MODULE 7

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Title: Direct Current Motor
Title of the Lesson: Motor principle
Duration: 8 hrs
Introduction:
Normally electrical power is generated, transmitted and
distributed in the form of alternating current (ac). In industrial sectors
and the household electrical appliances uses alternating power. But,
there are some places where ac supply is not available. Therefore, it is
difficult to use alternating current motor to those places, instead dc
motors are used as substitute to those places for supplying electrical
power. A dc motor is a machine, which converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
The topic covers the working principle of dc motor, comparison of
generator and motor action, types and applications of dc motor, the
advantages and the drawbacks of using dc motors, losses and
efficiency of dc motors
To fully understand this module, set aside other task that may
disturb you while doing this module. Read and understand the lesson
carefully. Analyzed the sample problems and answer all the activities to
gauge how well you understand the lesson. For problem solving, read
the problem carefully, write down what are the given and the unknown,
draw the circuit and analyze, formulate the equation that fits with the
unknown so that you can check what is missing based on the given,
solve the problem step by step until you reach the final answer.

OBJECTIVES: After thoroughly studying this module the student

should be able to:

 Know the principle of Dc motor

 Differentiate between a motor and a generator
 Identify the types and applications of dc motors
 Enumerate the different losses of a dc motor
 Know how to compute the losses and efficiency of dc motor

Pretest:
Answer the following questions in at least one sentence.
1. What is a motor?
2. Enumerate the types are the types of A Dc motor.
3. What is the difference between generated emf and back emf?
4. What are the losses of a dc motor?
5. Write the formula for computing the efficiency of the motor.

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I. Working Principle
Almost every mechanical development that we see around us is
accomplished by an electric motor. Electric machines are a method of
converting energy. Motors take electrical energy and produce
mechanical energy. Electric motors are utilized to power hundreds of
devices we use in everyday life.
. Its operation is based on the principle that when a current carrying
conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a mechanical force
that produce torque. The magnitude of force is given by the equation.
𝐹 = 𝐵𝐼𝑙
Where:
B is the flux density in 𝑊𝑏⁄𝑚2 ,
L is the length of the conductor in meter,
I is the current in amperes

The very basic construction of a DC motor contains a current

carrying armature, connected to the supply end through commutator
segments and brushes. The armature is placed in between north pole
and south pole of a permanent or an electromagnet as shown in the
diagram below
As soon as we supply direct current in the armature, a mechanical
force acts on it due to the electromagnetic effect of the magnet on
armature conductors.

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3
 Now to go into the details of the operating principle of DC
motor it is important that we have a clear understanding of Fleming’s
left-hand rule to determine the direction of the force acting on the
armature conductors of DC motor.

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motor/
If a current carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field
perpendicularly, then the conductor experiences a force in the direction
mutually perpendicular to both the direction of field and the current
carrying conductor. Fleming’s Left-Hand Rule can determine the
direction of rotation of the motor. This rule says if we extend the index
finger, middle finger and thumb of our left-hand perpendicular to each
is such a way that middle finger is in the direction of current in the
conductor, and index finger is along the direction of magnetic field, i.e.,
north to south pole, then thumb indicates the direction of the created
mechanical force.
It should be noted that the function of a commutator in the motor
is the same as in a generator. By reversing current in each conductor
as it passes from one pole to another, it helps to develop a continuous
and unidirectional torque.

Summarizing the above principle of motor action, it requires:

1. the presence of magnetic lines of force

2. current through conductors lying in the magnetic field
3. force and therefore torque is produced
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 II. Comparison of Generator and Motor Action
Machine Generator Motor
Operation Driven by a mechanical Fed by an electric
machine current
Load Electrical devices that Force that tends to
converts mechanical oppose rotation
energy to other forms of
energy
Variation Voltage Speed

When a generator is in operation, it is driven by a mechanical

machine such as an engine, a water turbine or even an electric motor,
the rotation through a magnetic field generates a voltage, which in turn,
is capable of producing a current in an electric circuit. When a motor is
in operation, it is “fed” by an electric current from an electrical source of
supply, the motor current then produces two stationary magnetic field,
one by field poles and other by develop torque, which in turn produces
mechanical rotation.
The load on generator constitutes those electrical devices that
convert electrical energy into other form of energy. The load of a motor
constitutes a force that tends to oppose rotation and is called counter
torque.
The voltage of the generator tends to change when a load
changes; in shunt generator a load increase is always accompanied by
a drop in terminal voltage, while in a compound generator the voltage
may fall, rise or even remain constant as the load changes.
In the case of the motor the speed of rotation tends to change
as load varies, as will be pointed out later, an increase in load causes
the speed of shunt motor to drop slightly, that of the compound motor
to drop considerably, and that of a series motor to drop very greatly.

The voltage of a generator can always be adjusted by either or

both two things:

1. changing the speed

2. changing the strength of the magnetic field
In either case, an increase in speed or flux is accomplished by an
increase in voltage.

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 The speed of rotation of a DC motor can be changed by varying
either both of two things:

1. the strength of the magnetic field

2. the voltage impressed across the armature terminals

In general, an increase in flux decreases the speed, while a higher

armature voltage rises the speed.
Structurally, DC generators and motors are identical, except for
minor differences that may permit them to function in accordance with
known practical requirements. They may in fact, often be operated
either as a generator or as a motor with complete satisfaction if certain
conditions are fulfilled.

A. The advantages.

The greatest advantage of DC motors may be speed control. Since

speed is directly proportional to armature voltage and inversely
proportional to the magnetic flux produced by the poles, adjusting the
armature voltage and/or the field current will change the rotor speed.
Today, adjustable frequency drives can provide precise speed control
for AC motors, but they do so at the expense of power quality, as the
solid-state switching devices in the drives produce a rich harmonic
spectrum. The DC motor has no adverse effects on power quality.

B. The drawbacks.

Power supply, initial cost, and maintenance requirements are the

negatives associated with DC motors.

 Rectification must be provided for any DC motors supplied from the

grid. It can also cause power quality problems.

 The construction of a DC motor is considerably more complicated and

expensive than that of an AC motor, primarily due to the commutator,
brushes, and armature windings. An induction motor requires no
commutator or brushes, and most use cast squirrel-cage rotor bars
instead of true windings — two huge simplifications.

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 Maintenance of the brush/commutator assembly is significant
compared to that of induction motor designs.

In spite of the drawbacks, DC motors are in wide use, particularly in

niche applications like cars and small appliances.

III. Types of DC Motor

The DC motors are classified depending upon the way of connecting

the field winding with the armature winding. The different types of DC motor
are shunt motors, series motors and compound motors. The compound
motors are further classified as short shunt compound and long shunt
compound motors.

A. Series Motors

In a series DC motor the field is connected in series with the

armature. The field is wound with a few turns of large wire because it
must carry the full armature current

Characteristic of Series Motor

A characteristic of series motors is the motor develops a large

amount of starting torque. However, speed varies widely between no
load and full load. Series motors cannot be used where a constant
speed is required under varying loads.

Additionally, the speed of a series motor with no-load

increases to the point where the motor can become damaged. Some
load must be connected to a series-connected motor. Series-
connected motors generally are no suitable for use on most variable
drive applications.

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The armature current and line current are the same and it becomes,
𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝐿
The expression for back emf is,
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉𝑡 − 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 )
Electric power developed by the armature is,
𝑃𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎
The power input is,
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑡 𝐼𝐿

Where:
𝑅𝑠𝑒 = 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝐼𝑎 = 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐼𝐿 = 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑒𝑚𝑓
𝑉𝑡 = 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
𝑃𝑔 = 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡

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Problem 1]
A 250-V, 4-pole, wave-wound d.c. series motor has 782 conductors on
its armature. It has armature and series field resistance of 0.75 ohm.
The motor takes a current of 40 A. Find the speed if it has a flux per
pole of 25 mWb.

Application of Series Motors

The series DC motors are used where high starting torque is
required and variations in speed are possible. For example – the series
motors are used in the traction system, cranes, air compressors,
Vacuum Cleaner, Sewing machine, etc.

B. Shunt Motors

A DC shunt motor (also known as a shunt wound DC motor)

is a type of self-excited DC motor where the field windings are shunted
to or are connected in parallel to the armature winding of the motor.
Since they are connected in parallel, the armature and field windings
are exposed to the same supply voltage. Though there are separate
branches for the flow of armature current and field current – as shown
in the figure of below.

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 The shunt-connected motor offers simplified control for
reversing. This is especially beneficial in regenerative drives.

DC Shunt Motor Equations

Let us now consider the voltage and current being supplied

from the electrical terminal to the motor be given by E and 𝐼𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
respectively.
This supply current in case of the shunt wound DC motor is
split up into 2 parts. 𝐼𝑎 , flowing through the armature winding of
resistance 𝑅𝑎 and 𝐼𝑠ℎ flowing through the field winding of resistance𝑅𝑠ℎ .
The voltage across both windings remains the same.
From there we can write:

The armature current is,

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝑙 − 𝐼𝑠ℎ

Where:
𝑉𝑡
𝐼𝑠ℎ =
𝑅𝑠ℎ

And
𝑃𝑖𝑛
𝐼𝐿 =
𝑉𝑡

The expression for back emf is,

𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉𝑡 − 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎

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Electric power developed by the armature is,
𝑃𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎

The input power is,

𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑡 𝐼𝐿
Now in general practice, when the motor is in its running
condition, and the supply voltage is constant and the shunt field
current given by,

𝐸
𝐼𝑠ℎ = , 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑅𝑠ℎ

But we know 𝐼𝑠ℎ ∝ ∅

i.e. field flux ∅ is proportional to filed current 𝐼𝑠ℎ

Thus the field flux remains more or less constant, and for this
reason, a shunt wound DC motor is called a constant flux motor.

Problem 2]

A 220 V DC machine has an armature resistance of 0.5 ohm. If the full

load armature current is 20 A. Find the induced emf when the machine
acts as a) generator b) motor

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Construction of a Shunt Wound DC Motor

The construction of a dc shunt motor is pretty similar to other types of

DC motor, as shown in the figure below.

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Just that there is one distinguishable feature in its designing which can
be explained by taking into consideration, the torque generated by the
motor. To produce high torque,

1. The armature winding must be exposed to an amount of

current that’s much higher than the field windings current, as
the torque is proportional to the armature current.
2. The field winding must be wound with many turns to increase
the flux linkage, as flux linkage between the field and
armature winding is also proportional to the torque.

Keeping these two above mentioned criterion in mind a DC

shunt motor has been designed in a way, that the field winding
possess much higher number of turns to increase net flux linkage and
are lesser in diameter of conductor to increase resistance (reduce
current flow) compared to the armature winding of the DC motor. And
this is how a shunt wound DC motor is visibly distinguishable in static

12
condition from the DC series motor (having thicker field coils) of the
self-excited type motor’s category.
Applications of Shunt Motors
The shunt motors are used where constant speed is required
and starting conditions are not severe. The various applications of DC
shunt motor are in Lathe Machines, Centrifugal Pumps, Fans, Blowers,
Conveyors, Lifts, Weaving Machine, Spinning machines, etc.

EC. Compound Motors

Compound DC motor is a compound of both series and shunt
motor. It consists of a Series field coil, which is connected in series with
the armature field winding, and a shunt field coil winding, which is
connected in parallel with the armature field winding. Presence of both
the field windings i.e. series field winding and shunt field winding gave
this motor the name of compound DC motor.

Types of DC Compound Motor

There are two major types of compound DC motors depending

upon the connections of shunt field winding with the armature winding
and series winding. Those two types are:

(a) Long Shunt Compound Motor

The shunt field winding is connected in parallel with both

armature coil winding and the series field winding.

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 The armature current is,
𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝑙 − 𝐼𝑠ℎ
The shunt field current can be determined as,
𝑉𝑡
𝐼𝑠ℎ =
𝑅𝑠ℎ
The load current can be determined as,
𝑃𝑖𝑛
𝐼𝐿 =
𝑉𝑡
The expression for voltage is,
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉𝑡 − 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 )
Electric power developed by the armature is,
𝑃𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎
The input power is,
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑡 𝐼𝐿

(b) Short Shunt Compound DC Motor

The series field is connected in series with the supply and the
shunt field winding is connected in parallel with the armature winding.

The armature current is,

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝐿 − 𝐼𝑠ℎ
The shunt field current can be determined as,
𝑉𝑡 − 𝐼𝐿 𝑅𝑠𝑒 𝐸𝑔 + 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎
𝐼𝑠ℎ = =
𝑅𝑠ℎ 𝑅𝑠ℎ
The load current can be determined as,

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 𝑃𝑖𝑛
𝐼𝐿 =
𝑉𝑡
The expression for induce voltage is,
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑉𝑡 − 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎 − 𝐼𝐿 𝑅𝑠𝑒
Electric power developed by the armature is,
𝑃𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎
The input power is,
𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑡 𝐼𝐿

One more classification of DC compound motors can be made

depending upon the connection polarities of armature coil, series field
coil, and shunt coil.

Therefore, a compound DC motor can be further subdivided into two

types, known as:

1. Cumulative Compound Motor

2. Differential Compound Motor

Cumulative Compound Motor

The flux produced by shunt coil winding is in line with the flux
produced by the series field winding. Therefore, both the fluxes add
up to provide more flux.

Differential Compound Motor

In the case of a differential compound motor, the flux produced

in shunt coil is in opposite direction to the flux produced in series coil
winding, resulting in total flux equal to the difference of both the fluxes.

Characteristics of Compound Motor

As DC compound motor is a compound of both series and

shunt DC motors. Therefore, it utilizes positives from both types of
motors resulting in a motor suitable for all kinds of applications. Shunt
DC motor has the property of good speed regulation while the series
DC motor has a high starting torque. Compound DC motor combine

15
both these properties to provide good speed regulation for different
loads with high starting torque suitable for different application.

In the case of a cumulative compound motor, both shunt and

series fields will act simultaneously and assist each other. This results
in more flux for any given current. More flux will mean more torque and
reduced speed as compared to the shunt DC motor.

A compound motor can also be run at no load, and it will not be

destroyed due to very high speed as the case present in the series
motor. The compound motor has a specific no-load speed.

On the other hand, in the case of a differential compound

motor, both fields oppose each other, resulting in reduced flux for any
given value of current fewer flux results in less torque and more speed
as compared to shunt DC motor. Differential type compound DC motor
is never practically used, as it is unstable for all possible applications.
Its speed increases with the increase in the load, leading to unitability.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DC Compound Motor

Advantages
 The compound motor is compound of series and shunt motor
resulting in a motor capable of taking positives out of both types
of motors. For example, a shunt motor operates at a constant
speed, so it is not suitable for the applications with variable
speed requirements. However, the compound motor has very
good speed control due to the presence of a series field.

 Similarly, the series motor provides good speed control but

cannot be used for the applications where the load is varied
and initially set to zero. As a series DC motor can destroy itself
due to high speed at no load. On the other hand, a compound
DC motor can be used even at no load. It will run at some speed
within the limits.

 Therefore, compound DC motor can be used for almost all the

applications where both series and shunt motor combined can
16
 be used. In some applications, the series motor will fail but
shunt will be useful and in some cases, the shunt will fail but
series will be able to perform that task. However, the compound
motor will be able to perform properly for both the applications.

Disadvantages

Compound DC motor has many advantages over other motors.

However, just like all other motors, the compound motor has few
disadvantages, which are been discussed below.

 Just like other DC motors, a compound DC motor also requires

frequent maintenance due to the aging of parts, resulting in
high maintenance costs.
 They are not suitable for the hazardous environment due to
spark occurring at carbon brushes.
 Compared to AC motors, the lifetime of compound DC motor is
less due to presence of components expiring with age like
brushes.
 In differential compound motor, the flux of series field and shunt
field cancels each other resulting in lower flux and hence low
torque. Low torque results in a high speed, which further
reduces the torque, and the motor becomes unstable even with
a slight change in load.
 The differential compound motor cannot be used for any
practical application due to its unstable behavior with even a
slight variation of the load.

Applications of DC compound motor

Due to the ability of the compound motor to provide high starting

torque and also speed regulation and control it has many applications
involving different areas. Few of the applications involving the use of a
compound DC motor are:

 In Elevators due to the ability of the compound motor to perform

better on heavy load changes.
 In shears and punches to provide high starting torque and
better speed control for pressure variations.
17
  In steel rolling mills due to the requirement of high starting
torque and heavy-duty load.
 In heavy planers due to the very high fluctuation of the load.
 In printing press machines and in cutting machines due to the
capacity of driving heavy loads.
 In stamping presses to provide high starting torque.
 In mixers to provide both the high starting torque and speed
control.
 In different machine tools to manage high load variations and
starting torque requirements.
 In agitator machines to provide speed control.

So in short compound DC motor has many applications in industry

and business machines due to its ability to handle high load variations
and its capability to provide control over its speed. Many applications
are revolving around the speed requirements or load carrying
capabilities, and compound DC motor is suitable for both kinds of
applications.

Limitation

Compound DC motor is a compound of both series and shunt

motor. Therefore, it provides both the properties of series and shunt
motor. However, it is a compromise between both the series and shunt
motor.

Its motor has a good starting torque as compared to series DC

motor due to the presence of the shunt field winding but has slightly
poor starting torque as compared to shunt DC motor due to internal
losses.

Similarly, compound DC motor can operate at a different speed

and also provides better speed regulation as compared to shunt DC
motor. However, not as good as series DC motor again due to internal
losses and distributions between series and shunt field windings.

In short, DC compound motor has combined properties of both

series and shunt motors in one motor at the cost of little compromise of

18
the performance. Therefore, it cannot surpass the good properties of
shunt and series DC motors.

The small DC machines whose ratings are in fractional kilowatt

are mainly used as control device such in techno generators for speed
sensing and in servo motors for positioning and tracking.

IV. Back EMF

When the armature of the motor rotates, the conductors also

rotate in the magnetic field. Therefore, these conductors will cut by the
magnetic flux. According to the laws of electromagnetic induction, an
emf will be induced in the conductors. The direction of induced voltage
can be determined by the Fleming’s right hand rule and it is found that
this induced emf opposes the applied voltage. Due to its opposite
action, this induced voltage is known as back emf or counter emf of the
motor. The back emf is always less than the applied voltage and it is
denoted by 𝐸𝑏.

∅𝑍𝑁𝑃
𝐸𝑏 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑠
60𝑎

A. Necessity of Back EMF

The back emf plays an important role to control the additional

load in a dc motor. Consider the expression of armature current
𝑉𝑡 −𝐸𝑏
(𝐼𝑎 = ) to explain the importance of back emf. At the starting time,
𝑅𝑎
the back emf is zero because the armature is not rotating. For a small
magnitude of the motor circuit resistance, the current in the armature is
extremely high, which can be explain by the following equation.

𝑉𝑡 − 0
𝐼𝑎 = ↑
𝑅𝑎

This armature current is 25 times higher than the full load

current of the motor. This high magnitude of the armature current may
damage the fuses or trip the circuit breaker of the motor. This may also
increase the force, which produces powerful torque that accelerates the
armature rapidly. The back emf increases as the speed of the motor

19
increases, which decrease the net voltage across the armature circuit.
As a result, armature current decreases, which decrease the torque.
Because of this reduced torque, the motor will stop. Therefore, the back
emf in a dc motor regulates the flow of armature current depending on
the additional connected load.

Exercises:
1. A 25 kW, 250 V DC shunt generator has armature and shunt
field resistance of 0.6 ohm and 100 ohms respectively.
Determine the total armature power developed when working
(a) as a generator delivering 25 kW output
(b) as motor taking 25 kW input

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2. A 220 V DC shunt motor has an armature resistance of 0.3
ohms. Calculate (a) the resistance required in series with the
armature to limit the armature current to 80A at starting, (b) the
value of the counter emf when the armature current has
decreased to 30 A with the resistor still in the circuit.

3. A 4 pole series motor has 944 wave connected armature

conductors. At a certain load the flux per pole is 34.6 mWb and
the total mechanical power developed is 4 kw. Calculate the
line current taken by the motor and the speed at which it will
run with an applied voltage of 500 V. The total motor resistance
is 3 ohms.

21
4. A 4 pole 440 V shunt motor has wave wound armature with 762
conductors. The full load armature current is 40 amperes and
the effective armature resistance is 0.25 ohms. The flux per
pole is 25 mWb. Allowing a brush contact drop of 2 volts.
Calculate the full load speed.

5. A DC shunt motor takes a line current of 60 amp from the

supply. The shunt field current is 10% of the line current. The
armature resistance of the motor is 0.5 ohms. Determine the
shunt field resistance if the back emf of the motor is 213 volts.

22
 V. Losses in a DC Motor

Since DC motor is a machine it must have some losses during its

operation. As the current flows through armature windings and field
windings, there are certain copper losses. Since the current alters its
direction continuously in the armature winding, there are hysteresis and
eddy current losses in the armature core. We call the hysteresis and
eddy current loss collectively as core loss or magnetic loss. A dc motor
is a dynamic machine, hence there is a frictional loss in the bearings.
For the same reason, there is a windage loss in the air gap between the
rotor and stator. Both frictional and windage losses are mechanical
losses.
The armature circuit and shunt field winding of a dc motor
contains small resistances. As a result, a small amount of power will be
wasted and the remaining power will be converted into mechanical
power. A small part of developed power will be wasted again due to
rotational loss. Finally, the remaining power will be available at the shaft
of the motor for doing useful work. The power flow diagram of the dc
motor is shown below,

Hence a dc motor has three kinds of loss and they are,

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The expression of the power input is,

𝑃𝑖𝑛 = 𝑉𝑡 𝐼𝐿 = 𝑃𝑜 + 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠

The copper loss is,
2
𝑃𝑐𝑢 = 𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑎 + 𝐼𝑠ℎ 2
𝑅𝑠ℎ + 𝐼𝑠𝑒 𝑅𝑠𝑒 = 𝑃𝑖𝑛 − 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎

Mechanical Power developed in the armature is,

𝑃𝑎 = 𝑃𝑖𝑛 − 𝑃𝑐𝑢 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = 𝑃𝑜 + 𝐼&𝐹

The power output is,

𝑃𝑜 = 𝑃𝑎 − 𝐼&𝐹 = 𝑃𝑖𝑛 − 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠

VI. Efficiency of a DC Motor

A. Overall Efficiency of DC Motor

The efficiency of any machine can be defined as the ratio of the output
power to the input power. We also call it as commercial efficiency.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as,
𝑃𝑜
𝐸𝑓𝑓 = × 100
𝑃𝑖𝑛
𝑃𝑖𝑛 − 𝑃𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠
𝐸𝑓𝑓 = × 100
𝑃𝑖𝑛
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 B. Electrical Efficiency of DC Motor
This is the ratio of armature power to the input electrical power.

𝑃𝑎
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑒 = × 100
𝑃𝑖𝑛
C. Mechanical Efficiency of DC Motor
This efficiency determines, how efficiently a motor delivers the
armature power to the shaft for doing desired mechanical work by the
machine. This is the ratio of output mechanical power to armature
power.

𝑃𝑜
𝐸𝑓𝑓𝑚 = × 100
𝑃𝑎
D. Condition of Maximum Efficiency of DC Motor

The maximum efficiency of a dc motor occurs when Copper loss

equals core loss.
Copper Loss = Core Loss

Problem 3]

In a 5 Hp, 230 V, 1500 rpm, shunt motor, the resistance of the armature
including brushes is 0.175 ohms and that of the shunt field is 610 ohms.
The stray power losses when the motor delivers rated load at rated
voltage is 305 watts. What is the efficiency at rated load?

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 Exercises:
1. A 2 pole DC shunt motor operating from a 200 V supply takes a full
load current of 35 A. The no-load current being 2A. The field resistance
is 500 ohms and the armature has a resistance of 0.6 ohm. Calculate the
efficiency of the motor on full load. Take the brush drop as being equal
to 1.5 per brush arm. Neglect temperature rise.

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2. A dc shunt machine when run as a motor on no-load takes 440 watts
at 220 volts and runs at 1000 rpm. The field current and armature
resistance are 1 ampere and 0.5 ohms respectively. Calculate the
efficiency of the machine when running (a) as a generator delivering 40
amperes at 220 volts and (b) as a motor taking 40 amperes from a 220-
volt supply.

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3. A 240 V shunt motor takes a 5A on no-load. The armature
resistance is 0.25 ohm and field resistance is 200 ohms.
Calculate the efficiency when taking full load current of 50 A
and the percent change in speed between no-load and full load.

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4. The input and output powers of a 220 V, shunt motor are 30
and 28 kw respectively. The field and armature circuit resistances
are 40 ohms and 0.0125 ohms respectively. Determine the
efficiency of the motor if the output power is reduced to 10 kW.

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5. A shunt motor takes 8 amp at 220 V when running light. Armature
resistance 0.3 ohms, shunt field resistance 88 ohms. Find the BHP
and efficiency when the motor is taking 52.5 amp.

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 Module Summary:
1. A dc motor is a machine, which converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy.
2. There is no basic difference between a DC generator and a DC
motor.
3. The principle of motor action requires, the presence of
magnetic lines of force, current through conductors lying in the
magnetic field , force and therefore torque is produced
4. The load of a motor constitutes a force that tends to oppose
rotation and is called counter torque.
5. In dc motor the speed of rotation tends to change as load
varies.
6. The voltage of a generator can always be adjusted by either or
both two things, changing the speed and /or changing the
strength of the magnetic field
7. The speed of rotation of a DC motor can be changed by varying
either both of two things, the strength of the magnetic field
and/or the voltage impressed across the armature terminals
8. The greatest advantage of DC motors may be speed control
9. Power supply, initial cost, and maintenance requirements are
the negatives associated with DC motors.
10. The DC motors are classified depending upon the way of connecting
the field winding with the armature winding.
11. The different types of DC motor are shunt motors, series motors and
compound motors.
12. Series motors cannot be used where a constant speed is
required under varying loads.

13. The back emf plays an important role to control the additional
load in a dc motor
14. DC motor has three kinds of losses: Copper loss, Iron loss and
Mechanical losses.

15. The efficiency of any machine can be defined as the ratio of the
output power to the input power

16. The maximum efficiency of a dc motor occurs when Copper

loss equals core loss.

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References:
Fundamentals of Electrical Machines, (2012, January 30) M.A. Salam,
Alpha Science International Ltd. Oxford U.K.,
https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Electrical-Machines-Second-
Salam/dp/1842657046
Electrical Machines and Automatic Controller . , Technical
Publications., 2014
Electrical Machines., S.K. Bhattacharya, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing
Company Limited
Electric Machinery., P. F. Ryff., Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New
Jersey 07632
Electric Machinery; S.D. Umans., McGraw-Hill Inc., 2014
Electrical Technology ;BL Theraja : Vol.
Introduction to Electrical Engineering; M.S. Naidu S. Kamakshaiah
Electrical Machines, Siskind. McGrawhill, 1979
http://www.electricalunits.com/mcq-dc-machines-page-10/
https://circuitglobe.com/applications-of-dc-machines.html
https://electricityshock.com/dc-compound-motor/
https://www.javatpoint.com/speed-control-of-dc-motors
https://www.electrical4u.com/working-or-operating-principle-of-dc-
motor/
https://www.aboutcircuit.com/dc-motor-efficiency-losses/
https://electricalanswers.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/ch-29d-c-
motor1.pdf

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