Electrical Machines 1

EXPERIMENT NO 6

Bonachita, Qkee Banch B.

BSEE-3C

DC MOTOR WITH SERIES EXCITATION

Purposes:
• Start the dc motor with series excitation
• Invert the rotation sense of the motor
• Record the operation characteristics of the motor Components:
• 1 dc machine stator with assembled commutator rotor and brushes
• 1 DL 10281 Supply module
• 1 DL 10282 Measurement module
• 1 DL 10283 Loads and rheostats
• 1 DL 10284 Adapter support
• 1 DL 10300A Electromagnetic brake with arms
(Weight G = 4N, balance weight g = 1.5N)

Electrical diagram

Procedure
Electrical Machines 1
EXPERIMENT NO 6

Assemble the group dc motor-brake, by using the stator of the direct current machine completed
with commutator rotor and brushes.
Carry out the circuit shown in the previous topographical diagram.
Set the supply module DL 10281 for a fixed direct voltage 32V/14A: (selector “a0b” to position
“a” and switch L+/L- to position “0”) and for a variable direct voltage 0-40V/5A (selector “c0d”
to position “c” and control knob to 0%).
Set on the measurement module DL 10282, the ammeter and the voltmeter for direct current
measurements and observe the polarities (+ at red terminal).
Set on the module DL 10283 the starting rheostat RA = (1Ω + 2Ω) for maximum resistance
(control knob to position “b”) and the switch R to position “0” (maximum counterclockwise
rotation).
Since it is not possible to balance the brake with the rotating motor, provide to balance the brake
with the stopped group: the system is balanced by setting the weight G = (2+2) N in
correspondence of the zero of the graduated scale and by moving the balance weight g = 1.5 N
until the water level shows the horizontal position. In this way we can neglect the losses for
brake ventilation.
After having balanced the brake provide to load the motor by setting the weight G to the
distance b = 0.10 m and by adjusting the variable voltage knob 0-40 V at about the 30%.
Activate the supply module and supply the motor by setting the switch L+/L- to position “1”:
the motor starts and it turns clockwise.
Stop the group by setting the switch L+/L- to position “0”.
Invert the connection A1 with A2 and start the group again by setting the switch L+/L- to
position “1”: the motor turns now counter clockwise.
Stop the group by setting the switch L+/L- to position “0” and restore the initial connection of
the excitation winding.
Start then the group again: the motor has to turn clockwise.
Switch off gradually and completely the starting rheostat RA (control knob to position “a”) and
then short-circuit the rheostat RA by means of the switch R (position “1”).
After the group has reached the thermal stability, provide to balance the brake for the pre-
established load by adjusting with caution the variable direct voltage 0-40V and therefore
measure the supply voltage U, the absorbed current I and the speed n.
The motor is therefore loaded by steps by means of the brake: the load is carried out by moving
the weight G at a distance b from the zero position and therefore, by means of the variable
direct voltage 0-40 V, its excitation current is adjusted until balancing the system again.
Write the measured values in the following table and repeat the measurements previously
shown for every value of arm b shown in the following table, where also the measurement
indications are therefore written.
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EXPERIMENT NO 6

U I Pin G B T N P η
(V) (A) (W) (N) (m) (Nm) (rpm) (W) (%)
30.6 4.3 131.58 4 0.1 0.4 2681 112.28 85.33
30.3 5.25 159.08 4 0.12 0.48 2231 112.12 70.48
30 6.2 186 4 0.14 0.56 2694 157.95 84.92
29.8 7.1 211.58 4 0.16 0.64 2361 158.21 74.77
29.6 8 236.80 4 0.18 0.72 2102 158.46 66.92
29.4 8.6 252.84 4 0.2 0.8 2425 203.12 80.34
29.3 9.4 275.42 4 0.22 0.88 2265 208.69 75.77

Stop the group by setting the switch L+/L- to position “0” and deenergize the brake.

If we foresee a further starting of the motor set the starting rheostat R A to position “b” again
(maximum resistance) and the switch R to position “0”.
Complete the table with the calculated values of:
-power factor

Pin = UI
-output power
P = 0.1047 TN
-efficiency
η=
𝑃 100

𝑃𝑃𝑃

Draw on the same diagram the output power P, the speed N, the torque T and the efficiency η
as a function of the absorbed current I.

P (W) -

N (rpm) -

n (%) -

T (Nm) -
Electrical Machines 1
EXPERIMENT NO 6

Draw on a diagram the mechanical characteristic M = f(n).

Post Laboratory Questions

1. How does the relationship between armature current and speed in the DC series motor
compare to that in shunt and separately excited motors?
In a DC series motor, the armature current goes up as the load increases, which boosts the
torque. However, this higher current causes the speed to drop. In contrast, shunt and
separately excited motors maintain a more stable speed because their field current stays
constant. This is what makes series motors more responsive to load changes, while shunt and
separately excited motors are better at keeping the speed steady under varying loads.

2. What changes in the motor's performance were observed when the field current was
varied, and how do these changes differ from those in shunt and separately excited
motors?
When we changed the field current, we saw changes in both speed and torque. In a series
motor, increasing the field current made the motor slow down but boosted the torque. On
the other hand, shunt and separately excited motors don’t experience as much change in
speed when the field current is adjusted, since their field current isn’t linked to the
armature current. This makes shunt and separately excited motors better suited for
applications that require stable speed.

3. How did varying the load affect the speed and torque of the series motor, and how does
this response compare to that of shunt and separately excited motors?
When the load on a series motor was changed, the speed dropped significantly, and the
torque increased. Series motors are very responsive to load changes, so they slow down a
lot under heavy loads. Shunt and separately excited motors handle load changes better,
keeping their speed more constant. This makes series motors less stable under changing
loads, while shunt motors are often preferred when a steady speed is needed.

4. Was the DC series motor able to maintain a steady speed under varying loads? How
does its load regulation compare with that of shunt and separately excited motors? The
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DC series motor couldn’t maintain a steady speed when the load changed. As the load
increased, the speed dropped significantly, showing that the series motor has poor load
regulation. Shunt and separately excited motors, however, can maintain a more consistent speed
even with load changes, making them better suited for tasks where a steady speed is important.

5. What potential sources of error could have influenced the experiment's results? How
might these errors impact the comparison between motor types?
Some errors might have affected our results, like inaccurate current or voltage readings.
Friction in the motor parts could also have impacted the data. The motor's age might be a
factor too, as older motors may have worn parts that affect performance. These issues
could make the series motor’s speed appear less steady than it actually is. Such errors can
lead to incorrect comparisons between motor types and may result in lower efficiency
readings.

6. Based on your observations, what practical applications would be most suitable for DC
series motors compared to shunt and separately excited motors?
DC series motors are ideal for applications that require strong starting power, like trains
or cranes. They can handle heavy loads well but aren’t great at maintaining a constant
speed. Shunt and separately excited motors, on the other hand, are better for tasks that
need steady speed, like fans or pumps. Series motors aren't as well-suited for these because
their speed drops under load. Each motor type has its own strengths, making them suited to
different tasks.
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EXPERIMENT NO 6