Need of four quadrant for dc motor

A four-quadrant or multiple-quadrant operation is required in industrial as well as

commercial applications. These applications require both driving and braking, i.e.,
motoring and generating capability.

Some of these applications include electric traction systems, cranes and lifts, cable
laying winders, and engine test loading systems.

Operating quadrants

1. Forward motoring

2. Forward breaking

3. Reverse motoring

4. Reverse regenerative breaking

Applications of Four-quadrant Operation

Electric traction system
Battery operated vehicles
Lifts and cranes
Engine test loading systems
Spindle and tool drives in machine tools
Auxiliary drives in robotic systems
Position control systems