When starting a DC motor, the armature rheostat is set to its maximum resistance, while the field rheostat is kept at its minimum position to control the motor's startup behavior effectively. The reason for this is to manage the initial inrush of current and prevent excessive starting torque.
1. **Armature Rheostat at Maximum Position:** At startup, a DC motor typically has low resistance in the armature winding, which would lead to a high inrush current if not controlled. By setting the armature rheostat to its maximum position, you increase the resistance in the armature circuit, thereby limiting the initial current. This helps in preventing damage to the motor and the electrical supply due to the high starting current.
2. **Field Rheostat at Minimum Position:** The field rheostat controls the strength of the magnetic field produced by the motor’s field windings. Keeping it at a minimum position means the field winding resistance is low, resulting in a stronger magnetic field. A strong magnetic field at startup ensures that the motor develops sufficient torque to overcome inertia and start rotating.
As the motor gains speed and the current through the armature decreases, the resistance of the armature rheostat can be gradually reduced to allow more current to flow, optimizing performance. Meanwhile, the field rheostat may be adjusted to regulate the field strength as needed for steady-state operation.
In essence, this starting procedure helps to control the starting torque and current to ensure a smooth and safe startup of the motor.