Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
(OP)
Is there an IEEE or similar standard for recommended max voltage drop on a 480 V distribution system during a motor start? I'm evaluating options for reduced voltage/soft start/VFD start for an existing installation - we can figure out what the transient voltage is, but I'm not sure of what voltage transient is considered too low. I've assumed a 15% drop is acceptable, but don't have a good basis for that.
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
" .... #1. Is there an IEEE or similar standard for recommended max voltage drop on a 480 V distribution system during a motor start?..... we can figure out what the transient voltage is, but I'm not sure of what voltage transient is considered too low. ... #2. I've assumed a 15% drop is acceptable, but don't have a good basis for that".
#1. In the US, NEC is the Law. But, I was unable to locate any mention of the allowable (transient) voltage-drop [during starting].
I would assumed that it depends on the motor (transient) torque at lower voltage SHALL be > the load torque in order to accelerate within 10, 20 ---30s, i.e. the limits of the motor and the thermal over-load setting. Note: (a) the (motor torque) is very much lowered when the [source voltage is < the rated]. (b) the (load torque) is [independent of the source voltage].
#2. It is dependent on the motor (kW) rating and the load torque characteristic. The motor torque (with transient lowered voltage) shall be > than the load torque, and able to speed up within the time limit of the motor. In general, the (transient voltage-drop) not exceeding 15% [during starting] would be fine.
#3. FYI: (a) in case that transient VD is too much, consider connect the (contactor coil supply) from a UPS source, or use a DC coil, or electronic controlled coil; which are less sensitive to the voltage.
(b) An IEC AC3 rated contactor would be fine, i.e. without plugging/inching (see IEC for definition of AC3 application).
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
I suppose the limits may be same in IEEE too.
The allowable voltage drop of 15% and 20% at busbars and motor terminals respectively during motor starting comes from the above requirement to ensure the contactors in the system do not drop-off. This is widely followed in the industry to my knowledge.
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
For 480 V the minimum of service voltage in Range A it is 95% that means not less than 480*0.95%=456 V is permissible for Utility supply voltage.
However, for limited time the Range B is permissible, that means 91.67% of 480 V [440 V].
On the other hand, as utilization-at motor terminals voltage- 86.67% it is permissible [416 V].
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
1. I noticed that there are numerous learned advice, but each targeting the VD at different locations: (a) at the point-of-coupling, i.e. the utility supply up your incoming receiving point,
(b) starter output terminal voltage, i.e. about equal to the contactor input voltage,
(c) the motor terminal voltage, i.e. the voltage measured at the motor terminals.
2. The motor terminal voltage is the most important. The motor output kW/torque is dependent on the voltage at its terminals. Motor does not know/care what are the VDs along the upper stream.
3. The basic requirement is that the motor (transient torque) shall be > (transient load torque) during starting; in order to speed up within the motor rating.
3.1. Attention: The motor (transient torque) is [lowered] due to the (transient VDs), caused by the high (transient starting current); during starting.
4. In general, the transient VD at the motor terminals < 15% than the motor rated voltage would be fine. That is irrespective of the various (transient VDs) on the upper stream, which are irreverent.
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
This requirement is measured at the point of coupling to the utility, and is enforced to protect other customers.
As long as your motor starts without excessive heating you should be OK.
If relays drop out, see the answers above. If the load has too much inertia for the above to work, it may be necessary to disconnect the motor from the load with the use of a clutch.
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
D.O. Volts = drop out voltage
The contactors in that table have picked-up (65-78% coil voltage or more required) by the time they close and start powering the motor. The size 5 drop-out is the worst at 65% of the coil voltage. If your voltage is dropping 65% or more you likely are causing other system issues.
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
1) The allowable drop is limited by the torque requirement to successfully accelerate to rated speed operation.
2) The voltage "limits" of the protection elements (circuit breakers, etc.) and their sensitivity to transients.
3) The voltage limitations/sensitivity of the OTHER connected equipment - for example, dropping below nominal distribution voltage for some period of time might cause all your (connected) uninterruptible power supplies to kick in on under-voltage.
A properly set up system will likely work just fine for the duration of a typical motor start sequence if the distribution voltage remains at least 0.85*V ... in your case, 408 V. If the driven load takes a long time (> 15 seconds) to accelerate, you might want to limit your drop to around 10 % (bus voltage at least 432 V).
Converting energy to motion for more than half a century
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
1. I wish to submit per IEC 61947-4-1 for your consideration:
A electromagnetic contactor (a) Shall close satisfactorily between 85% and 110% of their rated supply voltage Us.
(b) Shall drop out and open fully between 70% to 20% for a.c of their rated control supply voltage Us.
1.1 Attention: this is the mechanical operation requirement with respect to the coil voltage without load.
2. FYI: (a) In general, a.c. electromagnetic contactors on the market would "chatter" when the coil voltage drop to > 60% of the rated voltage when the contacts closed, during starting.
(b) Caution: chattering with current flowing through the main contacts would damage the contacts and motor in a very short duration!
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)
RE: Distribution system voltage drop (480 VAC) during motor start
But most utilities required a limit at the point of common coupling (normally the meter) to be in the allowed area of the flicker chart. Some of these also had a factor of how many starts would be required per day or hour.
This was important for larger motors like saw mills and crushers.
A flicker study would include a fault study (with the smallest source) to find the system impedance, and required the motor cold resistance, to find the total current draw from a start, and from there to calculate the voltage drop at the meter.