Motor voltage higher than battery voltage

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SUMMARY

Connecting a 36V electric motor to a 24V battery will result in the motor running slower and with reduced torque, but it will not damage the battery or motor under normal conditions. A typical permanent magnet (PM) DC motor can operate at lower voltages, although it may stall and drain the battery if it cannot turn. Conversely, operating a motor at a voltage higher than its rated capacity can lead to excessive current draw, potentially damaging the battery and overheating the motor. Throttles generally adjust voltage to control motor speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DC motor operation and characteristics
  • Knowledge of battery voltage ratings and implications
  • Familiarity with throttle mechanisms in electric motors
  • Basic principles of electrical current and voltage relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of voltage on DC motor performance
  • Learn about battery management systems for electric motors
  • Explore variable speed control techniques for DC motors
  • Investigate the differences between AC and DC motor operation
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, hobbyists working with electric motors, and anyone involved in designing or maintaining electric vehicle systems.

jaredmt
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what happens if you connect a 36v electric motor to a 24v battery? Is that going to ruin the battery/motor?
 
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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:

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