Performance Analysis of a Control Panel for Speed Control and Brake Test on DC Series Motor

DC series motors are widely used in applications that require very high starting torque such as cranes, hoists, electric traction, and heavy industrial drives. Due to their construction, these motors draw a large current during starting and their speed varies significantly with load. Hence, proper speed control, protection, and performance testing are essential for safe and efficient operation. This paper presents the design and implementation of a hardware-based control panel for speed control and brake test on a DC series motor. The developed control panel integrates protection devices, a three-point starter, rheostat-based speed control, measuring instruments, and a brake test arrangement into a single compact unit. Experimental analysis is performed by applying different load conditions and recording speed, current, torque, power, and efficiency. The obtained results closely match the theoretical characteristics of a DC series motor. The proposed system is suitable for electrical laboratories, training institutes, and academic demonstrations.