In single-phase induction motors, the starting winding and the auxiliary winding are components that play a crucial role in initiating and stabilizing the motor's rotation. These motors are commonly used in applications where a three-phase power supply is not available, such as in residential appliances, fans, pumps, and small industrial machinery.
Starting Winding (Main Winding): The starting winding is the primary winding in a single-phase induction motor. It is designed with a relatively high resistance and fewer turns of wire compared to the main running winding. When power is applied to the motor, the starting winding creates a rotating magnetic field that interacts with the stator's main winding and induces an initial torque to start the motor's rotation. However, due to its higher resistance, this winding is not designed for continuous operation and is usually disconnected using a centrifugal switch once the motor reaches a certain speed (typically around 75-80% of the synchronous speed). This prevents the starting winding from overheating during normal running conditions.
Auxiliary Winding (Starting Winding): The auxiliary winding, also known as the starting winding, is responsible for providing the necessary phase shift to create a rotating magnetic field in the motor's stator. This is essential because single-phase power supplies generate a pulsating magnetic field, which alone cannot induce continuous rotation in the motor. The auxiliary winding is connected in series with a capacitor to create a phase difference between the currents in the main winding and the auxiliary winding. This phase shift generates a rotating magnetic field, which interacts with the rotor's squirrel cage and initiates rotation. The capacitor's value determines the degree of phase shift, and it is chosen based on the motor's design and required performance.
In summary, the starting winding and the auxiliary winding work together to create a rotating magnetic field that induces the initial torque needed to start a single-phase induction motor. The phase shift produced by the auxiliary winding in conjunction with a capacitor is crucial for generating this rotating magnetic field. Once the motor reaches a certain speed, the starting winding is often disconnected to avoid overheating, and the motor relies on the main winding to continue running efficiently.