Abstract
The starting of three-phase wound rotor induction motors by stepped resistances added in the rotor circuit suffers from several problems. This paper suggests a novel method of motor starting by inserting a parallel combination of resistance, inductance and capacitance in the rotor circuit. The proposed method guarantees a smooth and high starting torque over most of the starting period besides a controlled starting current. A mathematical model is developed based on a frequency domain quasi-steady state equivalent circuit. An optimization technique is then applied to determine the values of the rotor added elements such that minimum starting time is achieved subject to current and torque constraints. Experimental verification has been carried out and the computed results are in good agreement with the measured values.