1

EE 316 - ELECTRICAL MACHINES 1

WEEK 8

DC Motor

Introduction
In this chapter we will be discussing the equivalent circuit of the DC
motor, magnetization curve of a DC motor and differentiate the separately excited
motor and shunt DC motor. Also, the permanent magnet DC motors, Series and
compounded DC motors. The DC motor starters, Ward – Leonard system and
solid – state speed controllers and DC motor efficiency calculations.

Learning Outcome
 Comprehend the equivalent circuit of a DC motor and the magnetization curve
of a DC machine
 Distinguish the general types of the DC motors
 Differentiate the DC motor starters

Learning Content
It contains readings, selection and discussion questions and sets of
activities that students can work on individually or by group.
Topics for module 2
Topic 1 Equivalent circuit of a DC motor
Topic 2 Magnetization curve of a DC machine
Topic 3 Separately excited and shunt DC motors
Topic 4 Permanent magnet DC motors
Topic 5 Series motor
Topic 6 Compounded DC motor
Topic 7 DC motor starters
Topic 8 Ward – Leonard system and solid – state speed controllers
Topic 9 DC motor efficiency calculations

Teaching and Learning Activities

In this segment, topics 1 and 2 are being discussed.

Topic 1 Equivalent circuit of a DC motor

A Motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
There is no difference between a DC motor and DC generator from a construction
point of view. The only difference is that the generators are usually operated in more
protected locations and, therefore, their construction is generally of the open type.
On the other hand, motors are generally used in locations where they are
exposed to dust, moisture, fumes and mechanical damage. Thus, the motor requires
protective enclosures.
For example – Motor requires drip-proof, fire-proof, etc. enclosure according to
the requirement. The DC motors are very useful where a wide range of speeds and
good speed regulation is required, such as in the electric traction system.
ISUE-EIE-Syl-014
Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020
 2

As the construction of DC Motor is similar to DC Generator, which is discussed

in the next module. There are various types of DC Motors. They are Shunt motor,
Series motor and Compound motor.
The EMF equation of DC Motor is given by the equation shown below:
ZPϕN
Eb =
60 a
where,
Eb  induced emf of the motor ϕ flux per pole.
N speed Z total number of conductors
P number of poles a number of parallel paths

Equivalent Circuit of a DC Motor Armature

The armature of a DC Motor can be represented by an equivalent circuit. It can
be represented by three series-connected elements E, Ra and Vb. The element E is the
back emf, Ra is the armature resistance and Vb is the brush contact voltage drop.

The equivalent circuit of the armature of a DC motor is shown below:

In a DC motor, the current flows from the line into the armature, against the
generated voltage. By applying KVL,

where,
V – Motor terminal voltage Ia – Armature current
Eb – Back EMF Ra – Armature circuit resistance
Equation (1) written above is called the fundamental motor equation. It is seen
that the Back EMF of the motor is always less than its terminal voltage V. The
equation can also be written as shown below:

ISUE-EIE-Syl-014
Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020
 3

Equation (2) is considered or applicable when the voltage drop V b in the brushes
is also taken into account.
Sample problem
1. The armature of a 4-pole lap wound DC motor has 850 conductors and draws
an armature current of 70A when the speed is 500 rpm. If the flux per pole is
60mWb, determine the horse power developed in the armature.

ZPϕN Z P ϕN ZϕN 500( 850)( 60 mWb)

Eb = = = = =425V
60 a 60(m P) 60 m 60 (1)

E b I a 425( 70)
Pd = = =39.88 hp
746 746

2. A 6 – pole lap wound shunt motor takes 300A when the speed is 500rpm. The
flux per pole is 0.6 Wb and the armature has 870 turns. Neglecting the shunt
field current, calculate the brake horse power of the motor. Assume a constant
loss of 4%.
ZPϕN Z P ϕN ZϕN 500( 870)(0.06)
Eb = = = = =435 V
60 a 60(m P) 60 m 60(1)

E b I a 435( 300)
Pd = = =175 h p; Pbreak =( 0.96 ) ( 175 )=168 hp
746 746

Note: Pbreak =output power of t h e motor

Topic 2 Magnetization curve of a DC machine

The internal generated voltage in the motor
Eb =KϕN
From the equation, Eb is directly proportional to the flux ( ϕ ) in the motor and the
speed of the motor (N). The field current ( I f ) in DC machines produces a field
magnetomotive force (mmf). The magnetomotive force (mmf) produces a flux ( ϕ ) in the
motor in accordance with its magnetization.

The Magnetization curve of a

ferromagnetic material (ϕ vs F)

Since the field current ( I f ) is directly

proportional to magnetomotive force
mmf and Eb is directly proportional
to the flux, the magnetization curve
is presented as plot Eb versus field
current for a given speed.
ISUE-EIE-Syl-014
Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020
 4

Note: To get the maximum possible power,

the motors and generators are designed to
operate near the saturation point on the
magnetization curve ( at the knee of the
curve).

The induced torque developed by the

motor is given as
T =k ϕI a
I f >mmf> flux

Sample Problem
1. A 200V series motor has a field resistance of 0.2 ohm and an armature
resistance of 0.1 ohm. The motor takes 30A of current at 900 rpm while
developing full load torque. What is the motor speed when this motor develops
70% of full load torque?

Note: In a series motor, since the flux is proportional to the armature current,
therefore the torque is directly proportional to the square of the armature
current.

T1 I a1 T1 0.7 T 1
= ( )
T2 I a2
²; I a 2=I a 1
√ √
T2
=30
T2
=25.1 A

Eb 1=V s−I a 1 ( R a + Rse )=200−30 ( 0.1+ 0.2 )

Eb 1=191V

Eb 2 =V s−I a 2 ( R a + Rse )=200−25.1 ( 0.1+ 0.2 )

Eb 1=192.47V

Thus, E=kN I a

ISUE-EIE-Syl-014
Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020
 5

Eb 1 N 1 I a 1 Eb 2 N 1 I a 1 192.47 (900)(30)
= ⇒ N 2= = =1084 rpm
Eb 2 N 2 I a 2 Eb 1 I a 2 (191)(25.1)

Supplementary Reading:
All related books in DC machines are recommended for reading.

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adopted

 Online (synchronous): TelEducation/Edmodo moodle
 Remote (asynchronous): Module, Exercise, Activity

References
Rojas, R. 2001. 1001 Solved Problems in electrical Engineering, Published by
Jaime R. Tiong
Siskind, C. 1966. Electrical Machines Direct & Alternating Current, McGraw –
Hill Book Company, Inc.
Theraja, B.L. 2005. A Textbook of Electrical Technology in S.I. Units Volume II
AC&DC Machines, S. Chand & Company LTD

ISUE-EIE-Syl-014
Revision: 02
Effectivity: August 1, 2020