Unveiling Power Of the Star-Delta Starter: Functions, Types and Use

While starting an induction motor, there is an inpouring current flow, and a star-delta starter is used to reduce the current flow. This implementation reduces the current passing through the induction motor and minimises the motor's initial torque. To put it simply, while starting an induction motor, the massive rush of current can damage the internal parts, and to protect against such damage, the need for a star-delta emerges. Hence, in this blog, we will cover every detail about such a type of voltage starter.  

Unveiling the star-delta starter: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Star-delta starters are known as 3-phase star-delta starters and are designed to reduce the initial flow of the current and torque in a motor. The reduced flow of current further reduces the stress imparted on different mechanical parts. Once the current flow has been stabilised the current is increased, allowing the motor to work in its actual potential.  

At first, the motor's windings are connected to create the design of a star. Once the design has been created, the current flows in the motor at a reduced rate for a certain period. Once the motor achieves the desired speed, there is a quick change in the entire configuration. The motor windings are now in a delta arrangement where the motor will increase its current and operate at its best-suited capacity.  

What is a Star-Delta Starter for a Pump?

A star-delta starter, commonly known as an automatic star-delta starter, is mainly used for the water pump. The initial working of a star-delta starter for a pump is somewhat similar to the functions of a star-delta starter installed in a motor, which involves the initial phase of reducing the flow of current to gradually increasing the current flow. In a water pump, a star-delta starter provides a smooth acceleration flow to reduce the stress imparted in the pump.  

The Role of Star-delta Starters in Motor Protection

In addition to the fundamental purpose of a star-delta starter, there are some other roles of a star-delta starter involved in protecting the motor, which includes:  

1. Torque reduction:

Not only does a star-delta starter reduce the initial flow of current in a motor but it simultaneously ensures that the initial torque of the motor is reduced as well. The flow of the current is later increased to prevent motor damage.  

2. Imbalance of the voltage:

In certain cases, the voltage starters cannot provide balanced voltage at various parts of the motor, but in the case of a star-delta starter control, the flow of voltage is evenly distributed in the motor. 

3. Overheat protection:

If the flow of current is not reduced, it can lead to overheating, which could devastate the motor. This problem can be overlooked in the case of a star-delta starter as it is pre-installed with the function of overheating protection. 

The Crucial Safety Features of Star-delta Starters

Even though installing a star-delta is less complicated, one must follow the basic safety features while installing it on the motor. Some of those standard safety features include: 

1. Indicators:

The starters are well-equipped with vivid labels and indicators to avoid any complexity in the installation process.  

2. Maintenance:

Star-delta starters are meant for the protection of the motor, and hence, it is quite essential to maintain the starters in a proper working condition.  

3. Overload:

To protect the motor from any damage caused by an excessive flow of current, the star-delta starters are built with thermal relays.  

What is the difference between a DOL starter and a star-delta starter?

Selecting a suitable type of voltage starter could be difficult as one might ponder over the two well-known starters for a motor. But these starters have some differences that set them apart from one another, and they are: 

• DOL connects the motor directly to the source of power with the help of one contractor, and hence, the initial flow of the current is not minimised. A star-delta starter working principle states that the motor must be connected with a contractor that will reduce the starting current flow.
• Since a star-delta starter is preferred for a small induction motor, it is quite pocket-friendly. On the other hand, DOL is quite expensive as it is required in those industries where the initial flow of the current must be heavy.

Read Also -  DOL Starters For Agricultural Motors And Pump Sets

Choosing the right star-delta starter for your application

Before selecting any kind of voltage starter, one must highly consider a few important points, which include:  

• The load capacity of the induction motor
• The capacity of power flowing through the lines inside a motor
• The voltage of the motor
• The operational and thermal rating capacity

Ideally, a star-delta starter is mainly preferred for a small-sized motor where the flow of current is limited to a small amount and capable of carrying light-weighted loads that further enhance to reduce the overall voltage rating of the motor.  

What is the advantage of a star-delta starter?

There are various advantages of installing a star-delta starter in an induction motor, and some of them are: 

1. Reduction of current flow:

A star-delta starter can minimise the current flow in addition to the torque of a motor to 33%. 

2. Diminishing mechanical stress:

Compared to other types of starters, the mechanical stress involved in the application process is less. 

3. Cost-effective:

The parts of a star-delta starter are readily available and are pretty cheap compared to other types of starters available in the market.  

Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) for Top-Notch Start-Delta Starter

If you are looking forward to purchasing a star-delta starter, Lauritz Knudsen (Formerly L&T Switchgear) is your way to go. You are up for a smooth experience with various options and reasonable pricing. With cash-on-delivery options and a fast delivery facility, it is among the most sorted smart shops for electrical equipment.  

FAQs

1. What is a star-delta starter?

It is a mechanical device used to reduce the initial flow of current in a motor. This prevents the motor from suffering any damages caused by sudden changes in the voltage.

2. What is the application of a star-delta starter?

As it helps to diminish the current, the internal components of a motor are prevented from suffering any kind of damage that is caused due to an abrupt voltage imbalance.

3. What are the disadvantages of using a star-delta starter?

It is only applicable to a small-sized motor with a reduced load capacity.