Energy Conversion Laboratory

Series DC Motor
Laboratory Activity No.1

Borja, Carmelyn A.
Callueng, Chris Anthony O.
Cataneda, Giovanni A.
Lao, Daniel Jan S.

B. Objectives
 Familiarize the used of each component.
To determined if voltage is directly proportional to the current at DC motors.

C. Theory
SERIES EXCITATION

The field circuit is connected in series with the armature and is traversed by the
total load current.

This method, in which the excitation is proportional to the load current, is unsuitable
for normal generators: the internal voltage drop is directly dependent on the load
current, and until saturation is approached, is almost proportional to it.

For this reason the characteristic is unsuitable for normal service : where, however,
it is required to inject into a circuit an e.m.f. proportional to the circuit current, as is
sometimes necessary to compensate for the resistance drop in a long cable or
feeder, a series generator or booster is placed in series with the feeder.

D. Method of Experiment
1. Experimental Setup

2. Outline of Procedures
DIRECT TEST
 The series dc generator is excited by load current. At no-load, the output
voltage depends upon the existence of a small residual flux while at load
the voltage increases with load current until the saturation region is
reached. At this point, if the voltage drop is compensated by the generated
e.m.f. the output voltage remains almost constant.
Now, if the load resistance is continuously diminished so that the current
exceeds the full-load value, the increasing effects of armature reaction,
resistance drop and saturated magnetic circuit cause the output voltage to
fall rapidly.

TEST PROCEDURE

After the set up of driving motor and dc generator under test make all the
connections in accordance with the attached diagrams and set the
commands as follows:

a. Set the modules:

VARIABLE DC OUTPUT: Open the switch
It must have about 50V
output

VARIABLE DC OUTPUT: Open the switch

(excitation) Variac set to about 50%

STARTING RESISTANCE: Set to maximum

resistance

LOAD RESISTANCE: Without Load

b. Switch ON the main switch and, the variac, adjust the voltage supply to
a value higher than the value shown on the plate of the motor. Switch off
the Ra gradually

c. Acting on the motor excitation adjust the speed exactly the rated value
of dc generator.

d. Set step by step the load resistance and, at each step, take their
readings. Check if the speed is always constant: eventually act on the
voltage supply or excitation of the driving motor.

e. Switch off the main switch to stop the motor.

E. Equipment List
Variable DC supply
Variable DC supply excitation
Ammeter
 Voltmeter
Motor
Generator
Starting Rheostat
Over speed protection
Optical speed transducer
Electronic tachometer

F. Data Section
Ammeter Voltmeter Revolution per
Load
Current(A) Voltage(V) minute
0,0,0 0 0.304 1155
0,1,1 0.530 0.931 780
1,1,0 0.600 0.960 745
0,2,0 0.003 0.421 1150
3,0,0 0.652 0.779 660
G. Analysis
Borja,Carmelyn A.
The data we have gathered is valid because, first, before we start we
make sure that all of our connections are correct. And then as we can
observe in our data, it is acceptable because compared to the given example
of graph it almost the same.

But in this experiment, there is al lot of probable sources of error, one of

these is the wrong connection of each component, next is if you dont have
enough knowledge in handling these machines. Lastly is by not following the
procedures.

We can reduced the error by; first is to make sure that all connections are
correct, next is to make sure that all of the instruments that will be going to
use are in good condition, and then also make sure that you use the
instruments/machines properly. Lastly, is to have a good knowledge about
the experiment especially on how to use these instruments/machines.

Callueng, Chris Anthony O.

Based on the experiment, the data should be valid since the values given at
the set-up are approximate to what we have adjusted. Errors are unavoidable like
instrument error because some instruments or devices have different measured
values and quality. The variac used might not be that accurate and it is hard to
measure the exact value needed. The probable magnitude of the different errors is
about 5%. The errors could be reduced by using the good instruments and by using
several trials. We should also try to rotate the control of the variac in order to
produce the right amount of voltage. In the experiment, it is difficult to set the
generator because it will not work unless supplied by power. It is dependent on the
current flowing on the circuit but if it exceeds, I have observed that, the generator
will stop functioning because of overload.

Castaneda, Giovanni A.
In the given experiment, our gathered data must be valid because of the
adjustments in the setup of the experiment. Due to the instruments and devices,
there can be differences in the gathered data and it is impossible for us not to have
error also adding human errors. In our experiment, the percentage error is about
5%. It is impossible for us to not to have errors but it is possible to minimize it by
using good quality instruments by several trials. In order to produce right values in
the variac we must check measure it by a voltmeter while adjusting the knob.
In our performed experiment, the generator will not work unless it is supplied by AC
or DC voltage depending on the type of generator. An excitation voltage is needed
for the series dc generator for it to unction and we also noticed that the current flow
in the whole circuit controls generator. But if the current exceeds the current limit of
the generator, it will stop due to overload. The excitation voltage must be
proportional to the current for the generator function to be sustained.

Lao, Daniel Jan S.

Based from the experiment, the generator cannot work if it doesnt have a
supply. The supply is dependent on the type of generator whether it is an AC or DC.
The series dc generator needs an excitation voltage in order for it to function well.
The generator is dependent on the current flowing throughout the circuit. If the
current exceeds the current limit of the generator, the generator will stop due to
overload. Maintaining the sufficient excitation voltage that is proportional to the
current will sustain the power needed for the generator to function. The purpose of
the experiment is to test whether the generator will shut down if it has overloaded