Overvolting

From Combat Robot

A simple way to gain additional power from a DC electric motor (at the expense of longevity) is to increase the voltage fed into the motor. This is practical only if the other components of the robot can also handle the increased load.

Doubling the input voltage to a permanent magnet DC motor will:

• Double the no-load speed of the motor;
• Double the maximum amperage draw;
• Double the maximum torque; and
• Quadruple the power.

Note that some hobby motors used in R/C cars and airplanes are already running at near maximum output levels and may not take well to overvolting.