motor is of comparatively big size (100 to 200 KW) it becomes
uneconomical to adjust speed by mean’s pf external resistances due to copper losses as slip power is wasted as
heat in the retort circuit resistance. In this case, the Kramer electrical drive system is used, where slip power
recovery takes places.
37.What is the use of sub synchronous converter cascades?
Sub synchronous converter cascades have been used, till now, in applications requiring one quadrant operation.
These can be employed for drives where at least one electrical barking is required. A four quadrant operation
can also be made possible in these cascades, using suitable switching.
38. How is the speed control obtained in static Kramer drive?
For speed control below synchronous speed, the slip power is pumped back to the supply, where as for the case
of speed above synchronous speed, additional slip power is injected into the rotor circuit.
39. What is static Kramer drive?
Instead of wasting the slip power in the rotor circuit resistance, it can be converted to 60 Hz A.C. and pumped
back to the line. The slip power controlled drive that permits only a sub synchronous range of speed control
through a converter cascade is know as static Kramer drive.
40.What is the use and functions of step down transformer is static Kramer drive?
For a restricted speed range closer to synchronous speed, the system power factor can be further
improved by using a step –down transformer.The step-down transformer has essentially two
functions: besides improving the line power factor, it also helps to reduce the converter power ratings.
41.What are the advantages of static Kramer drive?
The static Kramer drive has been very popular in large power pump and fan-type drives, where the range of
speed control is limited near, but below the synchronous speed. The drive system is very efficient and the
converted power rating is low because t has to handle only the slip power, In fact, the power rating becomes
lower with a more restricted range of speed control. The additional advantages are that the drive system has
D.C. machine like characteristics and the control is very simple.

42.What are the causes of harmonic currents in static Kramer drive?(November 2014)
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The rectification of slip power causes harmonic currents in the rotor, and these harmonics are reflected to the
stator by the transformer action of the machine. The harmonic currents are also injected into the A.C. line by
the inverter. As a result, the machine losses are increased and some amount of harmonic torque is produced.
Each harmonic current in the rotor will create a reading magnetic filed and its direction of rotation will depend
on the order pf the harmonic.
43. Give the four modes of operation of a Scherbius drive .
The four modes of operation of static Scherbius drive are, a.sub synchronous motoring. b. Sub synchronous
regeneration c. Super synchronous motoring d.Super synchronous regeneration
44. How is the static Scherbius drive operated in super synchronous motoring mode?(November 2014)
In super synchronous motoring mode, the shaft speed increases beyond the synchronous speed, the slip
becomes negative and the slip power is absorbed by the rotor. The slip power supplements the air gap power
for the total mechanical power output. The line therefore supplies slip power in addition to stator input power.
At this condition, the phase sequence of slip frequency is reversed so that the slip current – induced rotating
magnetic field is opposite to that of the stator.
45. What are the different types of slip power recovery scheme(June 2013)
The different types of slip power recovery schemes are static rotor resistance control, static scherbius drive and
static Kramer drive.
46. State the advantages of rotor control scheme. (June 2013)
As the firing angle is increased from 0 to the maximum, the effective rotor resistance increases from R to a
maximum value controlling the speed.
47. Mention the advantages and disadvantages of controlling the speed of an induction motor from the rotor
side.(June 2014)
The advantage is by controlling the firing angle thr resistance can be varied and the disadvantage is the slip
power is wasted.
48. In what way the is the static Kramer control different from the static scherbius drive(June 2014)
In Kramer’s drive, since the power is not fed back to the line, problems associated with the power fed back are
also eliminated which does not exist in static scherbius drive.
49. What do you mean by modified Kramer drives?
Slip power taken from the rotor for speed control can be usefully employed by converting it to mechanical
power in an auxililary motor mounted on the induction motor shaft.
50. Brief the power factor considerations in scherbius drive.
All the phasors are referred to the stator or line side.the addition of the magnetizing current and the stator
referred fundamental rotor current gives the stator current.
51. Give one feature of modified kramer’s drive.
The features of modified Kramer’s drive is it has a better power factor and lower harmonic content.So the
performance can be improved.
52. How the speed reversal is obtained?
A phase reversing contactor is connected in the stator and rotor resistance to obtain speed reversal of induction
motor.
53. The induction motor slip should be less than the breakdown slip”-comment on the statement.(May 2015)
The induction motor will work as a motor when the slip of the induction motor is lesser than the breakdown
slip. When the slip of the induction motor is greater than the break down slip it works as a generator.
54. Induction motor with unbalanced impedances-write the disadvantages in terms of its operations(May
2015)
Induction motor with unbalanced impedances will result in uncontrolled voltages, excessive losses, over
voltages, mechanical oscillations.
55.State how the voltage is injected in the rotor circuit?(May 2016)
In this method, speed of an induction motor is controlled by injecting a voltage in rotor circuit. It is necessary that
voltage (emf) being injected must have same frequency as of the slip frequency. However, there is no restriction
to the phase of injected emf. If we inject emf which is in opposite phase with the rotor induced emf, rotor
resistance will be increased. If we inject emf which is in phase with the rotor induced emf, rotor resistance will
decrease. Thus, by changing the phase of injected emf, speed can be controlled. The main advantage of this
method is a wide rage of speed control (above normal as well as below normal) can be achieved.

PART-B
1. Describe in brief about the control of an Induction motor by stator voltage variation using 3-Ф
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voltage controller.(with reference to both open loop and closed loop)

2.Describe briefly the PWM inverter (VSI) fed induction motor Drive and compare it with a Square wave Inverter fed
(VSI) drive.

1. Explain about a CSI fed Induction motor Drive when operated as an open loop System as well as
when operated in Closed Loop. Which method is more efficient and Why?

2. How dynamic / regenerative braking is achieved in a variable frequency V.S.I/C.S.I fed

induction motor drives?

3. Explain about VSI fed induction motor drive when operated as a closed loop speed and open loop torque control?
(July 2012)

4. Explain about CSI fed induction motor drive with independent current and frequency control?

5. Explain about CSI fed induction motor drive with closed speed and open loop torque control?

6. Explain about CSI fed induction motor drive with closed speed loop torque control?(July 2012,June
2014,November 2014)

7. Explain different control strategies of VSI drive?

8. Compare VSI and CSI drive

9. With a advanced PWM technique design a VSI to control a IM and give its applications(June 2014)

10. Explain the operation of 6-pulse VSI and CSI fed IM drive.(June 2013)

11. Explain six step inverter voltage controller in an induction motor.(November 2014)

12. With neat sketch explain the voltage controller circuit.(November 2014)

13. Show that a variable frequency induction motor drive develops at all frequencies the same torque for a given slip
speed when operating at constant flux.(November 2014)

14. A three phase, star connected 60 Hz,4 pole induction motor has the following parameters
For its equivalent circuit.Rs=Rr=0.024Ω and Xs=Xr=0.12Ω.The motor is controlled by the variable frequency
control with a constant (v/f) ratio.For an operating frequency of 12Hz
Calculate:
(1)The breakdown torque as aratio of its value at the rated frequency for both motoring and braking.
(2)The starting torque and rotor current in terms of their values at the rated frequency.(May 2015) (May 2016)

16. Explain the voltage source inverter(VSI) fed induction motors drive operated as stepped wave inverter.(May
2015) (May 2016)

17. xplain how the slip of slip ring Induction motor can be altered by extracting power from the rotor and
dissipating it in the external circuit through a switching device. Discuss the principle with a neat sketch.

18. Explain about speed control using slip energy recovery scheme and compare it with speed control by rotor
resistance method.(June 2013)
19. Explain the Static Scherbius system using Cycloconverter in the rotor circuit.(July 2012,June 2013,June
2014,May 2015,may 2016)
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20. Explain the slip energy recovery scheme using converter cascade in the rotor circuit.(Static Kramer Drive).
21. i) Explain how the power factor can be improved for Static Kramer Drive.(May 2015)
ii) Explain about Sub-Synchronous and Super- Synchronous operation of a Drive
.
22. Derive an expression for the torque T for the rotor resistance control using the chopper scheme.

23. State the merits and demerits of rotor resistance control of wound rotor induction motor. What are its applications?

24. Explain schematic diagram two methods of super synchronous speed control of slip ring induction motor under slip
power recovery scheme. What are the advantages and disadvantages of slip power recovery scheme?

25. With block diagram explain the closed loop operation of slip power recovery scheme of induction motor. Discuss
on the power factor and locus diagram of supply current for constant torque operation of slip power recovery scheme.

26. Explain with schematic diagram of sub-synchronous speed control of slip-ring Induction Motor under slip power
recovery scheme. Derive the expression for the torque.

27. A three phase ,400V,50Hz,1460 rpm ,4 pole induction motor is subjected to rotor resistance control.If
the mail torque occurs for a chopper duty ratio of 0.2 and a slip of 0.13 determine a)the value of external
resistance.b)torque for a duty ratio of 0.6 and a slip of 0.04.(June 2014)

28. Explain the rotor resistance control for induction motor drive with neat sketch and draw its effect on
speed torque curve.(November 2014)

29. A 3 phase,400V,6pole,50Hz,delta connected slip ring induction motor has rotor resistance of 0.2Ω and
leakage resistance of 1Ω per phase referred to stator.When driving a fan load it runs a full load at 4%
slip.What resistance must be inserted in the rotor circuit to obtain a speed 850rpm.Neglect stator impedance
and magnetizing branch.Stator to rotor turns ratio is 2.2.(November2014)

30. A 400V star connected three phase,6pole,50Hz induction motor has the following parameters
referred to the stator:RS=Rr=1Ω,Xs=Xr1=2Ω.For regenerative braking operation of this motor
determine the maximum overhauling torque it can hold and range of speed for safe operation.(May 2015)

31. Draw the modified Kramer drives and explain its working and operation.(May 2015) (May 2016)

UNIT IV- FIELD ORIENTED CONTROL OF INDUCTION MOTOR DRIVES

PART-A
1. What is indirect flux control?(November 2014) (May 2016)
The method of maintaining the flux constant by providing a voltage boost proportional to slip frequency is a kind
of indirect flux control. This method of flux control is not desirable if very good dynamic behavior is required.
2. Give the advantages of vector control method.
The advantages of vector control method is independent control of flux and torque, high dynamic performance.
3. What do you mean by DTC?
This name indicates the direct control of torque and stator flux of a drive by inverter voltage space vector selection
thro a look up table
4. What is meant by Vector control?
Vector control method means controlling the magnitude as well as the phase angle for the control variables.
5. How the implementation of vector control technique differs from induction to synchronous motor?
In induction motor vector control it operates like a separately excited dc motor and for synchronous motor it
operates like self controlled dc motor.
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6. What are the advantages of DTC strategy?

1. Frequency is not directly controlled in scalar control “Self-Controlled machine” frequency and phase are
controlled
Indirectly with the help of unit vector.
2. Here no fear of instability problem
3. Transient response will be fast
7. Compare the performance of DTC control with conventional methods in IM drives.
Conventional Method DTC
Sl.No
1 Scalar control Vector control
Frequency is indirectly controlled. So it is called “self-
2 Frequency is directly controlled
controlled machine”
3 In Stability problem will be arises No fear of instability problem
4 Transient response will be slow Transient response will be fast
5 Torque controlled will affect flux Torque controlled does not affect flux
8.Distinguish between direct and indirect field control methods.(June 2013)
Direct or feedback vector control and indirect or feed forward vector control. In direct, the frequency of the drive is not
controlled as in scalar control and there is no fear of in stability.the transient response will be fast .indirect control is
same as that of direct except the unit vector signals are generated in feed forward manner .this control is very popular in
industrial applications.
9.What are the special features of DTC?(June 2013)
The special features of DTC is no feedback current control ,no traditional PWM algorithm applied ,no vector
transformation.
10.What do you mean by vector control?(June 2014)
It is called field oriented control which highly eliminates the sluggish response produced by scalar
control.
11.Differentiate between induction motor and synchronous motor in terms of vector control.
Vector control can be applied to both induction motor and synchronous motor drives. It is called as a orthogonal or
transvector control.
12.What is Dc drive analogy?
This analogy explains the concept of vector controlled induction motor drive operates like a separately excited dc
motor drive.
13.What is stator flux oriented control?
Vector control is possible with air gap flux or stator flux orientation but at the cost of a coupling effect that demands
decoupling compensation.
14.What do you mean by sensorless vector control?
Sensor less vector control is a variable frequency drive (VFD) control strategy that improves motor performance by
regulating the VFD output based on a mathematical determination of motor characteristics and operating conditions.
Operating conditions are estimated from measurements of electrical parameters. .
15. What is flux vector estimation?
In direct vector control method, it is necessary to estimate the rotor flux components so that the unit vector and rotor
flux can be calculated.
16.What are the control strategies of DTC?
The command stator flux and torque magnitudes are compared with the respective estimated values and the errors are
processed through hysteresis band controllers.
17.What are the speed estimation methods for an induction motor?
The sped estimation methods for an induction motor is slip calculation, direct synthesis from state equations, model
referencing adaptive system.
18.What do you mean by vector control of current fed inverter drive?(May 2015)
The drive operates with regulated rotor flux and speed is controlled in the outer loop. The speed loop generates the
torque command which is divided by rotor flux to generate the command current.
19.What is the effect of vector control detuning due to rotor resistance?
The effect of rotor resistance detuning and the corresponding coupling effect are explained where the actual resistance
is less than the estimated resistance slip frequency will be lower than the actual.
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20.What is vector control of cyclo converter drive?

The direct and indirect methods of vector control can be easily applied to cycloconverter fed induction motor drives
where the inverter is replaced by a cycloconverter .Here the voltage model or the current model flux vector estimation
can be used.
21.What are the switching techniques used by the phase control loops?
The switching techniques used are pulse width modulation ,hysteresis and space vector modulation techniques..
22.What is the use of terminal voltages?
By using terminal voltages, the air gap torque ,flux and field angle can be computed with either stator or rotor flux.
23.What are the requirements of vector controller?
It requires the exact values of rotor resistance ,mutual inductance and rotor self inductance of the inductance machine.
24.What is the compensation for parameter sensitivity?
Direct monitoring of the alignment of the flux an the torque producing stator current component, measurement of
modified reactive power.
25.What are the advantages of field oriented control of induction motor?(November 2014) (May 2016)
1. Field oriented control improves the torque sensitivity
2.Response time is reduced.
26.Mention the torque expression with stator and rotor fluxes in induction machines.(May 2015)
The torque expression can be expressed in vector form as
Te=3/2(P/2)Ψs*Is
Where Ψs=Ψqss-jΨdss and Is=iqss-jidss. In this equation Is is to be replaced by rotor flux Ψr.
PART-B
1. Explain the principal of field oriented control of induction machine. Draw necessary phasor diagram.(June 2012)

2. Discuss the concept of direct and indirect vector control. Also explain how flux vector is estimated in each method
(June 2012,June 2014,May 2016)

3. Discuss the implementation of vector control in an induction motor.

4. Explain how vector controlled induction motor drive operates like a separately excited DC motor with necessary
phasor diagrams.(November 2014)

5. Derive the torque expression of an induction motor in terms of stator and rotor fluxes.

6. Explain the principle of field orientation to control torque and flux individually and also draw its implementation
strategy.

7. With the block diagram and flux vector trajectory explain the principle of operation of DTC strategy.(June
2013,June 2014)

8. Explain the direct torque control of induction motor drive and the need for stator resistance adaptation.(November
2014,May 2015,May 2016)

9. Develop a transfer function model of a DTC induction motor drives

10. Explain direct field control in stator reference frames in detail.(June 2013)

11. Explain the DC drive analogy of induction motor.(May 2015) (May 2016)

12. Describe the importance of the flux vector estimation in the AC drive systems.(May 2015)
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UNIT V- SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR DRIVES

PART-A
1. Give the use of synchronous motors.
Synchronous motors were mainly used in constant speed applications. The development of semiconductor variable
Frequency sources, such as inverters and cycloconverters, has allowed their use in variable speed applications such
as high power and high speed compressors, blowers, induced and fouled draft fane, main line traction, servo
drives, etc.
2. How are the stator and rotor of the synchronous motor supplied?
The stator of the synchronous motor is supplied from a thyristor power converter capable of providing a variable
frequency supply. The rotor, depending upon the situation, may be constructed with slip rings, where it conforms
to a conventional rotor. It is supplied with D.C. through slip rings. Sometimes rotor may also be free from sliding
contacts (slip rings), in which case the rotor is fed from a rectifier rotating with rotor.
3. What is the difference between an induction motor and synchronous motor?
An induction motor operates at lagging power factor and hence the converter supplying the same must invariable
be a force commutated one. A synchronous motor, on the other hand, can be operated at any power factor by
controlling the field current.
4. List out the commonly used synchronous motors.
Commonly used synchronous motors are, a)Wound field synchronous motors. b)Permanent magnet synchronous
motors c)Synchronous reluctance synchronous motors. d)Hysterias motors.
5. Give the advantages and applications of PMSM.
The advantages of PMSM are, i)High efficiency ii)High power factor iii)Low sensitivity to supply voltage
variations.
The application of PMSM is that it is preferred of industrial applications with large duty cycle such as pumps, fans
and compressors.
6. Mention the two modes employed in variable frequency control.
The two modes employed in variable frequency control are a. True synchronous mode b. Self-controlled mode.
7. Which machine is said to be self controlled?
A machine is said to be self controlled if it gets its variable frequency from an inverter whose thyristors are fired in
a sequence, using the information of rotor position or stator voltages. In the former a rotor position sensor is
employed which measures the rotor position with respect to the stator and sends pulses to the thyristors. Thus
frequency of the inverter output is decided by the rotor speed.
8. Give the application of self controlled synchronous motor.
A self controlled synchronous motor is a substitute for a D.C. motor drive and finds application where a D.C. motor
is objectionable due to its mechanical commutator, which limits the speed range and power output.
9. How the machine operation is performed in self-controlled mode?(November 2014)
For machine operation in the self-controlled mode, rotating filed speed should be the same as rotor speed. This
condition is realized by making frequency of voltage induced in the armature. Finning pulses are therefore
generated either by comparison of motor terminal voltages or by rotor position sensors.
10. What is meant by margin angle of commutation?
The difference between the lead angle of firing and the overlap angle is called the margin angle of commutation. In
this angle of the thyristor, commutation failure occurs. Safe commutation is assured if this angle has a minimum
value equal to the turn off angle of the thyristor.
11. What are the advantages of Constant margin angle control of Synchronous motor drive fed by an inverter?
The advantages of constant margin angle control of synchronous motor drive is that it eliminates the hunting and
stability problems and it does not require commutation circuits.
12. What is self control mode of synchronous motors?
In self control mode, the stator supply frequency is changed in proportion to the rotor speed so that the rotating
field produced by the stator always moves at the same speed as the rotor.
13. What is constant margin angle control of synchronous motor drive?
In self controlled motor drive, the load side converter is operated as an inverter and maximizes motor power factor.
This control is called constant margin angle control.
14. Why a synchronous motor without damper winding is used, in the drive system employing a cycloconverter?
A synchronous motor without damper winding is used, because the damper winding reduces the inductance of
the machine, and therefore its ability to filter out harmonics in the output voltage of the cycloconverter. Since the
drive operates in the self controlled mode, the damper winding is not needed for its conventional roles.
15. What is brushless dc motor?
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An inverter fed trapezoidal permanent magnet AC motor drive operating in self controlled mode is called a
brushless dc motor.
16. What are the classifications of permanent magnet synchronous motor?
According to construction i)Surface mounted PMSM. ii)Interior mounted PMSM.
According to the nature of voltage induced i)Sinusoidally excited. ii)Trapezoidally excited.
17. Mention some applications of PMSM.
Some applications of PMSM are
1. Robots. 2. Machine tools.
18. Define torque angle.
The angle between excitation emf and supply voltage. This angle is called torque angle or power angle. It is
denoted as δ.
19. What are the different classifications of synchronous motor?
a) Wound field synchronous motor. i) Cylindrical rotor construction. ii) Salient pole rotor
construction.
b) Permanent magnet synchronous motor. i) Surface mounted. ii) Buried type.
c) Synchronous reluctance motors. d) Hysteresis motors.
20. What are the characteristics of true synchronous mode operated synchronous motor?
The motor behaves like a conventional synchronous motor i.e hunting oscillations exists. The changes in
frequency are slow enough for rotor to truck the changes. Multi motor operation is possible here.
21. Write any four special features of self controlled synchronous machine.
It is operated like a dc motor also called commutator less motor, These machines have better stability behavior,
Do not have oscillatory behavior, Do not require damper winding.
22. What are the ways of receiving firing pulses in self controlled mode?
The ways of receiving firing pulses in self controlled mode are 1. Rotor position sensor. 2. Induced voltage
sensor.
23. What are the different ways of receiving variable voltage and variable frequency for a
synchronous motor?
The different ways of receiving variable voltage and variable frequency are 1. DC link converter. a) Voltage source
inverter. b) Current source inverter. 2. Cycloconverter.
24. What are the two controllers employed in the closed loop control of synchronous motor drives?
The speed controller and current controller are the two major controllers used in the closed loop control drives.
25. What is the main advantage of using closed loop control in drives?
The closed loop control has very steady state error and hence the output is very close to the desired value and
can be controlled.
26. What is the necessity of delay unit in a open loop v/f control of synchronous motor? (May 2011)
The delay circuit is necessary to ensure that the change in inverter frequency is slow enough for the motor speed
track the evolving field speed.
27. Define self control of synchronous motor. (May 2011)
In self control, as the rotor speed changes, the armature supply frequency is also changed proportionately So
that the armature field always moves at the same speed as the rotor
28.Mention the advantages of brushless excitation.(June 2013)
It eliminates hunting and stability problems, and allows versatile control without the limitations associated with
commutator and brushes.
29. What is the significance of load commutated synchronous motor drive?(June 2013)
The significance of load commuted synchronous motor drive is that it is used in compressors, pumps, blowers.
30. When do V-curves occur in synchronous motors?(June 2014)
When operating at a constant torque, the machine operates at a lagging pf for a low value of field current.an increase
of it improves the pf and reduces armature current. the minimum value of the armature current is reached when the pf
becomes unity. This plot between Is and If for different values of torque mentions the v-curves
31.State the starting methods of synchronous machines.(June 2014)
Synchronous motor operating from a voltage source of fixed frequency and with non-sinusoidal supplies.
32. List out the advantages of load commutation.(November 2014)
1.It does not require commutation circuits
2. Frequency of operation can be transverse higher.
33.Define about brushless excitation method.(May 2015) (May 2016)
In brushless excitation method, an electronic commutator replaces the mechanical commutator and brushes thus
eliminates the disadvantages of the dc machine such as maintenance and reliability problems and sparking.
34. What do you mean by hunting oscillations and where it will be occurred?(May 2015) (May 2016)
 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING
PX5202 – SOLID STATE DRIVES

After sudden application of load, the rotor has to hunt (or) search for its new equilibrium
position. This phenomenon is known as hunting and it occurs in synchronous motors.
PART-B
1. A 6 MW, 3 phase, 11kV, star connected, 6 pole , 50Hz, 0.9(leading) power factor synchronous motor has X s =
9Ω and Rs = 0. rated field current is 50A.machine is controlled by variable frequency control at constant (v/f)
ratio up to the bare speed and at constant V above speed determine
i) torque and field current for the rated armature current, 750 rpm and 0.8 leading pf.
ii) Armature current and power factor for half the rated torque, 1500 rpm and rated field current.
iii) Armature current and power factor for regenerative braking power output of 4.2 kW at 750 rpm
and rated field current.
iv) Torque and field current for regenerative braking operation at rated armature current, 1500 rpm and
unity power factor.

2. Write short notes on the following: i)Power factor control of synchronous motor drive., ii.True synchronous
mode of operation
.
3. Explain the equivalent circuit of a wound field cylindrical rotor and derive the performance equations.(June
2012)

4. Explain the closed loop control scheme of adjustable speed synchronous motor drive.

5. Describe the self control of synchronous motor fed from VSI.(May 2015)

6. Discuss about the separately controlled synchronous motor fed from VSI.(May 2015

)
7. Explain with block diagram of marginal angle control of synchronous motor drive.

8. Explain the open loop v/f control of synchronous motor drive. (May 2011,November2014)

9. Explain the concept of self controlled synchronous motor drive. (May 2011,November 2014)

10. Explain the construction and working of permanent magnet synchronous motor. (May 2011,November2014)

11. Draw a neat sketch of brush less dc excitation system and explain its operation briefly.(June 2013)

12. Explain about control of load commutated synchronous motor drive(June 2013,June 2014,May 2016)

13. Explain the starting and braking schemes of synchronous motor. (June 2014,May 2016)

14. A three phase, 400V,50Hz,6pole star connected round- rotor synchronous motor has Z s=0+j2Ω.Load torque,
proportional to speed squared, is 340N-m at rated synchronous speed.
The speed of the motor is lowered by keeping v/f constant and maintaining unity pf by field control of the motor.
For the motor operation at 600rpm,calculate
(i)supply voltage(ii)armature current
(iii)excitation angle. (iv) Load angle (v) The pull-out torque. Neglect rotational losses.(May 2015,May 2016)