PETER KANINI

ENM221-0043/2021
MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL MACHINES LAB REPORT
D.C. GENERATOR

Title: DC SHUNT MOTOR.

Objectives.
1. To study methods of starting DC motors.
2. To analyse the methods of speed control of DC shunt motors.
3. To carry out load tests of DC shunt motors.

Theoretical Background.
Introduction.
A DC shunt motor is a type of self-excited DC motor, and it is also known as a shunt wound
DC motor. The field windings in this motor can be connected in parallel to the armature
winding. So both windings of this motor will expose to the equal voltage power supply, and this
motor maintains an invariable speed with any kind of load. This motor has a low starting
torque and also runs at a constant speed.

Construction and Working Principle

The DC shunt motor construction is the same as any type of DC motor. This motor can be
constructed with basic parts like field windings (stator), a commutator, and an armature
(rotor).
The working principle of a DC Shunt Motor is, whenever a DC motor is turned ON, then DC
flows throughout the stator as well as the rotor. This current flow will generate two fields
namely the 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 by 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 an
equal direction.
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

Generally, when the DC motor is in a running state & the voltage supply voltage is stable and
the shunt field current given by
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 e.m.f can be stimulated within the armature winding
based on the Faraday's law (electromagnetic induction). Although, according to Lenz’s law, the
induced e.m.f can act within reverse direction toward the armature voltage supply.

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

Eb = (PφNZ) / 60A V

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 below. 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 less back e.m.f. Thus, the DC motor will draw extra current, this will result in
enhancing 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
e.m.f.
The DC shunt motor speed can be controlled in two ways
1. By altering the sum of current flowing through the shunt windings
2. 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.

Methodology.
Procedure.
1. The circuit was connected as shown in the figure below.

2. The field regulator was set to a minimum position.

3. The switches S1 and S2 were closed and the starter was moved slowly up to the run
position.

4.0. SPEED CONTROL.

4.1. The switch S2 was opened and the rheostat varied gently to give a set the voltage
to 90V.
 4.2. The voltage was maintained constant and the field current varied from maximum
to minimum in steps of 0.2A and in each step all instrument readings were recorded.
4.3. The current field was set to 1.2A and the armature voltage reduced to minimum.
The field current was maintained constant and the armature voltage varied in steps of
10V up to 100V.

5.0. LOAD TEST.

5.1. The switch S2 was closed and the eddy current brake excitor was ensured to be off
and the knob set to a minimum position.
5.2. The speed of the motor was set to the rated value. Using the exciter knob, the
motor was loaded in terms of armature current in steps of 110% of the rated value.

6.0. SPEED REGULATION.

6.1. The motor load was set to the rated load and speed. The load was reduced in steps
until its minimum.

Results.

For V = 100V

If (A) In (A) Speed (rpm)

1.6 1.25 1300

1.4 1.25 1350

1.2 1.25 1450

1.0 1.25 1500

0.8 1.25 1550

0.6 1.25 1600

For If = 1.2mA
 V (Volts) In (A) Speed (rpm)

100 1.25 1400

90 1.25 1300

80 1.10 1100

70 1.00 950

60 1.00 700

50 1.00 575

40 1.00 550

30 0.90 300

20 0.85 200

10 0.75 50

Discussion.
Speed against voltage
Motor speed vs field current

Discussion
- Voltage vs. Speed Relationship: We found that increasing the voltage directly correlates with
the speed of rotation for a DC shunt motor, showing a linear relationship.
- Field Current vs. Speed Relationship: Similarly, we observed that as the field current
decreases, the motor's speed increases. This suggests an inverse proportionality between field
current and rotational speed.
- Insights from Experimental Investigation: Our experiments exploring various speed control
techniques for DC shunt motors provided valuable insights into how these methods affect
motor performance and practical implementation considerations.

Armature Voltage Control

- Linear Speed Variation: When we adjusted the armature voltage, we noticed a linear change in
the motor's speed. As voltage increased, so did speed, aligning with theoretical expectations.
However, we also observed that at higher voltages, efficiency decreased due to increased copper
losses in the armature winding.

- Wide Range of Speed Variation: Armature voltage control offers a broad range of speed
adjustments, making it suitable for applications requiring variable speeds. But, it's essential to
note that at low voltages, torque capability decreases, limiting its use in high-torque
applications.
Field Flux Control
- Non-linear Speed Variation: By adjusting the current in the shunt field winding, we could
change the magnetic field strength and thus the motor's speed. We found a non-linear
relationship between field current and speed, with more significant speed changes at lower field
currents. This method is precise for fine speed adjustments but may not be suitable for
applications requiring high torque at low speeds.

Combined Armature Voltage and Field Flux Control

- Enhanced Speed Control Range: Simultaneously adjusting both armature voltage and field flux
widened the speed control range while maintaining efficiency and torque characteristics.
- Optimal Performance: This method is advantageous for applications needing both wide speed
ranges and high torque outputs, like machine tools and industrial automation. However, it
requires precise coordination of both voltage and field current adjustments for optimal
performance.

Recommendations
- Armature Voltage Control: Implement pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques for more
efficient and precise control, reducing power losses and improving dynamic response.
- Field Flux Control: Explore solid-state controllers or chopper circuits for efficient and precise
current regulation, reducing power dissipation and improving response times.
- Combined Control: Develop advanced control algorithms for coordinated adjustment of voltage
and field current, optimising performance across the operating range.
- Thermal Management: Implement effective cooling systems to dissipate heat during operation,
monitoring winding temperatures to prevent overheating and insulation damage.
- Power Electronics Integration: Investigate modern converters for efficient speed control,
enabling regenerative braking and energy recovery.
- Monitoring and Diagnostics: Implement condition monitoring techniques for predictive
maintenance and develop fault detection algorithms for protection against adverse conditions.
- Application-specific Optimization: Tailor control strategies to specific application requirements,
exploring advanced control methods for improved performance.

Sources of Error
- Measurement inaccuracies
- Variations in motor parameters
- Loading conditions
- Electrical noise and interference
- Friction and mechanical losses
- Temperature effects
- Control system limitations
- Human errors
- Aging and wear

Conclusion
- Our experiments provided valuable insights into practical speed control techniques for DC
shunt motors, reinforcing theoretical concepts and revealing the advantages and limitations of
each method. Armature voltage control offers a wide speed range, while field flux control
provides precise adjustments. Combining both methods enhances speed control capabilities.
Further research and optimization can improve motor performance and reliability in various
applications.

10. References.
1. The Electrical Engineering Handbook by Richard C. Dorf
2. Performance and Design of DC Machines by A.E. Clayton and N.H. Hancock
3. Electric Machinery Fundamentals by Stephen J. Chapman
4. Fitzgerald, A. E., Kingsley, C., & Umans, S. D. (2013). Electric Machinery (7th ed.).
McGraw-Hill Education.
5. Class Notes