This experiment determines the V-curves and inverted V-curves of a three-phase synchronous motor by varying the field current and measuring the corresponding armature current and power factor. The experiment obtains the characteristic curves that show the relationship between field current, armature current, and power factor. Precautions are outlined for properly performing the experiment.
This experiment determines the V-curves and inverted V-curves of a three-phase synchronous motor by varying the field current and measuring the corresponding armature current and power factor. The experiment obtains the characteristic curves that show the relationship between field current, armature current, and power factor. Precautions are outlined for properly performing the experiment.
Original Description:
With constant mechanical load on the synchronous motor, the variation of field
current changes the armature current drawn by the motor and also it’s operating power
factor. As such, the behavior of the synchronous motor is described below under three
different modes of field excitation
This experiment determines the V-curves and inverted V-curves of a three-phase synchronous motor by varying the field current and measuring the corresponding armature current and power factor. The experiment obtains the characteristic curves that show the relationship between field current, armature current, and power factor. Precautions are outlined for properly performing the experiment.
This experiment determines the V-curves and inverted V-curves of a three-phase synchronous motor by varying the field current and measuring the corresponding armature current and power factor. The experiment obtains the characteristic curves that show the relationship between field current, armature current, and power factor. Precautions are outlined for properly performing the experiment.
- 1 Object: To determine V-curves and inverted V-curves of a three phase synchronous motor.
Apparatus Used:
S No. Equipment Specification/Rang/Rating Qty.
1. Alternator set with Starter 3HP, 3- SYN. Machine, 1500 rpm 1No. 440 V, 4.5 Amp. 2. Voltmeter 0-600 V 1No. 3. Ammeter M.I (0-5) Amp. A.C. 1No 4. Rheostat 300 Ω. 5Amp 2No. 5. Knife switch Two Pole One Through S/w,15A 1No. 6. Exciter DC shunt Gen., 5 Kw, 2Amp, 220V 1No. 7. Ammeter Moving coil (0-1.5) Amp 1No.
Theory: With constant mechanical load on the synchronous motor, the variation of field current changes the armature current drawn by the motor and also it’s operating power factor. As such, the behavior of the synchronous motor is described below under three different modes of field excitation.
1. Normal Excitation:- The armature current is minimum at a particular value of
field current, which is called the normal field excitation. The operating power factor of the motor is unity at this excitation and thus the motors equivalent to a resistive type load. 2. Under Excitation:- When the field current is decreased gradually below the normal excitation, the armature current increases and the operating power factor of the motor decreases. The power factor under this condition is lagging. Thus the synchronous motor draws a lagging current, when it is under excitation and is equivalent to an inductive load. 3. Over Excitation:- When the field current is increased gradually beyond the normal excitation, the armature current again increased and the operating power factor decreases. However, the power factor is leading under this condition. Hence, the synchronous motor draws a leading current, when it is over excited and is equivalent to a capacitive load.
If the above variation of field, current and the corresponding armature current are plotted for a constant mechanical load, a curve of the shape of ‘V’ is obtained, called V-curve of the motor. The characteristic curve plotted between input power factor and the fields current for a constant mechanical load on the motor are of the shape of inverted ‘V’ known as inverted ‘V’ curves.
Circuit Diagram: -
(300Ω, 2A)
R A
A F V
(0-600 V) 3–Φ 440V, AC Y N XX X (0-1 A) FF AA A
(0-5 A) B C B A
Fig.1 Circuit Diagram for ‘V’ Curve of Synchronous Motor
Procedure:
(1) Connect the circuit as per figure -1.
(2) Switch on the a.c. supply feeding to 3-phase synchronous motor and start the motor, using the starter. (3) Observe the direction of rotation of the motor, in case, it is rotating in opposite direction, stop the motor and reverse the phase sequence. Start the motor again. Ensure that the motor is running at no load. In this case, field winding is excited automatically with the help of exciter. (4) Set the rheostat in the field circuit of the motor to the position of normal excitation. Under this condition, armature will draw minimum current from mains. Note down the readings of all the ammeters and power factor meter. (5) Reduce the excitation in steps and note down the corresponding armature current. Excitation is reduced till the current in the armature winding is of rated value. Under this condition armature current should increase on reaching the excitation. (6) Again, adjust the rheostat in the field circuit to the normal excitation. Now increase the excitation in steps and note down the reading of all the meters at each settling of increased excitation. Excitation is increased till the rated value of the armature current. (7) Adjust the voltage of the d.c. generator coupled to the synchronous motor to rated value by varying the field current of the generator. (8) Switch off the d.c. supply to the field winding. (9) Switch off the supply to the motor to stop it.
Observations Table: -
S No. V(Volts) If (A) Ia (A) Vdc(Volts) Cos(Ф)
Result: Variation of armature current and power factor with respect to various field currents have been drawn and ‘V’ and inverted ‘V’ curves have been obtained.
Precaution:-
1. All connections should be tight and clean.
2. Rheostat used should be of proper ratings. 3. The range of the instruments should be selected carefully. 4. The zero settings of the instruments should be checked in the beginning. Viva Quotations:-
1. Discuss the different obtained characteristics.
2. What are the basic differences between a three-phase synchronous motor and three-phase induction motor? 3. What is the magnitude of starting torque? 4. What are the various methods of starting a three-phase synchronous motor?
Industrial application:-
1. In order to improve the power factor of industrial load, necessary excitation current Could be found out with the help of inverted ‘V’ and ‘V’ curves. 2. Use of synchronous generator for power generation.
