As you might be aware, Speed control of DC motors is easy as compared to AC motors.
Speed control of D C motors has two parts. 1) Constant torque control 2) Constant HP control
In constant torque control, the armature voltage is varied from 0 to rated voltage to get speed from 0 to base speed. In this region of operation the torque remains constant but the hp varies.
In constant hp control, the field current of Shunt winding is decreased to get speeds above base speed. The max. speed that can be reached is limited from sparking at brushes and safe mech. speed of armature.
Speed control of AC motors as you might know is not so easy for which you need adjustable speed drive. The cost of the ASD is very high. Also, Induction motor working on ASD needs to be designed specially(insulation & cooling system) to take care of voltage surges and most of the cases the machines are derated.