MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.

DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

DC SHUNT MOTOR
MODULE 3

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, you will;

1. Enumerate the parts of a dc shunt motor.

2. Draw the connection diagrams of DC shunt motor.
3. Illustrate the factors affecting the torque of a DC shunt motor.
4. Describe counter emf and its effects on current input.
5. Discuss the effects of an increased load on armature current, torque, and speed of a
DC shunt motor.
6. Enumerate the speed control, torque, and speed regulation characteristics of a dc
shunt motor.

PROCEDURES: Try to read and understand the following:

INTRODUCTION

In electrical motors, a series circuits and parallel circuits are commonly known as a
series and shunt. Therefore, in DC motors the connections of the field windings, as well as
the armature, can be done parallel which is known as DC shunt motor. The main difference
between DC series motor as well as DC shunt motor mainly includes the construction,
operation and speed characteristics. This motor gives features like easy reversing control,
speed regulation, and starting torque is low. Thus, this motor can be used for belt-driven
applications within automotive as well as industrial applications.

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.

FIGURE 1 (Commercial type DC shunt motor)

CONSTRUCTION AND WORKING PRINCIPLE

The DC shunt motor construction is the same as any type of DC motor. This motor
can be constructed with the basic parts like field windings (stator), a commutator and an
armature (rotor).

19
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

The working principle of a DC Shunt Motor is, whenever a DC motor is turned ON,
then DC flows throughout stator as well as the rotor. This current flow will generate two fields
namely pole as well as the armature.

In the air gap between armature and field shoes, there are two magnetic fields, and
they will respond with each other for revolving the armature.

The COMMUTATOR overturns the armature current flow direction at ordinary gaps.
So, the armature field is repelled with pole field for all time, it keeps revolving the armature
within the equal direction.

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

shown in the Figure 2.

FIGURE 2 (Construction and parts of DC shunt motor)

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 condition from the DC series motor
(having thicker field coils) of the self-excited type motor’s category.

DC-SHUNT MOTOR CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

The DC shunt motor circuit diagram is shown below, and the flow of current and
voltage being supplied to the motor from the supply can be given by ITOTAL & E.

In case of the shunt wound DC motor, this current supply will divide into two ways like
Ia,& Ish, where ‘Ia’ will supply throughout the ‘Ra’ resistance armature winding. In the same
way, ‘Ish’ will supply through the ‘Rsh’ resistance field winding.

Therefore, we can write it as ITOTAL = Ia + Ish

We know that Ish = E / Rsh

Otherwise Ia = Itotal- Ish= E/Ra

20
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

FIGURE 3 (Elementary circuit diagram of DC shunt motor)

Generally, when the DC motor is in running state & the voltage supply voltage is
stable and the shunt field current given by:

Ish = E / Rsh

But we know that the armature current is proportional to the field flux (Ish ∝ Φ). Thus
the Φ remains more otherwise less stable, due to this reason; a shunt wound DC motor can
be named as a constant flux motor.

BACK EMF IN DC SHUNT MOTOR

Whenever the DC shunt motor’s armature winding rotates within the magnetic field
which is generated by the field winding. Thus, an emf can be stimulated within the armature
winding based on the Faradays law (electromagnetic induction). Although, according to
Lenz’s law, the induced emf can act within reverse direction toward the armature voltage
supply.

Thus, this emf is named as the back emf, & it is represented with Eb. Mathematically, this
can be expressed as,

PφNZ
Eb =
60 A

Where P = no. of poles

Φ = Flux for each pole within Wb

N = Motor’s speed in revolutions per minute

Z = No. of armature conductors

A = No. of parallel lanes

DC SHUNT MOTOR SPEED CONTROL

The speed characteristic of a shunt motor is different compared with a series motor.
As a DC Shunt motor attains its complete speed, then the armature current can be directly
connected to the motor load. When the load is extremely low within a shunt motor, then the
armature current can also be low. When the DC motor attains its complete speed, then it
remains stable.

The speed characteristic of a shunt motor is different compared with a series motor.
As a DC Shunt motor attains its complete speed, then the armature current can be directly
connected to the motor load. When the load is extremely low within a shunt motor, then the

21
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

armature current can also be low. When the DC motor attains its complete speed, then it
remains stable.

The DC shunt motor speed can be controlled very easily. The speed can be
maintained constant until the load changes. Once the load changes, then the armature tends
to delay, which will result in the less back emf. Thus, the DC motor will draw extra current,
this will consequence in enhance within torque to gain speed.

So, whenever the load enhances, the net result of load on speed in a motor is
approximately nil. Similarly, once the load decreases, then the armature achieves speed &
produces extra back emf.

The DC shunt motor speed can be controlled in two ways

 By altering the sum of current flowing through the shunt windings

 By altering the sum of current flowing through the armature.

In general, DC motors appear with a particular rated voltage & speed in (revolutions per
minute. Once this motor functions under its complete voltage, then the torque will be
reduced.

BRAKE TEST ON DC SHUNT MOTOR

The brake test is the one kind of load test on dc shunt motor (see Figure 4).
Generally, this test can be done for the low rated DC machines. The main reason for doing
this test is to identify the efficiency and also by using this test, the output of mechanical
power can be calculated & separate the same by using electrical input. So, this is the reason
to calculate the efficiency of the DC motor, this test is used. Therefore, this type of test
cannot be employed on the superior rated machines.

FIGURE 4 (Elementary brake test on DC shunt motor)

CHARACTERISTICS OF DC SHUNT MOTOR

The characteristics of shunt DC motor include the following:

 This DC motor works at a fixed speed once the voltage supply is set.
 This DC motor is upturned by the turn around the motor connections like a
series motor.
 In this type of DC motor, by a rising motor current, torque can be improved
without reducing in speed.

DC SHUNT MOTOR APPLICATIONS

22
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

The applications of shunt DC motor include the following.

 These motors are used wherever stable speed is required

 This kind of DC motor can be used in Centrifugal Pumps, Lifts, Weaving
Machine, Lathe Machines, Blowers, Fans, Conveyors, Spinning machines,
etc.

SELF-SPEED REGULATION OF A SHUNT WOUND DC MOTOR

A very important and interesting fact about the DC shunt motor, is in its ability to self-
regulate its speed on the application of the load to the shaft of the rotor terminals. This
essentially means that on switching the motor running condition from no load to loaded,
surprisingly there is no considerable change in speed of running, as would be expected in
the absence of any speed regulating modifications from outside. Let us see how?

Let us do a stepwise analysis to understand it better.

1. Initially considering the motor to be running under no load or lightly loaded

condition at a speed of N rpm.
2. On adding a load to the shaft, the motor does slow down initially, but this is where
the concept of self-regulation comes into the picture.
3. At the very onset of load introduction to a shunt wound DC motor, the speed
definitely reduces, and along with speed also reduces the back emf, Eb. Since Eb
∝ N, given by,

PφNZ
Eb =
60

This can be graphically explained below (Figure 5)

FIGURE 5 (No load to loaded condition)

4. This reduction in the counter emf or the back emf Eb results in the increase of the
net voltage. As net voltage Enet = E − Eb. Since supply voltage E remains
constant.

5. As a result of this increased amount of net voltage, the armature current

increases and consequently the torque increases.

Since, Ia ∝ Τ given by:

P Z φ Ia
T=
2πA

23
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

The change in armature current and torque on supplying load is graphically shown in Figure
6.

FIGURE 6 (No load to loaded condition)

6. This increase in the amount of torque increases the speed and thus
compensating for the speed loss on loading. Thus the final speed characteristic of
a DC shunt motor, looks like.

FIGURE 7 (No load to loaded condition)

From there we can well understand this special ability of the shunt wound DC motor
to regulate its speed by itself on loading and thus its rightly called the constant flux or
constant speed motor. Because of which it finds widespread industrial application wherever
constant speed operation is required.

SPEED CONTROL OF DC SHUNT MOTOR

The classification of speed control methods for a DC shunt motor are similar to those
of a DC series motor. These two methods are:

A. Armature Control Methods

B. Field Control Methods

ARMATURE CONTROLLED DC SHUNT MOTOR

Armature controlled DC shunt motor can be performed in two ways:

1. Armature Resistance Control

In armature resistance control, a variable resistance is added to the
armature circuit (see Figure 8). Field is directly connected across the
supply so flux is not changed due to variation of series resistance. This
is applied for DC shunt motor. This method is used in printing press,

24
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

cranes, hoists where speeds lower than rated is used for a short period
only.

FIGURE 8 (Elementary diagram

of Armature resistance control)

2. Armature Voltage Control

This method of speed control needs a variable source of voltage

separated from the source supplying the field current. This method
avoids disadvantages of poor speed regulation and low efficiency of
armature-resistance control methods.

The basic adjustable armature voltage control method of speed control

is accomplished by means of an adjustable voltage generator is called
Ward Leonard System. This method involves using a motor-generator
(M-G) set. This method is best suited for steel rolling mills, paper
machines, elevators, mine hoists, etc. This method is known as Ward
Leonard System.

FIGURE 9 (Elementary diagram

of Armature voltage control or
Ward Leonard system)

Advantages of Armature Controlled DC Shunt Motor

 Very fine speed control over whole range in both directions

 Uniform acceleration is obtained
 Good speed regulation
 It has regenerative braking capacity

Disadvantages of Armature Controlled DC Shunt Motor

 Costly arrangement is needed, floor space required is more

25
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

 Low efficiency at light loads

 Drive produced more noise.

FIELD CONTROLLED DC SHUNT MOTOR

By this method a DC Shunt motor’s speed is controlled through a field rheostat.

Field Rheostat Controlled DC Shunt Motor

In this method, speed variation is accomplished by means of a variable resistance

inserted in series with the shunt field (see Figure 10). An increase in controlling resistances
reduces the field current with a reduction in flux and an increase in speed. This method of
speed control is independent of load on the motor. Power wasted in controlling resistance is
very less as field current is a small value. This method of speed control is also used in DC
compound motor.

FIGURE 10 (Elementary diagram

of Field resistance control)

Disadvantages of Field Rheostat Controlled DC Shunt Motor

 Creeping speeds cannot be obtained.

 Top speeds only obtained at reduced torque.
 The speed is maximum at minimum value of flux, which is governed by the
demagnetizing effect of armature reaction on the field.

SOLID STATE SPEED CONTROL

Static Ward Leonard drives are being used these days because of the drawbacks of
the classical method. Rotating M-G sets are replaced by solid state converters to control DC
motor speed. The converters used are choppers (in case of DC supply) or controlled
rectifiers (in case of AC supply). This method is not suitable for intermittent loads.

FIGURE 11 (Typical solid state speed

controller)

IN SUMMARY OF SPEED CONTROL OF DC SHUNT MOTOR

26
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

A DC shunt motor has excellent speed control. To operate the motor above its rated
speed, reduce the field current and field flux. To operate below rated speed, reduce the
voltage applied to the armature circuit.

Electronic speed control systems are used extensively. The principles of the control
are the same as the old manual controls. Speeds above normal are achieved by reducing the
field voltage electronically, and speeds below normal reduce the voltage applied to the
armature.

ROTATION

The direction of armature rotation may be change by reversing the direction of current
in either the field circuit or the armature circuit (see Figure 12). For a motor with a simple
shunt field circuit, it may be convenient to reverse the field circuit lead.

FIGURE 12 (Reversing DC shunt motor)

TORQUE

A DC shunt motor has high torque at any speed. At start-up, a DC shunt motor
develops 150 percent of its rated torque if the starting controller is capable of withstanding
the heating effects of the current. For very short period of time, the motor develops 350
percent of full-load torque, if necessary.

SUMMARY

The dc shunt motor uses the shunt field as the main magnetic field in the stator. The
shunt field is made up of many turns of small wire and is connected or shunted across the
armature. The shunt field may have a series-connected rheostat to control the amount of
current to the field. The principle of the dc motor relies on the concept of commutation. This
commutator and brush connection always keep the direction of the current and the direction
of the magnetic field consistent. The speed and the current to the rotor are inversely
proportional. If the rotor is spinning faster, there is more counter emf (CEMF) produced and
less voltage differential and therefore less current. DC motors are used in a variety of styles
for different purposes. There are many variations of the shunt motor used in specialized
purposes.

REFERENCES:

1. https://www.elprocus.com/dc-shunt-motor-construction-working-principle-
circuit-diagram/

27
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

2. https://www.electrical4u.com/shunt-wound-dc-motor-dc-shunt-motor/
3. https://www.industrial-electronics.com/elecy4_1.html

ADDITIONAL READINGS

Websites:

1. https://www.motioncontroltips.com/faq-what-are-dc-shunt-motors-and-
where-are-they-used/
2. https://www.brighthubengineering.com/diy-electronics-devices/123625-
understanding-shunt-wound-dc-motors/
3. https://top-ee.com/dc-shunt-motor/

28
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

EVALUATION

Name: __________________________________________ Date: _________

Course/Year: _____________________________ Score: ________

A. Select the correct answer for each of the following statements and encircle the answer.

1. A DC shunt motor draws more current with a mechanical load applied to its shaft
because the:
a. counter emf is reduced with the speed.
b. voltage differential decreases.
c. applied voltage decreases.
d. torque depends on the magnetic strength.

2. The direction of rotation of a compound inter-pole motor may be reversed by

reversing the direction of current flow through the:
a. armature.
b. armature or field circuit.
c. armature, interpoles, and series field.
d. shunt field.

3. The speed of a DC shunt motor may be reduced below its rated speed without losing
torque by reducing the voltage at the:
a. motor.
b. Field circuit.
c. armature.
d. armature and field circuit.

4. Advantages of DC shunt motors are:

a. simplicity in construction.
b. speed control above and below base speed.
c. excellent torque and speed control.
d. horsepower for size.

B. Complete the following statements.

5. The twisting force exerted on the shaft of a motor is called _______and is due to the
magnetic field interaction of the ________ and _______

6. Field interpoles connected in series with the armature circuit of a motor help
counteract the effects of___________

7. As a DC motor comes up to its rated speed, its armature current (decreases, remains
the same, increases). (Underline the answer.)

8. The main factor controlling the armature current of a dc shunt motor operating at
rated speed is the __________

9. To operate below rated speed of DC shunt motor, reduce the ________ applied to
the ________ circuit.

29
 MARVELOUS COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY, INC.
DC SHUNT MOTOR DC MACHINE

10. The shunt field is made up of _______ turns of ______ wire and is connected or
____________ the armature

30