What is squirrel cage induction motor?

A squirrel cage induction motor is a type of AC electric motor that is widely used in industrial and domestic applications. It is called a "squirrel cage" motor because the rotor, which is the rotating part of the motor, consists of a cylinder made of copper or aluminum bars that are short-circuited at both ends. The cage-like appearance of the rotor gives the motor its name. One of the key features of the squirrel cage induction motor is that it is a self-starting motor, meaning that it does not require any external assistance to start rotating. When an AC voltage is applied to the stator or the stationary part of the motor, an alternating magnetic field is generated. This field then induces a current in the rotor, causing it to rotate and follow the field.

Squirrel cage induction motors are available in a wide range of sizes and power ratings, making them suitable for use in a variety of applications. They are reliable, efficient, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for use in industries such as manufacturing, mining, and construction. In summary, the squirrel cage induction motor is a widely used AC electric motor that is known for its self-starting capability, reliability, and efficiency. It is a popular choice for use in a variety of industrial and domestic applications.

Construction of squirrel cage induction motor

The construction of a squirrel cage induction motor consists of two main parts and these two parts are :

Stator
Rotor

Stator

The stator is the stationary part of the motor and is typically made up of a stack of laminated iron sheets. It has a set of coils wound around a core that is connected to the AC power supply. When an AC voltage is applied to the stator, it generates an alternating magnetic field.

Rotor

The rotor is the rotating part of the motor and is typically made up of a cylinder of copper or aluminum bars that are short-circuited at both ends. The rotor is mounted on a shaft that is supported by bearings, allowing it to rotate freely. The rotor does not have any windings or electrical connections.

When the stator generates an alternating magnetic field, it induces a current in the rotor, causing it to rotate and follow the field. The rotation of the rotor is transmitted to a load, such as a fan or a pump, through the shaft. The construction of a squirrel cage induction motor consists of a stator and a rotor, with the stator generating an alternating magnetic field that causes the rotor to rotate and transmit power to a load.

Working Principle of Squirrel Cage Induction Motor?

The working principle of a squirrel cage induction motor is based on the concept of electromagnetic induction. When an AC voltage is applied to the stator or the stationary part of the motor, it generates an alternating magnetic field. This field then induces a current in the rotor, which is the rotating part of the motor. The rotor of a squirrel cage induction motor consists of a cylinder of copper or aluminum bars that are short-circuited at both ends. It does not have any windings or electrical connections. When the alternating magnetic field from the stator is induced in the rotor, it causes the rotor to rotate and follow the field.

As the rotor rotates, it also generates its own magnetic field. The interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's magnetic field causes the rotor to rotate at a speed that is slightly slower than the speed of the stator's field. This difference in speed is known as the slip of the motor. The rotation of the rotor is transmitted to a load, such as a fan or a pump, through the shaft. The load is driven by the torque produced by the interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's magnetic field.

In short, the working principle of a squirrel cage induction motor is based on the concept of electromagnetic induction, where an AC voltage applied to the stator generates an alternating magnetic field that causes the rotor to rotate and transmit power to a load.

Application of Squirrel Cage Induction Motor

Squirrel cage induction motors are widely used in a variety of applications due to their reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance. Some common applications of squirrel cage induction motors are given below:-

Fans and pumps: Squirrel cage induction motors are commonly used to drive fans and pumps in a variety of industries, including HVAC, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Conveyors: Squirrel cage induction motors are commonly used to drive conveyor belts in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, mining, and construction.
Compressors: Squirrel cage induction motors are commonly used to drive compressors in a variety of industries, including refrigeration and air conditioning.
Machine tools: Squirrel cage induction motors are commonly used to drive machine tools in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and metalworking.
Domestic appliances: Squirrel cage induction motors are commonly used to drive a variety of domestic appliances, including washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators.