A three-phase induction motor is designed to run at speeds that are slightly less than synchronous speed, and this behavior is due to the fundamental principles of how these motors operate. To understand why a three-phase induction motor never runs at synchronous speed, let's break it down into several key concepts:
### 1. **Synchronous Speed**
Synchronous speed (\( N_s \)) is the speed at which the rotating magnetic field of the stator of the motor rotates. It is determined by the frequency of the AC power supply (\( f \)) and the number of poles (\( P \)) in the motor. The formula for synchronous speed is:
\[ N_s = \frac{120 \times f}{P} \]
Where:
- \( N_s \) is the synchronous speed in revolutions per minute (RPM),
- \( f \) is the supply frequency in hertz (Hz),
- \( P \) is the number of poles in the motor.
### 2. **Operation Principle**
A three-phase induction motor consists of a stator (the stationary part) and a rotor (the rotating part). The stator generates a rotating magnetic field when three-phase current flows through it. The rotor is placed inside this rotating magnetic field.
### 3. **Slip Concept**
For the motor to produce torque and run, there needs to be a relative speed between the rotating magnetic field and the rotor. This relative speed creates what is called "slip." Slip is the difference between the synchronous speed and the rotor speed. It is essential for inducing current in the rotor, which in turn creates the magnetic field necessary to produce torque.
Slip (\( s \)) can be defined as:
\[ s = \frac{N_s - N_r}{N_s} \]
Where:
- \( N_r \) is the rotor speed in RPM,
- \( N_s \) is the synchronous speed in RPM.
### 4. **Why Synchronous Speed Cannot Be Achieved**
At synchronous speed (\( N_s \)), the rotor would be rotating at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field. If the rotor were to reach synchronous speed, the relative speed between the magnetic field and the rotor would be zero. As a result:
- No current would be induced in the rotor,
- No torque would be produced.
Without torque, the rotor cannot continue to turn, and the motor would essentially stop or fail to operate. Therefore, in a practical induction motor, the rotor always runs at a speed slightly less than synchronous speed, ensuring that slip is present and torque is generated.
### 5. **Importance of Slip**
The slip is crucial for the induction motor's operation because:
- It allows for the generation of induced currents in the rotor.
- These currents interact with the stator's magnetic field to produce torque.
Without slip, there would be no relative motion between the rotor and the stator's magnetic field, leading to no torque production, and thus, the motor would not function.
### Conclusion
In summary, a three-phase induction motor never runs at synchronous speed because the creation of torque requires a difference in speed between the rotating magnetic field of the stator and the rotor. This difference, known as slip, is necessary for inducing current in the rotor and generating the torque needed for the motor's operation. At synchronous speed, no slip would be present, resulting in no induced current and no torque, which would prevent the motor from running.