972 Electrical Technology

28.6. Critical Speed Nc

Critical speed of a shunt generator is that speed for which the given shunt field resistance repre-
sents critical resistance. In Fig. 28.8, curve 2 corresponds to critical speed because Rsh line is tangen-
tial to it. Obviously
BC Nc N
= = c ∴ N c = BC × Full speed N
AC Full Speed N AC
Example 28.1. The magnetization curve of a d.c. shunt generator at 1500 r.p.m. is :

If (A) : 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.0

E0 (V) : 6 60 120 172.5 202.5 221 231 237 240
For this generator find (i) no load e.m.f. for a total shunt field resistance of 100 Ω (ii) the
critical field resistance at 1500 r.p.m. and (iii) the magnetization curve at 1200 r.p.m. and therefrom
the open-circuit voltage for a field resistance of 100 Ω.
(b) A long shunt, compound generator fitted with interpoles is cummutatively-compounded.
With the supply terminals unchanged, the machine is now run as compound motor. Is the motor
differentially or cumulatively compounded ? Explain. (Elect, Machines, A.M.I.E. Sec. B, 1990)
Solution. The magnetisation
curve at 1500 r.p.m. is plotted in
Fig. 28.9 from the given data. The
100 Ω resistance line OA is
obtained by joining the origin
(0, 0) with the point (1A, 100 V).
The voltage corresponding to point
A is 227.5 V. Hence, no-load volt-
age to which the generator will
build-up is 227.5 V.
The tangent OT represents the
critical resistance at 1500 r.p.m.
considering point B, Rc = 225/1.5
= 150 Ω.
For 1200 r.p.m., the induced
voltages for different field currents
would be (1200/1500) = 0.8 of
those for 1500 r.p.m. The values Fig. 28.9
of these voltages are tabulated be-
low :

If (A) : 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.0

E0 (V) : 4.8 48 96 138 162 176.8 184.8 189.6 192
The new magnetisation curve is also plotted in Fig. 28.9. The 100 Ω line cuts the curve at point
C which corresponds to an induced voltage of 166 V.
Example 28.2. A shunt generator is to be converted into a level compounded generator by the
addition of a series field winding. From a test on the machine with shunt excitation only, it is found
that the shunt current is 3.1 A to give 400 V on no load and 4.8 A to give the same voltage when the
machine is supplying its full load of 200 A. The shunt winding has 1200 turns per pole. Find the
number of series turns required per pole. (Elect. Machines, A.M.I.E. Sec. B, 1989)
 Generator Characteristics 973
Solution. At no-load the ampere turns required to produce 400 V = 3.1 × 1200 = 3720
On full-load ampere turns required to produce the same voltage = 4.8 × 1200 = 5760
Additional ampere turns required due to de-magnetising effect of load current = 5760 − 3720 =
2040.
If N is a number of series turns required when load current is 200 A, then
N × 200 = 2040, N = 10.2
Example 28.3. The open-circuit characteristic of a d.c. shunt generator driven at rated speed is
as follows :
Field Amperes : 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 A
Induced Voltage : 60 120 138 145 149 151 152 V
If resistance of field circuit is adjusted to 53 Ω, calculate the open circuit voltage and load
current when the terminal voltage is 100 V. Neglect armature reaction and assume an armature
resistance of 0.1 Ω. (Electrical Technology Punjab Univ. Dec. 1989)
Solution. Take If = 3 A, Rsh = 53 Ω,
Point A is (3A, 159V) point. Line OA is the 53 Ω line in Fig. 28.10. It cuts drop = 3 × 53
= 159 V. O.C.C. at B. Line BM is drawn parallel to the base. OM represents the O.C. voltage which
equals 150 V.

Fig. 28.10
Now, when V = 100 V, Ish = If = 100/53 = 1.89 A
Generated or O.C. voltage corresponding to this exciting current as seen from graph of Fig.
26.10 is 144 V.
Now E = V + Ia Ra or IaRa = 144 − 100 = 44 V
∴ 0.1 Ia = 44 or Ia = 44/0.1 = 440 A
974 Electrical Technology

Example 28.4. The following figures give the O.C.C. of a d.c. shunt generator at 300 r.p.m.
Field amperes : 0 2 3 4 5 6 7
Armature volt : 7.5 92 132 162 183 190 212
Plot the O.C.C. for 375 r.p.m. and determine the voltage to which the machine will excite if field
circuit resistance is 40 Ω.
(a) What additional resistance would have to be inserted in the field circuit to reduce the
voltage to 200 volts at 375 r.p.m.?
(b) Without this additional resistance, determine the load current supplied by the generator,
when its terminal voltage is 200 V. Ignore armature reaction and assume speed to be constant.
Armature resistance is 0.4 Ω. (Elect. Machines - I, South Gujarat Univ. 1986)
Solution. The e.m.f. induced at 375 r.p.m. would be increased in the ratio 375/300 correspond-
ing to different shunt field current values. A new table is given with the voltages multiplied by the
above ratio.
Field amperes : 0 2 3 4 5 6 7
Armature volt : 9.4 115 165 202.5 228.8 248.8 265
The new O.C.C. at 375 r.p.m. is shown in Fig. 26.11.
Line OA represents 40-Ω line.
The voltage corresponding to point A is 260 V. Hence
machine will excite to 260 volt with 40 Ω shunt field resis-
tance.
(a) From Fig. 28.11, it is clear that for exciting the gen-
erator to 200 V, exciting current should be 3.8 A.
∴ Field circuit resistance = 200/3.8 = 52.6 Ω Fig. 28.11
∴ Additional resistance required = 52.6 − 40
= 12.6 Ω
(b) In this case, shunt field resistance = 40 Ω ...(as above)
Terminal voltage = 200 V ∴ Field current = 200/40 = 5 A
Generated e.m.f. for exciting current of 5 A = 228.8 V
For a generator E = V + Ia Ra ∴ IaRa = E − V or 0.4 Ia = 228.8 − 20 = 28.8
∴ Ia = 28.8/0.4 = 72 A ∴ Load current I = 72 − 5 = 67 A
Example 28.5. The open-circuit characteristic of a separately-excited d.c. generator driven at
1000 r.p.m. is as follows :
Field current : 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6
E.M.F. volts : 30.0 55.0 75.0 90.0 100.0 110.0 115.0 120.0
If the machine is connected as shunt generator and driven at 1,000 r.p.m. and has a field
resistance of 100 Ω, find (a) open-circuit voltage and exciting current (b) the critical resistance and
(c) resistance to induce 115 volts on open circuit.
(Elect. Machines, Nagpur, Univ. 1993)
Solution. The O.C.C. has been plotted in Fig. 28.12. The shunt resistance line OA is drawn as
usual.
(a) O.C. voltage = 100 V; Exciting current = 1 A
(b) Line OT is tangent to the initial part of the O.C.C. It represents critical resistance. As seen
from point C, value of critical resistance is 90/0.6 = 150 Ω.
 Generator Characteristics 975

Fig. 28.12
(c) Line OB represents shunt resistance for getting 115 V on open-circuit. Its resistance = 115/
1.4 = 82.1 Ω.
Example 28.6. A d.c. generator has the following magnetisation characteristics.
Field current (A) : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Generated e.m.f. (V) : 23 45 67 85 100 112 121 126
If the generator is shunt excited, determine the load current.
(a) when terminal p.d. is 120 V, the field resistance is 15 Ω at a speed of 600 r.p.m. And
(b) when terminal p.d. is 144 V, the field resistance is 18 Ω at a speed of 700 r.p.m.
Solution. (a) When terminal p.d. = 120 V, then field current If = V/Rsh = 120/15 = 8 Ω
*
From the given data, it is seen that the generated e.m.f. = 126 V
Voltage drop = 126 − 120 = 6 V
Since drop due to armature reaction is neglected, this represents the armature drop.
∴ Ia Ra = 6 or Ia = 6/0.02 = 300 A Load current = 300 − 8 = 292 A
(b) The O.C. data at 700 r.p.m. can be obtained by multiplying the given values of generated
e.m.f. by a factor of 700/600 = 7/6. Hence, the new data is :
Field current (A) : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Generated e.m.f. (V) : 26.8 52.5 78.2 99.2 116.6 131 141 146
When V = 144 V and Rsh = 18 Ω, field current = 144/18 = 8 A
From the given data, the corresponding generated e.m.f. is 146 V.
Voltage drop Ia Ra = 146 − 144 = 2V
∴ Ia = 2/0.02 = 100 A ∴ Load current = 100 − 8 = 92 A
Example 28.7. The O.C.C. of a d.c. generator driven at 400 rev/min is as follows :
Field current (A) : 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Terminal volts : 110 155 186 212 230 246 260 271

* We need not plot the O.C.C. in this particular case.

976 Electrical Technology

Find :
(a) voltage to which the machine will excite when run as a shunt generator at 400 rev/min with
shunt field resistance equal to 34 Ω.
(b) resistance of shunt circuit to reduce the O.C. voltage to 220 V.
(c) critical value of the shunt field circuit resistance.
(d) the critical speed when the field circuit resistance is 34 Ω.
(e) lowest possible speed at which an O.C. voltage of 225 V can be obtained.
(Electrical Technology, Bombay Univ. 1987)
Solution. The O.C.C. as plotted from the given data is shown in Fig. 28.13. The 34-Ω line OA
is drawn as usual.
(a) The voltage to which machine will excite = OM = 255 V.
(b) The horizontal line from N (220 V) is drawn which cuts the O.C.C. at point B. Resistance
represented by line OB = 220/5.4 = 40.7 Ω.
(c) Line OC has been drawn which is tangential at the origin to the O.C.C. This represents the
value of critical resistance = 140/2.25 = 62.2 Ω.
(d) Take any convenient point D and erect a perpendicular which cuts both OA and OC.
DE NC N
= or 110 = C , NC = 218 r.p.m.
DF 400 202 202
(e) From point P (225 V) drawn a horizontal line cutting OA at point G. From G, draw a
perpendicular line GK cutting the O.C.C. at point H. If N′ is the lowest speed possible for getting 225
volt with 34 Ω shunt circuit resistance, then
GK = N ′ or 225 or N ′ = 375 r.p.m.
HK 400 241

Fig. 28.13
 Generator Characteristics 977
Example 28.8. The magnetization characteristic for a 4-pole, 110-V, 1000 r.p.m. shunt genera-
tor is as follows :
Field current 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3A
O.C. voltage 5 50 85 102 112 116 120 V
Armature is lap-connected with 144 conduc-
tors. Field resistance is 45 ohms. Determine
(i) voltage the machine will build up at no-
load.
(ii) the critical resistance.
(iii) the speed at which the machine just fails
to excite.
(iv) residual flux per pole.
(Electrical Machinery- I, Mysore Unit. 1988)
Solution. In Fig. 28.14, OA represents the 45-
Ω line which is drawn as usual.
(i) The voltage to which machine will build
up = OM = 118 V.
(ii) OT is tangent to the initial part of the
O.C.C. It represents critical resistance. Take point
B lying on this line. Voltage and exciting current Fig. 28.14
corresponding to this point are 110 V and 1.1 A respectively.
∴ Rc = 110/1.1 = 100 Ω
(iii) From any point on OT, say point B, drop the perpendicular BD on X-axis.
CD Nc 49 N
= or = c
BD 1000 110 1000
∴ Nc = 445 r.p.m.
(iv) As given in the table, induced e.m.f. due to residual flux (i.e. when there is no exciting
current) is 5 V.

∴ 5 =
60 ()
Φ × 144 × 1000 4
4
∴ Φ = 2.08 mWb.
Example 28.9. A shunt generator gave the following results in the O.C.C. test at a speed of
r.p.m.
Field current (A) : 1 2 3 4 6 8 10
E.M.F. (volt) : 90 185 251 290 324 345 360
The field resistance is adjusted to 50 Ω and the terminal is 300 V on load. Armature resistance
is 0.1 Ω and assuming that the flux is reduced by 5% due to armature reaction, find the load supplied
by the generator. (Electromechanic, Allahabad Univ.; 1992)
Solution. When the terminal voltage is 300 V and Rsh = 50 Ω, then field current is
= 300/40 = 6 A
With this shunt current, the induced e.m.f. as seen from the given table (we need not draw the
O.C.C.) is 324 V.
Due to armature reaction, the flux and hence the induced e.m.f. is reduced to 0.95 of its no-load
value.
Hence, induced e.m.f. when generator is no load = 324 × 0.95 = 307.8 V
978 Electrical Technology

Armature drop at the given load = 307.8 − 300 = 7.8 V

IaRa = 7.8, Ia = 7.8/0.1 = 78 A
Load current = 78 − 6 = 72 A ; Generator output = 72 × 300/1000 = 21.6 kW
Example 28.10. A shunt generator gave the following open-circuit characteristic :
Field current : 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 A
O.C. e.m.f. : 54 107 152 185 210 230 245 V
The armature and field resistances are 0.1 Ω and 80 Ω respectively. Calculate (a) the voltage to
which the machine will excite when run as a shunt generator at the same speed.
(b) The volts lost due to armature reaction when
100 A are passing in the armature at a terminal volt-
age of 175 V.
(c) The percentage reduction in speed for the
machine to fail to excite on open circuit.
(Electrical Machines-I, Bombay Univ. 1988)
Solution. (a) O.C.C. is shown in Fig. 28.15. OA
represents 80 Ω line. The maximum voltage to which
the generator will build up is given by OM = 222 V.
(b) With 175 V terminal p.d. on load
Ish = 175/80 = 2.2 A
Voltage corresponding to this field current is given
by OC = 195 V.
Voltage lost due to armature reaction and armature
drop = 195 − 175 = 20 V. Fig. 28.15
Now, armature drop = 0.1 × 100 = 10 V
Let ‘x’ be the volts lost due to armature reaction.
Then 10 + x = 20 ∴ x = 10 V
(c) Line OT is drawn tangential to the curve. DFG is perpendicular to the base line.
Nc Ne − N − 60
= FG = 160 or =
N DG 220 N 220
− 60
Percentage reduction in speed = × 100 = – 27.3 %
220
Example 28.11. The O.C.C. of a shunt generator running at 800 r.p.m. is as follows :
Field current (amp.) : 1 2 3 4 5 6
Induced e.m.f. (volt). : 82.5 180 225 252 273 282
If the shunt field resistance is 60 Ω, find
(i) the voltage to which the machine will build up running at the same speed (ii) the value of
field regulating resistance if the machine is to build up to 120 V when its field coils are grouped in
two parallel circuits and generator is runing at half the speed.
(Electrical Technology, Hyderabad Univ. 1991)
Solution. O.C.C. is drawn from the given data and is shown in Fig. 28.16. OA represents 60 Ω.
The voltage corresponding to point A is OM = 260 V.
(i) Generator will build up to 260 volts.
(ii) Lower curve represents the induced e.m.f. for different exciting current values at 400 r.p.m.
From point B which represents 120 V, draw BC. From C draw a perpendicular CD which gives the