Motor Starting Analysis

Dan Harms La Plata Electric Association

Overview
Starting a motor Why run motor analyses? Available fault current and voltage flicker Using motor analysis in WindMil VFD and soft starting options Communicating results to customer

Starting a Motor
Motor must overcome its own rotor inertia plus that of the load Locked rotor starting current may be 6 to 9 times normal running current

System Voltage Drop

Inrush of current causes additional voltage dip from the source to the motor
Source
Current Flow Voltage Drop 0.2%

115 kV
60 mi of 477 ACSR

9A

Substation
10 MVA 6.5%

0.3%

12.47 kV
3 mi of 4/0 ACSR

83 A

1.9%

Dist Xfmr
500 kVA, 3.5%

2.0% 2.1 kA 1.8%

480 V
100 ft of 2-500 MCM

300 HP

NEMA Locked-Rotor Code Letters

Code Letter A kVA/hp 0 3.15 Approx. Multiples of Full Load Amps 3.0

B
C D E

3.15 3.55
3.55 4.0 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.0

3.5
4.0 4.5 5.0

F
G H J

5.0 5.6
5.6 6.3 6.3 7.1 7.1 8.0

5.6
6.3 7.1 8.0

8.0 9.0

9.0

Why Run Motor Analysis?

Customer perspective Will the motor start? Dropout voltage Typically 80% - 85% of (of what we consider) nominal Motor heating is proportionate to the square of the operating current You will likely hit a voltage flicker constraint before hitting a dropout voltage constraint

Why Run Motor Analysis?

Utility perspective

Transformer sizing / impedance Voltage flicker

Voltage Flicker

Point of Common Coupling

Distribution transformer secondary

If other customers share distribution transformer If distribution transformer is dedicated to motor load If large motor has its own feeder If large motor has its own substation

Distribution transformer primary

Substation transformer secondary

Substation transformer primary

System Voltage Drop

Source 115 kV
60 mi of 477 ACSR

Current Flow 9A

Voltage Drop 0.2%

Cumulative Voltage Drop 0.2%

Substation
10 MVA 6.5%

0.3%

0.5%

12.47 kV
3 mi of 4/0 ACSR

83 A

1.9%

2.4%

Dist Xfmr
500 kVA, 3.5%

2.0% 2.1 kA 1.8%

4.4% 6.2%

480 V
100 ft of 2-500 MCM

300 HP

Available Fault Current and Voltage Flicker Maximum allowable inrush current approximately equals maximum allowable flicker times available fault current

Motor Analysis in WindMil

WindMil Examples
Locked rotor motor start on a distribution system Custom data boxes Soft starting options Add capacitor for motor start assist Large motor analysis on looped transmission system Variable frequency drives Color by maximum allowable kVA

Communicating Results
Customer needs to be capable of interpreting the results you provide them Maximum starting kVA Best format to present results Independent of voltage Maximum starting amps Voltage needs to be specified Maximum horsepower May be the only thing the customer comprehends Many other variables could increase the amount of starting current above what you projected

Follow Up

Make a file of your studies Dont be afraid to spot check installations Keep an eye on harmonics

QUESTIONS?
Dan Harms La Plata Electric Association 970-382-3514 dharms@lpea.coop