
Series-parallel speed control of a DC series motor is used to regulate and adjust the speed of the motor by changing the field circuit and armature connections. In this control method, the field and armature windings are configured in a series-parallel combination, allowing precise speed control. By adjusting the field circuit, the strength of the magnetic field around the armature can vary, which directly affects the speed of the motor. The series-parallel control scheme provides a wider speed control range than other methods and allows fine-tuning of motor performance.
Serial-Parallel Speed Control Applications
The torque-speed characteristics of the motor can be adapted to the desired speed requirements by changing the configuration from series to parallel or vice versa. This control technology is used in various industries where precise control of the speed of DC series motors is essential, such as electric vehicles, industrial machines and robots. Series-parallel speed control of DC series motors offers flexibility, efficiency and reliability, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring precise, adjustable motor speeds.
Another way to control the DC series motor is the so-called series-parallel technique. This method is typically used in traction by mechanically coupling two or more motors in series to the same load.

When series motors are connected in series as shown in the figure, each motor armature receives half the rated voltage. The speed is therefore lower. When series motors are connected in parallel, each armature of the motor receives full normal voltage and hence the speed is also high. So we can achieve both rates (low or high) by connecting the motor in series or parallel. Note that for the same load on the motor pair, the system speed is almost four times higher when the motors are connected in parallel than when they are connected in series.
This control method is used in the following main areas, among others:
Electric vehicles
Series-parallel speed control is crucial in electric vehicles, as precise control of engine speed is essential for optimal performance. This technology allows efficient acceleration, deceleration and speed regulation, improving energy efficiency and autonomy.
Industrial machines
DC series motors are widely used in various industrial machinery applications such as conveyors, pumps and machine tools. Series-parallel speed control allows precise adjustment of motor speeds, enabling better process control and greater productivity.
robotics
Robotic applications often rely on DC series motors for their motion control systems. Serial-parallel speed control technology enables precise and dynamic control of robot movements, ensuring precision, agility and smooth operation.
Automation systems
In automation systems that require controlled motion, serial-parallel speed control provides the flexibility needed to regulate motor speed according to specific tasks. This control method is used in automated assembly lines, packaging machines and material handling systems.
Medical equipment
DC series motors with series-parallel speed control are used in various medical devices such as surgical instruments, robotic prosthetics and imaging devices. The ability to adjust motor speed ensures safe and precise operation during medical procedures.
Features of DC series motor
Here are some important features of DC series motors:
High starting torque
DC series motors are known for their high starting torque, making them suitable for applications that require high starting torque to overcome inertia or start heavy loads. High torque allows machines to be started and accelerated efficiently.
Speed-torque relationship
DC series motors have a unique relationship between speed and torque. As engine load increases, speed decreases, resulting in a direct relationship between torque and acceleration. This property makes them suitable for applications that require constant torque regardless of load.
Wide speed range
DC series motors offer a wide speed range, allowing precise control and adjustment of motor speed according to application requirements. Series-parallel speed control technology further enhances this capability by offering a wider range of speed control options.
Simple construction
DC series motors have a relatively simple design, consisting of a wound armature and field coils. This simplicity contributes to its reliability and ease of maintenance. This also makes them economical compared to other types of engines.
High overload capacity
DC motors have high overload capabilities, allowing them to handle sudden load spikes without significant damage or loss of performance. This characteristic makes them suitable for applications that sometimes require high torque or face variable loads.
Good speed regulation
DC series motors have good speed control characteristics and maintain a relatively constant speed even under varying load conditions. This feature is essential for applications that require accurate and consistent engine speeds.
Series-parallel and resistance control
This series-parallel method is generally used in resistance control. For example, two in-line engines are mechanically coupled to power a vehicle.
When stopped, the motors are connected in series through a starting resistor. Series motors are connected in series and the starting resistance is turned off gradually as the speed increases. When the total resistance is gradually turned off, the voltage supplied to each of the motors is about half the mains voltage and the speed also increases by about half.
To increase the speed of the motor, each motor is connected in parallel and the resistor is connected in series at the same time. The starting resistance is gradually reduced again until maximum engine speed is reached. At this point field control is achieved.
Advantages of serial-parallel speed control
- Wide range of speed control compared to other methods.
- Precise engine speed adjustment for optimal performance.
- High starting torque when connected in series for applications requiring high starting torque.
- Higher speed when connected in parallel for applications where high speed is a priority.
- Greater flexibility in adapting engine speed requirements to specific tasks.
- It has greater efficiency and energy optimization.
- Reliable, consistent engine performance.
- The preferred choice for applications requiring precise, adjustable engine speeds.
flexibility
- Series-parallel speed control provides a high degree of flexibility in adjusting and fine-tuning motor speed according to specific application requirements.
- The different settings allow precise adaptation to different operating conditions.
- This flexibility is particularly advantageous in applications with different speeds for different tasks or varying load requirements.
Efficiency
- Serial-parallel speed control ensures greater efficiency in engine operation. By adjusting the engine speed to the task at hand, unnecessary energy consumption can be minimized.
- The ability to optimize engine speed reduces power losses, resulting in better overall energy efficiency.
- Additionally, the control method allows efficient use of energy sources as the motor can run at the most efficient speed for a given task.
reliability
- Serial-parallel speed control is known for its reliability in engine operation. Control technology has been used in various industrial applications for a long time and has proven itself.
- The simplicity of the control method with its series and parallel connections contributes to the overall reliability of the motor system.
- The robustness of DC series motors combined with series-parallel control ensures stable and consistent motor performance, reducing the likelihood of motor failures or malfunctions.
Conclusion
Series-parallel speed control on DC series motors is extremely effective in achieving precise, adjustable control of motor speed. By changing the connections of the field and armature circuits, this control method allows fine adjustment of the motor speed. The advantages of series-parallel speed control include a wide range of speed control options, precise adjustment of motor speed for optimal performance, high starting torque when connected in series, and a higher rating when connected in parallel.