PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION)

COIMBATORE-641 004

NO LOAD AND LOAD CHARACTERISTICS OF DC SHUNT GENERATOR

(A Report submitted in partial fulfilment in the requirements of the course)

ELECTRICAL MACHINES LABORATORY (19U310)

A REPORT SUBMITTED BY

MADHUMITA K (22U226)

II – YEAR (III SEMESTER)

Program: B.E. Instrumentation and Control Engineering

Branch: DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL ENGINEERING

Faculty in charge

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 TABLES OF CONTENTS
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………... (i)

List of figures…………………………………………………………………………………. (ii)

List of tables…………………………………………………………………………………... (iii)

1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………….... 1
1.1. Theory
1.2. Principle of Operations
1.3. Model graph
1.4. Circuit Analysis
1.5. Applications
2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP………………………………………………………. 6
2.1. Aim
2.2. Apparatus Required
2.3. Circuit diagrams
2.4. Precautions / initial settings
2.5. Procedure
3. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS…………………………………………. 10
3.1. Readings
3.2. Calculations
3.3. Observation – Graph
4. INFERENCE……………………………………………………………………………. 15
5. CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………. 16
6. REFERENCE……………………………………………………………………………… 17
 ABSTRACT
This experiment’s focus was on investigating the no-load and load
characteristics of a DC generator. The objective was to comprehend the
behavior of the generator under different conditions, specifically when
operating without a load and when subjected to various loads. By analyzing the
generated voltage, current, and power output at different load levels, the
experiment aimed to gain insights into the generator's efficiency, performance,
and internal resistance. Through the measurements and analysis, valuable data
was obtained. This study provides essential knowledge for designing and
optimizing DC generators in practical applications, emphasizing the importance
of understanding their characteristics under different load conditions.

i
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure no Title Page no

Fig 1.1. No load characteristics – model graph 3

Fig 1.2. Load characteristics – model graph 3

Fig 2.1. No load and load characteristics circuit 7

Fig 2.2. Measurement of Ra circuit 8

Fig 3.1. No load characteristics – graph 13

Fig 3.2. Load characteristics – graph 14

ii
 LIST OF TABLES
Table no Title Page no

Table 2.1. Apparatus required 7

Table 3.1. No load test 10

Table 3.2. Load test 11

Table 3.3. Measurement of Ra 12

iii
 1. INTRODUCTION
A DC shunt generator is an electrical device that converts mechanical energy into direct
current, featuring parallel-connected field and armature windings. Known for its ability to
maintain a constant voltage output, it is widely used in applications requiring stable and
reliable DC power supply.

1.1. THEORY
The inherent ability for voltage regulation in DC shunt generator makes it ideal for
various applications where a stable power supply is crucial. The generator operates based on
the principle of electromagnetic induction, providing a reliable and consistent source of direct
current for a wide range of industrial and commercial purposes.

Under No load:

When a DC shunt generator operates under no load conditions, meaning there is no external
resistance connected to the terminals, it generates a rated voltage known as the no-load
voltage (E0). At no load, the armature current (Ia) is minimal, primarily comprising the field
current (Ish) flowing through the shunt field winding. The generated electromotive force
(EMF) is responsible for this voltage. Under no load, the generator experiences minimal
losses, resulting in the highest efficiency.

Under Load:

When a load is connected to the generator, current starts flowing through the external circuit.
As per Ohm's law, E0=Ia(Ra+Rsh), where Ra is the armature resistance and Rsh is the shunt
field resistance. As the load increases, Ia rises, causing a voltage drop (Ia×Ra) within the
armature. To maintain the terminal voltage (V) despite this drop, the generator adjusts E0 by
increasing the field current (Ish). This increase in field current compensates for the voltage
drop across the armature resistance, ensuring the terminal voltage remains relatively stable
under varying loads.

1
Understanding these principles is crucial for engineers and electricians, as it enables the
effective design and operation of DC shunt generators in various applications, ensuring a
steady and regulated power supply.

1.2. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATIONS

Under No Load:

In a DC shunt generator operating under no load, the armature carries minimal

current, primarily limited to the shunt field winding. The generator produces an electromotive
force (EMF) due to the rotation of the armature within the magnetic field. At no load, the
terminal voltage equals this generated EMF, as there is no significant voltage drop across the
armature resistance.

Under Load:

When a load is connected, current flows through the armature, creating a voltage drop
proportional to the armature resistance. To maintain a stable terminal voltage, the generator
adjusts the field current, increasing it to counteract the voltage drop. This adjustment ensures
that the generated EMF remains higher than the terminal voltage, compensating for losses
and providing a regulated output even under varying load conditions.

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1.3. MODEL GRAPH

Fig.1.1. No load characteristics

Fig.1.2. Low pass circuit graph

3
1.4. CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

NO LOAD CHARACTERISTICS

In a DC shunt generator under no-load conditions, the circuit analysis reveals that
the generated electromotive force (EMF) is equal to the terminal voltage (E0=V) since there
is no current flowing through the armature resistance (Ia=0). The shunt field winding,
connected in parallel to the armature, maintains a small field current (Ish) flowing through its
resistance (Rsh). As a result, the generator's magnetic field is sustained, allowing for the
production of constant EMF. Under this scenario, power losses are minimal, primarily
attributed to the small Ish passing through Rsh. This analysis provides a fundamental
understanding of the generator's behavior in the absence of external loads, crucial for
evaluating its efficiency and performance in practical applications.

LOAD CHARACTERISTICS

Under load, a DC shunt generator experiences a more complex circuit behavior.

When an external load is connected, current flows through both the armature winding and
the load resistance. The armature current (Ia) creates a voltage drop (Ia×Ra) across the
armature resistance (Ra). To maintain a constant terminal voltage (V), the generator adjusts
the field current (Ish). By increasing Ish, the generator compensates for the voltage drop in
the armature, ensuring that the generated electromotive force (EMF) (E0) remains higher
than V. This regulation mechanism allows the generator to deliver a stable output voltage
even under varying load conditions, making it a reliable source of direct current power in
practical applications.

4
 1.5. APPLICATIONS

DC Shunt Generator – Applications

Battery Charging: DC shunt generators are used to charge batteries in various applications,
ensuring a steady and controlled charging process.

Electroplating: They provide a stable DC power source for electroplating processes, ensuring
uniform metal deposition on surfaces.

Electrolysis: DC shunt generators are utilized in electrolytic processes, such as water splitting,
where consistent DC power is required.

Small Scale Industries: Commonly employed in small-scale industries for powering tools and
machines, providing a reliable source of electricity.

Emergency Power Supply: Used as backup power sources, offering a reliable electricity supply
during power outages in critical facilities.

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 2. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

2.1. AIM

• To draw the no-load characteristics curve (magnetic characteristics curve).

• To draw the load characteristics curve (Internal and external) for given DC generator.

2.2. APPARATUS REQUIRED

S.NO NAME OF THE APPARATUS RANGE QUANTITY

DC Ammeter (0-2.5) A, (0-30) A, 1

1.
(0-5) A, (0-50) A, (0-10)
A
DC Voltmeter (0-50) V, (0-300) V, 1
2. (0-10) V

Rheostat 330 Ω/ 1.1 A 2

3.

Lamp load - 1
4.

Tachometer - 1
5.

DPST Switch - 1
6.

Connecting wires - Required

7.

Table 2.1. Apparatus Required

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2.3. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

• No load and load characteristics

Fig.2.1. No load and load characteristics

7
• Measurement of armature resistance

Fig.2.2. Measurement of armature resistance

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2.4. PRECAUTIONS / INITIAL SETTINGS

• Keep the SPST and DPST Switch In open position.

• Load switch should be in open position./Load resistance should be in maximum
position. Motor filed regulating rheostat should be in minimum position.
• Generator field regulating rheostat should be in maximum position.

2.5. PROCEDURE

1. Start the motor using starter.

2. Increase the field regulating resistance of the motor and bring the speed of the M-
G set equal to the rated speed of the generator.
3. Close the SPST Switch. And observe the changes in the voltmeter reading. And this
should be entered as the first set of reading in the tabulation.
4. Decrease the field regulating resistances of the generator and note down the
increased values of ammeter and voltmeter readings and tabulate as next set of
readings.
5. Repeat the step 5 several times till the rated voltage of the generator occurs
6. Close the DPST switch.
7. Switch on the load to increase the load current little greater than the previous
value. Note down the ammeter and voltmeter readings for each load till the load
current reaches 1.251, or load voltage V1=0.

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 3. READINGS AND OBSERVATIONS

3.1. READINGS

TABULATION – NO LOAD TEST

S.NO V L (Volts) Ish (Amps)

1. 20 0.1

2. 30 0.15

3. 160 0.95

4. 170 1

5. 180 1.15

6. 190 1.25

7. 200 1.40

8. 210 1.75

9. 220 2.00

Table 3.1. No load test

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TABULATION – LOAD TEST

S.NO VL (Volts) Ish (amps) IL (Amps) Ia = IL + Ish Eg=VL+(Ia*Ra)

(amps)
(volts)

1. 210 3.2 1.75 4.95 214.75

2. 205 7.2 1.75 8.95 213.59

3. 200 10.8 1.70 12.5 212

4. 190 13.8 1.65 15.45 204.31

5. 190 15 1.60 16.6 205.41

6. 184 16 1.60 17.6 200.89

7. 182 17 1.55 18.55 199.80

8. 180 18 1.50 19.50 198.71

9. 180 19 1.50 20.50 198.71

Table 3.2. Load test

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TABULATION – MEASUREMENT OF Ra

S.NO Armature voltage (V) Armature Current (A) Armature Resistance (R)

1. 1.35 1.2 1.125

2. 2.4 2.4 1

3. 3.4 3.8 0.894

4. 4.4 5 0.88

Ra = 0.9599 Ω

Table 3.3. Measurement of Ra

12
3.2. OBSERVATION – GRAPH

Fig 3.1. No load characteristics - graph

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Fig 3.2. Load characteristics

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 4.INFERENCE
Analysing load and no-load characteristics of a DC shunt generator reveals its ability to
maintain a stable voltage output even under varying loads. Under no load, the generator
produces a consistent voltage. When loaded, the generator adjusts its field current to
compensate for voltage drops, ensuring a steady output. This understanding is crucial for
designing reliable power systems and applications requiring consistent DC power supply.

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 5. CONCLUSION
No load and load characteristics of DC shunt generator are obtained and plotted.

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 6. REFERENCE
https://www.google.com/amp/s/electricallive.com/2014/03/load-characteristics-of-dc-
shunt.html/amp/

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/characteristics-of-dc-generators-series-shunt-and-
compound

https://www.elprocus.com/dc-shunt-generator/

https://www.electricaldeck.com/2020/10/characteristics-of-dc-generators.html?m=1

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