Operation and Starting of PAM Motors Using Vacuum Contactors

Pole amplitude modulation (PAM) motor is a single-winding two speed motor used for induced draft fans. Its cost is much less than that of an adjustable speed drive motor. This paper is prompted by a rigorous study that was undertaken to replace an existing oil filled, leaky, transfer-switch type, two-speed motor starter, with an adjunct of tens of hard wired timers in a utility installation. The paper describes the fundamental operation of a PAM motor, different torque speed and thermal withstand characteristics at two speeds, and design of an alternate starter using conventional vacuum contactors with modern multifunction microprocessor relays to provide effective protection during normal two-speed operation and starting.