Design and Construction of Multi-Mode Induction Motor Starter

This paper is aimed at designing and constructing a portable multi–mode induction motor starter which includes a Direct on Line (DOL), Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), and star– delta starting modes. Several starting and control modes are available. The design is done such that a three-phase induction motor could be started with each of the starting modes independently, depending on the requirement of the user of such induction motor. The selection of each of the starting modes is done with the aid of a button which is automated by an Arduino programmed board. An overload relay is used for system protection to detect an over current in the system. System protection is facilitated by the contactors and the Arduino board output relays and these two components get instruction from the Arduino board. A portable multi–mode induction motor starter has been successfully designed and implemented in the module that is presented. On testing of the module with a 1hp induction motor, it was observed that the DOL mode starting current peaked at 1.61A while that of the VFD peaked at 0.31A. The designed and implemented module provides a simple means of choosing an adequate operational mode to operate an induction motor under full and no-load conditions; view operational conditions (i.e. operational current of the induction motor), as well as, serves as a protective circuitry for the induction motor powered system during operation.