AC induction motor reverse 3 phase

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of reversing the phases of a large AC induction motor while it is under full load. Participants explore the implications of this action, including the motor's behavior and potential consequences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that immediately after reversing the phases, the motor will behave like a generator, sending power back to the source and experiencing a heavy retardation before reversing direction.
  • Another participant notes that swapping the terminals could lead to arcing due to the motor's regenerative nature.
  • A different viewpoint presents a more dramatic scenario, where the motor could potentially damage itself and cause a catastrophic failure, while also mentioning that in practical terms, overloads would likely trip and backup systems would activate.
  • One participant questions whether this process is referred to as "plugging," indicating that plugging involves drawing significant current from the supply to stop the motor, which they argue is not regenerative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the consequences of reversing the phases, particularly regarding whether the process is considered regenerative or not. There is no consensus on the terminology or the specific outcomes of the phase reversal.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the motor's behavior under load and the definitions of terms like "plugging" are not fully clarified, leading to potential misunderstandings.

earth_physics
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What happens if an big AC induction motor is running with full load an your suddenly reverse the 3 phase?
 
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Immediately after phase reversal, the motor will act like a generator and send power back to the source, and in doing so will heavily retard. As soon as it attain 0 speed it start rotating on the other direction. It would be like a regenerative Braking followed by direction reversal.
 
Also as you swap the terminals you are likely to draw an arc due to the regenerating nature of the motor.
 
I assume that you mean that you swap two phases over, thus reversing the direction of rotation of the motor, in a James Bond world the motor would try to turn backwards rip itself to pieces and start a chain reaction that ended with the bad guy's secret headquarters blowing up, in a real more prosaic world the motor overloads would trip, and the stand-by fan / pump would start automatically.
 
Ok thanks.

is this called plugging?

Because if it is then it is not regenerative. When you plugging you draw big current from the supply to stop to ac motor.
 

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