Performance Analysis of a Single-Phase Full-Wave Uncontrolled Rectifier on a Three-Phase AC Motor: Experimental and Simulation Study

Abstract

Electric motors are essential electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, widely used in both household appliances (e.g., mixers, electric drills, and fans) and industrial applications (e.g., pumps, compressors, and conveyors). In industrial settings, three-phase AC motors are considered the "workhorses" of the industry, accounting for approximately 70% of total electrical energy consumption. This study focuses on the performance analysis of a three-phase AC motor driven by a single-phase full-wave uncontrolled rectifier, emphasizing key parameters such as power, torque, and efficiency curves. The experiment utilizes a three-phase AC motor connected to a 2500-watt lamp load on a generator, regulated incrementally from 0 to 250 watts to observe variations in torque, power, and speed. The experimental procedure includes preparing the test setup, warming up the motor for five minutes, applying incremental loads, recording performance data, and conducting comprehensive data analysis. The results indicate that the maximum power output of 1032.08 watts is achieved at 2846 RPM, while the maximum torque of 3.464 Nm is recorded at the same speed. Additionally, the highest efficiency of 72.68% occurs at 2941 RPM. To optimize efficiency and performance, it is crucial to ensure that the input voltage remains within the motor’s maximum rated voltage capacity. The findings provide valuable insights into the impact of uncontrolled rectification on three-phase AC motor performance, offering potential applications in power conversion, industrial automation, and energy-efficient motor control systems.