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1 mark (−0.33)

The direction of rotation of a single-phase capacitor run induction motor is reversed by

  1. A
    interchanging the terminals of the AC supply.
  2. B
    interchanging the terminals of the capacitor.
  3. C
    interchanging the terminals of the auxiliary winding.
  4. D
    interchanging the terminals of both the windings.

Solution & Step-by-step Explanation

Reversing Capacitor Run Motor Direction

Single-phase induction motors, including the capacitor run type, require a mechanism to initiate rotation. The capacitor run motor utilizes an auxiliary winding, typically placed physically offset from the main winding, and a capacitor connected in series with this auxiliary winding. This setup is crucial for creating a phase difference between the currents flowing through the two windings, which in turn generates a pseudo-rotating magnetic field necessary for starting and running the motor.

Understanding Motor Rotation

The direction of torque, and thus rotation, in an induction motor is determined by the interaction between the stator's magnetic field and the rotor's induced currents. Specifically for a single-phase capacitor run motor, the direction depends on the relative phase relationship and spatial arrangement of the magnetic fields produced by the main winding and the auxiliary winding during operation.

Method for Reversing Direction

To change the direction of rotation of a single-phase capacitor run induction motor, the phase relationship or polarity of one of the windings needs to be altered relative to the other. The most common and effective method is:

- Interchanging the terminals of the auxiliary winding.

By swapping the connections of the auxiliary winding (often referred to as the starting winding, even though it remains connected in a capacitor run motor), the direction of current flow within that winding is reversed. This reversal changes the polarity of the magnetic field produced by the auxiliary winding. Consequently, the direction of the combined magnetic field, which drives the motor's rotation, is reversed.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

- Interchanging the terminals of the AC supply: While reversing the supply polarity generally reverses motor rotation, this method is less specific to altering the internal phase relationships that define the rotation direction in a capacitor motor. The standard procedure targets the windings themselves.
- Interchanging the terminals of the capacitor: The capacitor is connected in series with the auxiliary winding to create a phase shift. Reversing the capacitor's terminals does not change the phase shift it provides to the current flowing through the auxiliary winding relative to the main winding. The fundamental phase relationship determining rotation direction remains largely unaffected.
- Interchanging the terminals of both the windings: Reversing both the main winding and the auxiliary winding connections simultaneously would likely result in the original direction of rotation, as the effects would cancel each other out. The goal is to reverse the net rotational direction, which requires altering only one winding's effective polarity relative to the other.

Therefore, modifying the connections of the auxiliary winding is the correct procedure to reverse the direction of a single-phase capacitor run induction motor.

Practice this question

Try it yourself before checking the explanation above.

The direction of rotation of a single-phase capacitor run induction motor is reversed by
A
interchanging the terminals of the AC supply.
B
interchanging the terminals of the capacitor.
C
interchanging the terminals of the auxiliary winding.
D
interchanging the terminals of both the windings.

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