Current Imbalance Analysis in Three-Phase Induction Motors: Causes, Performance Impacts, and Mitigation Efforts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61536/ambidextrous.v5i01.993Keywords:
Current Imbalance, Three-Phase Induction Motor, Voltage Unbalance, Derating, Single-PhasingAbstract
The three-phase induction motor is the most widely used electromechanical drive in the industrial sector due to its simple construction, reliability, and relatively low cost. However, its performance strongly depends on the quality of a balanced three-phase voltage supply. Even a small voltage unbalance is amplified into a much larger stator current unbalance, causing excessive heating, reduced efficiency, torque and speed oscillation, increased vibration, and accelerated degradation of winding insulation. This article aims to analyze, through a literature-based approach, the causes, mechanisms, calculation methods, impacts, and mitigation strategies of current imbalance in three-phase induction motors by synthesizing previous studies, both simulation-based (MATLAB/Simulink) and experimental laboratory/industrial testing. The method used is a literature review of national scientific articles in electrical engineering discussing voltage/current unbalance in induction motors. The review shows that, based on the NEMA standard, a 1% voltage unbalance can produce approximately 6-10 times greater current unbalance, and at 5% voltage unbalance the motor experiences significant overheating requiring derating of about 25% of its rated capacity. Extreme conditions such as single-phasing faults can cause voltage unbalance of 3.64%-6.30% accompanied by a sharp temperature rise that risks damaging winding insulation. Recommended mitigation strategies include real-time current and voltage monitoring based on the Internet of Things (IoT), phase-unbalance and single-phasing protection, motor derating according to the NEMA standard, and preventive maintenance of the three-phase supply system. This review is expected to serve as a reference for further research on the protection and reliability of three-phase induction motors in industrial settings.
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