Which type of DC motor is best suited for applications requiring high starting torque?

The series-wound DC motor is best suited for applications requiring high starting torque due to its design characteristics. In a series-wound motor, the field winding is connected in series with the armature winding. This means that when the motor starts, the current flowing through the armature also flows through the field winding, creating a strong magnetic field that increases as the load increases. This results in a high starting torque, making series-wound motors ideal for applications like cranes, elevators, and traction systems, where a substantial amount of torque is needed at low speeds to initiate movement.

Additionally, as the motor speed increases, the current decreases, which subsequently reduces the torque. Thus, while the series-wound motor excels in starting torque, it may not maintain high torque at higher speeds. This design characteristic is precisely what makes it suitable for tasks that require an initial push to overcome inertia or heavy loads.