No-Load Characteristics of a Separately Excited DC

Generator: The Saturation Curve

Mary Algeilen T. Amaba 1 , Laarni Duran 2 , Cristian Nel Estebe 3 , Caryl Gyle Fiel 4 ,
Julie Ann C. Piamonte 5
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,
University of San Carlos, Talamban Cebu City, Philippines
1 [email protected]
2 [email protected]
3 [email protected]
4 [email protected]
5 [email protected]

Abstract – This experiment presents the relationship between the A dc generator whose field winding is excited from an
generated voltage and the field current of a separately-excited dc independent external source, such as a battery, the external
generator at no load. In electricity generation, a generator is a source is called separately excited dc generator. The output
device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy for use voltage depends on the speed of rotation of armature and field
in an external circuit. There are certain speed ranges of the
current.
generator for the variation of the DC parameters to be recorded.
The data obtained will be recorded on separate tables. The obvious PZNϕ
disadvantage of a separately excited dc generator is that we Eg = (10−8 )
require an external dc source for excitation. But since the output 60a
voltage may be controlled more easily and over a wide range (from Where:
zero to a maximum), this type of excitation finds many
applications. Eg = generated voltage (volts)
Keywords – Current, Armature Voltage, Separately Excitation, Φ = magnetic flux per pole (Maxwells)
DC Generator, Prime Mover, Saturation Curve N = armature speed (rpm)
P = number of poles
I. INTRODUCTION Z = total number of armature conductors
A = number of parallel paths
DC motors is a rotary electrical device which converts
electrical energy into mechanical energy. This energy
conversion is based on the principle of production of The higher the speed of rotation and current – the
dynamically induced emf [3]. The magnetic flux in a DC higher the output emf Since the operation of a dc machine
machine is produced by the field coils carrying current. The depends upon a fixed polarity of the poles which does not vary
circulating current in the field windings produces a magnetic with time, the field coils needs energization from a dc source
flux, and the phenomenon is known as excitation. DC [1].
generators can be classified in two main categories, separately
excited and self-excited according to the method of their field In this experiment, we formulate the relationship of
excitation. the generated voltage and the field current of a separately
excited dc generator at no-load by proving a diagram.
II. METHOD
The experiment on, “No-Load Characteristics of a
Separately Excites Generator: The Saturation Curve” was
conducted at LB 363, EE Machinery Laboratory under the
supervision of Engr. Arbein Valiente, REE last Friday, March
29 at 7:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. For the experiment, the students
were asked to group themselves with five members. Each
member was assigned with task to make the experiment more
accurate and easier. One was taking note of the armature speed
at a constant with a tachometer, one was adjusting the rheostat
Fig. 1 Separately-excited DC Generator setting to keep the armature speed at a constant, another one for
reading the voltage, one for reading the current, and the last one resistance(ohms). It is a standard diagnostic tool for technicians
was assigned to record all the data and put it into a table. in the electrical/electronic industries.
III. APPARATUS

Fig. 2 DC Motor Generator Set Fig. 5 Tachometer

The DC generator converts the electrical power into electrical An instrument which measures the working speed of an engine
power. The magnetic flux in a DC machine is produced by the (especially in a road vehicle), typically in revolutions per
field coils carrying current. minute.
TABLE 1
MATERIALS

MATERIALS QUANTITY
1. DC Source 1
2. Armature Rheostat
3. DC Ammeter 0-500mA
4. Connecting wires

IV. PROCEDURE
The DC shunt motor prime mover was connected to the
armature rheostat and was tested to make sure that it operates
Fig. 3 Field Rheostat
properly. For this experiment, the prime mover will supply the
mechanical energy input to the separately-excited dc generator
A rheostat for regulating the current supplied to which was investigated.
the field winding of a generator or motor.

Fig.6. Prime Mover (DC Shunt Motor)

Fig. 4 Digital Multitester
The generator’s field was then connected as shown in the Fig.1.
A test tool used to measure two or more electrical values The four 324-Ohms rheostats were connected in series and the
principally voltage (volts), current (amps) and
resistance was set to maximum. In connecting the field circuit 1752 270 228.18
to the source, it was taken cares that If was initially equal to 1757 260 226.8
zero. 1760 250 224.7
1758 240 221.7
The generator was run to its rated speed ±10 rpm and the
armature speed, field current and generated voltage was 1759 230 218.8
measured and recorded. If was increased by about 10 mA by 1755 220 215.4
increasing the external dc source and/or decreasing the field 1746 210 211
rheostat resistance. 1747 200 207.5

The speed was measured and when it changed, the speed of the 1749 190 203
prime mover was adjusted such that it will fall again within the 1754 180 198.8
range of rated speed ±10 rpm. Then, the speed was measured. 1754 170 194
Measure and record The N, If and Eg on the table. The steps 1742 160 186.6
were repeated until the field rheostat resistance has been fully 1747 150 180.8
decreased to zero. 1748 140 174.7
V. RESULTS 1749 130 167.8
1757 120 160
TABLE 2
RATED SPEED AT 1750 RPM (ASCENDING) 1760 110 150.3

N (rpm) If (mA) Eg (V) TABLE 4

1751 110 13.5 RATED SPEED AT 1500 RPM (ASCENDING)

1755 120 143.4

N (rpm) If (mA) Eg (V)
1758 130 153.8
1498 110 129.9
1754 140 161.3
1502 120 133
1760 150 172.1
1502 130 139.8
1751 160 174
1501 140 146
1749 170 179.4
1501 150 150.6
1744 180 186.8
1498 160 154.3
1753 190 194.9
1498 170 157
1757 200 200.6
1498 180 162.9
1752 210 204.2
1502 190 169.2
1754 220 206.0
1747 230 212.3 1498 200 170.2

1750 240 217.8 1500 210 177.6

1750 250 220.4 1498 220 180.6

1749 260 223.1 1498 230 184.1
1746 270 226.3 1500 240 189
1745 280 228.4 1502 250 187.7
1740 290 230.3 1498 260 190
1753 300 234.0 1501 270 195.6
1499 280 193.4
TABLE 3 1499 290 198
RATED SPEED AT 1750 (DESCENDING)

N (rpm) If (mA) Eg (V)

1754 300 234
1758 290 233.2
1747 280 230.2
 voltage drop, the voltage will remain constant for any
load current.

VIII. CONCLUSION
Field rheostats control the resistance in the circuitry. At full
resistance the current and voltage were registered at a low
value. As resistance decreases, the current and voltage
increases. With an increased voltage value, the speed of
rotation also increases. A 1750 RPM was achieved through the
prime mover. A higher RPM will result in a higher kinetic
energy to be converted into electric energy

Graph 1 Voltage vs Current Values

IX. REFLECTION

VI. DISCUSSION Our group confirmed that increasing field current also
increases. In this experiment, the characteristics of the
A. Questions separately excited dc generator were seen on a no-load
perspective. There might also be several other characteristics
1) Based on the Graph shown above, As If increases its that separately excited dc generator has. It is because the
value, so does the Eg.As the current through the field armature produces a voltage which can be subtracted to the no
winding increases, it will increase the overall load voltage. Others would be subtracting the voltage drop due
magnetic field strength and causing an increase in the to ohmic loss.
generated voltage of the generator. X. REFERENCES
2) Yes. But is not linear as it varies in value. This initial [1] I.M. Oise et al., "Evaluation of Transient Response of a Separately Excited
induced Eg is present because there is in fact DC Motor under No-Load Condition
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poles. Due to the residual magnetism, a small initial Innovative Research in Technology, vol. 1, no.7, 2014
Eg is produced in the armature. This initially induced [3] Debabrata Pal, “An Introduction to DC Generator Using
Eg promotes the residual flux present, and increases MATLAB/SIMULINK”, International Journal of Innovative Research in
the overall field flux. This may increase the induced Technology, vol. 2, no. 2, 2016
Eg. However, as the flux density increases, the poles [4] "Bibliograply of Relay Literature 1955-1956 AIEE Committee
get saturated and the ɸ becomes constant. Even if we Report", Power Apparatus and Systems Part III. Transactions of the American
increase the If further, ɸ remains constant and hence, Institute of Electrical Engineers, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 78-81, 1959.

Eg also remains constant.

3) The descending saturation curve is positioned higher
than the ascending curve. the iron magnetization will
cause the descending curve to pass slightly above the
ascending curve.
4) The value of Eg when If is equal to zero is 100V. It is
because of the residual magnetism. When a dc
generator starts, no current was flowing through the
field winding. But due to residual magnetism there is
a flux passing through the armature windings and
emf generated at the terminals of armature.
5) Shown in Graph 1.

6) The computationally obtained saturation curves are

slightly higher than those experimentally obtained. It
could be said that they almost fit. These discrepancies
are due to the demagnetizing effect of armature
reaction in the experimentally obtained which means
the on-load generated emf is less than the no-load
voltage. If there is no armature reaction and armature