Batangas State University

College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering Department

Speed Control of DC motor by Field Resistance

Control
Aristotle Geo M. Mandac
Batangas State University - Alangilan, College of Engineering,
Brgy. 24, Batangas City, Philippines, +63 946 711 4129
21-00831@[Link]
Abstract: Speed control is a crucial aspect of DC motor operation, allowing for adjustment of motor speed to match specific
application requirements. One popular method of speed control is field resistance control, where the resistance in the field circuit of the
motor is varied to regulate the magnetic field strength. This provides the overview of the speed control of DC motors by field resistance
control. The principle of field resistance control is explained, highlighting how adjusting the field resistance affects the motor's speed.

Keywords: Field Resistance Control, Field Winding, Speed, Torque

I. Introduction

An essential component of a DC motor's IV. Pre-Test

operation is speed regulation, which enables it to
adjust to various operating circumstances and
fulfill certain application requirements. Field
resistance control is a typical speed control
technique. The magnetic field's intensity can be
changed, which affects the motor's speed, by
adjusting the resistance in the field circuit.

A DC motor is made up of an armature

winding, which carries the current needed to drive
the motor, and a field winding, which creates the
magnetic field. The voltage drop across the field
winding can be changed by changing the field V. Procedures
resistance, which will also change the current
flowing through the field winding. The strength of Step 1: Make Connections as per the instructions
the magnetic field generated by the field winding given below:
is altered by this change in current, which affects
the motor's speed. More voltage is dropped across
the field winding when the field resistance is
increased, lowering the current through the
winding. As a result, the back electromotive force
(EMF) produced in the armature winding is STEP 2: Then Check the connections by clicking
reduced by the weaker magnetic field. The on "Check" Button.
armature current increases with a drop in back STEP 3: If it shows alert "Incorrect
EMF, which causes the motor speed to increase. Corrections" then click on node number to detach the
wire or press reset button and make connection
II. Objectives of the Study again.
STEP 4: If it shows alert "Correct
 To determine the effects of the field resistance Connections" then Turn On the MCB.
control on a DC motor STEP 5: Then set the Voltmeter first with the help
of the second slider.
III. Materials STEP 6: Now, move the first slider to get
corresponding values of Ammeter and Speedometer.
STEP 7: Press the "Add to table" button to insert
1. MCB the values in table.
2. Starter STEP 8: After inserting values on table click
3. A meter on "Plot graph" to get your required graph.
4. Volt meter STEP 9: Click on "Print" button to print the
5. Speedometer webpage.
6. Dc motor STEP 10: Click on "Reset" button to reset the
7. Armature Resistance webpage.
8. Field Resistance

Experiment No. 1 1
EE 422 – DC and AC Machinery
 Batangas State University
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering Department

4. Speed regulation refers to the ability of a

VI. Data and Results / Discussion motor to maintain a consistent speed under
Simulation varying load conditions. In the case of a DC
motor, one way to achieve ideal speed regulation
is by providing constant excitation to the field of
the [Link] field winding in a DC motor
creates the magnetic field necessary for its
operation. By providing constant excitation to
the field, we ensure a consistent and stable
magnetic field strength, which is crucial for
achieving precise speed regulation.

5. The Ward-Leonard system is a method for

controlling the speed of DC motors using a
motor-generator set and a variable-voltage DC
supply. While it offers advantages such as
1. In the case of regenerative braking, a motor can precise speed control and adjustable torque, there
replenish the power source with energy when it is are some disadvantages. The system is complex,
used as a generator during the braking process. This requiring additional components and
happens under particular conditions when the kinetic maintenance. Its efficiency is generally lower
energy of a moving machine or vehicle is compared to other methods due to energy losses
transformed back into electrical energy and in the motor-generator set. The system also
delivered into the electrical grid or battery requires significant physical space and may have
[Link] regenerative braking, the motor acts reliability concerns with multiple components.
as a generator and the mechanical energy of the Additionally, implementing the Ward-Leonard
moving system is converted into electrical energy. system can be costlier due to initial installation
When the motor operates in generator mode, the and maintenance expenses. Despite these
rotational energy is transformed into electrical drawbacks, the system finds applications in
energy through the process of electromagnetic industries that require accurate speed control and
induction. This energy can then be directed back to torque regulation, such as cranes and elevators.
the power source.

2. Plugging is a specialized braking technique used

on a series motor in which the supply voltage
source's connections are switched around to rapidly VII. Conclusions
reverse the motor terminals. The magnetic field and In conclusion, speed control of a DC motor by field
armature current flow suddenly change directions in resistance control offers a practical and effective
the motor as a result. An intriguing occurrence may method to regulate the motor's speed. By adjusting the
happen when a series motor is subjected to plugging resistance in the field circuit, the strength of the
for a long time. The motor might begin rotating in magnetic field can be modified, leading to changes in
the reverse direction at a low speed because of the the motor's speed.
reversal of the magnetic field and armature current.
It's important to note that plugging is generally The field resistance control method provides
considered an abrupt and potentially harmful braking simplicity and cost-effectiveness in speed regulation. It
technique, and applying it for an extended period can allows for a wide range of speed adjustments by
cause stress and damage to the motor and its varying the field resistance, providing flexibility to
associated components. Plugging is typically used match the motor's speed with specific application
for short periods in specific applications that require requirements.
rapid deceleration or reversal of motor rotation, such
as certain industrial machinery or electric vehicles in However, it is important to consider the limitations
certain situations. of field resistance control. One disadvantage is the
potential for achieving speeds above the normal speed
3. A DC motor's speed can be adjusted using the of the motor if the field resistance is decreased too
field-control approach by changing the field much. This can lead to over speeding and potential
current. The possibility of reaching speeds mechanical stress or damage to the motor. Proper
higher than the motor's typical speed makes this monitoring and control mechanisms are necessary to
technology less advantageous than others in prevent such situations and ensure safe operation.
terms of cost and simplicity. In the field-control
approach, the magnetic field strength generated Despite this drawback, field resistance control
by the field winding has an inverse relationship remains widely used and effective for speed control in
with the motor speed. The magnetic field various applications. It allows for a straightforward
intensity can be changed, changing the motor adjustment of the magnetic field strength, enabling
speed, by controlling the field current. The precise and reliable speed regulation in DC motors.
magnetic field is made stronger by increasing the
field current, which reduces the motor speed.
Conversely, decreasing the field current has the
opposite effect.

Experiment No. 1 2
EE 422 – DC and AC Machinery
 Batangas State University
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering Department

VIII. Author’s Profile

Aristotle Geo M. Mandac (Author)

- A second year Mechanical Engineering stud who
currently goes to Batangas State University -
Alangilan. He is 20 Years hold and resides at Brgy.
24 BatangasCity. He is a smart, determined and
hardworking person that will do whatever it takes to
reach his dreams and goals in life. A great support
system enables him to overcome the struggles that he
faces in life which is his family. His hobbies are
cooking and listening to music He is a skilled and
talented student that can do all that is needed to
accomplish his job.

Experiment No. 1 3
EE 422 – DC and AC Machinery