Speed control in DC motors is typically restricted to which type of motor?

Speed control in DC motors is most effectively applied to shunt motors. Shunt motors have their field windings connected in parallel with the armature, allowing them to maintain relatively constant speed under varying load conditions. This configuration makes it easier to implement speed control techniques such as armature voltage control or field weakening methods, as the field strength can be manipulated independently of the armature current.

In shunt motors, the relationship between speed, armature voltage, and field strength allows for a wide range of speed control options. When the voltage applied to the armature is increased, the speed increases, and conversely, lowering the voltage decreases the speed. Furthermore, adjusting the field strength through resistance in series with the field winding can also help achieve varying speeds, making shunt motors versatile for speed control applications.

Understanding these configurations and their implications on speed is crucial in power engineering, especially when determining suitable motor types for specific operational requirements or tasks in industrial applications.