DC Motor Operation and Characteristics
Chapter 4: DC Motor Operation and Characteristics
4.1 Introduction to DC Motors
A DC motor is an electromechanical device that converts electrical energy into mechanical
energy. The basic operation of a DC motor relies on the interaction between magnetic fields
and current-carrying conductors. The motor's armature rotates within the magnetic field
created by the stator, which results in the production of torque.
Key Components of a DC Motor:
• Stator: Provides the magnetic field (produced by either permanent magnets or field
windings).
• Armature: The rotating part where electrical energy is converted into mechanical
energy.
• Commutator: A mechanical device that reverses the direction of current flow in the
armature windings, ensuring continuous rotation.
• Brushes: Conduct electrical current from the external circuit to the armature
through the commutator.
4.2 Back Electromotive Force (Back EMF) in DC Motors
Back EMF (Eₓ) is an opposing voltage induced in the armature windings due to the motor’s
rotation. According to Lenz's Law, this voltage opposes the applied voltage (V), which
effectively limits the motor's speed.
Formula for Back EMF:
Eb=V−IaRaE_b = V - I_a R_aEb=V−IaRa
Where:
• EbE_bEb = Back EMF
• VVV = Supply voltage
• IaI_aIa = Armature current
• RaR_aRa = Armature resistance
Working Principle: As the armature spins in the magnetic field, it cuts through the
magnetic flux, inducing an EMF. This back EMF acts to reduce the net voltage available for
current flow, thereby limiting the motor speed and preventing it from running away with
excessive speed.
4.3 DC Motor Torque Equation
Torque is the rotational force produced by a DC motor and is influenced by the motor’s
magnetic field and the current flowing through the armature. The torque in a DC motor is
directly proportional to the armature current and the magnetic flux.
Torque Equation:
T=P⋅Φ⋅Z⋅Ia2πAT = \frac{P \cdot \Phi \cdot Z \cdot I_a}{2 \pi A}T=2πAP⋅Φ⋅Z⋅Ia
Where:
• TTT = Torque
• PPP = Number of poles
• Φ\PhiΦ = Flux per pole (in Weber)
• ZZZ = Number of armature conductors
• IaI_aIa = Armature current
• AAA = Number of parallel paths in armature
Explanation: The torque produced by the motor is proportional to the armature current
IaI_aIa and the flux per pole Φ\PhiΦ. More current and flux result in higher torque
production, which is essential for the motor’s operation.
4.4 Motor Characteristics
The characteristics of a DC motor are crucial in understanding its performance under
different operating conditions. The main motor characteristics include the relationship
between:
• Torque and Armature Current: In a DC motor, the torque is directly proportional to
the armature current.
• Speed and Armature Current: The motor's speed decreases as the armature
current increases (depending on load).
• Speed and Torque: There is an inverse relationship between speed and torque in
DC motors.
Characteristic Curves
• Torque vs. Armature Current: Shows how torque increases with increasing
armature current.
• Speed vs. Armature Current: Depicts the relationship between speed and the load
on the motor.
• Speed vs. Torque: Typically shows a decrease in speed as torque increases,
highlighting the motor’s operational limits.
4.5 Speed Control Methods for DC Motors
DC motors are known for their ease of speed control. Several techniques can be employed
to vary the speed of a DC motor:
4.5.1 Field Control
Involves varying the field current. By changing the flux, the speed of the motor can be
controlled. Reducing the field current increases the speed, while increasing the field
current decreases the speed.
4.5.2 Armature Voltage Control
This method adjusts the voltage supplied to the armature. Increasing the armature voltage
increases the speed, while reducing it decreases the speed. This is particularly useful for
controlling the speed in shunt-wound DC motors.
4.5.3 Armature Resistance Control
This technique involves adding a variable resistance in the armature circuit. By increasing
the resistance, the current decreases, which reduces the speed of the motor. It is typically
used in low-power applications due to its inefficiency at high power levels.
4.6 Applications of DC Motors
DC motors are widely used in a variety of applications due to their ease of control, high
starting torque, and smooth operation. Some common applications include:
Motor Type Application
Shunt Motor Fans, blowers, pumps, lathes
Series Motor Trains, cranes, winches, traction systems
Compound Motor Presses, conveyors, rolling mills
Motor Type Application
Separately Excited Motor Precision drives, laboratory equipment, testing rigs
4.7 Common Problems in DC Motors
1. Brush Wear: Excessive wear of the brushes can cause poor contact, leading to
inefficient performance.
2. Commutator Issues: Damage to the commutator can result in sparks, uneven
rotation, or motor failure.
3. Overheating: If the armature current is too high, it can lead to excessive heating and
potential motor failure.
4.8 Summary
DC motors are versatile, efficient, and widely used in both industrial and household
applications. Their ability to provide high starting torque and precise speed control makes
them ideal for many mechanical tasks. The speed of a DC motor can be easily controlled
by adjusting the field current, armature voltage, or adding resistance to the armature.
