Motor voltage higher than battery voltage

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of connecting a 36V electric motor to a 24V battery, exploring the potential effects on both the motor and the battery. It includes considerations of motor performance at different voltages and the operational characteristics of DC versus AC motors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that connecting a 36V motor to a 24V battery will likely result in the motor running slower.
  • One participant notes that a typical PM DC motor may operate at lower torque and could potentially stall, which might drain the battery and cause damage.
  • Another participant indicates that while a 24V battery on a 36V motor should generally run fine, exceeding the motor's voltage rating could lead to excessive current draw, risking damage to both the battery and the motor.
  • A question is posed regarding the operation of throttles, specifically whether they adjust voltage or current when controlling motor speed.
  • A hypothetical scenario is introduced about connecting a 24V battery to a 36V AC motor, inviting further speculation on the outcome.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the effects of operating a 36V motor with a 24V battery, with some agreeing that it will run slower while others raise concerns about potential damage under different conditions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of throttle operation and the implications of connecting to an AC motor.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding assumptions about motor behavior under different voltage conditions and the lack of clarity on the specifics of throttle functionality. The implications of connecting to an AC motor remain speculative.

jaredmt
Messages
120
Reaction score
0
what happens if you connect a 36v electric motor to a 24v battery? Is that going to ruin the battery/motor?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
It'll probably just run slow
 
A typical PM DC motor will run slower and at lower torque at lower voltage and may not turn at all. If it stalls it may drain the battery and damage it. However your example of 24V battery on 36V motor should run fine. Typically the voltage rating of the motor is the max for continuous use. DC motors are often used as variable speed motors where you lower the voltage to reduce speed. (AC motors don't work that way though.)

Of course the reverse case can be a concern for your battery and motor, i.e. running a motor at higher than rated voltage will draw a lot of current, possibly damaging the battery and over heat the motor burning it out if run continuously.
 
ok so basically I should be fine as long as I only throttle up to 24 volts?
do throttles usually increase/decrease the voltage or current?
 
To Jaredmt...

Just for fun, what do you think would happen if you hooked up that battery up to a 36 volt AC motor?
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Series motors, switched to parallel
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Modelling the voltage measured across a dc motor
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Beginner circuits / ↓ the voltage & ↑ the efficiency
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Relation between electric motor and battery current, peak etc.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Servo Motor Voltages: 12V vs. 14V Explained
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Battery Powered Electric Motor and Charging Requirements
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Relay Control of Induction Motors
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electric motor - variable torque vs speed
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
What could be draining the car battery and how can it be fixed?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
6K
Wheelchair motor, "Skid Steer" style control
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K