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No-load speed of which of the following motor is highest?
Differentially compound motor
Cumulative compound motor
Series Motor
Shunt Motor
Series Motor
Quick Summary: The DC series motor exhibits the highest no-load speed because its field flux is directly proportional to the armature current, which approaches zero at no-load conditions. According to the speed equation $N \propto \frac{E_b}{\Phi}$, as the flux $\Phi$ becomes extremely small, the speed $N$ tends towards infinity, making it dangerous to start a series motor without load.
The DC series motor exhibits the highest no-load speed because its field flux is directly proportional to the armature current, which approaches zero at no-load conditions. According to the speed equation N∝ΦEb, as the flux Φ becomes extremely small, the speed N tends towards infinity, making it dangerous to start a series motor without load.
N=KbΦV−IaRa — Fundamental speed equation for a DC motor
Φ∝Ia — Flux relation in a DC series motor
In a DC series motor, the armature and field windings are connected in series. At no-load, the current drawn is minimal, resulting in very low magnetic flux. Since N∝ΦV−Ia(Ra+Rse) and Φ is nearly zero at no-load, the motor speed increases drastically to reach a steady-state equilibrium, which is physically destructive to the machine.
A DC series motor should never be started without a mechanical load.
The torque produced is proportional to the square of the armature current (T∝Ia2).
Shunt motors have nearly constant speed characteristics due to the constant field flux.
High starting torque
Robust construction
Cannot run at no-load
Variable speed characteristics
Electric locomotives
Cranes and hoists
Differentially compound motors can also exhibit high speeds, but series motors have a theoretical speed limit defined only by mechanical friction and windage losses at no-load.
Option D (Shunt Motor) is considered a 'constant speed' motor.
C is correct — The DC series motor is prohibited from running at no-load because its speed tends to reach a dangerous, destructive value as the field flux approaches zero.
Always remember that in DC motors, speed is inversely proportional to flux (N∝1/Φ). Since Φ is low at light loads for series machines, N must spike.