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The DC shunt motor is running with a certain load. The effect of adding an external resistance in field circuit is to
Increase the Motor Speed
Stop the Motor
Reduce the motor Speed
Reduce the armature speed
Increase the Motor Speed
Quick Summary: Adding external resistance in series with the shunt field circuit increases the total field resistance, which decreases the field current. Consequently, the magnetic flux produced by the field winding decreases, leading to an increase in the motor speed to maintain the back EMF balance.
Adding external resistance in series with the shunt field circuit increases the total field resistance, which decreases the field current. Consequently, the magnetic flux produced by the field winding decreases, leading to an increase in the motor speed to maintain the back EMF balance.
N=K⋅ΦV−IaRa — General speed equation for a DC motor
If=Rsh+RextV — Field current relationship with external resistance
In a DC shunt motor, the back EMF is given by Eb=60APΦNZ. Since Eb≈V (constant), the speed N is inversely proportional to the flux Φ (N∝ΦV). By adding external resistance, the field current If=Rsh+RextV reduces, causing Φ to drop. As flux decreases, the motor speed must increase to satisfy the EMF equation.
Field flux control is a constant power method of speed control.
This method is used for controlling speeds above the rated speed (base speed).
Decreasing flux leads to higher speeds but results in reduced torque capability.
Excessive resistance can lead to magnetic field instability if the field current is too low.
High efficiency as there is no power loss in the armature circuit
Simple and economical implementation
Speed control is only possible above the rated speed
Reduced torque capacity at high speeds
Variable speed drives in machine tools
Applications requiring high-speed operation above base speed
This technique is known as Field Flux Weakening Control.
Option B is incorrect because adding resistance decreases flux, which forces the motor to speed up, not stop.
Option C and D are incorrect as they describe characteristics opposite to the physical laws of DC machines.
A is correct — Adding external resistance to the field circuit reduces the flux, causing the motor to increase its speed to maintain back EMF equilibrium.
Always remember that for a DC shunt motor, speed is inversely proportional to flux (N∝1/Φ). If flux is weakened, speed increases; if flux is strengthened, speed decreases.