Selection of copper versus aluminum rotors for induction motors

Author

Finley, William R. ; Hodowanec, Mark M.

Author_Institution

Ind. Products Div., Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc., Norwood, MA, USA

Volume

37

Issue

6

fYear

2001

Firstpage

1563

Lastpage

1573

Abstract

On squirrel-cage induction motors, there is an important choice between utilizing a lower cost die-cast or fabricated aluminum rotor versus the more expensive copper bar rotor. Utilizing the wrong rotor construction for the application can either increase costs unnecessarily or lead to catastrophic failure. This paper provides the background necessary to assist in making the proper choice. The fundamentals of rotor construction and basic information on how the induction motor works are discussed. Additionally, the effects of various materials and types of rotor construction on motor performance are analyzed

Keywords

aluminium; copper; reliability; rotors; squirrel cage motors; Al; Cu; application; catastrophic failure; copper bar rotor; costs; die-cast aluminum rotor; fabricated aluminum rotor; materials effects; rotor construction; rotor selection; selection guidelines; squirrel-cage induction motors; Aluminum; Building materials; Chemical industry; Copper; Costs; Induction motors; Performance analysis; Petroleum; Power generation economics; Rotors;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-9994

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/28.968162

Filename

968162