A crane is required to lift and lower heavy loads(beyond human capability) and move

them from one point to the other. In order to lift heavy loads, the dropping characteristics of
the DC series motor are appropriate to those of a crane as it provides high starting torque.
A direct current DC motor convert DC electric energy into mechanical energy. Since the
motor uses direct current, it generates a mechanical rotary movement on the motor shaft. To
conduct any kind of work, the shaft is physically coupled to a machine or other mechanical
device.

A DC series motor would have its field windings connected to the armature in series.
The winding of the series will have relatively few turns of larger wire or copper strips capable
of holding the motor's maximum load current. Since the windings are low resistance, a large
current can be drawn at the beginning, generating a high starting torque.
In Crane Shipping System applications, this is a benefit for high starting loads. The speed of
a series motor is dependent on the load, so the speed will increase when the full load current
flowing through the circuit has decreased.

Figure shows the DC series motor with the field connected in series with the armature
 Diagram x shows the DC motor component
1. Stator
The stator carries the field winding and Poles. The stator together with the rotor
constitutes the magnetic circuit or core of the machine. It is a hollow cylinder.
2. Rotor
It carries the armature winding. The armature is the load carrying member. The rotor
is cylindrical in shape.
3. Armature Winding
This winding rotates in the magnetic field set up at the stationary winding (Field
winding). It is the load carrying member mounted on the rotor. An armature winding is
a continuous winding; that is, it has no beginning or end. It is composed of a number
of coils in series.
4. Field Winding
This is an exciting system which may be an electrical winding or a permanent magnet
and which is located on the stator.
Note: DC Motors are generally classified by how their Armature & Field windings are
connected to their DC power supply.
5. Commutator
The coils on the armature are terminated and interconnected through the commutator
which comprised of a number of bars or commutator segments which are insulated
from each other. The commutator rotates with the rotor and serves to rectify the
induced voltage and the current in the armature both of which are A.C.
6. Brushes
These are conducting carbon graphite spring loaded to ride on the commutator and
act as interface between the external circuit and the armature winding
7. Poles
The field winding is placed in poles, the number of which is determined by the
voltage and current ratings of the machine.
8. Slot/Teeth
For mechanical support, protection from abrasion, and further electrical insulation,
non-conducting slot liners are often wedged between the coils and the slot walls. The
magnetic material between the slots is called teeth.
9. Motor Housing
The motor housing supports the iron core, the brushes and the bearings.
Moreover, the speed control of DC motors is quite simple hence DC series motors are
employed in an crane.
Variable Speed Control
In Crane Shipping System application, it’s required a motor to maintain constant speed or
torque regardless of the physical load placed on it. It also require the motor to change
speeds either very quickly or very slowly. DC Drive are ideal for used in the Crane Shipping
System because they have high starting torque. They can start and stop DC motors quickly
and efficiently.
A simple speed control circuit is shown in figure a .It’s consists of a motor armature and
SCR. The SCR performs two functions. First, it rectifies the AC supply into a pulsating DC
current, current, causing current to flow through the DC armature in one direction. second,
since it can be turned on at any time during al alternation, its controls the amount of current
that flows through the DC motor armature. Therefore, the speed of the motor can be
controlled, since it is directly proportional to the current that flows through the armature. The
120 VAC source is converted into 0 to 55 average DC volts.

Figure a : half wave speed control

The speed of the motor is operated controlled by adjusting a knob connected by adjusting a
knob connected to potentiometer in R2 in figure b .The fixed terminals of the potentiometer
are connected to R2 of the positive 15-volt supply. As the boom (overhead crane) is moved
upward, the input lead connected to R2 of the summing op-amp goes more positive. The
result is that the op-amp goes negative, turn Q1 on harder and causes the capacitor to
charge more quickly. As it does, the UJT turns on sooner during the alternation and fires the
SCR earlier this action causes the current to increase through the armature. The rise in
armature current increase the speed of the motor.