A novel induction motor starting method using superconduction

• Alternative method for starting up induction motor.
• Based on using a high-temperature superconductor.
• A prototype of the limiter was constructed with a 2G-YBCO tape.
• Prototype was tested with a 55-kW industrial induction motor in a 440-V/60-Hz.
• Offers reduced current waveform distortion compared to the soft starter method.

In this paper, an alternative method for starting up induction motors is proposed, taking into account experimental measurements. The new starting current limitation method is based on using a high-temperature superconductor. A prototype of the superconducting starting current limiter was constructed with a commercially available second-generation high-temperature superconductor YBCO tape, and this was tested with a 55-kW industrial induction motor in a 440-V/60-Hz three-phase power grid. Performance evaluations of the superconducting limiter method (applied to startup of the induction motor) were performed and were compared with a direct-on-line starter and an electronic soft starter. In addition, a computational model was developed and used for electromagnetic torque analysis of the system. As significant characteristics, our method offers the ability to limit the starting current of the induction motor with greater electromagnetic torque, reduced current waveform distortion and therefore lower harmonic pollution during startup when compared to the soft starter method.