Nem 6

Experiment no 6
To record the terminal characteristic, of a self-excited DC shunt generator under

SUPERVISION.
Objective:
To record the terminal characteristics of a self-excited DC shunt generator under supervision,

observing the relationship between the terminal voltage (V) and the load current (I) as load
varies.
Apparatus Required:
1. Self-excited DC shunt generator.

2. Rheostat (for field current control).
3. Ammeter (to measure load current and field current).
4. Voltmeter (to measure terminal voltage).
5. Load bank (resistors).
6. Tachometer (to measure speed).
7. Switch.
8. Connecting wires.
Theory:
The terminal characteristics of a DC generator describe how the terminal voltage varies with
load current when the generator is operating under load. In a self-excited DC shunt generator,
the field winding is connected in parallel with the armature. As the load increases, the terminal
voltage tends to drop due to armature reaction and internal losses.
The terminal voltage (V) depends on the generated EMF (E), and the internal resistance drop
due to the armature and field circuit resistance (Ra and Rf). The drop in voltage can be
expressed as:
V = Terminal voltage
E = Generated EMF
I_a = Armature current

R_a = Armature resistance
For a shunt generator, the armature current is the sum of the load current and the field
current :
Procedure:
1. Circuit Setup:
Connect the generator in the circuit as shown in the diagram. The field winding should be
connected in parallel to the armature, and a rheostat is included to adjust the field current.
The load resistors are connected across the generator terminals to vary the load.
Place the voltmeter across the generator terminals to measure the terminal voltage, and place
an ammeter in series with the load to measure the load current.
Use a tachometer to measure the speed of the generator, ensuring it remains constant
throughout the experiment.
2. Initial Conditions:
Start with the load disconnected, and adjust the field rheostat to get the required rated voltage
on the voltmeter.
Ensure the generator has some residual magnetism and that it is running at a constant speed
using a prime mover.
3. Start the Generator:
Start the generator using a prime mover. Observe the speed with the tachometer and adjust it to
the desired constant value.
Adjust the field rheostat to set the no-load terminal voltage to the rated value (e.g., 230V).
4. Apply Load and Take Measurements:

Gradually increase the load by switching on the resistors in the load bank.
For each value of load current (I_L), note the corresponding terminal voltage (V) from the
voltmeter.
Also, record the field current (I_f) to observe any variation in field excitation.
Repeat the measurements for different values of load current until the rated load is reached.
5. Record Data:
Maintain a constant speed during all measurements. Observe how the terminal voltage drops as
the load current increases.
Formulas:
Armature current:
Graph:
Once the data is collected, plot a graph between terminal voltage (V) on the Y-axis and load
current (I_L) on the X-axis. This is the terminal characteristic curve of the self-excited DC shunt
generator.
The curve typically shows a gradual drop in voltage as the load increases due to voltage drops
in the armature resistance and the effect of armature reaction.
Analysis:
No Load: When there is no load connected, the terminal voltage equals the generated EMF.
Under Load: As load increases, the terminal voltage drops due to the voltage drop across the
armature resistance and the demagnetizing effect of armature reaction.
Saturation: The curve flattens as the generator approaches magnetic saturation and the field
current becomes unable to maintain the same voltage as at no load.
Conclusion:
By recording the terminal characteristics of a self-excited DC shunt generator, the relationship

between terminal voltage and load current can be understood. The terminal voltage decreases
with an increase in load due to armature resistance and the weakening of the magnetic field by
armature reaction.

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Experiment no 6

To record the terminal characteristic, of a self-excited DC shunt generator under

To record the terminal characteristics of a self-excited DC shunt generator under supervision,

1. Self-excited DC shunt generator.

I_a = Armature current

3. Start the Generator:

4. Apply Load and Take Measurements:

By recording the terminal characteristics of a self-excited DC shunt generator, the relationship

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