Department - Author 1
Electrical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Electrical Engineering
Date
12-2015
Primary Advisor
Ali Shaban
Abstract/Summary
A Smith Motor is a three phase induction motor that has shunt capacitors parallel to its induction coils. The shunt capacitors provide balance and allow the motor to operate using a single phase power supply. Preliminary studies show that the Smith Motor is more efficient than a single phase induction motor powered by a single phase power supply, but less efficient than a three phase induction motor powered by a three phase power supply. The Smith Motor’s advantage is its ability to operate from a single phase power source instead of having a three phase power source installed. Its limitation to operate properly for varying loads is its disadvantage. One way to solve this problem is to develop a control system that can change the capacitors to correspond with the different sets of loads. The three phase induction motor will be tested in order to calculate proper shunt capacitor values for the Smith Motor. Then the Smith Motor will be tested for its efficiency, power factor, winding current, and winding voltage at various loads. The data will be utilized in order to construct a control system (a switch) that changes the capacitor values. This will allow the Smith Motor to operate in a more balanced state for varying loads.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/eesp/328