Discussion on “the characteristics of electric motors involved in their application” (Rushmore), New York, February 17, 1915. (see proceedings for February, 1915)

The Direct Current Motor in Industrial Applications A. C. Lanier: In the field of industrial motor applications, the direct current motor has been an important factor. The inception of the induction motor together with the extension of the alternating current systems of power generation and distribution seemingly menaced at one time the position of the direct current motor and has limited somewhat its extension in the industrial field. Competition from this source, however, has tended rather to define sharply the peculiar characteristics and advantages of each motor or system and to direct the growth of each along the most effective lines. In this selective growth, the extreme flexibility of the direct current motor and its wide range of operating characteristics has offset to an extent the advantages of simplicity, lower first cost, and lighter weight of the induction motor and the considerable advantage in economy and flexibility of the distributing system of which it forms a part.