Experiment 4 Lab Manual

American International University- Bangladesh

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
EEE 3214: Electrical Machines 2 Laboratory

Title: Study of Alternator Power.

Introduction:

Apart from portable or mobile engine driven alternators (ac generator) operating in remote
areas or for emergency use, most ac generators feed into large electrical distribution networks
where the frequency and voltage have been established by other generators operating in the
system. Alternators are then said to feed into an “infinite bus”, meaning literally, a large
electrical distribution system of tremendous power. The existing frequency and voltage of
this infinite bus cannot be altered by the addition of any incoming alternator. The objective of
this experiment is to observe these features of an alternator.

Theory and Methodology:

The incoming alternator will have a constant flux in its air-gap because of the fixed- frequency and
voltage of the “infinite bus” it is connected to. The dc rotor current and/or the ac currents in the stator
normally produce the flux. Should the dc current be less than that needed to produce the required flux,
then the stator must supply the difference by drawing lagging reactive power from the infinite bus.

Conversely, if the dc rotor current is larger than required, the stator will draw leading reactive power
from the infinite bus, and the alternator looks like a capacitor.

Changing the dc excitation of an alternator that is "tied” into an infinite bus can only cause it to
exchange more or less reactive power with the infinite bus.

An alternator can only deliver active power (watts) to an infinite bus by forcing its rotor to move
ahead of its normal no-load position. Mechanical torque must be applied to attain and keep this
advanced rotor position. The torque multiplied by speed is a measure of the mechanical power, which
the alternator receives, and therefore, the electric power it delivers. It is clear then, that the prime
mover must apply torque to the rotor. The more torque applied the greater will be the active power
delivered by the alternator until it reaches the limit of its capacity.

An alternator can smoothly glide into synchronous motor operation when the prime mover ceases to
deliver driving torque to it. In fact, an alternator (operating synchronous motor off the infinite bus)
may deliver mechanical power to its prime mover. An alternator, driven by a water turbine, can, in
stepless fashion, become synchronous motor, driving the water turbine as a water pump.

Pre-Lab Homework:

To study the effect of change in excitation and change in prime mover characteristics when alternator
are synchronized with an infinite bus.

Apparatus:

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 1

 Description Model
DC Motor/Generator 8211
Synchronous Motor/Generator 8241
DC Voltmeter/Ammeter 8412
AC Ammeter 8425
AC Voltmeter 8426
Three-Phase Wattmeter 8441
Synchronizing Module 8621
Power Supply 8821
Hand Tachometer 8920
Connection Leads 8941
Timing Belt 8942
Precautions:

High voltages are present in this Laboratory Experiment! Do not make any connections with the
power on! The power should be turned off after completing each individual measurement!

Experimental Procedure:

1. Using your Synchronous Motor/Generator, DC Motor/Generator, Synchronizing Module,

Power Supply, DC Voltmeter/Ammeter, AC Ammeter and AC Voltmeter, connect the circuit
shown in Figure 4-1. Note that the alternator output is connected through the Three-Phase
Wattmeter and Synchronizing Module to the fixed 415 V, 3-phase output of the Power Sup-
ply, terminals 1, 2 and 3. The rotor of the Synchronous Motor/Generator is connected to the
variable 0-240 V dc output of the Power Supply, terminals 7 and N. The dc shunt motor (DC
Motor/Generator) is connected to the fixed 240 V dc output of the Power Supply, terminals 8
and N.

2. a) Couple the DC Motor/Generator to the alternator (Synchronous Motor/ Generator) with

the Timing Belt.

b) Set the field rheostat of the DC Motor/Generator at its full cw position (for minimum
resistance).

c) Place the synchronizing switch in its open position.

3. a) Turn on the Power Supply. Using your Hand Tachometer, adjust the rheostat of the DC
Motor/Generator for a motor speed of 1500 r/min.

b) Turn on the switch S and adjust the dc excitation of the alternator until the output voltage
E, = 415 V ac.

c) Synchronize the alternator with the power line and turn on the synchronizing switch.

d) Carefully adjust the dc excitation of the alternator as well as the speed of the motor until both
wattmeter and varmeter indicate zero. Measure E1, I1 and I2.

E1= ___________V ac I1=__________ A ac I2 = _________________ A dc

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 2
e) The alternator is now “ floating” on the power line. It is neither receiving power from the line nor
delivering power to the line.

4. a) slowly increase only the dc excitation of the alternator until I 1= 0.17 A ac. Measure W1,W2 ,E1
and I2.

W1= _______________W W2 =____________________W

E1 =_________________V ac I2 =_____________________ A dc

Figure: 4-1

b) Calculate the apparent power delivered by the alternator and the power factor.

Apparent power (S)_________________________________ S =_____________________VA

Active power (P)________________________P =____________________W

d) Did an increase in dc excitation affect mainly the active or the reactive power delivered by the
alternator?

□ Active □ Reactive

5. Repeat Procedure 3 until both wattmeters indicate zero.

6. a) Slowly decrease only the dc excitation of the alternator until I1 = 0,17 A ac.

b) Measure W1 , W2 , E, and l2.

W1 = _______ W W2 =________W

E1=_______ V ac l2 = __________A dc

c) Return the voltage to zero and turn off the Power Supply.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 3

 e) Calculate the apparent and active power delivered by the alternator.

Apparent power, S =_________VA

Active power, P= ____________ W

f) Did a decrease in dc excitation affect mainly the active or the reactive power delivered by
the alternator?

□ Active □ Reactive

g) Was the nature (positive, negative) of the reactive power the same in Procedures 4 and 6?

□Yes □ No

Explain_____________________________________________________________________

7. Repeat Procedure 3 until both wattmeters indicate zero.

8. a) Slowly decrease only the field excitation of the dc motor causing it to increase its torque
until h = 0,17 A ac. (The motor-speed cannot increase because it is locked-in with the
alternator speed, which, in turn, is locked-in with the power line frequency.
□

b) Measure W1, W2, E T and l2.

W1 = ________W W2 = ________W

E1 = ________V ac I2 = ________A dc

c) Return the voltage to zero and turn off the Power Supply.

d) Calculate the apparent and active power delivered by the alternator.

Apparent power, S= _________________________VA

Active Power, P=____________________________W

e) Did an increase in torque affect mainly the active or the reactive power delivered by the
alternator?

□ Active □ Reactive

9. Repeat Procedure 3 until both wattmeters indicate zero.

10. Adjust the dc excitation of the alternator and the torque of the DC Motor/Generator so
that the alternator delivers 60 W of real power at a power factor of 0.50. Make measurements
using each method.

a) Alternator over-excited

W1= _______________W W2 =____________________W

E1 =_________________V ac I2 =_____________________ A dc.

I1=_____________________ A ac

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 4

b) Alternator under-excited

W1= _______________W W2 =____________________W

E1 =_________________V ac I2 =_____________________ A dc.

I1=_____________________ A ac

11. Adjust the dc excitation of the alternator and the torque of the DC Motor/Generator so that the
alternator behaves as a perfect three-phase capacitance with a capacity 110 VAR Measure W1, W2 E1.
I1and l2.

W1= _______________W W2 =____________________W

E1 =_________________V ac I2 =_____________________ A dc.

I1=_____________________ A ac

12. Adjust the dc excitation of the alternator and the torque of the DC Motor/Generator so that the
alternator behaves as a perfect three-phase inductance with a rating of 110 var. Measure W, , W2 . E- ,
1-. and l3 .

W1= _______________W W2 =____________________W

E1 =_________________V ac I2 =_____________________ A dc.

I1=_____________________ A ac

Questions for report writing:

Answer the questions:

1) A generator delivers 10,000 kVA at a pcwer factor of 0.95.

a) If the dc excitation is reduced, will the apparent power increase or decrease?

□ Increase □ Decrease

b) If the dc excitation is increased, will the apparent power increase or decrease?

□ Increase □ Decrease

2) A dc motor driving an alternator develops 100 kW. If the efficiency of the alternator is
94%, calculate the active power it can deliver to an infinite bus.

P =___________________ kW

3)The power factor of an alternator connected into an infinite bus does not depend on the
electro-mechanical devices also connected to that bus.

Explain__________________________________________________________________

4) The output frequency of an alternator tied into an infinite bus is dependent on the
frequency of the infinite bus.

Explain__________________________________________________________________
© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 5
Reference(s):

[1] B.L.Theraja, A.K.Theraja,: A textbook of Electrical Technology, Volume- II, S. Chand &
company Ltd.
[2] Lab volt lab manual.

© Dept. of EEE, Faculty of Engineering, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) 6