Certainly! Let’s delve into each question from your Electrical Machines exam with detailed explanations and calculations.

Q1(a)
(i) General Expression for the Speed of a DC Motor
The speed N of a DC motor is given by:
N = 60A/PZ·E_b/Φ
Where:
- N = Speed in RPM
- A = Number of parallel paths
- P = Number of poles
- Z = Total number of armature conductors
- E_b = Back EMF
- Φ = Flux per pole
Since 60A/PZ is a constant for a given machine, we can write:
N ∝E_b/Φ
Also, from the voltage equation:
E_b = V - I_a R_a
Therefore:
N ∝V - I_a R_a/Φ
(ii) Factors Affecting the Speed of a DC Motor
- Applied Voltage (V): Increasing V increases E_b, thus increasing speed.
- Armature Resistance (R_a): Higher R_a causes more voltage drop, reducing E_b and speed.
- Flux per Pole (Φ): Increasing Φ decreases speed, as speed is inversely proportional to flux.
(b) Calculating New Speed
Given:
- V = 220 V
- R_a = 0.5 Ω
- Φ reduced by 20% ⇒ Φ_2 = 0.8 Φ_1
- I_a1 = 30 A, N_1 = 1000 rpm
- I_a2 = 50 A, N_2 = ?
Using:
N ∝V - I_a R_a/Φ
Therefore:
N_2/N_1 = V - I_a2 R_a/V - I_a1 R_a·Φ_1/Φ_2
Plugging in the values:
N_2/1000 = 220 - 50 × 0.5/220 - 30 × 0.5·1/0.8
N_2/1000 = 195/205· 1.25
N_2/1000 ≈ 0.951 · 1.25 ≈ 1.189
N_2 ≈ 1000 · 1.189 ≈ 1189 rpm
Answer: The new speed is approximately 1189 rpm.
Q2(a)
(i) Ward-Leonard System
The Ward-Leonard system is a method of speed control for DC motors, involving:
- An AC motor driving a DC generator.
- The DC generator supplies power to the DC motor.
- By varying the field excitation of the generator, the output voltage changes, thus controlling the speed of the DC motor.
Diagram:
AC Supply → AC Motor → DC Generator → DC Motor
(ii) Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Smooth and wide range of speed control.
- High starting torque.
- Regenerative braking is possible.
Disadvantages:
- High initial cost and maintenance.
- Bulky setup.
- Lower efficiency due to multiple energy conversions.
(b) Calculating Field Resistance
Given:
- V = 220 V
- R_a = 0.5 Ω
- I_a = 30 A
- N = 1000 rpm
- Φ = 0.02 Wb
First, calculate back EMF:
E_b = V - I_a R_a = 220 - (30 × 0.5) = 220 - 15 = 205 V
Assuming the motor has 4 poles and 600 armature conductors, and it’s lap wound (A = 4):
N = 60A E_b/P Z Φ
Plugging in the values:
1000 = 60 × 4 × 205/4 × 600 × 0.02
1000 = 49200/48
1000 = 1025
This discrepancy suggests that either the assumed values for P, Z, or A are incorrect or additional information is needed to accurately calculate the field resistance.
Q3(a)
(i) Electric Braking Types
- Rheostatic (Dynamic) Braking:
- The motor is disconnected from the supply.
- Armature is connected to a resistor.
- Motor acts as a generator; kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy and dissipated as heat in the resistor.
- Plugging (Reverse Current Braking):
- Supply polarity is reversed.
- Motor develops reverse torque, bringing it to a stop quickly.
- High current flows; additional resistance is added to limit current.
- Regenerative Braking:
- Motor acts as a generator.
- Energy is fed back into the supply line.
- Efficient but requires the supply system to accept returned energy.
(ii) Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Quick and smooth stopping.
- Energy recovery in regenerative braking.
- Reduced wear on mechanical brakes.
Disadvantages:
- Complex circuitry.
- Not effective during power failure.
- Plugging can cause high current surges.
(b) Calculating Braking Torque
Given:
- P = 10 kW
- N = 1000 rpm
Torque T is given by:
T = 9550 × P/N = 9550 × 10/1000 = 95.5 Nm
Assuming braking torque equals motor torque, the required resistance can be calculated using:
E_b = V - I_a R_a
T = k Φ I_a
Without specific values for V, R_a, and ( \Phi \
Got it! Let’s break down these new questions from your exam in detail:
Q5 (a)(i): Describe a Universal Motor
- Definition: A universal motor can run on both AC and DC supplies.
- Construction: Series wound motor with a commutator and brushes.
- Working: Works like a series DC motor; field flux and armature current reverse simultaneously in AC supply, maintaining unidirectional torque.
Q5 (a)(ii): Three Limitations and How to Overcome Them
Limitations:
- Sparking at brushes due to high speed and inductive loads.
- Overheating because of poor cooling at high speeds.
- Noise and vibration due to high speeds and brush contact.
Overcome by:
- Using better brush materials.
- Improved ventilation/cooling methods.
- Using electronic commutation in brushless designs.
Q5 (b): Three Methods of Speed Control of Universal Motor
- Voltage Control: Vary supply voltage using a rheostat or electronic controller.
- Field Control: Adjust field current (not common due to series winding).
- Varying Supply Frequency: Mostly with electronic drives, controlling speed by frequency.
(Diagrams usually show rheostat in series with motor for voltage control)

Q6 (a)(i): Two Factors Affecting Temperature Rise
1. Load current magnitude: More current causes more heating.
- Cooling conditions: Better cooling reduces temperature rise.
Q6 (a)(ii): Three Variables Generators and Motors Are Rated On
- Voltage rating (V)
- Current rating (A)
- Power rating (kW or HP)
Q6 (b): Power Rating Calculation
Given torque and time intervals:
Torque (Nm) | Time (min) |
---|---|
240 | 20 |
140 | 10 |
300 | 10 |
200 | 20 |
Speed, N = 720 rpm
Step 1: Calculate power for each interval:
P = T × N × 2π/60
For 240 Nm:
P_1 = 240 × 720 × 2 × 3.1416/60 = 18095 W
Similarly, calculate P_2, P_3, P_4:
- P_2 = 10507 W
- P_3 = 22586 W
- P_4 = 15063 W
Step 2: Calculate weighted average power:
P_avg = ∑ (P_i × t_i)/∑ t_i = (18095 × 20) + (10507 × 10) + (22586 × 10) + (15063 × 20)/60
P_avg = 361900 + 105070 + 225860 + 301260/60 = 994090/60 = 16568 W = 16.57 kW
Answer: Power rating ≈ 16.57 kW
Q7 (a)(i): Define Force Commutation (Chopper Circuits)
- Force commutation is the process of forcibly turning off a thyristor by applying a reverse voltage/current in chopper circuits.
Q7 (a)(ii): Four Ways to Fire a Thyristor
1. Forward Voltage Firing (natural forward voltage)
- Gate Triggering (applying a gate pulse)
- dv/dt Firing (rapid rise in voltage)
- Temperature Rise (increased junction temperature)
Q7 (b): Series Commutation Circuit
Explanation:
- Uses an LC circuit connected in series with the thyristor.
- When the thyristor is turned off, the LC circuit creates a voltage opposite in polarity to turn it off.
- The energy in the inductor helps transfer the current to the next thyristor.