UNIT II

DC GENERATORS

Principle of Operation of a D.C. Generator

All the generators work on a principle of dynamically induced e.m.f. This principle nothing but the
Faraday’s law of electromagnetism induction. It states that, ‘whenever the number of magnetic lines of
force i.e. flux linking with a conductor or a coil changes, an electromotive force is set up in that conductor
or coil.’ The change in flux associated with the conductor can exist only when there exists a relative
motion between a conductor and the flux. The relative motion can be achieved by rotating conductor with
respect to flux or by rotating flux with respect to a conductor. So a voltage gets generated in a conductor,
as long as there exists a relative motion between conductor and the flux.
Such an induced e.m.f. which is due to the physical movement of coil or conductor with respect to flux or
movement of flux with respect to coil or conductor is called dynamically induced e.m.f.
Key Point:
So a generating action requires following basic components to exist,
i) The conductor or a coil
ii) The relative motion between conductor and flux.

In a particular generator, the conductors are rotated to cut the magnetic flux, keeping flux stationary. To
have a large voltage as the output, the number of conductors are connected together in a specific manner,
to form a winding. This winding is called armature winding of a d.c. machine. The part on which this
winding is kept is called armature of a d.c. machine. To have the rotation of conductors, the conductors
placed on the armature are rotated with the help of some external device. Such an external device is called
a prim mover. The commonly used prim movers are diesel engines, steam engines, steam turbines, water
turbines etc. The necessary magnetic flux is produced by current carrying winding which is called field
winding. The direction of the induced e.m.f. can be obtained by using Fleming’s right hand role.
Single Loop DC Generator

Figure: Single Loop Generator

In the figure above, a single loop of conductor of rectangular shape is placed between two opposite poles
of magnet.
Let's us consider, the rectangular loop of conductor is ABCD which rotates inside the magnetic field
about its own axis ab. When the loop rotates from its vertical position to its horizontal position, it cuts the
flux lines of the field. As during this movement two sides, i.e. AB and CD of the loop cut the flux lines
there will be an emf induced in these both of the sides (AB and BC) of the loop.

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 Figure: Single Loop Generator

As the loop is closed there will be a current circulating through the loop. The direction of the current can
be determined by Flemming's right hand Rule. This rule says that if you stretch thumb, index finger and
middle finger of your right hand perpendicular to each other, then thumbs indicates the direction of
motion of the conductor, index finger indicates the direction of magnetic field i.e. N - pole to S - pole, and
middle finger indicates the direction of flow of current through the conductor.
Now if we apply this right hand rule, we will see at this horizontal position of the loop, current will flow
from point A to B and on the other side of the loop current will flow from point C to D.

Figure: Single Loop Generator

Now if we allow the loop to move further, it will come again to its vertical position, but now upper side of
the loop will be CD and lower side will be AB (just opposite of the previous vertical position). At this
position the tangential motion of the sides of the loop is parallel to the flux lines of the field. Hence there
will be no question of flux cutting and consequently there will be no current in the loop. If the loop rotates
further, it comes to again in horizontal position. But now, said AB side of the loop comes in front of N
pole and CD comes in front of S pole, i.e. just opposite to the previous horizontal position as shown in the
figure beside.

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 Figure: Single Loop Generator

Here the tangential motion of the side of the loop is perpendicular to the flux lines, hence rate of flux
cutting is maximum here and according to Flemming's right hand Rule, at this position current flows from
B to A and on other side from D to C. Now if the loop is continued to rotate about its axis, every time the
side AB comes in front of S pole, the current flows from A to B and when it comes in front of N pole, the
current flows from B to A. Similarly, every time the side CD comes in front of S pole the current flows
from C to D and when it comes in front of N pole the current flows from D to C.

If we observe this phenomena in different way, it can be concluded, that each side of the loop comes in
front of N pole, the current will flow through that side in same direction i.e. downward to the reference
plane and similarly each side of the loop comes in front of S pole, current through it flows in same
direction i.e. upwards from reference plane. From this, we will come to the topic of principle of DC
generator. Now the loop is opened and connected it with a split ring as shown in the figure below. Split
ring are made out of a conducting cylinder which cuts into two halves or segments insulated from each
other. The external load terminals are connected with two carbon brushes which are rest on these split slip
ring segments.

Working Principle of DC Generator

Fig: Commutation action

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It is seen that in the first half of the revolution current flows always along ABLMCD i.e. brush no 1 in
contact with segment a. In the next half revolution, in the figure the direction of the induced current in the
coil is reversed. But at the same time the position of the segments a and b are also reversed which results
that brush no 1 comes in touch with the segment b. Hence, the current in the load resistance again flows
from L to M. The wave from of the current through the load circuit is as shown in the figure. This current
is unidirectional.

Fig: Output waveform of generator

This is basic working principle of DC generator, explained by single loop generator model. The position
of the brushes of DC generator is so arranged that the change over of the segments a and b from one
brush to other takes place when the plane of rotating coil is at right angle to the plane of the lines of force.
It is so become in that position, the induced emf in the coil is zero.
Construction of a DC Machine:

A DC generator can be used as a DC motor without any constructional changes and vice versa is also
possible. Thus, a DC generator or a DC motor can be broadly termed as a DC machine. These basic
constructional details are also valid for the construction of a DC motor. Hence, let's call this point
as construction of a DC machine instead of just 'construction of a DC generator.

Figure 1: constructional details of a simple 4-pole DC machine

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The above figure shows constructional details of a simple 4-pole DC machine. A DC machine consists of
two basic parts; stator and rotor. Basic constructional parts of a DC machine are described below.

1. Yoke: The outer frame of a dc machine is called as yoke. It is made up of cast iron or steel. It not
only provides mechanical strength to the whole assembly but also carries the magnetic flux
produced by the field winding.

2. Poles and pole shoes: Poles are joined to the yoke with the help of bolts or welding. They carry
field winding and pole shoes are fastened to them. Pole shoes serve two purposes; (i) they support
field coils and (ii) spread out the flux in air gap uniformly.

Figure 2: Pole Core and Poles Shoes representation

3. Field winding: They are usually made of copper. Field coils are former wound and placed on
each pole and are connected in series. They are wound in such a way that, when energized, they
form alternate North and South poles.

4. Armature core: Armature core is the rotor of a dc machine. It is cylindrical in shape with slots to
carry armature winding. The armature is built up of thin laminated circular steel disks for
reducing eddy current losses. It may be provided with air ducts for the axial air flow for cooling
purposes. Armature is keyed to the shaft.

Figure 3: Armature of DC machine

5. Armature winding: It is usually a former wound copper coil which rests in armature slots. The
armature conductors are insulated from each other and also from the armature core. Armature
winding can be wound by one of the two methods; lap winding or wave winding. Double layer
lap or wave windings are generally used. A double layer winding means that each armature slot
will carry two different coils.

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 Figure 4: Armature Winding/coil of DC machine

6. Commutator and brushes: Physical connection to the armature winding is made through a
commutator-brush arrangement. The function of a commutator, in a dc generator, is to collect the
current generated in armature conductors. Whereas, in case of a dc motor, commutator helps in
providing current to the armature conductors. A commutator consists of a set of copper segments
which are insulated from each other. The number of segments is equal to the number of armature
coils. Each segment is connected to an armature coil and the commutator is keyed to the shaft.
Brushes are usually made from carbon or graphite. They rest on commutator segments and slide
on the segments when the commutator rotates keeping the physical contact to collect or supply
the current.

Figure 5: Commutator of DC machine

Armature Winding Terminology:

Now we are going to discuss about armature winding in details. Before going through this section, we
should understand some basic terms related to armature winding of DC generator.

Pole Pitch:

The pole pitch is defined as peripheral distance between centers of two adjacent poles in DC machine.
This distance is measured in term of armature slots or armature conductor come between two adjacent
pole centers. Pole Pitch is naturally equal to the total number of armature slots divided by the number of
poles in the machine.

If there are 96 slots on the armature periphery and 4 numbers of poles in the machine, the numbers of
armature slots come between two adjacent poles centres would be 96/4 = 24. Hence, the pole pitch of that
DC machine would be 24.

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As we have seen that, pole pitch is equal to total numbers of armature slots divided by total numbers of
poles, we alternatively refer it as armature slots per pole.

Coil side:

Coil of dc machine is made up of one turn or multi turns of the conductor. If the coil is made up of single
turn or a single loop of conductor, it is called single turn coil. If the coil is made up of more than one turn
of a conductor, we refer it as a multi-turn coil. A single turn coil will have one conductor per side of the
coil whereas, in multi turns coil, there will be multiple conductors per side of the coil. Whatever may be
the number of conductors per side of the coil, each coil side is placed inside one armature slot only. That
means all conductors of one side of a particular coil must be placed in one single slot only. Similarly, we
place all conductors of opposite side of the coil in another single armature slot.

Coil Span

Coil span is defined as the peripheral distance between two sides of a coil, measured in term of the
number of armature slots between them. That means, after placing one side of the coil in a particular slot,
after how many conjugative slots, the other side of the same coil is placed on the armature. This number
is known as coil span.

Figure: Armature windings

If the coil span is equal to the pole pitch, then the armature winding is said to be full - pitched. In this
situation, two opposite sides of the coil lie under two opposite poles. Hence emf induced in one side of
the coil will be in 180o phase shift with emf induced in the other side of the coil. Thus, the total terminal
voltage of the coil will be nothing but the direct arithmetic sum of these two emfs. If the coil span is less
than the pole pitch, then the winding is referred as fractional pitched. In this coil, there will be a phase
difference between induced emf in two sides, less than 180o. Hence resultant terminal voltage of the coil
is vector sum of these two emf’s and it is less than that of full-pitched coil.

Figure: full pitched and half pitched coils

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In practice, coil pitch (or Span) as low as eight tenth of a Pole Pitch, is employed without much serious
reduction in emf. Fractional pitched windings are purposely used to effect substantial saving in copper of
the end connection and for improving commutation.

Pitch of Armature Winding

Back Pitch (YB)

A coil advances on the back of the armature. This advancement is measured in terms of armature
conductors and is called back pitch. It is equal to the number difference of the conductor connected to a
given segment of the commutator.

Front Pitch (YF)

The number of armature conductors or elements spanned by a coil on the front is called front pitch.
Alternatively, we define the front-pitch as the distance between the second conductor of the next coil
which connects the front, i.e., commutator end of the armature. In other words, it is the number difference
of the conductors connected together at the back end of the armature. We are showing both front and back
pitches for a lap, and a wave windings in the figure below.

Resultant Pitch (YR)

It is the distance between the beginning of one coil and the beginning of the next coil to which it is
connected. As a matter of precautions, we should keep in mind that all these pitches, though normally
stated concerning armature conductors, are also times of armature slots or commutator bars.

Commutator Pitch (YC)

Commutator pitch is defined as the distance between two commutator segments which two ends of same
armature coil are connected. We measure commutator pitch in term of commutator bars or segment.

Single Layer Armature Winding

We place armature coil sides in the armature slots differently. In some arrangement, each one side of an
armature coil occupies a single slot. In other words, we place one coil side in each armature slot. We refer
this arrangement as single layer winding.

Two Layer Armature Winding

In other types of armature winding, arrangement two coil sides occupy every armature slot; one occupies
upper half, and another one occupies the lower half of the slot. We so place the coils in two layers
winding that if one side occupies upper half, then another side occupies the lower half of some other slot
at a distance of one coil pitch away.
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Armature Winding of A DC Machine

Based on type of winding connections we classified armature winding of a dc machine into two types.
These winding connections are same for DC generator & DC motor.
Types of Windings in DC Machine,
1. Lap winding.
2. Wave winding.
Lap winding of a DC Machine

In this type of winding the completing end of one coil is connected to a commutator segment and to the
start end of adjacent coil located under the same pole and similarly all coils are connected. This type of
winding is known as lap because the sides of successive coils overlap each other.

Lap winding may be simplex (single) or multiplex (duplex or triplex) winding. In simplex lap winding the
connection of the winding is that there are as many parallel paths as there are number of poles.
Whereas for duplex, the number of parallel paths are equal to twice that of the number of poles and for
triplex it is thrice. For this reason, the lap winding is called multiple or parallel winding. The sole
purposes of such type of windings are,
(a) To increase the number of parallel paths enabling the armature current to increase i.e., for high current
output.
(b) To improve commutation as the current per conductor decreases.

Notes on Lap winding

1. The coil or back pitch YB must be approximately equal to pole pitch i.e., YB = Z/P.

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 2. The back pitch and front pitch are odd and are of opposite sign. They differ from each other by
2m, where m = 1,2,3 for simplex, duplex, and triplex respectively.
i.e., YB = YF ± 2m
When YB > YF i.e., YF + 2m then the winding progresses from left to right and such a winding is
known as progressive winding. If YB < YF i.e., YB = YF - 2m then the winding progresses from
right to left and such a winding is known as retrogressive winding.
3. The average pitch,YAVE=( YB + YF )/2.
4. Resultant pitch, YR is always even as difference between two odd numbers is even and is equal to
2m.
5. Commutator pitch, YC = m i.e., , 2, 3, 4 etc. for simplex, duplex, triplex, quadruplex etc.
6. Number of parallel paths = mP. Where, m = multiplicity.
Example: For instance, the number of parallel paths for a 6-pole duplex lap winding is given by 6
x 2 = 12 paths.
7. The total number of poles are equal to the total number of brushes.
8. If Ia is the total armature current, then current per parallel path is Ia /P.
9. Lap winding is used for low voltage and high current machines.
Wave winding of a DC Machine
In wave winding the coils which are carrying current in one direction are connected in series circuit and
the carrying current in opposite direction are connected in another series circuit. A wave winding is
shown in figure.

If after passing once around the armature the winding falls in a slot to the left of its starting point then
winding is said to be retrogressive. If it fails one slot to the right it is progressive.

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Notes on Wave winding
The following are the important points to be remembered pertaining to wave winding,
1. Both pitches YB and YF are odd and of same sign.
2. Back and front pitches may be equal or differ by 2 and are merely equal to pole pitch.
3. Resultant pitch, YR = YF + YB = (Z ± 2)/2
P = Number of poles
Z = Total number of conductors.
4. Commutator pitch, YC = YA (Average pitch)
YC =(Number of commutator bars ± 1)/(Number of pair of poles).
5. Number of parallel paths are equal to 2m,where m is the multiplicity.
6. The number of brushes required are two irrespective of the number of poles.
7. If Ia is the total armature current then current carried by each path or conductor is Ia/2.
8. Since a wave winding is a series winding, it is used for high voltage and low current machine.
Emf Equation of a DC Generator

As the armature rotates, a voltage is generated in its coils. In the case of a generator, the emf of rotation is
called the Generated emf or Armature emf and is denoted as Er = Eg. In the case of a motor, the emf of
rotation is known as Back emf or Counter emf and represented as Er = Eb. The expression for emf is
same for both the operations. I.e., for Generator as well as for Motor

Derivation of EMF Equation of a DC Machine – Generator and Motor

Let,

 P – Number of poles of the machine

 ϕ – Flux per pole in Weber.

 Z – Total number of armature conductors.

 N – Speed of armature in revolution per minute (r.p.m).

 A – Number of parallel paths in the armature winding.

In one revolution of the armature, the flux cut by one conductor is given as

Time taken to complete one revolution is given as

Therefore, the average induced e.m.f in one conductor will be

Putting the value of (t) from Equation (2) in the equation (3) we will get

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The number of conductors connected in series in each parallel path = Z/A.

Therefore, the average induced e.m.f across each parallel path or the armature terminals is given by the
equation shown below.

Where n is the speed in revolution per second (r.p.s) and given as

For a given machine, the number of poles and the number of conductors per parallel path (Z/A) are
constant. Hence, the equation (5) can be written as

Where, K is a constant and given as

Therefore, the average induced emf equation can also be written as

Where K1 is another constant and hence induced emf equation can be written as

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Where ω is the angular velocity in radians/second is represented as

Thus, it is clear that the induced emf is directly proportional to the speed and flux per pole. The polarity
of induced emf depends upon the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of rotation. If either of
the two is reverse the polarity changes, but if two are reversed the polarity remains unchanged.

This induced emf is a fundamental phenomenon for all the DC Machines whether they are working as a
generator or motor.

If the machine DC Machine is working as a Generator, the induced emf is given by the equation shown
below.

Where Eg is the Generated Emf

If the machine DC Machine is working as a Motor, the induced emf is given by the equation shown
below.

In a motor, the induced emf is called Back Emf (Eb) because it acts opposite to the supply voltage.

Types of DC Generators – Separately Excited and Self Excited

The DC generator converts the electrical power into electrical power. The magnetic flux in a DC machine
is produced by the field coils carrying current. The circulating current in the field windings produces a
magnetic flux, and the phenomenon is known as Excitation. DC Generator is classified according to the
methods of their field excitation.

By excitation, the DC Generators are classified as Separately excited DC Generators and Self-excited DC
Generators. There is also Permanent magnet type DC generators. The self-excited DC Generators are
further classified as Shunt wound DC generators; Series wound DC generators and Compound wound DC
generators. The Compound Wound DC generators are further divided as long shunt wound DC
generators, and short shunt wound DC generators.

The field pole of the DC generator is stationary, and the armature conductor rotates. The voltage
generated in the armature conductor is of alternating nature, and this voltage is converted into the direct
voltage at the brushes with the help of the commutator.

The detailed description of the various types of generators is explained below.

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Permanent Magnet type DC Generator

In this type of DC generator, there is no field winding is placed around the poles. The field produced by
the poles of these machines remains constant. Although these machines are very compact but are used
only in small sizes like dynamos in motorcycles, etc. The main disadvantage of these machines is that the
flux produced by the magnets deteriorates with the passage of time which changes the characteristics of
the machine.

Separately Excited DC Generator

A DC generator whose field winding or coil is energized by a separate or external DC source is called a
separately excited DC Generator. The flux produced by the poles depends upon the field current with the
unsaturated region of magnetic material of the poles. i.e. flux is directly proportional to the field current.
But in the saturated region, the flux remains constant.

The figure of self-excited DC Generator is shown below.

Separately Excited DC Generator

Here,

Ia = IL where Ia is the armature current and IL is the line current.

Terminal voltage is given as

If the contact brush drop is known, then the equation (1) is written as

The power developed is given by the equation shown below.

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Power output is given by the equation (4) shown above.

Self Excited DC Generator

Self-excited DC Generator is a device, in which the current to the field winding is supplied by the
generator itself. In self-excited DC generator, the field coils mat be connected in parallel with the
armature in the series, or it may be connected partly in series and partly in parallel with the armature
windings.

The self-excited DC Generator is further classified as

1. Shunt Wound Generator

2. Series Wound Generator
3. Compound Wound Generator
1. Shunt Wound Generator

In a shunt wound generator, the field winding is connected across the armature winding forming a
parallel or shunt circuit. Therefore, full terminal voltage is applied across it. A very small field current I sh,
flows through it because this winding has many turns of fine wire having very high resistance Rshof the
order of 100 ohms.

The connection diagram of shunt wound generator is shown below.

Shunt Wound DC Generator

Shunt field current is given as

Where Rsh is the shunt field winding resistance.

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The current field Ish is practically constant at all loads. Therefore, the DC shunt machine is considered to
be a constant flux machine.

Armature current is given as

Terminal voltage is given by the equation shown below.

If the brush contact drop is included, the equation of the terminal voltage becomes

2. Series Wound Generator

A series-wound generator the field coils are connected in series with the armature winding. The series
field winding carries the armature current. The series field winding consists of a few turns of wire of thick
wire of larger cross-sectional area and having low resistance usually of the order of less than 1 ohm
because the armature current has a very large value.

Its convectional diagram is shown below.

Series Wound DC Generator

Series field current is given as

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Rse is known as the series field winding resistance.

Terminal voltage is given as

If the brush contact drop is included, the terminal voltage equation is written as

The flux developed by the series field winding is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.
But it is only true before magnetic saturation after the saturation flux becomes constant even if the current
flowing through it is increased.

3. Compound Wound Generator

In a Compound Wound Generator, there are two sets of the field winding on each pole. One of them is
connected in series having few turns of thick wire, and the other is connected in parallel having many
turns of fine wire with the armature windings. In other words, the generator which has both shunt and
series fields is called the compound wound generators.

If the magnetic flux produced by the series winding assists the flux produced by the shunt winding, then
the machine is said to be cumulative compounded. If the series field flux opposes the shunt field flux,
then the machine is called the differentially compounded.

It is connected in two ways. One is a long shunt compound generator, and another is a short shunt
compound generator. If the shunt field is connected in parallel with the armature alone then the machine
is called the short compound generator. In long shunt compound generator, the shunt field is connected in
series with the armature. The two types of generators are discussed below in details.

Long Shunt Compound Wound Generator

In a long shunt wound generator, the shunt field winding is parallel with both armature and series field
winding. The connection diagram of long shunt wound generator is shown below.

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 Long Shunt Compound Wound Generator

Shunt field current is given as

Series field current is given as

Terminal voltage is given as

If the brush contact drop is included, the terminal voltage equation is written as

Short Shunt Compound Wound Generator

In a Short Shunt Compound Wound Generator, the shunt field winding is connected in parallel with the
armature winding only. The connection diagram of short shunt wound generator is shown below.

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 Short Shunt Compound Wound Generator

Series field current is given as

Shunt field current is given as

Terminal voltage is given as

If the brush contact drop is included, the terminal voltage equation is written as

In this type of DC generator, the field is produced by the shunt as well as series winding. The shunt field
is stronger than the series field. If the magnetic flux produced by the series winding assists the flux
produced by the shunt field winding, the generator is said to be Cumulatively Compound
Wound generator.

If the series field flux opposes the shunt field flux, the generator is said to be Differentially Compounded.

Voltage buildup in self excited Generator or Dc Shunt Generato

A self excited DC generator supplies its own field excitation . A self excited generator shown in figure is
known as a shunt generator because its field winding is connected in parallel with the armature. Thus the
armature voltage supplies the field current.

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This generator will build up a desired terminal voltage. Assume that the generator in figure has no load
connected to it and armature is driven at a certain speed by a prime mover. we shall study the condition
under which the voltage buildup takes place. Due to this residual flux, a small voltage Ear will be
generated. It is given by

This voltage is of the order of 1V or 2V . It causes a current If to flow in the field winding in the
generator. The field current is given by

This field current produces a magneto motive force in the field winding, which increases the flux. This
increase in flux increases the generated voltage Ea. The increased armature voltage Ea increases the
terminal voltage V. with the increase in V, the field current If increases further. This in turn
increases Φ and consequently Ea increases further. The process of the voltage buildup continues.
Figure shows the voltage buildup of a dc shunt generator.

OCC Characteristics of DC generator

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The effect of magnetic saturation in the pole faces limits the terminal voltage of the generator to a steady
state value.
We have assumed that the generator is no load during the buildup process. The following equations
describe the steady state operation.

Since the field current If in a shunt generator is very small, the voltage drop If Ra can be neglected, and
V= Ea
The Ea versus If curve is the magnetization curve shown in figure

For the field circuit V = If Rf

The straight line given by V = If Rf is called the field-resistance line.

The field resistance line is a plot of the voltage If Rf across the field circuit versus the field If. The slop
this line is equal to the resistance of the field circuit.

The no-load terminal voltage V0 of thr generator. thus, the intersection point P of the magnetization curve
and the field resistance line gives the no-load terminal voltage V0(bP) and the corresponding field current
(Ob). Normally , in the shunt generator the voltage buildup to the value given by the point P.
at this point Ea = If Rf = V0.

If the field current corresponding to point P is increase further , there is no further increase in the terminal
voltage.

The no-load voltage is adjusted by adding resistance in series with shunt field. This increase slope of this
line causing the operating point to shift at lower voltage

The operating point are graphical solution of two simultaneous equation namely , the magnetization curve
and field resistance line . A graphical solution is preferred due to non-linear nature of magnetization
curve.
Self excited generator are designed to obtain no-load voltage from 50% to 125% of the rated value while
varying the added resistance in field circuit from maximum to zero value.

Critical Field Resistance:

Figure below shows the voltage buildup in the dc shunt generator for various resistances of the field
circuit.

Fig: Determination of critical resistance

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A decrease in the resistance of the field circuit reduces the slope of the field resistance line result in
higher voltage. If the speed remains constant, an increase in the resistance of field circuit increases the
slop of field resistance line, resulting in a lower voltage. If the field circuit resistance is increased to Rc
which is terminal as the critical resistance of the field, the field resistance line becomes a tangent to the
initial part of the magnetization curve. When the field resistance is higher than this value, the generator
fails to excite.
Critical Speed:
Figure shows the variation of no-load voltage with fixed Rf and variable speed of the armature.

Fig: Determination of critical speed

The magnetization curve varies with the speed and its ordinate for any field current is proportional to the
speed of the generator. all the points on the magnetization curve are lowered, and the point of intersection
of the magnetization curve and the field resistance line moves downwards. at a particular speed, called the
critical speed, the field resistance line becomes tangential to the magnetization curve. below the critical
speed the voltage will not build up.
In Brief, the following condition must be satisfied for voltage buildup in a self-excited generator.
There must be sufficient residual flux in the field poles.
1. the field terminal should be connected such a way that the field current increases flux in the
direction of residual flux.
2. The field circuit resistance should be less than the critical field circuit resistance.
If there is a no residual flux in the field poles, Disconnected the field from the armature circuit and apply
a dc voltage to the field winding. this process is called Flashing the field. It will induce some residual flux
in the field poles.
Causes for Failure to Self Excite and Remedial Measures

There may be one or more of the following reasons due which a self excited generator may fail to build
up voltage.

1. No residual magnetism

The start of the buildup process needs some residual magnetism in the magnetic circuit of the generator. If
there is little or no residual magnetism. because of inactivity or jarring in shipment, no voltage will be
induced that can produce field current.

2. Reversal of Field Connections

The voltage induced owing to residual magnetism acts across the field and results in flow or current in the
field coils in such a direction as to produce magnetic flux in the same direction as the residual flux.

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Reversal of connections of the field winding destroys the residual magnetism which causes the generator
failure to build up voltage.

3. In case of dc series wound generators

The resistance in the load circuit may be more than its critical resistance, which may be due to

(i) open-circuit
(ii) high resistance of load circuit
(iii) faulty contact between brushes and commutator and
(iv) commutator surface dirty or greasy.
4. In case of shunt wound generator
(a) the resistance of the shunt field circuit may be greater than the critical resistance;
(b) the resistance in the load circuit may be lower than the critical resistance;
(c) the speed of rotation may not be equal to rated one.
Remedy
In case the generator is started up for the first time, it may be that no voltage will be built up either
because the poles have no residual magnetism or the poles have retained some residual magnetism but the
field winding connections are reversed so that the magnetism developed by the field winding on start has
destroyed the residual magnetism and the machine can not "build up". In both the cases, the field coils
must be connected to a dc source (a storage battery) for a short while to magnetise the poles. The
application of external source of direct current to the field is called flashing of the field.

Armature Reaction in DC Machines

In a DC machine, two kinds of magnetic fluxes are present; 'armature flux' and 'main field flux'. The
effect of armature flux on the main field flux is called as armature reaction.

MNA And GNA

EMF is induced in the armature conductors when they cut the magnetic field lines. There is an axis (or,
you may say, a plane) along which armature conductors move parallel to the flux lines and, hence, they
do not cut the flux lines while on that plane. MNA (Magnetic Neutral Axis) may be defined as the axis
along which no emf is generated in the armature conductors as they move parallel to the flux lines.
Brushes are always placed along the MNA because reversal of current in the armature conductors takes
place along this axis.

GNA (Geometrical Neutral Axis) may be defined as the axis which is perpendicular to the stator field
axis.

Armature Reaction

The effect of armature reaction is well illustrated in the figure below.

Consider, no current is flowing in the armature conductors and only the field winding is energized (as
shown in the first figure of the above image). In this case, magnetic flux lines of the field poles are
uniform and symmetrical to the polar axis. The 'Magnetic Neutral Axis' (M.N.A.) coincides with the
'Geometric Neutral Axis' (G.N.A.).

The second figure in the above image shows armature flux lines due to the armature current. Field poles
are de-energised

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 Fig: Armature reaction

Now, when a DC machine is running, both the fluxes (flux due to the armature conductors and flux due to
the field winding) will be present at a time. The armature flux superimposes with the main field flux and,
hence, disturbs the main field flux (as shown in third figure the of above image). This effect is called
as armature reaction in DC machines.

The Adverse Effects Of Armature Reaction:

1. Armature reaction weakens the main flux. In case of a dc generator, weakening of the main flux
reduces the generated voltage.
2. Armature reaction distorts the main flux, hence the position of M.N.A. gets shifted (M.N.A. is
perpendicular to the flux lines of main field flux). Brushes should be placed on the M.N.A.,
otherwise, it will lead to sparking at the surface of brushes. So, due to armature reaction, it is hard to
determine the exact position of the MNA

For a loaded dc generator, MNA will be shifted in the direction of the rotation. On the other hand, for a
loaded dc motor, MNA will be shifted in the direction opposite to that of the rotation.

How To Reduce Armature Reaction?

Usually, no special efforts are taken for small machines (up to few kilowatts) to reduce the armature
reaction. But for large DC machines, compensating winding and interpoles are used to get rid of the ill
effects of armature reaction.

Compensating winding: Now we know that the armature reaction is due to the presence of armature
flux. Armature flux is produced due to the current flowing in armature conductors. Now, if we place
another winding in close proximity of the armature winding and if it carries the same current but in the
opposite direction as that of the armature current, then this will nullify the armature field. Such an
additional winding is called as compensating winding and it is placed on the pole faces. Compensating
winding is connected in series with the armature winding in such a way that it carries the current in
opposite direction.

Interpoles: Interpoles are the small auxiliary poles placed between the main field poles. Winding on the
interpoles is connected in series with the armature. Each interpole is wound in such a way that its

34 | P a g e
magnetic polarity is same as that of the main pole ahead of it. Interpoles nullify the quadrature axis
armature flux.

Demagnetizing and Cross Magnetizing Conductors

The conductors which are responsible for producing demagnetizing and distortion effects are shown in the
Fig.1.

Fig. 1 Conductors which are responsible for producing demagnetizing and distortion effects

The brushes are lying along the new position of MNA which is at angle θ from GNA. The
conductors in the region AOC = BOD = 2θ at the top and bottom of the armature are carrying current in
such a direction as to send the flux in armature from right to left. Thus these conductors are in direct
opposition to main field and called demagnetizing armature conductors.

The remaining armature conductors which are lying in the region AOD and BOC carry current in
such a direction as to send the flux pointing vertically downwards i.e. at right angles to the main field
flux. Hence these conductors are called cross magnetizing armature conductors which will cause
distortion in main field flux.

These conductors are shown in the Fig. 2

Fig. 2 Conductors which are responsible for producing Cross magnetization ffects

Calculation of Demagnetizing and Cross Magnetizing Amp-Turns

Let us the number of demagnetizing and cross magnetizing amp-turns.

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 Let Z = Total number of armature conductors

P = Number of poles

I = Armature conductor current in Amperes

= Ia/2 for simplex wave winding

= Ia/P for simplex lap winding

θm = Forward lead of brush in mechanical degrees.

The conductors which are responsible for demagnetizing ampere-turns are lying in the region
spanning 4 θm degrees. The region is between angles AOC and BOD, as shown in the Fig. 2.

... Total number of armature conductors lying in angles AOC and BOD.

Since two conductors from one turn,

The conductor which are responsible fro cross magnetizing ampere turns are lying between the angles
AOD and BOC, as shown in the Fig.2.

Total armature-conductors / pole = Z/P

From above we have found an expression for demagnetizing conductors per pole.

Since two conductors from one turn,

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 If the brush shift angle is given in electrical degrees then it should be converted into mechanical
degrees by using the relation,

Example :

A wave wound 4 pole d.c. generator with 480 armature conductors supplies a current of 144 A. The
brushes are given an actual lead of 10o. Calculate the demagnetizing and cross magnetizing amp turns per
pole.

Solution :

P = 4, Z = 480, Ia = 144 A

For wave wound,

I = Ia/2 = 144/2 = 72 A

θm = 10o

Compensating Winding and Interpoles in DC Generator

In DC compound machine setup by armature current opposes magnetic field flux, this is known as
armature reaction. The armature reaction has two effects (i) Demagnetizing effect and (ii) Cross
magnetizing effect. Demagnetizing effect weakens the main field flux which in turn decreases the induced
e.m.f (as E ∝ Ø)). To overcome this effect a few extra turns/poles are added in series to main
field winding. This creates a series field which serves two purposes,

37 | P a g e
(i) It helps to neutralize the demagnetizing effect of armature reaction.

(ii) If wound for cumulative compounded machine the electrical performance will be improved.

Compensating winding:

All armature conductors placed under the main poles region produces e.m.f which is at right angle (90°)
to the main field e.m.f. This e.m.f causes distortion in main field flux. This is known as cross magnetizing
effect. To minimize the cross magnetizing effect compensating winding is used. This compensating
winding produces an m.m.f which opposes the m.m.f produced by armature conductors.

This objective is achieved by connecting compensating winding in series with armature winding. In
absence of compensating winding, cross magnetizing effect causes sparking at the commutators and short
circuiting the whole armature winding.

Let, Zc = Number of compensating conductors/pole

Za = Number of active armature conductors/pole

Ia = Armature current.

ZcIa= Za (Ia/A)

Where,

Ia/A=Armature current/conductor

Zc= Za/A

Compensating Winding Disadvantages

This winding neutralizes the cross magnetizing effect due to armature conductors only but not due to
interpolar region. This winding is used in large machine in which load is fluctuating.

Interpoles

38 | P a g e
Cross magnetizing effect in interpolar region is by interpoles (also known as compoles (or) commutating
poles). These interpoles are small in size and placed in between the main poles of yoke. Like
compensating winding, interpoles are also connected in series with armature winding such that the m.m.f
produced by them opposes the m.m.f produced by armature conductor in interpolar region. In generators,
the interpole polarity is same as that of main pole ahead such that they induce an e.m.f which is known as
commutating or reversing e.m.f. This commutating e.m.f minimizes the reactance e.m.f and hence sparks
or arcs are eliminated.

Fig: Intepoles

Compensating winding and Interpoles are used for same purpose but the difference between them is,
interpoles produce e.m.f for neutralizing reactance e.m.f whereas compensating winding produces an
m.m.f which opposes the m.m.f produced by conductors.

COMMUTATION:

The process of reversal of current in the short circuited armature coil is called ‘Commutation’. This
process of reversal takes place when coil is passing through the interpolar axis (q-axis), the coil is short
circuited through commutator segments. Commutation takes place simultaneously for ‘P’ coils in a lap-
wound machine and two coil sets of P/2 coils each in a wave-wound machine.

The process of commutation of coil ‘B’ is shown below. In figure ‘1.29’ coil ‘B’ carries current from left
to right and is about to be short circuited in figure ‘1.30’ brush has moved by 1/3 rd of its width and the
brush current supplied by the coil are as shown. In figure ‘1.31’ coil ‘B’ carries no current as the brush is
at the middle of the short circuit period and the brush current in supplied by coil C and coil A. In figure
‘1.32’ the coil B which was carrying current from left to right carries current from right to left. In fig
‘1.33’ spark is shown which is due to the reactance voltage. As the coil is embedded in the armature slots,
which has high permeability, the coil posses appreciable amount of self inductance. The current is
changed from +I to –I. So due to self inductance and variation in the current from +I to –I, a voltage is
induced in the coil which is given by L dI/dt. Fig ‘1.34’ shows the variation of current plotted on the time
axis. Sparking can be avoided by the use of interpoles or commutating-poles.

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 Fig: Commutation process

METHODS OF IMPROVING COMMUTATION:

Methods of Improving Commutation: There are two practical ways of improving commutation i.e. of
making current reversal in the short-circuited coil as sparkless as possible. These methods are known as
(i) resistance commutation and (ii) emf. commutation (which is done with the help of either brush lead or
interpoles, usually the later).

Resistance Commutation: This method of improving commutation consists of replacing low-resistance

Cu brushes by comparatively high-resistance carbon brushes. When current I from coil C reach the
commutator segment b, it has two parallel paths open to it. The first part is straight from bar ‘b’ to the
brush and the other parallel path is via the short-circuited coil B to bar ‘a’ and then to the brush. If the Cu
brushes are used, then there is no inducement for the current to follow the second longer path, it would
preferably follow the first path. But when carbon brushes having high resistance are used, then current I
coming from C will prefer to pass through the second path. The additional advantages of carbon brushes
are that (i) they are to some degree self lubricating and polish the commutator and (ii) should sparking
occur, they would damage the commutator less than when Cu brushes are used. But some of their minor
disadvantages are: (i) Due to their high contact resistance (which is beneficial to sparkless commutation)
a loss of approximately 2 volt is caused. Hence, they are not much suitable for small machines where this
voltage forms an appreciable percentage loss. (ii) Owing to this large loss, the commutator has to be made
somewhat larger than with Cu brushes in order to dissipate heat efficiently without greater rise of
temperature. (iii) because of their lower current density (about 7-8 A/cm2 as compared to 25-30 A/cm2
for Cu brushes) they need larger brush holders.

40 | P a g e
 Fig: Resistance Commutation

EMF Commutation: In this method, arrangement is made to neutralize the reactance voltage by
producing a reversing emf in the short-circuited coil under commutation. This reversing emf, as the name
shows, is an emf in opposition to the reactance voltage and if its value is made equal to the latter, it will
completely wipe it off, thereby producing quick reversal of current in the short-circuited coil which will
result in sparkless commutation. The reversing emf may be produced in two ways: (i) either by giving the
brushes a forward lead sufficient enough to bring the short-circuited coil under the influence of next pole
of opposite polarity or (ii) by using Interpoles. The first method was used in the early machines but has
now been abandoned due to many other difficulties it brings along with.

Interpoles of Compoles: These are small poles fixed to the yoke and spaced in between the main poles.
They are wound with comparatively few heavy gauge Cu wire turns and are connected in series with the
armature so that they carry full armature current. Their polarity, in the case of a generator, is the same as
that of the main pole ahead in the direction of rotation. The function of interpoles is two-fold: (i) As their
polarity is the same as that of the main pole ahead, they induce an emf in the coil (under commutation)
which helps the reversal of current. The emf induced by the compoles is known as commutating or
reversing emf. The commutating emf neutralizes the reactance emf thereby making commutation
sparkless. With interpoles, sparkless commutation can be obtained up to 20 to 30% overload with fixed
brush position. In fact, interpoles raise sparking limit of a machine to almost the same value as heating
limit. Hence, for a given output, an interpole machine can be made smaller and, therefore, cheaper than a
non-interpolar machine. As interpoles carry armature current, their commutating emf is proportional to
the armature current. This ensures automatic neutralization of reactance voltage which is also due to
armature current. (ii) Another function of the interpoles is to neutralize the cross-magnetising effect of
armature reaction. Hence, brushes are not to be shifted from the original position.

Fig: Interpoles of Compoles

41 | P a g e
OF as before, represents the mmf due to main poles. OA represents the crossmagnetising mmf due to
armature. BC which represents mmf due to interpoles, is obviously in opposition to OA, hence they
cancel each other out. This cancellation of crossmagnetisation is automatic and for all loads because both
are produced by the same armature current. The distinction between the interpoles and compensating
windings should be clearly understood. Both are connected in series and thier m.m.fs. are such as to
neutralize armature reaction. But compoles additionally supply mmf for counteracting the reactance
voltage induced in the coil undergoing commutation. Moreover, the action of the compoles is localized;
they have negligible effect on the armature reaction occurring on the remainder of the armature periphery.

Characteristics of DC Generators

Generally, following three characteristics of DC generators are taken into considerations: (i) Open Circuit
Characteristic (O.C.C.), (ii) Internal or Total Characteristic and (iii) External Characteristic.
These characteristics of DC generators are explained below.

1. Open Circuit Characteristic (O.C.C.) (E0/If)

Open circuit characteristic is also known as magnetic characteristic or no-load saturation characteristic.
This characteristic shows the relation between generated emf at no load (E 0) and the field current (If) at a
given fixed speed. The O.C.C. curve is just the magnetization curve and it is practically similar for
all type of generators. The data for O.C.C. curve is obtained by operating the generator at no load and
keeping a constant speed. Field current is gradually increased and the corresponding terminal voltage is
recorded. The connection arrangement to obtain O.C.C. curve is as shown in the figure below. For shunt
or series excited generators, the field winding is disconnected from the machine and connected across an
external supply.

Fig: Circuit for OCC

Now, from the emf equation of dc generator, we know that Eg = kɸ. Hence, the generated emf should be
directly proportional to field flux (and hence, also directly proportional to the field current). However,
even when the field current is zero, some amount of emf is generated (represented by OA in the figure
below). This initially induced emf is due to the fact that there exists some residual magnetism in the field
poles. Due to the residual magnetism, a small initial emf is induced in the armature. This initially induced
emf aids the existing residual flux, and hence, increasing the overall field flux. This consequently
increases the induced emf. Thus, O.C.C. follows a straight line. However, as the flux density increases,
the poles get saturated and the ɸ becomes practically constant. Thus, even we increase the If further, ɸ
remains constant and hence, Eg also remains constant. Hence, the O.C.C. curve looks like the B-H
characteristic.

42 | P a g e
The above figure shows a typical no-load saturation curve or open circuit characteristics for all types of
DC generators.

2. Internal or Total Characteristic (E/Ia)

An internal characteristic curve shows the relation between the on-load generated emf (Eg) and the
armature current (Ia). The on-load generated emf Eg is always less than E0 due to the armature reaction.
Eg can be determined by subtracting the drop due to demagnetizing effect of armature reaction from no-
load voltage E0. Therefore, internal characteristic curve lies below the O.C.C. curve.

3. External Characteristic (V/IL)

An external characteristic curve shows the relation between terminal voltage (V) and the load current
(IL). Terminal voltage V is less than the generated emf Eg due to voltage drop in the armature circuit.
Therefore, external characteristic curve lies below the internal characteristic curve. External
characteristics are very important to determine the suitability of a generator for a given purpose.
Therefore, this type of characteristic is sometimes also called as performance characteristic or load
characteristic.

Internal and external characteristic curves are shown below for each type of generator.
Characteristics of Separately Excited DC Generator:

If there is no armature reaction and armature voltage drop, the voltage will remain constant for any load
current. Thus, the straight line AB in above figure represents the no-load voltage vs. load current IL. Due
to the demagnetizing effect of armature reaction, the on-load generated emf is less than the no-load
voltage. The curve AC represents the on-load generated emf Eg vs. load current ILi.e. Internal

43 | P a g e
characteristic (as Ia = IL for a separately excited dc generator). Also, the terminal voltage is lesser due to
ohmic drop occurring in the armature and brushes. The curve AD represents the terminal voltage vs. load
current i.e. external characteristic.

Characteristics of DC Shunt Generator

To determine the internal and external load characteristics of a DC shunt generator the machine is allowed
to build up its voltage before applying any external load. To build up voltage of a shunt generator, the
generator is driven at the rated speed by a prime mover. Initial voltage is induced due to residual
magnetism in the field poles. The generator builds up its voltage as explained by the O.C.C. curve. When
the generator has built up the voltage, it is gradually loaded with resistive load and readings are taken at
suitable intervals. Connection arrangement is as shown in the figure below.

Fig: Circuit for External characteristics of shunt generator

Unlike, separately excited DC generator, here, IL≠Ia. For a shunt generator, Ia=IL+If. Hence, the internal
characteristic can be easily transmitted to Eg vs. IL by subtracting the correct value of Iffrom Ia.

During a normal running condition, when load resistance is decreased, the load current increases. But, as
we go on decreasing the load resistance, terminal voltage also falls. So, load resistance can be decreased
up to a certain limit, after which the terminal voltage drastically decreases due to excessive armature
reaction at very high armature current and increased I2R losses. Hence, beyond this limit any further
decrease in load resistance results in decreasing load current. Consequently, the external characteristic
curve turns back as shown by dotted line in the above figure.

44 | P a g e
Characteristics of DC Series Generator

The curve AB in above figure identical to open circuit characteristic (O.C.C.) curve. This is because in
DC series generators field winding is connected in series with armature and load. Hence, here load current
is similar to field current (i.e. IL=If). The curve OC and OD represent internal and external characteristic
respectively. In a DC series generator, terminal voltage increases with the load current. This is because, as
the load current increases, field current also increases. However, beyond a certain limit, terminal voltage
starts decreasing with increase in load. This is due to excessive demagnetizing effects of the armature
reaction.

Characteristics Of DC Compound Generator

The above figure shows the external characteristics of DC compound generators. If series winding amp-
turns are adjusted so that, increase in load current causes increase in terminal voltage then the generator is
called to be over compounded. The external characteristic for over compounded generator is shown by the
curve AB in above figure.

If series winding amp-turns are adjusted so that, the terminal voltage remains constant even the load
current is increased, then the generator is called to be flat compounded. The external characteristic for a
flat compounded generator is shown by the curve AC.

If the series winding has lesser number of turns than that would be required to be flat compounded, then
the generator is called to be under compounded. The external characteristics for an under compounded
generator are shown by the curve AD.

45 | P a g e
Parallel Operation of D.C. Generators:

Here this explains you the parallel operation of dc generators and load sharing among them for the
continuous power supply. In a DC power plant, power is usually supplied from several generators of
small ratings connected in parallel instead of from one large generator. This is due to the following
reasons:

(i) Continuity of service:

If a single large generator is used in the power plant, then in case of its breakdown, the whole plant will
be shut down. However, if power is supplied from a number of small units operating in parallel, then in
case of failure of one unit, the continuity of supply can be maintained by other healthy units.

(ii) Efficiency:

Generators run most efficiently when loaded to their rated capacity. Electric power costs less per kWh
when the generator producing it is efficiently loaded. Therefore, when load demand on power plant
decreases, one or more generators can be shut down and the remaining units can be efficiently loaded.

(iii) Maintenance and repair:

Generators generally require routine-maintenance and repair. Therefore, if generators are operated in
parallel, the routine or emergency operations can be performed by isolating the affected generator while
the load is being supplied by other units. This leads to both safety and economy.

(iv) Increasing plant capacity:

In the modern world of increasing population, the use of electricity is continuously increasing. When
added capacity is required, the new unit can be simply paralleled with the old units. In many situations, a
single unit of desired large capacity may not be available. In that case, a number of smaller units can be
operated in parallel to meet the load requirement. Generally, a single large unit is more expensive.

(v) Non-availability of single large unit:

In many situations, a single unit of desired large capacity may not be available. In that case, a number of
smaller units can be operated in parallel to meet the load requirement. Generally, a single large unit is
more expensive.

Connecting Shunt Generators in Parallel:

The generators in a power plant are connected in parallel through bus-bars. The bus-bars are heavy thick
copper bars and they act as +ve and -ve terminals. The positive terminals of the generators are connected
to the +ve side of bus-bars and negative terminals to the negative side of bus-bars.

Fig. (3.15) shows shunt generator 1 connected to the bus-bars and supplying load. When the
load on the power plant increases beyond the capacity of this generator, the second shunt generator 2 is
connected in parallel with the first to meet the increased load demand. The procedure for paralleling
generator 2 with generator 1 is as under:

46 | P a g e
 Parallel operation of shunt generators

(i) The prime mover of generator 2 is brought up to the rated speed. Now switch S4 in the field circuit of
the generator 2 is closed.

(ii) Next circuit breaker CB-2 is closed and the excitation of generator 2 is adjusted till it generates a
voltage equal to the bus-bars voltage.This is indicated by voltmeter V2.

(iii) Now the generator 2 is ready to be paralleled with generator 1. The main switch S3 is closed, thus
putting generator 2 in parallel with generator 1. Note that generator 2 is not supplying any load because
it's generated e.m.f. is equal to bus-bars voltage.The generator is said to be “floating” (i.e., not supplying
any load) on the bus-bars.

(iv) If generator 2 is to deliver any current, then it's generated voltage E should be greater than the bus-
bars voltage V. In that case, the current supplied by it is I = (E - V)/Ra where Ra is the resistance of the
armature circuit. By increasing the field current (and hence induced e.m.f. E), the generator 2 can be made
to supply the proper amount of load.

(v) The load may be shifted from one shunt generator to another merely by adjusting the field excitation.
Thus if generator 1 is to be shut down, the whole load can be shifted onto generator 2 provided it has the
capacity to supply that load. In that case, reduce the current supplied by generator 1 to zero (This will be
indicated by ammeter A1) open C.B.-1 and then open the main switch S1.

Load Sharing of two generators:

The load sharing between shunt generators in parallel can be easily regulated because of their drooping
characteristics.The load may be shifted from one generator to another merely by adjusting the field
excitation.Let us discuss the load sharing of two generators which have unequal no-load voltages.

Let E1, E2 = no-load voltages of the two generators

R1, R2 = their armature resistances

V = common terminal voltage (Bus-bars voltage)

then I1 = (E1 - V)/R1 and I2= (E2-V)/R2

47 | P a g e
Thus the current output of the generators depends upon the values of E1 and E3.These values may be
changed by field rheostats.The common terminal voltage (or bus-bars voltage) will depend upon

(i) the e.m.f.s of individual generators and

(ii) the total load current supplied.

It is generally desired to keep the bus bars voltage constant. This can be achieved by adjusting the field
excitations of the generators operating in parallel.

Compound Generators in Parallel:

Under-compounded generators also operate satisfactorily in parallel but over compounded generators will
not operate satisfactorily unless their series fields are paralleled. This is achieved by connecting two
negative brushes together as shown in Fig. (3.16) (i). The conductor used to connect these brushes is
generally called equaliser bar. Suppose that an attempt is made to operate the two generators in Fig. (3.16)
(ii) in parallel without an equalizer bar. If, for any reason, the current supplied by generator 1 increases
slightly, the current in its series field will increase and raise the generated voltage.

This will cause generator 1 to take more load. Since total load supplied to the system is constant,
the current in generator 2 must decrease and as a result, its series field is weakened. Since this effect is
cumulative, the generator 1 will take the entire load and drive generator 2 as a motor. Under such
conditions, the current in the two machines will be in the direction shown in Fig. (3.16) (ii). After
machine 2 changes from a generator to a motor, the current in the shunt field will remain in the same
direction, but the current in the armature and series field will reverse.

Thus the magnetising action, of the series field opposes that of the shunt field. As the current taken
by the machine 2 increases, the demagnetizing action of series field becomes greater and the resultant
field becomes weaker. The resultant field will finally become zero and at that time machine 2 will short
circuit machine 1, opening the breaker of either or both machines.

Fig: Parallel operation of compound generators

When the equalizer bar is used, a stabilizing action exists? And neither machine tends to take the
entire load. To consider this, suppose that current delivered by generator 1 increase. The increased current
will not only pass through the series field of generator 1 but also through the equalizer bar and series field
of generator 2.Therefore, the voltage of both the machines increases and the generator 2 will take a part of
the load.

48 | P a g e
PARALLEL OPERATION OF DC SERIES GENERATOR

The interesting thing about the parallel operation of DC series generator is that DC series generators are
not usually employed for supply of power. Instead DC series motors are arranged in parallel to operate as
DC series generators during Electric Braking.

 Series generators are rarely used in industry for supplying loads. Some applications like electric
braking may employ them and operate two or more series generates in parallel.

 The excitation of the machine I increase, increasing the load current delivered. As the total
current is I the current supplied by machine II reduces, so also its excitation and induced emf.

Fig: Parallel operation of Series generators

 Thus machine I takes greater and greater fraction of the load current with machine II shedding its
load. Ultimately the current of machine II becomes negative and it also loads the first machine.

 Virtually there is a short circuit of the two sources, the whole process is thus highly unstable. One
remedy is for a problem as this is to make the two fields immune to the circulating current
between the machines.

 With the equalizer present, a momentary disturbance does not put the two machines out of action.

 A tendency to supply a larger current by a machine strengthens the field of the next machine and
increases its induced emf . This brings in stable conditions for operation rapidly.

Use of Equalizer Bars:

Here comes the use of equalizer bars in the parallel operation of DC series generators. The possibility of
reversal of either machine can be prevented by preventing the flow of circulating current produced due to
inequalities of induced emfs of the machines through the series field winding.

 This Aim can be achieved by connecting a heavy copper bar of negligible resistance across the
two machines as shown in the figure.

 Now the circulating current does not affect the field winding, but it get confined to the armature
and the equalizing bars.

 Now if the armature current increases, the terminal voltage drop occurs and the original condition
is restored.
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 Cross connection of Field windings:

If the field coils are cross-connected when the series motors are connected in parallel, then any increase in
the current of the armature of generator 1, the increased current flows occurs through the field coil of
generator 2. This increases the electromotive force of generator, which opposes the change in load sharing
trying to stabilize the operation of the two generators at the original operating condition itself. Thus it will
give more positive and better operation than equalizer connection.

1)

2)

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3)

4)

5)

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52 | P a g e
53 | P a g e
 UNIT III

DC MOTORS AND TESTING

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A DC MOTOR

The DC motor is the device which converts the direct current into the mechanical work. It works on the
principle of Lorentz Law, which states that “the current carrying conductor placed in a magnetic and
electric field experience a force”. And that force is called the Lorentz force. The Fleming left-hand rule
gives the direction of the force.

Fleming Left Hand Rule

If the thumb, middle finger and the index finger of the left hand are displaced from each other by an angle
of 90°, the middle finger represents the direction of the magnetic field. The index finger represents the
direction of the current, and the thumb shows the direction of forces acting on the conductor.

Fig: Flemings left hand rule

The formula calculates the magnitude of the force,

Before understanding the working of DC motor first, we have to know about their construction. The
armature and stator are the two main parts of the DC motor. The armature is the rotating part, and the
stator is their stationary part. The armature coil is connected to the DC supply.

The armature coil consists the commutators and brushes. The commutators convert the AC induces in the
armature into DC and brushes transfer the current from rotating part of the motor to the stationary
external load. The armature is placed between the north and south pole of the permanent or
electromagnet.

For simplicity, consider that the armature has only one coil which is placed between the magnetic field
shown below in the figure A. When the DC supply is given to the armature coil the current starts flowing
through it. This current develops their own field around the coil. Figure B shows the field induces around
the coil.

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 Fig: magnetic field induces around the coil.

By the interaction of the fields (produces by the coil and the magnet), resultant field develops across the
conductor. The resultant field tends to regain its original position, i.e. in the axis of the main field. The
field exerts the force at the ends of the conductor, and thus the coil starts rotating.

Fig: Field produced due to poles alone

Let the field produces by the main field be F m, and this field rotates in the clockwise direction. When the
current flows in the coil, they produce their own magnetic field says F r. The field Fr tries to come in the
direction of the main field. Thereby, the torque act on the armature coil.

Fig: Field produced due to conductors alone

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The actual DC motor consists a large number of armature coils. The speed of the motor is directly
proportional to the number of coils used in the motor. These coils are kept under the impact of the
magnetic field.

The one end of the conductors are kept under the influence of north pole, and the other end is kept under
the influence of the South pole. The current enters into the armature coil through the north pole and move
outwards through the south pole. When the coil moves from one brush to another, at the same time the
polarity of the coil also changes. Thus, the direction of the force or torque acting on the coil remains
same.

The torque induces in the coil become zero when the armature coil is perpendicular to the main field. The
zero torque means the motor stops rotating. For solving this problem, the number of armature coil is used
in the rotor. So if one of their coils is perpendicular to the field, then the other coils induce the torque.
And the rotor moves continuously.

Also, for obtaining the continuous torque, the arrangement is kept in such a way that whenever the coils
cut the magnetic neutral axis of the magnet the direction of current in the coils become reversed. This can
be done with the help of the commutator.

Back Emf and its Significance in DC Motor

When a dc voltage V is applied across the motor terminals, the armature starts rotating due to the torque
developed in it.

As the armature rotates, armature conductors cut the pole magnetic field, therefore, as per law of
electromagnetic induction, an emf called back emf is induced in them.

The back emf (also called counter emf) is given by

where, P=number of poles of dc motor

Φ= flux per pole

Z=total number of armature conductors

N=armature speed

A=number of parallel paths in armature winding

As all other parameters are constant, therefore, Eb ∝ N

As per Lenz's law, "the induced emf always opposes the cause of its
production”. Here, the cause of generation of back emf is the rotation of
armature. Rotation of armature is due to armature torque. Torque is due
to armature current and armature current is due to supply dc voltage V.
Therefore, the ultimate cause of production of Eb is the supply voltage V.

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Therefore, back emf is always directed opposite to supply voltage V.

Significance of back emf in dc motor

(1) As the back emf opposes supply voltage V, therefore, supply voltage has to force current through the
armature against the back emf, to keep armature rotating. The electric work done in overcoming and
causing the current to flow against the back emf is converted into mechanical energy developed in the
armature.

It follows, therefore, that energy conversion in a dc motor is only possible due to the production of back
emf.

Mechanical power developed in the armature = EbIa

(2) Back emf makes dc motor a self-regulating motor i.e Eb makes motor to adjust Ia automatically as per
the load torque requirement. Lets see how.

From the motor figure,

V and Ra are fixed, therefore, armature current Ia dpends on back emf, which in turn depends on speed of
the motor.

(a) when the motor is running at no-load, small torque ( Ta=KIa ) is required by the motor to overcome
friction and windage. Therefore, a small current is drawn by the motor armature and the back emf is
almost equal to the supply voltage.

(b) If the motor is suddenly loaded, the load torque beomes greater than the armature torque and the
motor starts to slow down. As motor speed decreases, back emf decreases and therefore, armature current
starts increasing. With increasing Ia , armature torque increases and at some point it becomes equal to the
load torque. At that moment, motor stops slowing down and keeps running at this new speed.

(c) If the load on the motor is suddenly reduced, the driving torque becomes more than the load torque
and the motor starts accelerating. As the motor speed increases, back emf increases and therefore,
armature current decreases. Due to this reducing armature current, armature developed torque decreases
and at some point becomes equal to the load torque. That point onwards, motor will stop accelerating and
will start rotating uniformly at this new slightly increased speed.

So, this shows how important is back emf in dc motor. Without back emf, the electromagnetic energy
conversion would not have been possible at the first place.

Power Equation of a D.C. Motor

The voltage equation of a d.c. motor is given by,

V = Eb + Ia Ra

Multiplying both sides of the above equation by I a we get,

V Ia = Eb Ia + Ia 2 Ra

This equation is called power equation of a d.c. motor.

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 VIa = Net electrical power input to the armature measured in watts.

Ia2Ra = Power loss due the resistance of the armature called armature copper loss.

So difference between VIa and Ia2Ra i.e. input - losses gives the output of the armature.

So Eb Ia is called electrical equivalent of gross mechanical power developed by the armature.

This is denoted as Pm.

... Power input to the armature - Armature copper loss = Gross mechanical power

developed in the armature.

Condition for Maximum Power

For a motor from power equation it is known that,

Pm = Gross mechanical power developed = Eb Ia

= VIa - Ia2Ra

For maximum P m, dPm/dIa = 0

... 0 = V - 2IaRa

... Ia = V/2Ra i.e. IaRa = V/2

Substituting in voltage equation,

V = Eb + IaRa = Eb + (V/2)

... Eb = V/2............................ Condition for maximum power

Key Point : This is practically impossible to achieve as for this, current required is much more than its
normal rated value. Large heat will be produced and efficiency of motor will be less than 50 %.

TORQUE EQUATION OF A DC MOTOR

When a DC machine is loaded either as a motor or as a generator, the rotor conductors carry current.
These conductors lie in the magnetic field of the air gap. Thus, each conductor experiences a force. The
conductors lie near the surface of the rotor at a common radius from its centre. Hence, a torque is
produced around the circumference of the rotor, and the rotor starts rotating.

When the machine operates as a generator at a constant speed, this torque is equal and opposite to that
provided by the prime mover. When the machine is operating as a motor, the torque is transferred to the
shaft of the rotor and drives the mechanical load. The expression is same for the generator and motor.

When the current carrying current is placed in the magnetic field, a force is exerted or it which exerts
turning moment or torque F x r. This torque is produced due to the electromagnetic effect, hence is
called Electromagnetic torque. The torque which is produced in the armature is not fully used at the
shaft for doing the useful work. Some part of it where lost due to mechanical losses. The torque which is
used for doing useful work in known as the shaft torque.

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Since,

Multiplying the equation (1) by Ia we get

Where,

VIa is the electrical power input to the armature.

I2aRa is the copper loss in the armature.

We know that,

Total electrical power supplied to the armature = Mechanical power developed by the armature +
losses due to armature resistance

Now, the mechanical power developed by the armature is Pm.

Also, the mechanical power rotating armature can be given regarding torque T and speed n.

Where n is in revolution per seconds (rps) and T is in Newton-Meter.

Hence,

But,

Where N is the speed in revolution per minute (rpm) and

Where, n is the speed in (rps).

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Therefore,

So, the torque equation is given as

For a particular DC Motor, the number of poles (P) and the number of conductors per parallel path (Z/A)
are constant.

Where,

Thus, from the above equation (5) it is clear that the torque produced in the armature is directly
proportional to the flux per pole and the armature current. Moreover, the direction of electromagnetic
torque developed in the armature depends upon the current in armature conductors. If either of the two is
reversed the direction of torque produced is reversed and hence the direction of rotation. But when both
are reversed, and direction of torque does not change.

Shaft Torque

In a DC Motor whole of the electromagnetic torque (T) developed in the armature is not available on the
shaft. A part of it is lost to overcome the iron and mechanical (friction and windage) losses. Therefore,
shaft torque (Tsh) is somewhat less than the torque developed in the armature.

Definition: Thus, in the case of DC motors, the actual torque available at the shaft for doing useful
mechanical work is known as Shaft Torque. It is so called because it is available on the shaft of the
motor. It is represented by the symbol T sh. The output of the motor is given by the equation shown
below where Tsh is the shaft torque in r.p.s and the N is the rotation of the motor in r.p.m. The shaft torque
is expressed as

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The difference between the armature torque and the shaft torque ( T a – Tsh ) is known as the lost torque
and is due to the formation of the torque.

Brake Horse Power (B.H.P)

In the case of the motor, the mechanical power available at the shaft is known as Brake Horse Power. If
Tsh is the shaft torque in Newton Meter and N is the speed in r.p.m then,

The output brake horsepower is given by the equation (1) shown above.

TYPES OF DC MOTOR

A Direct Current Motor, DC is named according to the connection of the field winding with the armature.
Mainly there are two types of DC Motors. First, one is Separately Excited DC Motor and Self-excited DC
Motor. The self-excited motors are further classified as Shunt wound or shunt motor, Series wound or
series motor and Compound wound or compound motor.

The dc motor converts the electrical power into mechanical power is known as dc motor. The
construction of the dc motor and generator are same. But the dc motor has the wide range of speed and
good speed regulation which in electric traction.The working principle of the dc motor is based on the
principle that the current carrying conductor is placed in the magnetic field and a mechanical force
experience by it.

The DC motor is generally used in the location where require protective enclosure, for example, drip-
proof, the fireproof, etc. according to the requirements. The detailed description of the various types of
the motor is given below.

Separately Excited DC Motor

As the name signifies, the field coils or field windings are energized by a separate DC source as shown in
the circuit diagram shown below.

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 Separately Excited DC Motor

Self Excited DC Motor

As the name implies self-excited, hence, in this type of motor, the current in the windings is supplied by
the machine or motor itself. Self-excited DC Motor is further divided into shunt wound, and series wound
motor. They are explained below in detail.

Shunt Wound Motor

This is the most common types of DC Motor. Here the field winding is connected in parallel with the
armature as shown in the figure below.

Shunt Wound DC Motor

The current, voltage and power equations for a shunt motor are written as follows.

By applying KCL at the junction A in the above figure.

The sum of the incoming currents at A = Sum of the outgoing currents at A.

Where,

I is the input line current

Ia is the armature current

Ish is the shunt field current

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Equation (1) is the current equation.

The voltage equations are written by using Kirchhoff’s voltage law (KVL) for the field winding circuit.

For armature winding circuit the equation will be given as

The power equation is given as

Power input = mechanical power developed + losses in the armature + loss in the field.

Multiplying equation (3) by Ia we get the following equations.

Where,

VIa is the electrical power supplied to the armature of the motor.

Series Wound Motor

In the series motor, the field winding is connected in series with the armature winding. The connection
diagram is shown below.

Series Wound Motor

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By applying the KCL in the above figure

Where,

Ise is the series field current

The voltage equation can be obtained by applying KVL in the above figure

The power equation is obtained by multiplying equation (8) by I we get

Power input = mechanical power developed + losses in the armature + losses in the field

Comparing the equation (9) and (10), we will get the equation shown below.

Compound Wound Motor

A DC Motor having both shunt and series field windings is called a Compound Motor. The connection
diagram of the compound motor is shown below.

Compound Motor

The compound motor is further subdivided as Cumulative Compound Motor and Differential
Compound Motor. In cumulative compound motor the flux produced by both the windings is in the same
direction, i.e.

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In differential compound motor, the flux produced by the series field windings is opposite to the flux
produced by the shunt field winding, i.e.

The positive and negative sign indicates that direction of the flux produced in the field windings.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DC MOTORS

Generally, three characteristic curves are considered important for DC motors which are,

(i) Torque vs. armature current,

(ii) (ii) Speed vs. armature current and
(iii) (iii) Speed vs. torque.

These are explained below for each type of DC motor. These characteristics are determined by keeping
the following two relations in mind.

Ta ∝ ɸ.Ia and N ∝ Eb/ɸ

These above equations can be studied at - emf and torque equation of dc machine. For a DC motor,
magnitude of the back emf is given by the same emf equation of a dc generator i.e. Eb = PɸNZ / 60A. For
a machine, P, Z and A are constant, therefore, N ∝ Eb/ɸ

Characteristics Of DC Series Motors

Torque Vs. Armature Current (Ta-Ia)

This characteristic is also known as electrical characteristic. We know that torque is directly proportional
to the product of armature current and field flux, Ta ∝ ɸ.Ia. In DC series motors, field winding is
connected in series with the armature, i.e. Ia = If. Therefore, before magnetic saturation of the field, flux ɸ
is directly proportional to Ia. Hence, before magnetic saturation Ta α Ia2. Therefore, the Ta-Ia curve is
parabola for smaller values of Ia.

After magnetic saturation of the field poles, flux ɸ is independent of armature current Ia. Therefore, the
torque varies proportionally to Ia only, T ∝ Ia.Therefore, after magnetic saturation, Ta-Ia curve becomes a
straight line.

The shaft torque (Tsh) is less than armature torque (Ta) due to stray losses. Hence, the curve Tsh vs Ia lies
slightly lower.

In DC series motors, (prior to magnetic saturation) torque increases as the square of armature current,
these motors are used where high starting torque is required.

Speed Vs. Armature Current (N-Ia)

We know the relation, N ∝ Eb/ɸ

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For small load current (and hence for small armature current) change in back emf Eb is small and it may
be neglected. Hence, for small currents speed is inversely proportional to ɸ. As we know, flux is directly
proportional to Ia, speed is inversely proportional to Ia. Therefore, when armature current is very small
the speed becomes dangerously high. That is why a series motor should never be started without some
mechanical load.

But, at heavy loads, armature current Ia is large. And hence, speed is low which results in decreased back
emf Eb. Due to decreased Eb, more armature current is allowed.

Speed Vs. Torque (N-Ta)

This characteristic is also called as mechanical characteristic. From the above two characteristics of DC
series motor, it can be found that when speed is high, torque is low and vice versa.

Characteristics Of DC Shunt Motors

Torque Vs. Armature Current (Ta-Ia)

In case of DC shunt motors, we can assume the field flux ɸ to be constant. Though at heavy loads, ɸ
decreases in a small amount due to increased armature reaction. As we are neglecting the change in the
flux ɸ, we can say that torque is proportional to armature current. Hence, the Ta-Ia characteristic for a dc
shunt motor will be a straight line through the origin.

Since heavy starting load needs heavy starting current, shunt motor should never be started on a heavy
load.
Speed Vs. Armature Current (N-Ia)

As flux ɸ is assumed to be constant, we can say N ∝ Eb. But, as back emf is also almost constant, the
speed should remain constant. But practically, ɸ as well as Eb decreases with increase in load. Back emf
Eb decreases slightly more than ɸ, therefore, the speed decreases slightly. Generally, the speed decreases
only by 5 to 15% of full load speed. Therefore, a shunt motor can be assumed as a constant speed motor.
In speed vs. armature current characteristic in the following figure, the straight horizontal line represents
the ideal characteristic and the actual characteristic is shown by the dotted line.

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Characteristics Of DC Compound Motor

DC compound motors have both series as well as shunt winding. In a compound motor, if series and
shunt windings are connected such that series flux is in direction as that of the shunt flux then the motor is
said to be cumulatively compounded. And if the series flux is opposite to the direction of the shunt flux,
then the motor is said to be differentially compounded. Characteristics of both these compound motors are
explained below.

(a) Cumulative compound motor

Cumulative compound motors are used where series characteristics are required but the load is likely to
be removed completely. Series winding takes care of the heavy load, whereas the shunt winding prevents
the motor from running at dangerously high speed when the load is suddenly removed. These motors have
generally employed a flywheel, where sudden and temporary loads are applied like in rolling mills.

(b) Differential compound motor

Since in differential field motors, series flux opposes shunt flux, the total flux decreases with increase in
load. Due to this, the speed remains almost constant or even it may increase slightly with increase in load
(N ∝ Eb/ɸ). Differential compound motors are not commonly used, but they find limited applications in
experimental and research work.

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SPEED CONTROL OF DC MOTOR:

The dc motor converts the mechanical power into dc electrical power. One of the most important features
of the dc motor is that their speed can easily be control according to the requirement by using simple
methods. Such type of control is impossible in an AC motor.

The concept of the speed regulation is different from the speed control. In speed regulation, the speed of
the motor changes naturally whereas in dc motor the speed of the motor changes manually by the operator
or by some automatic control device. The speed of the DC Motor is given by the relation shown below.

The equation (1) that the speed is dependent upon the supply voltage V, the armature circuit resistance
Ra and the field flux ϕ, which is produced by the field current.

For controlling the speed of DC Motor, the variation in voltage, armature resistance and field flux is taken
into consideration. There are three general methods of speed control of a DC Motor. They are as follows.

1. Variation of resistance in the armature circuit.This method is called Armature Resistance or

Rheostatic control.
2. Variation in field flux.This method is known as Field Flux Control.
3. Variation in applied voltage.This method is also known as Armature Voltage Control.

The detailed discussion of the various method of controlling the speed is given below.

Armature Resistance Control of DC Motor

Shunt Motor

The connection diagram of a shunt motor of the armature resistance control method is shown below. In
this method, a variable resistor Re is put in the armature circuit. The variation in the variable resistance
does not effect the flux as the field is directly connected to the supply mains.

Fig: Connection diagram of a shunt motor of the armature resistance control method

The speed current characteristic of the shunt motor is shown below.

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 Fig: Speed current characteristic of the shunt motor

Series Motor:

Now, let us consider a connection diagram of speed control of the DC Series motor by the armature
resistance control method.

Fig: Diagram of speed control of the DC Series motor

By varying the armature circuit resistance, the current and flux both are affected. The voltage drop in the
variable resistance reduces the applied voltage to the armature, and as a result, the speed of the motor is
reduced.

The speed–current characteristic of a series motor is shown in the figure below.

Fig: Speed–current characteristic of a series motor

When the value of variable resistance Re is increased, the motor runs at a lower speed. Since the variable
resistance carries full armature current, it must be designed to carry continuously the full armature
current.

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Disadvantages of Armature Resistance Control Method

 A large amount of power is wasted in the external resistance Re.

 Armature resistance control is restricted to keep the speed below the normal
speed of the motor and increase in the speed above normal level is not possible
by this method.

 For a given value of variable resistance, the speed reduction is not constant but
varies with the motor load.

 This speed control method is used only for small motors.

Field Flux Control Method of DC Motor

Flux is produced by the field current. Thus, the speed control by this method is achieved by control of the
field current.

Shunt Motor

In a Shunt Motor, the variable resistor R C is connected in series with the shunt field windings as shown in
the figure below. This resistor RC is known as a Shunt Field Regulator.

Fig: Shunt Field Regulator

The shunt field current is given by the equation shown below.

The connection of RC in the field reduces the field current, and hence the flux is also reduced. This
reduction in flux increases the speed, and thus, the motor runs at speed higher than the normal speed.
Therefore, this method is used to give motor speed above normal or to correct the fall of speed because of
the load.

The speed-torque curve for shunt motor is shown below.

Fig: speed-torque curve for shunt motor

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Series Motor

In a series motor, the variation in field current is done by any one method, i.e. either by a diverter or by a
tapped field control.

By Using a Diverter:

A variable resistance R d is connected in parallel with the series field windings as shown in the figure
below.

Fig: Diverter is connected in parallel with the series field windings

The parallel resistor is called a Diverter. A portion of the main current is diverted through a variable
resistance Rd. Thus, the function of a diverter is to reduce the current flowing through the field winding.
The reduction in field current reduces the amount of flux and as a result the speed of the motor increases.

Tapped Field Control:

The second method used in a series motor for the variation in field current is by tapped field control. The
connection diagram is shown below.

Fig: Tapped Field Control

Here the ampere turns are varied by varying the number of field turns. This type of arrangement is used in
an electric traction system. The speed of the motor is controlled by the variation of the field flux. The
speed-torque characteristic of a series motor is shown below.

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 Fig: Speed-torque characteristic

Advantages of Field Flux Control

The following are the advantages of the field flux control method.

 This method is easy and convenient.

 As the shunt field is very small, the power loss in the shunt field is also small.

The flux cannot usually be increased beyond its normal values because of the saturation of the iron.
Therefore, speed control by flux is limited to the weakening of the field, which gives an increase in speed.
This method is applicable over only to a limited range because if the field is weakened too much, there is
a loss of stability.

Armature Voltage Control of DC Motor

In armature voltage control method the speed control is achieved by varying the applied voltage in the
armature winding of the motor. This speed control method is also known as Ward Leonard Method,
which is discussed in detail under the topic Ward Leonard Method or Armature Voltage Control.

Ward Leonard Method Of Speed Control Or Armature Voltage Control

Ward Leonard Method of speed control is achieved by varying the applied voltage to the armature. This
method was introduced in 1891. The connection diagram of the Ward Leonard method of speed control of
a DC shunt motor is shown in the figure below.

In the above system, M is the main DC motor whose speed is to be controlled, and G is a separately
excited DC generator.The generator G is driven by a 3 phase driving motor which may be an induction
motor or a synchronous motor. The combination of AC driving motor and the DC generator is called
the Motor-Generator (M-G) set.

The voltage of the generator is changed by changing the generator field current. This voltage when
directly applied to the armature of the main DC motor, the speed of the motor M changes. The motor field
current Ifm is kept constant so that the motor field flux ϕm also remains constant. While the speed of the
motor is controlled, the motor armature current Ia is kept equal to its rated value.

The generated field current Ifg is varied such that the armature voltage Vtchanges from zero to its rated
value. The speed will change from zero to the base speed. Since the speed control is carried out with the

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rated current Ia and with the constant motor field flux, a constant torque is directly proportional to the
armature current, and field flux up to rated speed is obtained. The product of torque and speed is known
as power, and it is proportional to speed. Thus, with the increase in power, speed increases automatically.

The Torque and Power Characteristic is shown in the figure below.

Hence, with the armature voltage control method, constant torque and variable power drive is obtained
from speed below the base speed. The Field flux control method is used when the speed is above the base
speed. In this mode of operation, the armature current is maintained constant at its rated value, and the
generator voltage Vt is kept constant.
The motor field current is decreased and as a result, the motor field flux also decreases.This means that
the field is weakened to obtain the higher speed. Since VtIa and EIa remain constant, the electromagnetic
torque is directly proportional to the field flux ϕm and the armature current Ia. Thus, if the field flux of
the motor is decreased the torque decreases.
Therefore, the torque decreases, as the speed increases. Thus, in the field control mode, constant power
and variable torque are obtained for speeds above the base speed. When the speed control over a wide
range is required, a combination of armature voltage control and field flux control is used. This
combination permits the ratio of maximum to minimum speed available speeds to be 20 to 40. For closed
loop control, this range can be extended up to 200.
The driving motor can be an induction or synchronous motor. An induction motor operates at a lagging
power factor. The synchronous motor may be operated at a leading power factor by over-excitation of its
field. Leading reactive power is generated by over excited synchronous motor. It compensates for the
lagging reactive power taken by other inductive loads. Thus, the power factor is improved.
A Slip ring induction motor is used as p prime mover when the load is heavy and intermittent. A flywheel
is mounted on the shaft of the motor. This scheme is known as Ward Leonard-Ilgener scheme. It prevents
heavy fluctuations in supply current.
When the Synchronous motor is acting as a driving motor, the fluctuations cannot be reduced by
mounting a flywheel on its shaft, because the synchronous motor always operates at a constant speed. In
another form of Ward Leonard drive, non-electrical prime movers can also be used to drive the DC
generator.
For example – In DC electric locomotive, DC generator is driven by a diesel engine or a gas turbine and
ship propulsion drives. In this system, Regenerative braking is not possible because energy cannot flow in
the reverse direction in the prime mover.

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Advantages of Ward Leonard Drives

The main advantages of the Ward Leonard drive are as follows:-

 Smooth speed control of DC motor over a wide range in both the direction is possible.
 It has an inherent braking capacity.
 The lagging reactive volt-amperes are compensated by using an overexcited synchronous motor
as the drive and thus, the overall power factor improves.
 When the load is intermittent as in rolling mills, the drive motor is an induction motor with a
flywheel mounted to smooth out the intermittent loading to a low value.

Drawbacks of Classical Ward Leonard System

The Ward Leonard system with rotating Motor Generator sets has following drawbacks.
 The Initial cost of the system is high as there is a motor generator set installed, of the same rating
as that of the main DC motor.
 Larger size and weight.
 Requires large floor area
 Costly foundation
 Maintenance of the system is frequent.
 Higher losses.
 Lower efficiency.
 The drive produces more noise.

Applications of Ward Leonard Drives

The Ward Leonard drives are used where a smooth speed control of the DC motors over a wide range in
both the directions is required. Some of the examples are as follows:-
 Rolling mills
 Elevators
 Cranes
 Paper mills
 Diesel-electric locomotives
 Mine hoists

Solid State Control or Static Ward Leonard System

Now a days Static Ward Leonard system is mostly used. In this system, the rotating motor-generator (M-
G) set is replaced by a solid state converter to control the speed of the DC motor. Controlled Rectifiers
and choppers are used as a converter.
In the case of an AC supply, controlled rectifiers are used to convert fixed AC supply voltage into a
variable AC supply voltage. In the case of DC supply, choppers are used to obtain variable DC voltage
from the fixed DC voltage.

STARTING OF DC MOTORS

A starter is a device to start and accelerate a motor. A controller is a device to start the motor, control
and reverse the speed of the DC motor and stop the motor. While starting the DC motor, it draws the
heavy current which damages the motor. The starter reduces the heavy current and protects the system
from damage.

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Need of Starters for DC Motors

The dc motor has no back EMF. At the starting of the motor, the armature current is controlled by the
resistance of the circuit. The resistance of the armature is low, and when the full voltage is applied at the
standstill condition of the motor, the armature current becomes very high which damage the parts of the
motor.

Because of the high armature current, the additional resistance is placed in the armature circuit at starting.
The starting resistance of the machine is cut out of the circuit when the machine gains it speeds. The
armature current of a motor is given by

Thus, Ia depends upon E and Ra, if V is kept constant. When the motor is first switched ON, the
armature is stationary. Hence, the back EMF E b is also zero. The initial starting armature current
Ias is given by the equation shown below.

Since, the armature resistance of a motor is very small, generally less than one ohm. Therefore,
the starting armature current Ias would be very large. For example – if a motor with the armature
resistance of 0.5 ohms is connected directly to a 230 V supply, then by putting the values in the
equation (2) we will get.

This large current would damage the brushes, commutator and windings.

As the motor speed increases, the back EMF increases and the difference (V – E) go on
decreasing. This results in a gradual decrease of armature current until the motor attains its stable
speed and the corresponding back EMF. Under this condition, the armature current reaches its
desired value. Thus, it is found that the back EMF helps the armature resistance in limiting the
current through the armature.

Since at the time of starting the DC Motor, the starting current is very large. At the time of
starting of all DC Motors, except for very small motors, an extra resistance must be connected in
series with the armature. This extra resistance is added so that a safe value of the motor is
maintained and to limit the starting current until the motor has attained its stable speed.

The series resistance is divided into sections which are cut out one by one, as the speed of the
motor rises and the back EMF builds up. The extra resistance is cut out when the speed of the
motor builds up to its normal value.

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3 POINT STARTER

3 Point Starter is a device whose main function is starting and maintaining the speed of the DC
shunt motor. The 3 point starter connects the resistance in series with the circuit which reduces
the high starting current and hence protects the machines from damage. Mainly there are three
main points or terminals in 3 point starter of DC motor. They are as follows

 L is known as Line terminal, which is connected to the positive supply.

 A is known as the armature terminal and is connected to the armature windings.
 F or Z is known as the field terminal and is connected to the field terminal windings.

The 3 Point DC Shunt Motor Starter is shown in the figure below

It consists of a graded resistance R to limit the starting current. The handle H is kept in the OFF
position by a spring S. The handle H is manually moved, for starting the motor and when it
makes contact with resistance stud one the motor is said to be in the START position. In this
initial start position, the field winding of the motor receives the full supply voltage, and the
armature current is limited to a certain safe value by the resistance (R = R 1 + R2 + R3 + R4).

Working of 3 Point Starter

The starter handle is now moved from stud to stud, and this builds up the speed of the motor until
it reaches the RUN position. The Studs are the contact point of the resistance. In the RUN
position, three main points are considered. They are as follows.

 The motor attains the full speed.

 The supply is direct across both the windings of the motor.
 The resistance R is completely cut out.

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The handle H is held in RUN position by an electromagnet energised by a no volt trip coil
(NVC). This no volt trip coil is connected in series with the field winding of the motor. In the
event of switching OFF, or when the supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, or the
complete failure of supply while the motor is running, NVC is energised. The handle is released
and pulled back to the OFF position by the action of the spring. The current to the motor is cut
off, and the motor is not restarted without a resistance R in the armature circuit. The no voltage
coil also provides protection against an open circuit in the field windings.

The No Voltage Coil (NVC) is called NO-VOLT or UNDERVOLTAGE protection of the

motor. Without this protection, the supply voltage might be restored with the handle in the RUN
position. The full line voltage is directly applied to the armature. As a result, a large amount of
current is generated.

The other protective device incorporated in the starter is the overload protection. The Over Load
Trip Coil (OLC) and the No Voltage Coil (NVC) provide the overload protection of the motor.
The overload coil is made up of a small electromagnet, which carries the armature current. The
magnetic pull of the Overload trip coil is insufficient to attract the strip P, for the normal values
of the armature current

When the motor is overloaded, that is the armature current exceeds the normal rated value, P is
attracted by the electromagnet of the OLC and closes the contact aa thus, the No Voltage Coil is
short-circuited, shown in the figure of 3 Point Starter. As a result, the handle H is released, which
returns to the OFF position, and the motor supply is cut off.

To stop the motor, the starter handle should never be pulled back as this would result in burning
the starter contacts. Thus, to stop the motor, the main switch of the motor should be opened.

Drawbacks of a 3 Point Starter

The following drawbacks of a 3 point starter are as follows:-

 The 3 point starter suffers from a serious drawback for motors with a large variation of
speed by adjustment of the field rheostat.
 To increase the speed of the motor, the field resistance should be increased. Therefore,
the current through the shunt field is reduced.
 The field current may become very low because of the addition of high resistance to
obtain a high speed.
 A very low field current will make the holding electromagnet too weak to overcome the
force exerted by the spring.
 The holding magnet may release the arm of the starter during the normal operation of the
motor and thus, disconnect the motor from the line. This is not a desirable action.

Hence, to overcome this difficulty, the 4 Point Starter is used.

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4 POINT STARTER

A 4 Point Starter is almost similar in functional characteristics like 3 Point Starter. In the absence
of back EMF, the 4 Point Starter acts as a current limiting device while starting of the DC motor.
4 Point Starter also acts a protecting device.

The basic difference in 4 Point Starter as compared to 3 Point Starter is that in this a holding coil
is removed from the shunt field circuit. This coil after removing is connected across the line in
series with a current limiting resistance R. The studs are the contact points of the resistance
represented by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in the figure below. The schematic connection diagram of a 4 Point
Starter is shown below.

Fig: 4 Point Starter

The above arrangement forms three parallel circuits. They are as follows:-

 Armature, starting the resistance and the shunt field winding.

 A variable resistance and the shunt field winding.
 Holding coil and the current limiting resistance.

With the above three arrangements of the circuit, there will be no effect on the current through
the holding coil if there is any variation in speed of the motor or any change in field current of
the motor. This is because the two circuits are independent of each other.

The only limitation or the drawback of the 4 point starter is that it cannot limit or control the high
current speed of the motor. If the field winding of the motor gets opened under the running
condition, the field current automatically reduces to zero. But as some of the residual flux is still
present in the motor, and we know that the flux is directly proportional to the speed of the motor.
Therefore, the speed of the motor increases drastically, which is dangerous and thus protection is
not possible. This sudden increase in the speed of the motor is known as High-Speed Action of
the Motor.
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Nowadays automatic push button starters are also used. In the automatic starters, the ON push
button is pressed to connect the current limiting starting resistors in series with the armature
circuit. As soon as the full line voltage is available to the armature circuit, this resistor is
gradually disconnected by an automatic controlling arrangement.

The circuit is disconnected when the OFF button is pressed. Automatic starter circuits have been
developed using electromagnetic contactors and time delay relays. The main advantage of the
automatic starter is that it enables even the inexperienced operator to start and stop the motor
without any difficulty.

LOSSES IN DC MACHINE

The losses that occur in a DC Machine is divided into five basic categories. The various losses
are Electrical or Copper losses (I2R losses), Core losses or Iron losses, Brush losses, Mechanical
losses, Stray load losses. These losses are explained below in detail.

Fig: Classification of losses in DC machnes

Electrical or Copper Losses in dc machine

These losses are also known as Winding losses as the copper loss occurs because of the
resistance of the windings. The ohmic loss is produced by the current flowing in the windings.
The windings that are present in addition to the armature windings are the field windings,
interpoles and compensating windings.

Armature copper losses = Ia2Ra where Ia is armature current, and Ra is the armature resistance.
These losses are about 30 percent of the total full load losses.

In shunt machine, the Copper loss in the shunt field is I 2shRsh, where Ish is the current in the shunt
field, and Rsh is the resistance of the shunt field windings. The shunt regulating resistance is
included in Rsh.

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In a series machine, the copper loss in the series windings is I 2seRse, where, Ise is the current
through the series field windings, and Rse is the resistance of the series field windings.

In a Compound machine, both the shunt and the series field losses occur. These losses are almost
20 percent of the full load losses.

Copper losses in the interpole windings are written as I a2Ri where Ri is the resistance of the
interpole windings.

Copper loss in the compensating windings if any is Ia2Rc where Rc is the resistance of
compensating windings.

Magnetic Losses or Core Losses or Iron Losses in dc machine

The core losses are the hysteresis and eddy current losses. These losses are considered almost
constant as the machines are usually operated at constant flux density and constant speed. These
losses are about 20 percent of the full load losses.

Brush Losses in dc machine

Brush losses are the losses taking place between the commutator and the carbon brushes. It is the
power loss at the brush contact point. The brush drop depends upon the brush contact voltage
drop and the armature current Ia. It is given by the equation shown below.

The voltage drop occurring over a large range of armature currents, across a set of brushes is
approximately constant If the value of brush voltage drop is not given than it is usually assumed
to be about 2 volts. Thus, the brush drop loss is taken as 2I a.

Mechanical Losses in dc machine

The losses that take place because of the mechanical effects of the machines are known as
mechanical losses. Mechanical losses are divided into bearing friction loss and windage loss. The
losses occurring in the moving parts of the machine and the air present in the machine is known
as Windage losses. These losses are very small.

Stray Losses in dc machine

These losses are the miscellaneous type of losses. The following factors are considered in stray
load losses.

 The distortion of flux because of armature reaction.

 Short circuit currents in the coil, undergoing commutation.

These losses are very difficult to determine. Therefore, it is necessary to assign the reasonable
value of the stray loss. For most machines, stray losses are taken by convention to be one percent
of the full load output power.

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EFFICIENCY OF DC GENERATOR

Efficiency is simply defined as the ratio of output power to the input power. Let R = total
resistance of the armature circuit (including the brush contact resistance, at series winding
resistance, inter-pole winding resistance and compensating winding resistance). The efficiency of
DC generator is explained below in the line diagram.

Fig: Power flow diagram

 I is the output current

 Ish is the current through the shunt field
 Ia is the armature current = I + Ish
 V is the terminal voltage.

Total copper loss in the armature circuit = I a2Rat

Power loss in the shunt circuit = VIsh (this includes the loss in the shunt regulating resistance).

Mechanical losses = friction loss of bearings + friction loss at a commutator + windage loss.

Core losses = hysteresis loss + eddy current loss

Stray loss = mechanical loss + core loss

The sum of the shunt field copper loss and stray losses may be considered as a combined fixed
(constant) loss that does not vary with the load current I.

Therefore, the constant losses (in shunt and compound generators) = stray loss + shunt field
copper losses.

SWINBURNE’S TEST
Swinburne’s Test is an indirect method of testing of DC machines. In this method the losses are measured
separately and the efficiency at any desired load is predetermined. Machines are tested for finding out

81 | P a g e
losses, efficiency and temperature rise. For small machines direct loading test is performed. For large
shunt machines, indirect methods are used like Swinburne’s or Hopkinson’s test.

The machine is running as a motor at rated voltage and speed. The connection diagram for DC shunt
machine is shown in the figure below.

Fig: Swinburne’s Test

Let

V be the supply voltage

I0 is the no-load current

Ish is the shunt field current

Therefore, no load armature current is given by the equation shown below.

No-load input = VI0

The no-load power input to the machine supplies the following, as given below.

 Iron loss in the core

 Friction losses in the bearings and commutators.

 Windage loss

 Armature copper loss at no load.

When the machine is loaded, the temperature of the armature winding and the field winding increases due
to I2R losses. For calculating I2R losses hot resistances should be used. A stationary measurement of
resistances at room temperature of t degree Celsius is made by passing current through the armature and
then field from a low voltage DC supply. Then the heated resistance, allowing a temperature rise of 50⁰C
is found. The equations are as follows:-

82 | P a g e
Where, α0 is the temperature coefficient of resistance at 0⁰C

Therefore,

Stray loss = iron loss + friction loss + windage loss = input at no load – field copper loss – no load
armature copper loss

Also, constant losses

If the constant losses of the machine are known, its efficiency at any other load can be determined as
follows.

Let I be the load current at which efficiency is required.

Efficiency when the machine is running as a Motor.

Therefore, total losses is given as

The efficiency of the motor is given below.

Efficiency when the machine is running as a Generator.

83 | P a g e
 Therefore, total losses is given as

The efficiency of the generator is given below.

Advantages of Swinburne’s Test:

The main advantages of the Swinburne’s test are as follows:-

 The power required to test a large machine is small. Thus, this method is an economical and
convenient method of testing of DC machines.

 As the constant loss is known the efficiency can be predetermined at any load.

Disadvantages of Swinburne’s Test:

 Change in iron loss is not considered at full load from no load. Due to armature reaction flux is
distorted at full load and, as a result, iron loss is increased.

 As the Swinburne’s test is performed at no load. Commutation on full load cannot be determined
whether it is satisfactory or not and whether the temperature rise is within the specified limits or
not.

Limitations of Swinburne’s Test:

 Machines having a constant flux are only eligible for Swinburne’s test. For examples – shunt
machines and level compound generators.

 Series machines cannot run on light loads, and the value of speed and flux varies greatly. Thus,
the Swinburne’s Test are not applicable for series machines



BRAKE TEST ON DC SHUNT MOTOR:
Brake test is a method of finding efficiency of dc motors. We took dc shunt motor as running
machine. Brake test also called as direct loading test of testing the motor because loading will be
applied directly on shaft of the motor by means of a belt and pulley arrangement.

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Test Requirements:

1. DC shunt motor
2. Water-cooled pulley
3. Spring balance

Procedure of Brake Test on DC Shunt Motor:

1. By adjusting the handle of the pulley take different readings of the spring balance.
2. The tension in the belt can be adjusted using the handle. The tension in kg can be obtained from
the spring balance readings.
3. Adjusting the load step by step till full load, number of readings can be obtained. By increasing the
load is slowly, adjust to get rated load current.
4. The power developed gets wasted against the friction between belt and shaft. Due to the braking
action of belt the test is called brake test.
5. The speed can be measured by tachometer. Thus all the motor characteristics can be plotted.

Calculation of Brake Test on DC Shunt Motor

Let R (or) r= Radius of pulley in meters

N = Speed in R.P.M.

W1 = spring balance reading on tight side in kg

W2 = spring balance reading on slack side in kg

So, net pull on the belt due to friction at the pulley is the difference between the two spring balance
readings.

Net pull on the rope = (W - S) kg = (W - S) X 9.81 newtons ...... (1)

As radius R and speed N are known, the shaft torque developed can be obtained as,

Tsh = Net pull X R = (W - S) X 9.81 X R ....... (2)

Now let, V = Voltage applied in volts

I = Total line current drawn in amps.

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As we know V and I are input parameters of dc motors in brake test.

Then,

Pin=V.I Watts .....(3)

We have output and input. Then why late go and find the efficiency of dc shunt motor.

Efficiency (η)=Output/Input [No units]

From equation (2) & (3)

Advantages of Brake Test on DC Shunt Motor:

1. Actual efficiency of the motor under working conditions can be found out.
2. Brake test is simple and easy to perform.
3. It is not only for dc shunt motor, also can be performed on any type of D.C. motor.

Disadvantages of Brake Test on DC Shunt Motor:

1. In brake test due the belt friction lot of heat will be generated and hence there is large dissipation
of energy.
2. Cooling arrangement is necessary to minimize the heat. Mostly in our laboratories we use water as
cooling liquid.
3. Convenient only for small rated machines due to limitations regarding heat dissipation
arrangements.
4. Power developed gets wasted hence brake test method is little expensive.
5. The efficiency observed is on lower side.

HOPKINSON’S TEST

Hopkinson’s Test is also known as Regenerative Test, Back to Back test and Heat Run Test. In
Hopkinson Test, two identical shunt machines are required which are coupled both mechanically and
electrically in parallel. One is acting as a motor and another one as a generator. The input to the motor is
given by the supply mains.

The mechanical output of motor drives the generator, and the electrical output of the generator is used in
supplying the input to the motor. Thus, the output of each machine acts as an input to the other machine.
When both the machines are running on the full load, the supply input is equal to the total losses of the
machines. Hence, the power input from the supply is very small.

The Circuit Diagram of the Hopkinson’s Test is shown in the figure below.

Supply is given and with the help of a starter, the machine M starts and work as a motor. The switch S is
kept open. The field current of M is adjusted with the help of rheostat field RM, which enables the motor
to run at rated speed. Machine G acts as a generator. Since the generator is mechanically coupled to the
motor, it runs at the rated speed of the motor.

86 | P a g e
 Fig: Hopkinson’s Test

The excitation of the generator G is so adjusted with the help of its field rheostat R G that the voltage
across the armature of the generator is slightly higher than the supply voltage. In actual the terminal
voltage of the generator is kept 1 or 2 volts higher than the supply voltage.

When the voltage of the generator is equal and of the same polarity as the of the busbar supply voltage,
the main switch S is closed, and the generator is connected to the busbars. Thus, both the machines are
now in parallel across the supply. Under this condition, when the machines are running parallel, the
generator are said to float. This means that the generator is neither taking any current nor giving any
current to the supply.

Now with the help of a field rheostat, any required load can be thrown on the machines by adjusting the
excitation of the machines with the help of field rheostats.

Let,

 V be the supply voltage

 IL is the line current

 Im is the input current to the motor

 Ig is the input current to the generator

 Iam is the motor armature current

 Ishm is the motor shunt field current

 Ishg is the generator shunt field current

 Ra is the armature resistance of each machine

 Rshm is the motor shunt field resistance

 Rshg is the generator shunt field resistance

 Eg is the generator induced voltage

 Em is the motor induced voltage or back emf

87 | P a g e
Since the field flux is directly proportional to the field current.

Thus, the excitation of the generator shall always be greater than that of the motor.

Calculation of the Efficiency of the Machine by Hopkinson’s Test

 Power input from the supply = VIL = total losses of both the machines
 Armature copper loss of the motor = I2 am R a
 Field copper loss of the motor = I2 shm shm
R
 Armature copper loss of the generator = I2agRa
 Field copper loss of the generator = = I2 shg Rshg
The constant losses Pc like iron, friction and windage losses are assumed to be equal and is written as
given below.
Constant losses of both the machines = Power drawn from the supply – Armature and shunt copper losses
of both the machines.

Assuming that the constant losses known as stray losses are divided equally between the two machines.

Total stray loss per machine = ½ P C

Efficiency of the Generator

 Output = VIag
 Constant losses for generator is given as PC/2
 Armature copper loss = I2ag Ra
 Field copper loss = I2shg Rshg

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The Efficiency of the generator is given by the equation shown below

Efficiency of the Motor

 Constant losses of the motor is given as PC/2

 Armature copper loss = I2am Ra
 Field copper loss = I2 shm shm
R
The Efficiency of the motor is given by the equation shown below

Advantages of Hopkinson’s Test

The main advantages of using Hopkinson’s test are as follows:-

 This method is very economical.

 The temperature rise and the commutation conditions can be checked under rated load conditions.
 Stray losses are considered, as both the machines are operated under rated load conditions.
 Large machines can be tested at rated load without consuming much power from the supply.
 Efficiency at different loads can be determined.

Disadvantage of Hopkinson’s Test

The main disadvantage of this method is the necessity of two practically identical machines for
performing the Hopkinson’s test. Hence, this test is suitable for large DC machines.

FIELD’S TEST:

This is one of the methods of testing the D.C. series motors. Unlike shunt motors, the series motor
cannot be tested by the methods which area available for shunt motors as it is impossible to run the motor
on no-load. It may run at dangerously high speed on no load. In case of small series motors brake test may
be employed.

The series motors are usually tested in pairs. The field test is applied to two similar series motors
which are coupled mechanically. The connection diagram for the test is shown in the Fig. 1.

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 Fig. 1 Field test

As shown in the Fig. 1 one machine is made to run as a motor while the other as a generator which is
separately excited. The fields of the two machines are connected in series so that both the machines are
equally excited. This will make iron losses same for the two machines. The two machines are running at
the same speed. The generator output is given to the variable resistance R.

The resistance R is changed until the current taken by motor reaches full load value. This will be
indicated by ammeter A1. The other readings of different meters are then recorded.

Let V = Supply voltage

I1 = Current taken by motor

I2 = Load current

V2 = Terminal p.d. of generator

Ra, Rse = Armature and series field resistance of each machine

Power taken from supply = VI1

Output obtained from generator = V2 I2

Total losses in both the machines, WT = VI1 - V2 I2

Armature copper and field losses, WCU = ( Ra + 2 Rse ) I1 2 + I22 Ra

Total stray losses = WT - WCU

Since the two machines are equally excited and are running at same speed the stray loses are equally
divided.

For Motor;

Input to motor = V1 I1

Total losses = Aramture Cu loss + Field Cu loss + Stray loss

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 = I12 ( R a+ R se
)+W s

Output of motor = Input - Total losses = V1 I1 - [ I 21 ( Ra + R ) se+ Ws ]

For Generator:

Efficiency of generator is of little importance because it is running under conditions of separate

excitation. Still it can be found as follows.

Output of generator = V2 I2

Field Cu loss = I 12 R se

Armature Cu loss = I22 R a

Total losses = Armature Cu loss + Field Cu loss + Stray loss

= I22 Ra + I 21R + seWs

Input to generator = Output + Total losses = V2 I2 + [ I 22 R +a I 2 1R + seWs ]

The important point to be noted is that this is not regenerative method though the two machines are
mechanically coupled because the generator output is not fed back to the motor as in case of Hopkinson's
test but it is wasted in load resistance.

RETARDATION TEST OR RUNNING DOWN TEST

This method is generally employed to shunt generators and shunt motors. From this method we can
get stary losses. Thus if armature and shunt copper losses at any given load current are known then
efficiency of a machine can be easily estimated.

The machine whose test is to be taken is run at a speed which is slightly above its normal speed. The
supply to the motor is cut off while the field is kept excited. The armature consequently slows down and
its kinetic energy is used in supplying the rotational or stray losses which includes iron, friction and
winding loss.

If I is the amount of inertia of the armature ans is the angular velocity.

Kinetic energy of armature = 0.5 Iω2

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... Rotational losses, W = Rate of change of kinetic energy

Fig. 2 Retardation test

Angular velocity, ω = (2 πN)/60

Thus, to find the rotational losses, the moment of inertia I and dN/dt must be known.
These quantities can be found as follows;

Determination of dN/dt
The voltmeter V1 which is connected across the armature will read the back e.m.f. of the motor. We
know that back e.m.f. is proportional to speed so that voltmeter is calibrated to read the speed directly.

When motor is cut off from the supply, the speed decrease in speed is noted with the help of stop
watch. A curve showing variation between time and speed which is obtained from voltmeter which is
suitably calibrated is shown in the Fig. 3.

92 | P a g e
 Fig. 3 Determination of dN/dt

At any point C corresponding to normal speed, a tangent AB is drawn. Then

The value obtained from above can be substituted in the expression for W which can give the
rotational looses.

Determination of moment of inertia (I):

Method 1: Using Flywheel

The armature supply is cut off and time required for definite change in speed is noted to draw the
corresponding curve as we have drawn in previous case. This curve is drawn considering only armature of
the machine. Now a flywheel with known moment of the inertia say is I1 keyed onto the shaft and the
same curve is drawn again. The slowing down time will be extended as combined moment of inertia of
the two is increased.

For any given speed (dN/dt1) and (dN/dt2) are determined same as previous case. It can be seen that
the losses in both the cases are almost same as addition of flywheel will not make much difference to the
losses.

In the first case where flywheel is not there then,

Adding the flywheel to the motor armature in second case we get,

Method 2: without using Flywheel

In this method time is noted for the machine to slow down by say 5 % considering the armature
alone. The a retarding torque either mechanical or electrical is applied. Preferably electrical retarding
torque is applied and time required to slow down by 5% is noted again. The method by which electrical
93 | P a g e
torque can be provided is shown in the Fig. 1 in which the switch S after disconnecting from the supply is
thrown to terminals 1'2'. The machine then gets connected to a non-inductive load resistance RL. The
power drawn by this resistance will acts as a retarding torque on the armature which will make it slow
more quickly.

The additional loss in the resistance will be equal to product of ammeter reading and the average
reading of the voltmeter (for a fall of 5% of voltmeter reading, the time is noted.) The ammeter reading is
also changing so its average reading is taken. Thus the additional losses is I a2 (Ra + R). Let t1 be the time
when armature is considered alone and t2 be the time when armature is connected across a load resistance,
V be average voltage across R and I a be the average current and W' is additional retarding electrical
torque supplied by motor.

If dN i.e. change in speed is same in two cases then

Here dN/dt1 is rate of change in speed without extra load whereas dN/dt 2 is rate change in speed with
extra electrical load which provides retarding torque.

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