Module 6
EEE 325
DC Motor
Generally,
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉 ± 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎
Where,
V 𝐸𝑏 The plus sign is used for
a generator and the
minus sign for motors
(i.e., before friction and windage losses)
Torque equation for a DC motor
Also, back EMF can be
expressed as:
𝑇𝑎 = 0.159∅𝑍𝐼𝑎 (𝑃Τ𝐴)
N
Armature Reaction in DC machines
MNA and GNA
• When a DC machine is running, both the fluxes (flux
due to the armature conductors and flux due to the
field winding) will be present at a time.
• The armature flux superimposes on the main field
flux and, hence, distorts the main field flux .
• This effect is called armature reaction in DC
machines.
The adverse effects of armature reaction:
Armature reaction distorts and weakens the main field, leading to
several consequences depending on whether the machine operates
as a motor or a generator.
• Brushes should be placed on the M.N.A., otherwise, it will lead to
sparking at the surface of brushes. But, due to armature reaction, it
is hard to determine the exact position of the MNA
• For a loaded dc generator, MNA will be shifted in the direction of
the rotation. On the other hand, for a loaded dc motor, MNA will be
shifted in the direction opposite to that of the rotation.
Effects in DC Generators
•Flux distortion: The armature field distorts the main field, shifting the
magnetic neutral axis (MNA), which is the ideal location for
commutation.
•Flux weakening: It reduces the overall magnetic flux, leading to a drop in generated voltage under load conditions.
•Poor commutation: The shift in MNA causes sparking at the brushes and inefficient current reversal, especially at high
loads
Effects in DC Motors
•Torque irregularities: Distorted flux affects the torque production, potentially causing vibrations or noise.
•Commutation issues: Similar to generators, the shift in neutral axis leads to sparking and brush wear.
•Reduced efficiency: The weakened field, fluctuating flux and uneven current flow result in lower motor performance and
increased losses.
How to reduce armature reaction
Compensating winding:
• The armature reaction is due to the presence of armature
flux. which is produced due to the current flowing in
armature conductors.
• Now, if we place another winding in close proximity to the
armature winding carrying the same current but in the
opposite direction as that of the armature current, then
this will tend to nullify the armature field.
• Such an additional winding is called compensating winding
and it is placed on the main pole faces.
• Compensating winding is connected in series with the
armature winding in such a way that it carries the current
in opposite direction.
Interpoles:
• Interpoles are the small auxiliary poles placed between the
main field poles.
• Windings on the interpoles are connected in series to carry
armature current, wound in such a way that its magnetic
polarity is same as that of the main pole ahead of it.
• By producing a magnetic field equal and opposite to the
distorting armature field, interpoles keep the magnetic
neutral plane fixed
DC MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS
We need to know how motor behavior changes with load – helping us
to select, control and maintain the motor for better operation
Torque–Current Characteristic
• Notice that except for lighter loads, the series motor has a much
greater torque than the shunt or the cumulative compound motor for
a given armature current.
• Since a series motor has a much greater starting torque, it is
exceptionally well suited for staring heavy loads at a reduced speed.
Back-EMF–Current Characteristic 𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉 − 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎
back EMF 𝐸𝑏
Cumulative
compound
Series
DC MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS
Speed–Current Characteristic
Since the internal generated voltage is a function of the angular velocity, then
By substituting,
Since:
• For a given armature current, the speed of a dc motor will decrease as the armature-circuit resistance increases.
• A series motor must never be run without a load! Nor should it be connected to a mechanical load by a belt since it can
break or slip.
DC MOTOR CHARACTERISTICS
Speed–Torque Characteristic
• Notice that the speed of a shunt motor changes very little. Therefore, shunt
motors are classified as constant-speed motors.
• The speed of a series motor changes drastically as the load torque
changes. However, the cumulative compound motor combines the
operating characteristics of the shunt and series motors.
• Unlike a series motor, a compound motor has a definite no-load speed
and can be safely operated at no load.
• The magnitude of the speed regulation
(Speed Reg.) indicates the steepness of the
slope of the torque–speed characteristic.
• If the terminal voltage Vt and machine flux Φ are kept constant, the
• The drop in speed as the applied torque torque–speed characteristic is as shown.
increases is small, providing a good speed
regulation.
Selection of DC Motors
The motor type is chosen based on the required torque–speed characteristics and load behavior:
Motor Type Key Characteristics Speed–Torque Behavior Typical Applications
Shunt Motor Field winding in Nearly constant speed; small Fans, blowers,
parallel with drop with load conveyors, machine
armature tools
Series Motor Field winding in Very high starting torque; Cranes, hoists,
series with speed drops sharply with traction, elevators
armature load
Cumulative Combination of High starting torque with Presses, rolling mills,
Compound shunt and series moderate speed variation heavy-duty drives
Motor fields aiding each
other
Separately Field powered from Wide speed range and Electric vehicles,
Excited Motor an independent precise control under robotics, precision
source variable load drives
Assignment
Explain other methods of reducing the effects of armature reaction in
DC machines.
Further Study
• Electrical Machines with MATLAB® 2nd Edition by Turan Gonen.
• Basics Of Electrical Drives 4th Revised edition by S K Pillai.
• Electric machinery and transformers by Bhag S. Guru. Huseyin R.
Hiziroglu.-3rd. edition
• Electrical Machines 1st Edition by S. K. Sahdev
• Hughes Electrical & Electronic Technology 10th Edition by Edward
Hughes, John Hiley, Keith Brown, Ian McKenzie Smith.