MEGHNAD SAHA INSITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Power Electronics
Subject Code: PC-EE-504
Technical Report Writing
Comparison in performance of DC shunt and DC series Motor connected to
full wave control rectifier without freewheeling diode
Anwita Basak
Electrical Engineering
Roll No: 14201621938
1. Introduction
This report presents a comprehensive comparison of the performance characteristics of DC shunt
and DC series motors when connected to a full-wave control rectifier without a freewheeling
diode. The evaluation involves key parameters such as speed control, torque-speed
characteristics, starting torque, and efficiency. DC shunt and DC series motors are widely used in
various industrial applications. When connected to a full-wave control rectifier without a
freewheeling diode, their performance can exhibit significant variations.
2.1 Full Wave Control Rectifier
A full-wave controlled rectifier is a circuit that converts alternating current (AC) into direct
current (DC) while allowing for control of the output voltage. It typically uses silicon-controlled
rectifiers (SCRs) or thyristors as switching devices.
2.2 DC Series and DC Shunt Motor
DC Series Motor: A series motor is a direct current motor that has two windings that are in
series, with the same current flowing through each. Use of series motors is generally limited to
cases where a heavy power demand is necessary to bring the machine up to speed, as in the case
of certain elevator and hoist installations.
DC Shunt Motor: A shunt motor (known as a shunt wound DC motor) is a type of DC motor
which is self-excited and has the field windings that are connected in parallel to the armature
winding of the motor. As these two parts are connected in parallel, the armature and field
windings are exposed to the same supply voltage.
2.3 What happens when we connect dc motor to full wave rectifier?
A DC motor can technically run on a rectified AC power source, but it would not be an optimal
solution. Rectifiers convert AC power to DC power, but the output is not always smooth and
consistent. This can cause problems with the performance and longevity of the motor.
3. Freewheeling Diode
A flyback diode is any diode connected across an inductor used to eliminate flyback, which is
the sudden voltage spike seen across an inductive load when its supply current is suddenly
reduced or interrupted. It is used in circuits in which inductive loads are controlled by switches,
and in switching power supplies and inverters.
4. DC Series Motor Connected to Full Wave Rectifier

4.1 Discontinuous Conduction:

In a Single Phase Fully Controlled Rectifier Control of DC Motor terminal voltage va, the drive
operates in two intervals (Fig. 5.26(b)):
Duty interval (α ≤ ωt ≤ β) when motor is connected to the source and va = vs.
Zero current interval (β ≤ ωt ≤ π + α) when ia = 0 and va = E.
4.2 Continuous conduction
The ideal no load operation is obtained when Ia = 0. When both thyristor pairs (T1, T3) and (T2,
T4) fail to fire, Ia will be zero. This will happen when E > vs throughout the period for which
tiring pulses are present. Therefore, when α < π/2, E should be greater or equal to Vm and when
α > π/2, E should be greater or equal to Vm sin ωt. [1]
5. Comparison between DC series and DC shunt motor
5.1 Speed Control: The speed control performance of the two motors was tested by varying the
armature voltage using the full-wave control rectifier. The following observations were made:
• DC Shunt Motor: The shunt motor exhibited relatively constant speed characteristics over
a wide range of loads and armature voltage variations. It maintained a consistent speed
within its rated load range.
• DC Series Motor: The series motor displayed strong speed-torque characteristics,
providing excellent speed control. However, without a freewheeling diode, it experienced
issues during commutation, leading to speed fluctuations and instability.
5.2 Torque-Speed Characteristics: The torque-speed characteristics of both motors were
examined:
• DC Shunt Motor: The shunt motor exhibited a relatively flat torque-speed curve,
indicating a consistent torque output over a range of speeds.
 • DC Series Motor: The series motor demonstrated a steep rise in torque with increasing
load. This high starting torque is advantageous for applications requiring heavy initial
loads.
5.3 Starting Torque: Starting torque was measured under different conditions:
• DC Shunt Motor: The shunt motor showed moderate starting torque capabilities, suitable
for applications with standard starting requirements.
• DC Series Motor: The series motor displayed significantly higher starting torque, making
it suitable for applications demanding high initial torque.
5.4 Efficiency: Efficiency measurements were conducted:
• DC Shunt Motor: The shunt motor generally maintained higher efficiency compared to
the series motor, especially at partial loads and steady-state conditions.
• DC Series Motor: The series motor's efficiency could be improved with proper control
mechanisms, but without a freewheeling diode, it suffered from higher losses during
commutation.
5.5 Commutation: The commutation characteristics were assessed:
• DC Shunt Motor: The shunt motor exhibited smoother commutation with fewer sparking
and wear issues.
• DC Series Motor: The absence of a freewheeling diode led to more challenging
commutation in the series motor, resulting in increased arcing and potential reliability
concerns.[1][2]
6. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice between a DC shunt motor and a DC series motor connected to a full-
wave control rectifier without a freewheeling diode depends on the specific application
requirements. While the shunt motor offers consistent speed control and good efficiency, the
series motor excels in applications demanding high starting torque. However, the series motor
would benefit from the addition of a freewheeling diode to improve commutation and stability in
this configuration.
References
[1] https://www.eeeguide.com/single-phase-fully-controlled-rectifier-control-of-dc-motor/
[2]
DesignandAnalysisofUncontrolledFullWaveRectifierwithaDynamicBrakingCharacteristicsonDC
ShuntMotor.pdf