APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STARTING AND CONTROLLING A MOTOR

摘要

An apparatus and method for starting and controlling a motor comprises a timing circuit and a main control circuit. The timing circuit initiates a start-up period upon detecting power and provides an indication of the start-up period. The main control circuit receives the indication of the start-up period and applies variable magnitudes of power to a main winding of the motor. During the start-up period, the power applied to the main winding has a fixed, substantially maximum magnitude. During a period of normal operation following, the power applied to the main winding has a user-adjustable magnitude. The start-up period duration is as long as necessary for the motor to overcome a starting load thereon. Preferably, the timing circuit has a timer measuring the start-up period and a main relay signaling the start-up period to the main control circuit. Preferably, the apparatus also has a start-up relay and a start-up control circuit applying power to a start-up winding of the motor in addition to the power applied by the main control circuit to the main winding during the start-up period.