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Series motor current at 800 rpm

Short answer

Assuming linear magnetization, Eb ∝ I N. Solving 220 − 0.1 I = 217.5 × (I/25) × (800/1200) gives I ≈ 37.3 A.

A dc series motor with armature resistance of 0.06 Ω, and field winding resistance of 0.04 Ω is supplied by a 220 V source. If the motor draws 25 A when running at 1200 rpm, calculate the current drawn by motor when running at 800 rpm.

The load condition is not given, so it is assumed that the field is not saturated (Φ ∝ I). Then E_b ∝ I N.

Equivalent circuit

 +--[Ra=0.06]--[Rse=0.04]--(Eb)--+
 |                I               |
 +-------------- 220 V -----------+

R = 0.06 + 0.04 = 0.1 Ω

First condition

E_b1 = 220 − 25 × 0.1 = 217.5 V at 1200 rpm, I₁ = 25 A

Second condition (800 rpm, I₂ unknown)

E_b2 = 220 − 0.1 I₂

E_b2 / E_b1 = (Φ₂ N₂) / (Φ₁ N₁) = (I₂/25) × (800/1200)

220 − 0.1 I₂ = 217.5 × (I₂/25) × (2/3) = 5.8 I₂

220 = 5.9 I₂

I₂ = 37.29 A

Check: E_b2 = 220 − 3.729 = 216.27 V; and 217.5 × (37.29/25) × (2/3) = 216.27 V ✓.

Answer: the motor draws about 37.3 A at 800 rpm (a lower speed means the load torque is higher, so more current is drawn).

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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