Theory and Concept

Object: To conduct speed controls on DC shunt motor using field control method and plot the curve for speed
versus field current.

Apparatus required:

S.N Equipment Range Type Qty

o
1 Ammeter 0-1/2A MC 1

2 Voltmeter 0-300V MC 1
3 Rheostats 0-38 Wire 1
ohm,8.5A wound
Wire 1
wound
4 Tachometer Digital 1
5 Connecting Wires

THEORY:

i) Field Control Method:

Since the field current produces the flux, and if we control the field current then the speed can
be controlled. In the shunt motor, speed can be controlled by connecting a variable resistor R 2 in
series with the shunt field winding. In the diagram below resistor, Rc is called the shunt field
regulator.
With rated voltage applied to the motor, the field resistance is increased i.e field current is decreased. It
is observed that speed increases.

The equation for the speed of the motor clearly indicated the following, Speed of the dc motor can be
controlled below the normal range of speed by varying the resistance in the armature circuit included in
the form of a rheostat as a variable resistance (armature control). Speed of the dc motor can be controlled
above the normal range of speed by decreasing the flux φ i.e. by decreasing the current in the field circuit
by including an external resistance in the form of a rheostat as variable resistance (field control).

1
Circuit diagram:

2
Procedure:

1. Keeping the rheostat R1 in the field circuit of the motor in cut-out position, the rheostat R 2 in the
armature circuit of the motor in cut-in position, the supply switch (S1) is closed.

2.The rheostat R2 is adjusted to get the required voltage across the armature

3.The rheostat R1 is gradually brought to cut-in in steps and at each step the readings of ammeter and
speed are noted down.
[Note: The rheostat R1 is cut-in till the speed is little above the rated speed of Motor]

4.The experiment is repeated for another value of armature voltage.

5.All rheostats are brought back to their respective initial Positions and the supply switch (S1) is opened.

6.The graphs are plotted as shown in model graphs

Observation Table:

Graphs:

3
4
Result:

Armature Voltage Va = 210V

Field current If = 280mA

Speed N=1440 rpm

Precautions:

1)All connections should be perfectly tight and no loose wire should lie on the work table.
2) Before switching ON the dc supply, ensure that the starter’s moving arm is at its
maximum resistance position.
3)Do not switch on the supply, until and unless the connection is checked by the teacher
4. Avoid error due to parallax while reading the meters
5. Hold the tachometer with both hands steady and in line with the motor shaft so that It reads correctly.

5
Armature Control:

In the armature control method, the speed of the DC motor is directly proportional to the back emf (Eb) and Eb = V- IaRa.
When supply voltage (V) and armature resistance Ra are kept constant, the Speed is directly proportional to armature current
(Ia). If we add resistance in series with the armature, the armature current (Ia) decreases and hence speed decreases.

This armature control method is based on the fact that by varying the voltage across the required voltage. The motor back
EMF (Eb) and Speed of the motor can be changed. This method is done by inserting the variable resistance (Rc) in series with
the armature
Let the external resistance in the armature circuit of shunt motor be R ohms, then the speed equation
modifies to,

N =K Eb/φ=K V- Ia(Ra+R)/φ

Hence the speed of the motor decreases with an increase in the value of external resistance

6
Graph:

PROCEDURE:

7
1.Connections are made as shown in the circuit diagram.

2.Keeping the rheostat R1 in the field circuit of motor in cut-out position, the rheostat R2 in the armature
circuit of the motor in cut-in positions the supply switch (S1) is closed.

3.Field current (If) is adjusted to a constant value by adjusting the rheostat R1 and the Rheostat R2 is gradually
cut-out in steps and at each step the readings of voltmeter and the speed are noted down.

4.The above procedure is repeated for another value of field currents.

5.All rheostats are brought back to their respective initial Positions and the supply switch (S1) is opened.

6.The graphs are plotted as shown in model graphs

Result:

Precautions:
1.All connections should be perfectly tight and no loose wire should lie on the work table.
2.Before switching ON the dc supply, ensure that the starter’s moving arm is at its maximum
resistance position.
3.Do not switch on the supply, until and unless the connection is checked by the teacher
4.Avoid error due to parallax while reading the meters.
5.Hold the tachometer with both hands steady and in line with the motor shaft so that it reads
correctly