1.

DC Machines

1. DC Machines
The DC machine can be classified into two types namely DC motor and DC generator. The construction
of DC Motor and DC generator is same, so a DC generator can be used as a DC motor without any
constructional changes and vice versa is also possible. The main function of DC generator is to convert
mechanical power into DC electrical power, whereas a DC motor converts DC electrical power into
mechanical power.

1.1 Construction of DC Machines

A DC machine consists of two main components: Stator and Rotor. Stator is the stationary part whereas
rotor is the rotating part. Stator consists of Yoke, Poles, Pole Core, Pole Shoe, Field Winding and End
Cover. Rotor consists of Armature Core, Armature Winding, Commutator, Brushes and Shaft. A
labelled diagram and pictorial view of DC machine is shown below.

Yoke: The outer frame or the yoke of DC machine made up of cast iron or steel and forms an integral
part of the stator. Its main function is to form a protective covering for inner parts of the motor and
provide mechanical support to the machine. It also provides path for magnetic flux by housing the poles
and field winding of DC machine.
Poles: The poles of DC machine is an electromagnet and the field winding is wounded around it.
Whenever field winding is energized, the pole becomes electromagnet, which generates uniform
magnetic flux in air gap. The materials used for poles are cast iron or steel. It can be built with the
annealed steel laminations for reducing the power loss due to eddy currents. Poles are fitted onto the
inner wall of yoke with the help of bolts or welding.
Pole Core and Pole Shoe: Pole consists of pole core and pole shoe stacked together and then attached
to the yoke. Here, the pole core is of small cross-sectional area and its function is to just hold the pole
shoe over the yoke. Whereas the pole shoe, having a relatively larger cross-sectional area, spreads the
flux over the air gap between stator and rotor to reduce the loss due to reluctance.
Field Winding: The field winding of DC machine is made with copper wire. It wounds over the slots
of pole cores and are supported by pole shoes in such a manner that when field current flows through it,
then opposite polarity (N and S) is produced on adjacent poles.
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.2 Working Principle of DC Motor
Armature Core: Armature core is the rotor of a DC machine, made of laminated silicon steel. The
purpose of laminating the core is to minimize the iron losses. These laminated steel sheets are stacked
together to form the cylindrical structure of armature core. The main purpose of armature core is to
house the armature winding in its slot and provide low reluctance path to magnetic flux.
Armature Winding: The armature winding of DC machine is made with several turns of copper wire
distributed uniformly over the entire periphery of armature core. The armature conductors are insulated
from each other and also from the armature core. The construction of armature winding of DC machine
can be of two types:
 Lap Winding: In this case, the number of parallel paths between conductors (A) is equal to the
number of poles (P), i.e. A = P.
 Wave Winding: In this case, the number of parallel paths between conductors (A) is always equal
to 2 irrespective of the number of poles, i.e. A = 2.
Commutator: The commutator of DC machine is a cylindrical structure made up of wedge-shaped
copper segments stacked together, but insulated from each other by mica or paper. The number of
segments is equal to the number of armature coils. Each segment is connected to an armature coil and
the commutator is mounted on the shaft. Its main function in DC generator is to collect the current from
armature winding and supply it to external load. Whereas, in case of DC motor, commutator helps to
commute the current from main supply to armature winding.
Brushes: The commutator connects the external circuit through brushes. Brushes are housed in the brush
holder and connected to the end cover. It is made up of carbon for small DC machine and graphite for
large DC machine. In case of DC generator, it is used to collect the current from commutator and supply
it to the external load. Whereas, in case of DC motor, it is used to supply the current from main supply
to the rotating commutator.
Therefore, the commutator and brush unit of DC machine is concerned with transmitting the power from
the static electrical circuit to the mechanically rotating rotor or vice versa. A spring keeps the brushes
pressed on the commutator surface making sliding contact over the rotating commutator.
Shaft: Shaft of DC machine is coupled to the load to transfer mechanical power. If the machine is used
as a DC motor, mechanical power is transferred from the motor to load. If the machine is used as a DC
generator, mechanical power is transferred from prime mover to the machine. Armature core, bearing,
commutator etc. are mounted on the Shaft.

1.2 Working Principle of DC Motor

A DC motor is an electromagnetic device, which converts electrical power into mechanical power. DC
motors operate on Faraday’s principle of electromagnetism, which states that “when a current carrying
conductor is placed in varying magnetic field or a conductor is moved in stationary magnetic field, it
experiences a mechanical force”. The direction of this force, given by Fleming's left-hand rule, is always
in perpendicular to current and magnetic field; and its magnitude is given by 𝐹 = 𝐵𝐼𝐿. Where, 𝐹 is
force, 𝐵 is magnetic field, 𝐼 is current, and 𝐿 is length of conductor within the magnetic field.
Fleming's left-hand rule: If we stretch the index finger, middle finger and thumb of our left hand to be
perpendicular to each other in such a way that index finger is in the direction of magnetic field and
middle finger is in the direction of current, then thumb indicates the direction of mechanical force
experienced by the current carrying conductor.

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. DC Machines

Consider that the armature has only two coils 𝑎 and 𝑏, which are placed between two field magnets as
shown below in the figure. When the terminals of the motor are connected to DC supply:
i) The field magnets are excited and develop
alternate north (N) and south (S) poles with the
direction of magnetic field from N to S;
ii) The armature coils carry currents. All coils under
N-pole carry currents in one direction (inwards,
represented by crosses) while all the conductors
under S-pole carry currents in the opposite
direction (outwards, represented by dots).
According to Fleming’s left-hand rule, the coil 𝑎
experiences force 𝐹 in the downward direction and the coil 𝑏 experiences force 𝐹 in the upward
direction. These forces tend to rotate the armature in anti-clockwise direction.
Now, let the armature rotate by 90° in anti-clockwise direction and the coils 𝑎 and 𝑏 occupy positions
𝑎′ and 𝑏 ′ respectively. In this position, they experience a force 𝐹 in the opposite directions along the
same line and the resultant force developed by them is zero.
If the armature contains only these two coils, then the armature would stop in the position 𝑎′ 𝑏 ′ . But the
armature consists of several uniformly distributed coils in the slots of armature, which are connected
together and experiencing force to rotate the armature in anti-clockwise direction.
Also, for the armature to experience a continuous anti-clockwise force, it is necessary to reverse the
current directions of coils 𝑎 and 𝑏 after they cross the positions 𝑎′ and 𝑏 ′ respectively. Otherwise, the
armature experiences a pulsating force in the position 𝑎′ 𝑏 ′ . This reversal of current direction can be
done by the commutator and thus the direction of force acting on armature remains same in the anti-
clockwise direction, which continuously rotates the armature.
1.3 Induced EMF Expression for DC Machine
The EMF of DC machine can be defined as when the armature in the dc machine rotates, the voltage
can be generated in its conductor. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, “when a
conductor cuts the magnetic field, EMF induces in the conductor”. The direction of this EMF is given
by Fleming's right-hand rule.
In a generator, the induced EMF is called as generated EMF (𝐸𝑔 ). In the motor, the induced EMF is
called as counter or back EMF (𝐸𝑏 ), because induced EMF is in the opposite direction to applied voltage
of motor. Expression for EMF is same for both the operations, i.e., for Generator as well as for Motor.
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.3 Induced EMF Expression for DC Machine
Significance of back EMF: (a) It regulates the current through armature conductor, when the motor is
running (b) It is required to produce the torque and to develop the necessary mechanical power.
Fleming's right hand rule: If we stretch the index
finger, middle finger and thumb of our left hand to be
perpendicular to each other in such a way that index
finger is in the direction of magnetic field and thumb
is in the direction of motion of conductor, then middle
finger indicates the direction of induced emf (or
induced current) on the conductor.
Induced EMF Expression:
Let, 𝑃 = Number of poles
𝜙 = Magnetic flux per pole (in Wb)
𝑁 = Rotational speed of rotor (in rpm)
𝑍 = Total number of armature conductors
𝐴 = Number of parallel paths
The flux cut by a conductor in one revolution,
𝑑𝜙 = 𝜙𝑃
The time taken (in second) by conductor to make one revolution,
𝑑𝑡 = 60⁄𝑁
Hence, EMF induced in one conductor
𝑑𝜙 𝜙𝑃 𝜙𝑃𝑁
= = = volt
𝑑𝑡 60⁄𝑁 60
EMF induced per parallel path = EMF induced per conductor × Number of conductors per parallel path.
𝜙𝑃𝑁 𝑍 𝜙𝑍𝑃𝑁
𝐸= × =
60 𝐴 60𝐴
Remember, the number of parallel paths, 𝐴 = 𝑃 (for lap winding) and 𝐴 = 2 (for wave winding).
When the field flux is 𝜙1 (in Wb) and the speed is 𝑁1 (in rpm), the induced emf is given by
𝜙1 𝑍𝑃𝑁1
𝐸1 =
60𝐴
When the field flux is 𝜙2 (in Wb) and the speed is 𝑁2 (in rpm), the induced emf is given by
𝜙2 𝑍𝑃𝑁2
𝐸2 =
60𝐴
Taking the ratio of both induced emfs, we get
𝐸1 𝜙2 𝑁2
=
𝐸2 𝜙1 𝑁1

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. DC Machines

1.4 Torque Equation

Torque is the turning or twisting moment of a force about an axis. It is measured by the product of force
and radius at which this force acts.
Consider the armature of DC motor have radius 𝑟 and 𝐹 is the force acting
tangential to its surface, which causes it to rotate at speed 𝑁 as shown in
figure. Then the torque developed by the force 𝐹 on armature is given by,
𝑇𝑎 = 𝐹 × 𝑟 (in Nm)
Work done by this force in one revolution = Force × Distance covered in
one revolution = 𝐹 × 2𝜋𝑟 (in Ws).
Power developed by the armature (𝑃𝑑 ) = Work done in one second =𝐹 × 2𝜋𝑟 × Number of revolutions
per second.
𝑁 2𝜋𝑁 2𝜋𝑁
𝑃𝑑 = 𝐹 × 2𝜋𝑟 = (𝐹 × 𝑟) = 𝑇 (in W)
60 60 60 𝑎
As electrical equivalent of the mechanical power developed (𝑃𝑑 ) by armature of DC motor is equal to
𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 . Thus,
2𝜋𝑁 𝜙𝑍𝑃𝑁
𝑃𝑑 = 𝑇𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼
60 60𝐴 𝑎
𝜙𝑍𝐼𝑎 𝑃 𝑃
⇒ 𝑇𝑎 = ( ) = 0.159𝜙𝑍𝐼𝑎 ( )
2𝜋 𝐴 𝐴
The above equation gives the total torque developed by armature, which includes iron losses and
mechanical losses of the motor. The actual torque available at the shaft is known as shaft torque (𝑇𝑠ℎ ),
which is less than the torque lost by iron losses and mechanical losses of the motor. Therefore,
𝑇𝑠ℎ = 𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝐿
Where, 𝑇𝑠ℎ = Shaft torque, 𝑇𝑎 = Armature torque, 𝑇𝐿 = torque lost by iron losses and mechanical
losses.
Output power of the motor (𝑃𝑠ℎ ) × 60
𝑇𝑠ℎ =
2𝜋𝑁
1.5 Types of DC Motor
Depending on the way in which field winding are connected to the armature, DC motors are classified
into three types: (1) DC Shunt Motor (2) DC Series Motor (3) DC Compound Motor.
1.5.1 DC Shunt Motor
In DC shunt motor, the field winding is connected in parallel (shunt) with armature as shown in the
figure. Hence, the full voltage is applied across the field winding. Shunt winding is made with large
number of turns and has high resistance. It takes only small current which is less than 5% of the rated
armature current.
Due to the applied voltage 𝑉, line current (𝐼𝐿 ) flows through the line, shunt field current (𝐼𝑠ℎ ) flows
through the shunt field winding and armature current (𝐼𝑎 ) flows through the armature conductors, such
that 𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑠ℎ

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.5 Types of DC Motor
The shunt field current is given by, 𝐼𝑠ℎ = 𝑉 ⁄𝑅𝑠ℎ
The armature current is given by, 𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝐿 − 𝐼𝑠ℎ
The voltage equation of DC shunt motor is given by,
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑏 + 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎 + 𝑉𝑏
Where, 𝑉𝑏 is the brush voltage drop.
Now, multiplying both sides by 𝐼𝑎 , we get
𝑉𝐼𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑎 + 𝑉𝑏 𝐼𝑎
Where, 𝑉𝐼𝑎 = Electrical input to the armature
𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Electrical equivalent of mechanical power developed in the armature
𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑎 = Copper loss in the armature
𝑉𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Power loss in brush contact
1.5.2 DC Series Motor
In DC series motor, field winding is connected in series with the armature as shown in figure. Therefore,
the field winding carries whole of the load current (armature current). That is why series winding is
designed with few turns of thick wire and has low resistance.
Due to the applied voltage 𝑉, line current (𝐼𝐿 ) flows through the line, series field winding and armature
conductors, such that 𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝑠𝑒 = 𝐼𝑎 .
The voltage equation of DC series motor is given by,
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑏 + 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 ) + 𝑉𝑏
Where, 𝑉𝑏 is the brush voltage drop.
Now, multiplying both sides by 𝐼𝑎 , we get
𝑉𝐼𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑎2 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 )
Where, 𝑉𝐼𝑎 = Electrical input to the armature
𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Electrical equivalent of mechanical power developed in the armature
𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑎 = Copper loss in the armature
𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑠𝑒 = Copper loss in the field
𝑉𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Power loss in brush contact
1.5.3 DC Compound Motor
A DC compound motor contains both shunt field winding and series field winding. Shunt field winding
is connected in parallel and series field winding is connected in series with the armature. The compound
DC motor is further subdivided as Cumulative Compound DC Motor and Differential Compound DC
Motor. In a cumulative compound motor, the fluxes produced by both the windings are in the same
direction and are additive. Whereas, in differential compound motor, the fluxes produced by both the
windings opposes each other.

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. DC Machines
Due to the applied voltage 𝑉, line current (𝐼𝐿 ) flows through the line, shunt field current (𝐼𝑠ℎ ) flows
through the shunt field winding and series field current (𝐼𝑠𝑒 ) same as armature current (𝐼𝑎 ) flows through
the series field winding and armature conductors, such that 𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝑠𝑒 + 𝐼𝑠ℎ = 𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑠ℎ .
The shunt field current is given by, 𝐼𝑠ℎ = 𝑉 ⁄𝑅𝑠ℎ .
The armature current is given by, 𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝐿 − 𝐼𝑠ℎ .
The voltage equation of DC compound motor is
𝑉 = 𝐸𝑏 + 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 ) + 𝑉𝑏
Where, 𝑉𝑏 is the brush voltage drop.
Now, multiplying both sides by 𝐼𝑎 , we get
𝑉𝐼𝑎 = 𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 + 𝐼𝑎2 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 )
Where, 𝑉𝐼𝑎 = Electrical input to the armature
𝐸𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Electrical equivalent of mechanical power developed in the armature
𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑎 = Copper loss in the armature
𝐼𝑎2 𝑅𝑠𝑒 = Copper loss in the series field
𝑉𝑏 𝐼𝑎 = Power loss in brush contact
Example: Determine the total torque developed in a 250V, 4 pole DC shunt motor with lap winding
accommodated in 60 slots, each containing 20 conductors. The armature current is 50 A and the flux per
pole is 23 mWb.
Example: A 4 pole, 220 V, lap connected DC shunt motor has 36 slots, each slot containing 16
conductors. It draws a current of 40 A from the supply. The field and armature resistances are 110 Ω
and 0.1 Ω respectively. The motor develops an output power of 6 kW. The flux per pole is 40 mWb.
Calculate the (a) speed (b) torque developed by the armature and (c) shaft torque.
Example: A 250 V DC shunt motor takes 6 A line current on no load and runs at 1000 rpm. The
resistance of field winding and armature are 250 Ω and 0.2 Ω respectively. If the full load line current
is 26 A, calculate the full load speed, assuming constant air gap flux.
Example: A 250 V DC shunt motor on no load runs at 1000 rpm and takes 6 A. The total armature and
shunt field resistances are 0.2 Ω and 250 Ω respectively. Calculate the speed when loaded and taking a
current of 50 A, if the armature reaction weakens the field by 3 %.
Example: A 240 V, 4 pole DC shunt motor running at 1000 rpm gives 15 H.P. with an armature current
of 50 A and a field current of 1.0 A. the armature winding is wave connected and has 540 conductors.
Its resistance is 0.1 Ω and the drop at each brush is 1 V. Find (a) useful torque (b) total torque (c) useful
flux per pole (d) rotational losses (e) efficiency.
Example: A 220-V DC motor has an armature resistance of 0.5 Ω. If the full load armature current is
20 A, find the induced EMF. [Ans: 210 V]
Example.7: A 250-V, 4-pole, wave wound DC 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. Estimate its speed
and gross torque developed if it has a flux per pole of 25 mWb. [Ans: 337.6 rpm, 249 Nm]

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.5 Types of DC Motor
Example: The armature of a 4-pole shunt motor is lap wound, which generates 216 V when running at
10 rps. It has 144 slots and 6 conductors per slot. (i) Determine the useful flux per pole (ii) If this
armature is rewound as wave connected, determine the induced emf at the same speed and same flux
per pole. [Ans: 0.025 Wb, 432 V]
Example: A 4 pole lap connected DC motor has 600 armature conductors and runs at 1200 rpm. The
motor has total flux of 0.24 Wb in it. Determine (i) induced emf (ii) speed at which it should be driven
to produce the same emf when wave connected. [Ans: 720 V, 600 rpm]
Example: A 500 V shunt motor has 4 poles and wave connected winding with 492 conductors. The flux
per pole is 0.05 Wb. The full load current is 20 A. The armature and shunt field resistances are 0.1 Ω
and 250 Ω respectively. Calculate the speed and gross torque. [Ans: 140.81 Nm, 607.56 rpm
Example: A 120 V DC shunt motor has an armature resistance of 0.2 Ω and field resistance of 60. The
full load line current is 60 A and full load speed is 1800 rpm. If brush contact drop is 3 V, find the speed
of motor at half load. [Ans: 1902 rpm]
Example: Find the useful flux per pole of a 250 V, 6 pole shunt motor having 2 circuit connected (or
wave connected) armature winding with 220 conductors. The overall armature resistance including
brushes is 0.2 Ω. The armature current is 13.3 A at the no load speed of 908 rpm. [Ans: 0.02476 Wb]
Example: A 4 pole DC shunt motor takes 22 A from 200 V supply. The armature and field resistances
are 0.5 Ω and 100 Ω respectively. The armature is lap connected with 300 conductors. If flux per pole
is 20 mWb, find the speed and gross torque. [Ans: 1900 rpm, 19.08 Nm]
Example: A DC series motor runs at 600 rpm and draws a current of 110 A from 250V supply. The
armature resistance is 0.12 Ω and that of series field winding is 0.03 Ω. The useful flux per pole for 110
A is 0.024 Wb and that for 50 A is 0.0155 Wb. Calculate the speed when the current has fallen to 50 A.
[Ans: 964.84 rpm]
Example: A 440 V, DC shunt motor takes an armature current of 20 A and runs at 500 rpm. The
armature resistance is 0.6 Ω. If the flux is reduced by 30% and the torque is increased by 40%, what are
the new values of armature current and the speed? [Ans: 40 A, 694.26 rpm]
Example: A 240V, 4 pole shunt motor running at 1000 rpm delivers 15 HP with an armature current of
50 A and a field current of 1 A. The armature winding is wave connected and has 540 conductors. Its
resistance is 0.1 Ω and drop at each brush is 1 V. Find (i) useful torque or net torque or shaft torque (ii)
gross torque or armature torque (iii) useful flux per pole (iv) rotational losses or mechanical losses and
(v) efficiency. [Ans: 105.35 Nm, 110.76 Nm, 0.0129 Wb, 617.5 W, 90.134 %]
Example: A 4 pole, 220 V lap connected DC shunt motor has 36 slots and 16 conductors per slot. It
draws a current of 4 A from the supply. The field and armature resistances are 110 Ω and 0.1 Ω
respectively. The motor delivers an output power of 6 kW, when the flux per pole is 40 mWb. Calculate
the (i) speed (ii) torque developed by the armature and (iii) shaft torque. [Ans: 563 rpm, 139.34 Nm,
101.82 Nm]
Example: A 4 pole 250 V series motor has wave connected armature with 1254 conductors. The flux
per pole is 22 mWb, when the motor is taking 50 A. the armature and series field coil resistances are 0.3
Ω and 0.2 Ω respectively. Calculate (i) speed (ii) torque of the motor and (iii) power developed in kW.
[Ans: 244.67 rpm, 438.65 Nm, 11.25 kW]

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. DC Machines

1.6 Characteristics of DC Motors

There are three important characteristics of DC motors as follows: (i) Torque vs. armature current (or
electrical characteristics), (ii) Speed vs. armature current and (iii) Speed vs. torque (or mechanical
characteristics).
Before going to discuss these characteristics, we will focus on the mathematical relationships among
various electrical quantities such as torque, speed and armature current etc.
The torque developed by armature in DC motor is given by,
𝑃
𝑇𝑎 = 0.159𝜙𝑍𝐼𝑎 ( ) ⇒ 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝜙𝐼𝑎
𝐴
Therefore, for a DC motor, torque is directly proportional to the product of armature current and main
flux.
Now 𝜙 is the flux produced by the field winding and is proportional to the current passing through the
field winding. So, 𝜙 ∝ 𝐼𝑓 .
Also, the back emf produced in the armature is given by,
𝜙𝑍𝑃𝑁 𝐸𝑏
𝐸𝑏 = ⇒ 𝐸𝑏 ∝ 𝜙𝑁 or 𝑁∝
60𝐴 𝜙
1.6.1 Characteristics of DC Shunt Motor
(i) Torque vs armature current (𝑻𝒂 vs 𝑰𝒂 ) characteristics:
In a DC shunt motor, if the applied voltage remains constant then the field current (𝐼𝑠ℎ ) will also remain
constant irrespective of the load connected to motor. Since 𝜙 ∝ 𝐼𝑠ℎ , hence the flux produced also
remains constant.
As 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝜙𝐼𝑎 and flux is constant, therefore
𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎
Thus, 𝑇𝑎 vs 𝐼𝑎 characteristics is practically a straight line passing
through the origin as shown in figure. To generate high starting
torque, this type of motor requires large value of armature current
at the start. This may damage the motor; hence DC shunt motors are
suitable for such applications where starting torque requirement is
medium.
The shaft torque (𝑇𝑠ℎ ) is always less than the armature torque (𝑇𝑎 ) by the torque lost (𝑇𝐿 ) due to iron
losses and mechanical losses in DC motor as shown in the figure.
(ii) Speed vs armature current (𝑵 vs 𝑰𝒂 ) characteristics:
In a DC shunt motor, since 𝜙 is constant, so
𝑁 ∝ 𝐸𝑏 ⇒ 𝑁 ∝ 𝑉 − 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎
For the constant applied voltage, if 𝐼𝑎 increases then 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎 increases
and hence the speed decreases. But the drop 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎 is very small
(because 𝑅𝑎 is small) as compared to 𝑉 and hence the decrease of
speed is also small as shown in figure.
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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
1.6 Characteristics of DC Motors
From this characteristic, we can see that the change in speed of DC
shunt motor is small, when the armature current or load on motor is
increased. Hence, for all practical applications, a DC shunt motor can
be considered as almost a constant speed motor.
(iii) Speed vs torque (𝑵 vs 𝑻𝒂 ) characteristics:
In a DC shunt motor, since 𝜙 is constant and 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎 . Hence, 𝑁 vs 𝑇𝑎
characteristics is similar to 𝑁 vs 𝐼𝑎 characteristics as shown in figure.
1.6.2 Characteristics of DC Series Motor
(i) Torque vs armature current (𝑻𝒂 vs 𝑰𝒂 ) characteristics:
In a DC series motor, field winding is connected in series with the armature, i.e. 𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝑠𝑒 . When load on
the motor increases, the series field current (𝐼𝑠𝑒 ) also increases and hence the flux produced (𝜙) also
increases. Therefore, before magnetic saturation of the field poles, flux 𝜙 is directly proportional to 𝐼𝑎 .
Since, 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝜙𝐼𝑎 and 𝜙 ∝ 𝐼𝑎 (before saturation), therefore
𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎2
Hence, before magnetic saturation, 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎2 and the 𝑇𝑎 vs 𝐼𝑎
characteristics is parabola for smaller values of 𝐼𝑎 as shown in figure.
After magnetic saturation of the field poles, flux 𝜙 is independent of
armature current 𝐼𝑎 . Therefore, the torque varies proportionally to 𝐼𝑎
only, that is 𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎
Hence, 𝑇𝑎 vs 𝐼𝑎 characteristics after magnetic saturation becomes a straight line as shown in figure.
The shaft torque (𝑇𝑠ℎ ) is always less than the armature torque (𝑇𝑎 ) by
the torque lost (𝑇𝐿 ) due to iron losses and mechanical losses in DC
motor. Hence, the curve 𝑇𝑠ℎ vs 𝐼𝑎 lies slightly lower than curve 𝑇𝑎 vs
𝐼𝑎 as shown in the figure.
From the above characteristics, we find that the DC series motors can
produce high starting torque for small amount of armature current
hence it is suitable for the applications where high starting torque is
required.
(ii) Speed vs armature current (𝑵 vs 𝑰𝒂 ) characteristics:
From the back emf equation of DC motor, we know that
𝐸𝑏 𝑉 − 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 )
𝑁∝ =
𝜙 𝜙
When the load on motor increases, the armature current (𝐼𝑎 ) increases and 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 ) increases and
hence the speed decreases. But for small load current, the drop 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 ) is very small as compared
to 𝑉 and hence the change in speed due to 𝑉 − 𝐼𝑎 (𝑅𝑎 + 𝑅𝑠𝑒 ) may be neglected. Therefore, speed 𝑁 is
inversely proportional to flux 𝜙.
Also, we know that in a DC series motor 𝜙 ∝ 𝐼𝑎 . So,

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE
 1. DC Machines
1 1
𝑁∝ ⇒𝑁∝
𝜙 𝐼𝑎
Therefore, speed 𝑁 is inversely proportional to 𝐼𝑎 and the 𝑁 vs 𝐼𝑎
characteristics is rectangular hyperbola as shown in figure. From this
characteristic, we find that when the load increases, the speed
decreases over a wide range. Hence a DC series motor is considered as
a variable speed motor.
At no load, 𝐼𝑎 is very small and hence the speed will be dangerously
high which may damage the motor. For this reason, a DC series motor should never be started without
load.
(iii) Speed vs torque (𝑵 vs 𝑻𝒂 ) characteristics:
From the above two characteristics of DC series motor, we find that
1 1
𝑇𝑎 ∝ 𝐼𝑎2 and 𝑁∝ . So, 𝑁 ∝
𝐼𝑎 √𝑇𝑎
The 𝑁 vs 𝑇𝑎 characteristics is shown in figure, which is similar to the
𝑁 vs 𝐼𝑎 characteristics. From this characteristic, we find that when load
or torque increases, the speed decreases and the starting torque is very
high than its running torque. For this reason, a DC series motor is
suitable for the applications where high starting torque is required such as quick acceleration of heavy
load, electric locomotives etc.
1.7 Applications of DC Motors
Type of Characteristics Applications
DC Motor
Shunt  Approximately  Lathe machines  Centrifugal pumps
constant speed from no  Machine tools  Reciprocating pumps
load to full load  Blowers and fans  Boring machines
 Medium starting  Drilling machines  Spinning and weaving
torque machines
Series  Variable speed from  Trolleys  Electric traction work
no load to full load  Cranes  Electric locomotives
 High Starting torque  Hoists  Vacuum Cleaners
 Conveyors  Sewing machines
 Hair driers  Air compressors

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Dr. Dipesh Kumar, Asst. Prof., EEE, BMSCE