AC Generators and Motors – E03-008

to any other source that will help you master the subject of this chapter. No one source meets the
complete needs of everyone.

BASIC AC GENERATORS

Regardless of size, all electrical generators, whether dc or ac, depend upon the principle of magnetic
induction. An emf is induced in a coil as a result of (1) a coil cutting through a magnetic field, or (2) a
magnetic field cutting through a coil. As long as there is relative motion between a conductor and a
magnetic field, a voltage will be induced in the conductor. That part of a generator that produces the
magnetic field is called the field. That part in which the voltage is induced is called the armature. For
relative motion to take place between the conductor and the magnetic field, all generators must have two
mechanical parts — a rotor and a stator. The ROTor is the part that ROTates; the STATor is the part that
remains STATionary. In a dc generator, the armature is always the rotor. In alternators, the armature may
be either the rotor or stator.

Q1. Magnetic induction occurs when there is relative motion between what two elements?

ROTATING-ARMATURE ALTERNATORS

The rotating-armature alternator is similar in construction to the dc generator in that the armature
rotates in a stationary magnetic field as shown in figure 3-1, view A. In the dc generator, the emf
generated in the armature windings is converted from ac to dc by means of the commutator. In the
alternator, the generated ac is brought to the load unchanged by means of slip rings. The rotating armature
is found only in alternators of low power rating and generally is not used to supply electric power in large
quantities.

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Figure 3-1.—Types of ac generators.

ROTATING-FIELD ALTERNATORS

The rotating-field alternator has a stationary armature winding and a rotating-field winding as shown
in figure 3-1, view B The advantage of having a stationary armature winding is that the generated voltage
can be connected directly to the load.

A rotating armature requires slip rings and brushes to conduct the current from the armature to the
load. The armature, brushes, and slip rings are difficult to insulate, and arc-overs and short circuits can
result at high voltages. For this reason, high-voltage alternators are usually of the rotating-field type.
Since the voltage applied to the rotating field is low voltage dc, the problem of high voltage arc-over at
the slip rings does not exist.

The stationary armature, or stator, of this type of alternator holds the windings that are cut by the
rotating magnetic field. The voltage generated in the armature as a result of this cutting action is the ac
power that will be applied to the load.

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The stators of all rotating-field alternators are about the same. The stator consists of a laminated iron
core with the armature windings embedded in this core as shown in figure 3-2. The core is secured to the
stator frame.

Figure 3-2.—Stationary armature windings.

Q2. What is the part of an alternator in which the output voltage is generated?

Q3. What are the two basic types of alternators?

Q4. What is the main advantage of the rotating field alternator?

PRACTICAL ALTERNATORS

The alternators described so far in this chapter are ELEMENTARY in nature; they are seldom used
except as examples to aid in understanding practical alternators.

The remainder of this chapter will relate the principles of the elementary alternator to the alternators
actually in use in the civilian community, as well as aboard Navy ships and aircraft. The following
paragraphs in this chapter will introduce such concepts as prime movers, field excitation, armature
characteristics and limitations, single-phase and polyphase alternators, controls, regulation, and parallel
operation.

FUNCTIONS OF ALTERNATOR COMPONENTS

A typical rotating-field ac generator consists of an alternator and a smaller dc generator built into a
single unit. The output of the alternator section supplies alternating voltage to the load. The only purpose
for the dc exciter generator is to supply the direct current required to maintain the alternator field. This dc
generator is referred to as the exciter. A typical alternator is shown in figure 3-3, view A; figure 3-3, view
B, is a simplified schematic of the generator.

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Figure 3-3.—Ac generator pictorial and schematic drawings.

The exciter is a dc, shunt-wound, self-excited generator. The exciter shunt field (2) creates an area of
intense magnetic flux between its poles. When the exciter armature (3) is rotated in the exciter-field flux,
voltage is induced in the exciter armature windings. The output from the exciter commutator (4) is
connected through brushes and slip rings (5) to the alternator field. Since this is direct current already
converted by the exciter commutator, the current always flows in one direction through the alternator field
(6). Thus, a fixed-polarity magnetic field is maintained at all times in the alternator field windings. When
the alternator field is rotated, its magnetic flux is passed through and across the alternator armature
windings (7).

The armature is wound for a three-phase output, which will be covered later in this chapter.
Remember, a voltage is induced in a conductor if it is stationary and a magnetic field is passed across the
conductor, the same as if the field is stationary and the conductor is moved. The alternating voltage in the
ac generator armature windings is connected through fixed terminals to the ac load.

Q5. Most large alternators have a small dc generator built into them. What is its purpose?

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PRIME MOVERS

All generators, large and small, ac and dc, require a source of mechanical power to turn their rotors.
This source of mechanical energy is called a prime mover.

Prime movers are divided into two classes for generators-high-speed and low-speed. Steam and gas
turbines are high-speed prime movers, while internal-combustion engines, water, and electric motors are
considered low-speed prime movers.

The type of prime mover plays an important part in the design of alternators since the speed at which
the rotor is turned determines certain characteristics of alternator construction and operation.

ALTERNATOR ROTORS

There are two types of rotors used in rotating-field alternators. They are called the turbine-driven and
salient-pole rotors.

As you may have guessed, the turbine-driven rotor shown in figure 3-4, view A, is used when the
prime mover is a high-speed turbine. The windings in the turbine-driven rotor are arranged to form two or
four distinct poles. The windings are firmly embedded in slots to withstand the tremendous centrifugal
forces encountered at high speeds.

Figure 3-4.—Types of rotors used in alternators.

The salient-pole rotor shown in figure 3-4, view B, is used in low-speed alternators. The salient-pole
rotor often consists of several separately wound pole pieces, bolted to the frame of the rotor.

If you could compare the physical size of the two types of rotors with the same electrical
characteristics, you would see that the salient-pole rotor would have a greater diameter. At the same
number of revolutions per minute, it has a greater centrifugal force than does the turbine-driven rotor. To

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reduce this force to a safe level so that the windings will not be thrown out of the machine, the salient
pole is used only in low-speed designs.

ALTERNATOR CHARACTERISTICS AND LIMITATIONS

Alternators are rated according to the voltage they are designed to produce and the maximum current
they are capable of providing. The maximum current that can be supplied by an alternator depends upon
the maximum heating loss that can be sustained in the armature. This heating loss (which is an I2R power
loss) acts to heat the conductors, and if excessive, destroys the insulation. Thus, alternators are rated in
terms of this current and in terms of the voltage output — the alternator rating in small units is in volt-
amperes; in large units it is kilovolt-amperes.

When an alternator leaves the factory, it is already destined to do a very specific job. The speed at
which it is designed to rotate, the voltage it will produce, the current limits, and other operating
characteristics are built in. This information is usually stamped on a nameplate on the case so that the user
will know the limitations.

Q6. How are alternators usually rated?

Q7. What type of prime mover requires a specially designed high-speed alternator?

Q8. Salient-pole rotors may be used in alternators driven by what types of prime movers?

SINGLE-PHASE ALTERNATORS

A generator that produces a single, continuously alternating voltage is known as a SINGLE-PHASE

alternator. All of the alternators that have been discussed so far fit this definition. The stator (armature)
windings are connected in series. The individual voltages, therefore, add to produce a single-phase ac
voltage. Figure 3-5 shows a basic alternator with its single-phase output voltage.

Figure 3-5.—Single-phase alternator.

The definition of phase as you learned it in studying ac circuits may not help too much right here.
Remember, "out of phase" meant "out of time."

Now, it may be easier to think of the word phase as meaning voltage as in single voltage. The need
for a modified definition of phase in this usage will be easier to see as we go along.

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Single-phase alternators are found in many applications. They are most often used when the loads
being driven are relatively light. The reason for this will be more apparent as we get into multiphase
alternators (also called polyphase).

Power that is used in homes, shops, and ships to operate portable tools and small appliances is
single-phase power. Single-phase power alternators always generate single-phase power. However, all
single-phase power does not come from single-phase alternators. This will sound more reasonable to you
as we get into the next subjects.

Q9. What does the term single phase indicate?

Q10. In single-phase alternators, in order for the voltages induced in all the armature windings to add
together for a single output, how must the windings be connected?

TWO-PHASE ALTERNATORS

Two phase implies two voltages if we apply our new definition of phase. And, it’s that simple. A
two-phase alternator is designed to produce two completely separate voltages. Each voltage, by itself,
may be considered as a single-phase voltage. Each is generated completely independent of the other.
Certain advantages are gained. These and the mechanics of generation will be covered in the following
paragraphs.

Generation of Two-Phase Power

Figure 3-6 shows a simplified two-pole, two-phase alternator. Note that the windings of the two
phases are physically at right angles (90º ) to each other. You would expect the outputs of each phase to
be 90º apart, which they are. The graph shows the two phases to be 90º apart, with A leading B. Note
that by using our original definition of phase (from previous modules), we could say that A and B are 90º
out of phase. There will always be 90º between the phases of a two-phase alternator. This is by design.

Figure 3-6.—Two-phase alternator.

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Now, let’s go back and see the similarities and differences between our original (single-phase)
alternators and this new one (two-phase). Note that the principles applied are not new. This alternator
works the same as the others we have discussed.

The stator in figure 3-6 consists of two single-phase windings completely separated from each other.
Each winding is made up of two windings that are connected in series so that their voltages add. The rotor
is identical to that used in the single-phase alternator. In the left-hand schematic, the rotor poles are
opposite all the windings of phase A. Therefore, the voltage induced in phase A is maximum, and the
voltage induced in phase B is zero. As the rotor continues rotating counterclockwise, it moves away from
the A windings and approaches the B windings. As a result, the voltage induced in phase A decreases
from its maximum value, and the voltage induced in phase B increases from zero. In the right-hand
schematic, the rotor poles are opposite the windings of phase B. Now the voltage induced in phase B is
maximum, whereas the voltage induced in phase A has dropped to zero. Notice that a 90-degree rotation
of the rotor corresponds to one-quarter of a cycle, or 90 electrical degrees. The waveform picture shows
the voltages induced in phase A and B for one cycle. The two voltages are 90º out of phase. Notice that
the two outputs, A and B, are independent of each other. Each output is a single-phase voltage, just as if
the other did not exist.

The obvious advantage, so far, is that we have two separate output voltages. There is some saving in
having one set of bearings, one rotor, one housing, and so on, to do the work of two. There is the
disadvantage of having twice as many stator coils, which require a larger and more complex stator.

The large schematic in figure 3-7 shows four separate wires brought out from the A and B stator
windings. This is the same as in figure 3-6. Notice, however, that the dotted wire now connects one end of
B1 to one end of A2. The effect of making this connection is to provide a new output voltage. This sine-
wave voltage, C in the picture, is larger than either A or B. It is the result of adding the instantaneous
values of phase A and phase B. For this reason it appears exactly half way between A and B. Therefore, C
must lag A by 45º and lead B by 45º , as shown in the small vector diagram.

Figure 3-7.—Connections of a two-phase, three-wire alternator output.

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Now, look at the smaller schematic diagram in figure 3-7. Only three connections have been brought
out from the stator. Electrically, this is the same as the large diagram above it. Instead of being connected
at the output terminals, the B1-A2 connection was made internally when the stator was wired. A two-
phase alternator connected in this manner is called a two-phase, three-wire alternator.

The three-wire connection makes possible three different load connections: A and B (across each
phase), and C (across both phases). The output at C is always 1.414 times the voltage of either phase.
These multiple outputs are additional advantages of the two-phase alternator over the single-phase type.

Now, you can understand why single-phase power doesn’t always come from single-phase
alternators. It can be generated by two-phase alternators as well as other multiphase (polyphase)
alternators, as you will soon see.

The two-phase alternator discussed in the preceding paragraphs is seldom seen in actual use.
However, the operation of polyphase alternators is more easily explained using two phases than three
phases. The three-phase alternator, which will be covered next, is by far the most common of all
alternators in use today, both in military and civilian applications.

Q11. What determines the phase relationship between the voltages in a two-phase ac generator?

Q12. How many voltage outputs are available from a two-phase three-wire alternator?

Q13. What is the relationship of the voltage at C in figure 3-7 to the voltages at A and B?

THREE-PHASE ALTERNATOR

The three-phase alternator, as the name implies, has three single-phase windings spaced such that the
voltage induced in any one phase is displaced by 120º from the other two. A schematic diagram of a
three-phase stator showing all the coils becomes complex, and it is difficult to see what is actually
happening. The simplified schematic of figure 3-8, view A, shows all the windings of each phase lumped
together as one winding. The rotor is omitted for simplicity. The voltage waveforms generated across
each phase are drawn on a graph, phase-displaced 120º from each other. The three-phase alternator as
shown in this schematic is made up of three single-phase alternators whose generated voltages are out of
phase by 120º . The three phases are independent of each other.

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