Effects of various unbalanced voltages on the operation performance of an induction motor under the same voltage unbalance factor condition

This paper investigates the effects of different unbalanced voltages with the same voltage unbalance factor (VUF) on the performance of a three-phase induction motor and its feedback influence on the power system. Under eight different voltage unbalance conditions, the performance of a three-phase induction motor was measured through a real load test. The loss, efficiency, power factor and temperature rise of the motor under different unbalanced voltages are investigated. According to the test results and analysis, the importance of the positive-sequence voltage on the motor's apparent performance and the negative-sequence voltage in the hidden damage were pointed out. Finally, it is strongly suggested that: (1) the derating and temperature rise curves and related regulations should consider the VUF percent and the magnitude of positive-sequence voltage; and (2) the effects of unbalanced voltage on induction motors should also be modeled in power system voltage stability studies.