EE 3108 (Sessional on Electrical Machines‐II)

List of experiments

Course Teacher (s): Prof. Dr. B. C. Ghosh and Dr. Md. Habibullah

S1. A general procedure for conducting experiments with different types of dc and ac machines.

S2. a) Determination of parameters of the equivalent circuit of a three‐phase induction motor.

b) Verification of the equivalent circuit by loading the induction motor.

S3. An experimental study on a fan motor.

S4. a) Determination of parameters of the equivalent circuit of an alternator.

b) Testing the voltage regulation of the alternator.

S5. a) Synchronization of an alternator to the mains using three dark lamps method.
b) Observation of the effects of field excitation on power factor, armature current, real power,
and reactive power.

S6. Analysis of the torque‐speed characteristics of a universal motor using ac and dc supply.

S7. Effect of rotor resistance on torque‐speed characteristics of a slip ring induction motor.

S8. Starting and loading characteristics of a single‐phase capacitor‐start motor.

S9‐S10. Designing a Project

EXPERIMENT 1— A general procedure for conducting experiments with different
types of dc and ac machines

1.1 Introduction:

There are some common techniques to identify an electrical machine and to work with an
electrical machine. The machine may be a motor or a generator. First of all, the students are
required to identify a proper machine for their experiment. Then, in most cases, finding the
characteristics of the motor or generator is required. In general, the characteristics are
determined by loading the motor or generator. The general guidelines of identifying and
loading of an electrical machine are given below.

1.2 Three phase Induction motor:

1.2.1 Identification of an induction motor: Based on rotor construction, there are two types of
induction motor: squirrel cage and wound type. In a squirrel cage induction motor, only six
stator terminals are available at outside and the rotor terminals are shorted inside. On the
other hand, in a wound type, three rotor terminals are also available at outside along with six
stator terminals. Hence, for a wound type nine terminals are available at outside whereas only
six terminals are available for a squirrel cage motor.

1.2.2 Loading of an induction motor: A dc machine (dc generator)/eddy current brake is

connected in the laboratory for loading the induction motor, then the generator is loaded
gradually and hence the motor is loaded gradually. The loading procedure of a generator will be
discussed below.

1.3 Three phase synchronous machine:

1.3.1 Identification of a three phase synchronous machine: A three phase synchronous

machine has six armature terminals and two dc field terminals. A dc supply is applied to the
field terminals. The synchronous machine may act as a generator (known as alternator) or a
motor; it depends on the type of input and output. If the output is electrical and the input is
mechanical force then the machine is a generator or alternator and vice versa for a motor. For
an alternator, the input mechanical force is generated by an external dc/ac motor.

1.3.2 Loading of a three phase synchronous machine: If the synchronous machine acts as an
alternator, a three phase variable load (R/RL/RC) is connected in series with the armature of the
machine to vary the armature/load current. Again, if the synchronous machine acts as a motor,

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a dc generator (which acts as a load) is connected with its rotor to demonstrate the loading
characteristics.

1.4 Single phase dc/ac machine:

1.4.1 Identification of a single phase ac motor: In our laboratory, it is confusing to identify a

single phase ac motor using the terminals. The ac motors look like a dc motor. Hence, it is
suggested to identify the motor using the nameplate of the motor.

1.4.1 Loading of a single phase ac motor: A dc generator with variable external resistor will be
used for loading the single phase ac motor.

The students are also advised to follow the following instructions during experiment:

1. Read the voltage and current ratings of a machine. Never apply the current and voltage
that exceed the values written in the nameplate of the machine.
2. Don’t close/open any switch until you know the function of the switch. It is better to ask
a teacher/officer to open/close the switch of power supply.
3. Disconnect all connections that you made during experiment carefully.
4. Tidy up the experimental desk once you finish the experiment.
5. Don’t discuss with other group member without any concern of a teacher.
6. Ask a teacher before you leave the laboratory.

PreLab work for Experiment 1 (To be written in the report)

i) Motor and generator principles

ii) Types of motor and generator
iii) Identification whether a machine is generator or motor
iv) Common connections for a motor and a generator
v) Loading arrangements for motor and generator
vi) Speed control of a motor

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 EXPERIMENT 2— PARAMETERS OF THE EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT OF A THREE-
PHASE INDUCTION MOTOR

2.1 Aims

 Determining the parameters of the equivalent circuit of a three‐phase induction motor, by

means of a no‐load test and a blocked rotor test which are similar to the open circuit and
short circuit tests used to measure the parameters of a transformer.
 The carrying out of a full load test, i.e. the experimental determination of real power drawn
by the induction machine at full load slip.
 Verifying the equivalent circuit.

2.2 Theory
The stator of a 3‐phase induction motor is fitted with three windings, each connected to one phase
of a 3‐phase supply. The rotor has a squirrel cage construction which is effectively short circuited.
For normal operation, the stator and rotor currents set up a magnetic field distribution which rotates
around the air gap at "synchronous speed" proportional to supply frequency (synchronous speed is
1500 rpm for the 50 Hz, 4‐pole laboratory machines). Currents are induced in the predominantly
resistive rotor due to it slipping behind the rotating magnetic field. These induced currents create a
rotating magnetic field at the synchronous speed but which trails the stator field by 90 "electrical"
degrees, thus creating motoring torque. In the theory of induction machines, the mechanical speed
of the rotor (ωr) and of the rotating magnetic field (ωs) is of great importance. This is usually
expressed as the "slip" (s), defined as:

S= (ωs‐ωr)/ωs (3.1)

Note that s=1 corresponds to standstill and s=0 corresponds to running at synchronous speed. The
normal running speed of an induction motor is typically 5% below synchronous speed, which
corresponds to a slip of 0.05. Fig. 1 shows a per phase equivalent circuit for an induction machine,
referred to the stator side.

Fig. 1 Induction machine per‐phase equivalent circuit, referred to the supply side.

The equivalent circuit is just like that for a transformer but, on an equal mass basis, the induction
motor circuit has lower magnetising reactance because the magnetic circuit has the higher
reluctance of two air gaps per pole pair. Provided magnetic saturation is not localised we may
assume that the two leakage reactance are equal. Thus it is common for an unloaded induction

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motor to have a no‐load current 35% of rated current whereas for a transformer it may be only 10%.
Obviously Rc accounts for the magnetising power loss and Rs represents the resistance of the stator.
Rr is the rotor resistance referred to the stator side and Rr/s accounts for the power transferred
across the air gaps to the rotor. This resistor can be split into Rr, accounting for the resistive heating
in the rotor and Rr*(1‐s)/s representing the mechanical power.

2.3 Pre-lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) If the no load test results of an induction machine are given as: 3‐phase real power Pnl,
line‐line voltage Vnl, and stator current Inl, how to calculate magnetising impedance?
2) If the block‐test results are given as: 3‐phase real power Pbl, line‐line voltage Vbl, and stator
current Ibl, how to calculate leakage reactance of stator and rotor?
3) Derive the torque, output power, and efficiency of the induction machine based on the
equivalent circuit.
4) Compare the per phase equivalent circuit of a transformer and an induction machine and
describe the similarities and differences.

2.4 Experimental Work

Check the ratings of the induction motor on the nameplate and record in your report.

2.4.1 Stator resistance measurement Rs:

Using a multimeter, measure the DC resistance of each of the stator windings; then average the
measurements as Rs.

2.4.2 Blocked-rotor test (short-circuit test):

Fig. 2 shows the connection diagram of an induction motor for the block‐rotor test. The variable AC
supply is used to power on the 3‐phase squirrel cage induction machine. Make sure the power
supply is OFF before starting to connect the circuit. Ask a teacher/officer to check the wirings.

1) Hold the rotor end with the hand to run a blocked rotor test.
2) Ensure that the variac is set to zero volts. Switch on the three‐phase AC supply. Apply reduced
voltage to the stator slowly using variac, sufficient to cause the rated current of 1.8 A (no more than
1.8 A shown on the ammeter). Measure and record the real power per phase (Pbl), voltage (Vbl ) and
currents (Ibl ).
3) Turn the variac back to zero and then switch off the AC supply.

Fig. 2 Connection diagram for blocked‐rotor test.

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2.4.3 No-load test (open-circuit test):
The circuit connection diagram remains the same as Fig. 2. The induction machine stays without
using hand; only friction load remains. Ask a teacher/officer to check the wirings.

1) Turn on the AC supply. Start the motor by slowly increasing the variac voltage from zero. Do
this slowly enough to ensure that the machine rated current (1.8 A) drawn from supply is at
no stage exceeded. Please note the current readings on the ammeter. Why are the current
readings increased, then decreased, and increasing again with consistently increasing the
voltage?
2) When the motor has run up to speed, measure the no‐load current (Inl), active power (Pnl)
and speed ωr for the rated voltage of 400 V line‐line. Note that Wattmeter register total
power over the balanced three phases.
3) Turn the variac back to zero and then switch off the variable AC supply.

2.4.4 Calculation of equivalent circuit parameters:

The average stator resistance Rs previously measured by a multimeter and can be considered to be the
DC value. Due to the skin effect, an extra 20% should be considered for the stator AC resistance. Like the
open‐circuit test on a transformer, the no‐load test on an induction motor gives information with respect
to exciting current and no‐load losses. At no‐load, the rotor current is a very small value required to
produce sufficient torque to overcome friction and windage, and the slip is very small so that the
reflected rotor resistance (Rr/s) is very large. Hence the no‐load input power is dissipated only at Rs and
Rc. Subtracting stator copper loss of RsInl2 from no‐load input power, will give core and rotational losses of
the induction motor as:
= − (2.2)

Now, magnetising branch resistance of Rc can be estimated as:

= (2.3)

The total reactive power Q nl at no‐load is absorbed by self‐reactance X11 of the stator, which is the
series combination of stator reactance Xs and magnetising reactance Xm , i.e. X11=Xs+Xm.
The self‐reactance can be determined by

= , ℎ = ( ) = ( ) (2.4)

Hence the magnetising reactance can be estimated as

= − (2.5)

Like the short‐circuit test on a transformer, the blocked‐rotor test on an induction motor gives
information with respect to the leakage impedances. If exciting current at blocked rotor test is neglected
(as the stator current is much greater than exciting current), from the total reactive power absorbed by
the induction motor, determine the sum of stator and rotor reactance as

+ = , ℎ = ( ) = ( ) (2.6)

Assuming equal distribution of leakage reactance in the induction motors, stator and rotor reactance can
be determined as: = = (2.7)

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At blocked‐rotor test, the input power is dissipated on Rs and Rr as the slip is 1. The sum of stator and
rotor resistance can be determined by

+ = (2.8)

Substituting Rs measured before the rotor resistance can be worked out.

Now all the parameters in the equivalent circuit of Fig.1 are determined. Make a sketch of the per
phase equivalent circuit of the induction motor and show on it the values of the parameters
determined.

2.4.5 Load test:

Fig. 3 shows the connection diagram of the induction motor load test. Use an eddy‐current brake as
a load for the induction machine. Ask a teacher/officer to connect eddy current brake to the
induction motor.
1) Make sure the power supply is OFF before connecting the circuit. Ask a teacher/officer to
check your connection before energising it.

Fig. 3 Connection diagram for load test.

2) Switch on the AC power. Slowly increase the variac till the voltage reaches 400 V on the
Voltmeter. Measure and record the current, real power and speed. Make sure the dc supply
applied to the eddy current brake is OFF.
3) Turn ON the dc supply. Slowly increase the dc current applied to the eddy current brake till the
input motor current reaches 1.8 A.

Record the voltage, current, real power, and the speed. Compare the measurements with the
calculations respectively in Section 2.5 below.

2.5 Comparison with Results from Equivalent Circuit

1) With the rated voltage (Vl‐l= 400 V), use the equivalent circuit worked out from the no‐load
and blocked rotor tests to calculate:
 Per phase current from the supply
 Total real power from the supply
 Total reactive power from the supply
 Power factor
 Efficiency

2) Compare these calculations with the measurements in the load test Section 2.4.5. Comment
on the accuracy of the equivalent circuit.

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 EXPERIMENT 3—EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON A FAN MOTOR

3.1 Aims
 Investigation of the construction of a fan motor
 Determining the parameters of the equivalent circuit of a fan motor
 To observe the role of the main and auxiliary windings and capacitor in a fan motor

3.2 Theory
The fan motor is a permanent split capacitor motor. It has a cage rotor and the two windings named
as main and auxiliary. The auxiliary winding has one capacitor connected in series. The capacitor is
permanently connected in the circuit both at the starting and running conditions. That is why, a fan
motor is called as capacitor start and capacitor run motor. It is also called as a single value capacitor
motor. A typical fan motor has 36 slots and 18 poles in the stator. The connection diagram of a fan
motor is shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 Equivalent circuit of a fan motor.

In Fig. 1,
V and I are the supply voltage and current;
IM, RM, and XM are the main windings current, resistance, and inductance, respectively;
IA, RA, and XA are the auxiliary windings current, resistance, and inductance, respectively;
C is the capacitor.
As the capacitor is always present in the circuit, this type of motor does not contain any starting
switch. The auxiliary winding is always present in the circuit. Thus, the motor operates as the
balanced two‐phase motor.

3.3 Pre‐lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) How to work out the equivalent circuit of a fan motor from the terminal voltage and current,
considering that only one winding is present at a time?
2) What are the physical and thus the electrical differences between the main and auxiliary
windings?
3) Is a fan motor still capable of rotating without a capacitor? Explain your opinion.
4) Does a capacitor increase the speed of a fan motor? Justify your answer.

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3.4 Experimental Work

1) Take an exposed stator core of a fan motor where windings are visible. Then, count and note
down the number of slots and poles in the stator.
2) Take an intact fan motor and disconnect the connection between the main and auxiliary
windings. Identify the main and auxiliary windings by measuring the dc resistance. The
winding with high resistance is the auxiliary winding.
3) Make sure the ac power supply is OFF, and the main and auxiliary windings are disconnected.
Connect the ac supply to the main winding only. Ask a teacher/officer to check your
connection.
4) Apply 220 V ac to the main winding and record the input current and rotor speed. Switch OFF
the power supply. Calculate and record the main windings resistance RM and reactance XM.
5) Repeat the task 4) for auxiliary winding only. Calculate and record the auxiliary windings
resistance RA and reactance XA.
6) Connect the main and auxiliary windings in parallel without a capacitor. Ask a teacher/officer
to check your connection. Apply 220 V ac and record the input current and motor speed.
7) Now connect a capacitor in series in the auxiliary winding. Then, combine the auxiliary
winding with the main winding in parallel. Ask a teacher/officer to check your connection.
Apply 220 V ac and record the motor input current and speed.
8) Switch OFF the power supply.
9) Calculate the value of capacitor.

3.5 Discussions

 Draw the equivalent circuit of the fan motor with the actual values of the parameters.
 Verify the answers of questions 2–4 from pre‐lab work using the experimental results you
found. Discuss the possible reasons if you found any differences between your answers and
the experimental results.

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 EXPERIMENT 4—DETERMINATION OF PARAMETERS AND VOLTAGE
REGULATION OF AN ALTERNATOR

4.1 Aims

 To determine the values of the parameters of the equivalent circuit of the alternator from
open circuit and short circuit tests.
 To observe the effects of different loads (resistive, inductive, and capacitive) on the terminal
voltage of the alternator.

4.2 Theory
Model of round rotor synchronous machine

A round rotor synchronous generator can be modelled using the per‐phase equivalent circuit of Fig.
1.

Fig. 1 Per phase equivalent circuit for synchronous generator.

Here,
I ,V are the armature current and terminal voltage,
E is the excitation (internal) voltage,
Xs, r are the synchronous reactance and armature resistance, respectively, and
Zs = r+ jXs is the synchronous impedance.
To the extent that saturation can be ignored, Xs can be regarded as constant and E as being
proportional to field current If.

4.3 Pre-lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) How to work out the per phase equivalent circuit of a synchronous generator from the open‐
and short‐circuit test?
2) What are the effects of different types of load (lagging, leading and unity p.f.) connected to
the generator on the terminal voltage of the generator?

4.4 Experimental Work

4.4.1 Overview of Setup
For this experiment, a dc machine will be used mainly as a prime mover of a generator. The
generator is mechanically coupled with the dc motor.

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The armature winding of the alternator is connected in star and other open terminals of the star can
be used to measure the open circuit voltage and short circuit current. Different types of load
(resistive, inductive and capacitive) can also be connected.
Separate variable dc voltage sources are used to supply the field of the alternator as well as the field
and the armature of the dc motor.
A detailed understanding of the dc motor is not required for this experiment. It is sufficient to know
that the motor armature voltage is set to about 200 V and the motor speed and/or torque can be
varied by adjusting the motor field current using a rheostat located at the front panel of the power
supply.

4.4.2 Open circuit test

Fig. 2 shows the experimental set up for the open circuit test. The dc shunt motor is used to drive the
synchronous generator by coupling the shafts. The variable DC supply on the bench is to be used to
power on the field and armature circuits of the dc machine as well as the field circuit of the
alternator. Use the voltmeter and ammeter located on the module to measure the field current of
the alternator. The machines should be at synchronous speed with the stator windings of the
synchronous machine (alternator) open circuited.

Fig. 2 Experimental setup for the open circuit test.

1) Check the DC power supply panel on the bench. Ensure all power supplies are turned off.
2) Connect the system shown in Fig. 2. Don’t apply voltage to the field circuit of the alternator
at this moment (over current protection may operate if this is not followed). Ask a
teacher/officer to check the connections.
3) Switch ON the variable dc supply:
 Make sure the variac of the dc supply connected to the dc motor armature and field
is at minimum position. Turn ON the dc supply.
 Using the variac, apply the rated voltage (200 V) to the armature, and adjust the dc
motor field current to achieve the synchronous speed of the alternator. Make sure
the dc motor field current doesn’t exceed the rated value.
 Turn ON the variable dc supply for alternator field current making sure that the
variac is at minimum position. Gradually increase the field current up to 0.35 A in
seven steps and record the corresponding open circuit armature voltages Voc.
4) Turn all variac back to zero and switch OFF the dc supply.
5) Plot Voc vs If

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4.4.2 Short circuit test
1) Fig. 3 shows the experimental set up for the short circuit test. Note that the connection is
similar. Hence, keep the previous connection intact; only replace the voltmeter from the
armature terminal with an ammeter. This means that the armature terminal is now shorted
through an ammeter. Ask a teacher/officer to check the connections.

Fig. 3 Experimental setup for the short circuit test.

1) Switch ON the variable dc supply:

 Make sure the variac of the dc supply connected to the dc motor armature and field
is at minimum position. Turn ON the dc supply.
2) Using the variac, apply the rated voltage (200 V) to the armature, and adjust the dc motor
field current to achieve the synchronous speed of the alternator.
3) Turn ON the variable dc supply for alternator field current making sure that the variac is at
minimum position. Gradually increase the field current such that the short circuit armature
current does not exceed the rated value of 0.44 A. Record the field and armature currents in
five different steps.
4) Turn all variac back to zero and switch OFF the dc supply.
5) Plot Ia vs If.

4.4.3 Calculating the Synchronous Impedance

For a given excitation (i.e. a field current If ), the magnitude of the synchronous impedance Zs can be
determined as follows. From the open circuit characteristic, the value of Ea = Voc can be obtained.
The short circuit armature current Isc can be obtained from the short circuit characteristic for the
same If . The synchronous impedance is then given by

= =

If saturation was not an issue, the same value of Zs would be obtained for all If (and both the open
circuit and short circuit characteristics would be linear).

Determine the value of Zs corresponding to rated open circuit voltage by approximating the open
circuit characteristic (Voc vs If ) with a straight line from the origin through the rated voltage point.
The short circuit current should correspond to the same If as for the rated open‐circuited voltage.

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Measure the dc resistances of the armature windings and take an average. Assuming that the ac
resistance is 20% higher than the dc resistance due to ‘skin effect’, obtain an estimate for the stator
resistance r of Fig. 1. Draw the equivalent circuit as shown in Fig. 1 with the actual values of the
parameters.

4.4.4 Determination of voltage regulation

The voltage regulation (VR) of an alternator in percentage can be expressed as: VR=(Vnl‐Vfl)/Vfl X
100%. As mentioned before, at no‐load, the terminal voltage is equal to the induced voltage. Hence,
only the full‐load voltage will be changed based on the type of connected load (R, R‐L, and R‐C).

1) Remove the short circuit connection from the alternator terminals, and connect a 3‐φ
variable rheostat R as load, as shown in Fig. 4. Ask a teacher/officer to check the
connections.
2) Turn ON the power supply. Do the same thing as short circuit test; gradually increase the
field current up to 0.25 A. Decrease the 3‐φ load resistance to allow the rated armature
current of 0.44 A. Record the terminal voltage at the rated value of armature current 0.44 A.
3) Repeat the same task (no. 2) for R‐L and R‐C load. Note that the field current should be same
for all (R, R‐L, and R‐C) cases.
4) Put the variac of dc power supply back to zero.
5) Calculate the voltage regulations for R, R‐L, and R‐C loads.
6) Answer the pre‐lab question 2 using the experimental results you found.

Fig. 3 Experimental setup for voltage regulation.

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 EXPERIMENT 5—CHARACTERISTICS OF A SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR

5.1 Aims
 To synchronise the machine to the mains.
 To observe the effects on power factor, armature current, real power transfer and reactive
power transfer when (a) the synchronous machine field excitation and (b) the mechanical
torque are varied.

5.2 Theory
Model of round rotor synchronous machine
A round rotor synchronous generator can be modelled using the per‐phase equivalent circuit of Fig.
1.

Fig. 1 Per phase equivalent circuit for synchronous generator.

Here,
I ,V are the armature current and terminal voltage,
E is the excitation (internal) voltage,
Xs, r are the synchronous reactance and armature resistance, respectively, and
Zs = r+ jXs is the synchronous impedance.
To the extent that saturation can be ignored, Xs can be regarded as constant and E as being
proportional to field current If.

Power relationships
Assuming that the armature resistance r ≈ 0 , the three phase P and Q flowing out at the terminals
of the machine are given by

=3

=3 ( − )

Generators are normally operated at constant terminal voltage V. To alter the generator output
either the mechanical input power Pm or the field current If , or both, must be changed.

Suppose Pm is varied and the excitation voltage E is kept constant. Since losses are assumed
negligible, P3φ equals Pm and varies accordingly, with δ changing. If P3φ is negative, the machine is
operating as a motor and δ is negative. Q3φ will also change. In this experiment, the machine will be
operated as a motor.

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Suppose Pm is kept constant and the excitation voltage E is varied by changing the field current If.
Then P3φ stays constant and Q3φ changes. The situation is illustrated in Fig. 2 which is drawn for the
operation at unity power factor.

Fig. 2 Operation at constant P output.

If E is increased from the value shown, the machine operates at lagging power factor and Q3φ is
positive. If E is decreased from this value, the machine operates at leading power factor and Q3φ is
negative, i.e., the machine absorbs reactive power. I is a minimum at unity power factor. A plot of I vs
If for constant P3φ is referred to as the ‘V’ curve because of its characteristic shape.

To summarise, changing If alone changes Q3φ but not P3φ . Changing Pm causes a change in both P3φ
and Q3φ.

5.3 Pre-lab Work

1) What are the essential conditions for a synchronous generator to be synchronised to an
electric grid?
2) Discuss the three dark lamp method to synchronise a generator to the grid.
3) When a generator is synchronised to a large grid, the frequency (or speed) and terminal
voltage are held by the system. Use a phasor diagram to demonstrate what happens in the
system for the following case:
 if changing the excitation current of the generator but keeping the mechanical input
constant.
4) How to connect a wattmeter in a 3‐phase main to measure reactive power?

5.4 Experimental work

5.4.1 Overview of Setup
For this experiment, a dc machine will be used mainly as a prime mover of a generator. The
laboratory ac supply will act as an infinite bus (large power system). The generator is mechanically
coupled with the dc motor.

The armature winding of the synchronous generator is connected in star and can be connected to
the 3‐phase mains.
Separate variable dc voltage sources are used to supply the field of the alternator as well as the field
and the armature of the dc motor.
A detailed understanding of the dc motor is not required for this experiment. It is sufficient to know
that the motor armature voltage and field current using rheostat should be controlled to speed up
the synchronous machine to the synchronous speed.

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5.4.2 Control of synchronous machine
In this section, you will synchronize the generator to the mains first and then test the effects of
changing (a) the generator excitation (field current) and (b) the mechanical power input, on the
active power P and reactive power Q output of the generator.

Fig. 3 shows the experimental set‐up. For smooth synchronisation, the voltages on both sides of the
circuit breaker, must have the same magnitude and phase sequence at the moment the circuit
breaker is closed. The conditions for synchronisation are determined by means of a voltmeter to
check the voltage magnitudes and the bulbs status to check the phase sequence as well as the
frequency.

Fig. 3 Experimental set up.

Carry out the following steps for synchronization:

1) First check all the circuit breakers for the power supply panel are OFF. Connect the setup in
Fig. 3 and get a teacher/officer to check your connection.
2) With the circuit breaker ON start the dc motor and slowly increase the voltage to bring the
speed close to 1500 rev/min. Adjust the excitation current of the synchronous machine by
the auto‐transformer to bring the phase voltage to 220 V to match the mains voltage in
magnitude.
3) Turn on the fixed AC supply. The three synchronizing lights should be flickering on and off.
Carefully adjust the dc motor field current until the beat frequency becomes quite low. Do all
three lights become bright and then dark at the same time? If not, the phase sequence is
wrong. Turn off the fixed AC power supply and interchange any two of the leads coming from
the stator of the alternator.
4) Carefully adjust the dc motor speed until all three lights slowly darken and then slowly
brighten. The alternator frequency is very nearly equal to that of the mains. When all the
lights are completely dark, switch on the circuit breaker. The alternator will be smoothly
synchronised. Note: Never close the synchronising switch when all the lights are fully bright
as the alternator and supply voltages are 180° out of phase.
5) If the input power of the driver dc machine is reduced by adjusting its field current, the
synchronized alternator will act as synchronous motor. This motor/generator behaviour can
be confirmed by observing the torque meter located in front of dc motor.

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Variation of the field current with mechanical power held constant

1) Set Q to zero by adjusting ac field current If . The synchronous motor is now operating at
unity power factor. Record the generator field current; this value of generator field current
corresponds to a value of 1.0 pu for the excitation voltage E. Also take measurements of Q
and Iarm (armature current of synchronous machine).
2) Repeat this measurement for a number of values of alternator If over as wide a range as
possible (1.5‐6.5 A).
3) Using the results from the avove steps, plot the ‘Vee curve’; this is a plot of armature current
versus ac field current If.
4) Comment on the plot in conjunction with the Q3 in the pre‐lab.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 4

 EXPERIMENT 6— CHARACTERISTICS OF A UNIVERSAL MOTOR

6.1 Aims

 To analyse the loading effect on the speed and input current of a universal motor for ac and
dc supply

6.2 Theory

The universal motor is basically a series DC motor, as shown in Fig. 1, which is specially designed to
operate on AC as well as on DC. A standard DC series motor has very poor characteristics when
operated on AC, mainly due to two reasons:

a) The high reactance of both the armature and field windings limits AC current to a much
lower value than DC current.
b) If solid steel is used for the stator frame, AC flux will produce large eddy currents in the
frame with consequent heating.

Armature
winding

Fig. 1 A universal motor where armature and field are connected in series.

To ensure satisfactory operation of the universal motor from an AC power source, some
modifications are necessary. The reactance of the series field and armature windings must be
reduced as much as practicable. The reactance of the series field winding can be somewhat reduced
by using fewer turns of heavier wire. However, it would not be practical to eliminate the reactance
voltage drop due to the series field since that would also eliminate the magnetic field. The reactance
voltage drop due to the armature winding can be practically eliminated by using a compensating
winding. The compensating winding is connected in series with the armature winding (conductive
compensation) and arranged such that the ampere-turns of the compensating winding oppose and
neutralize the ampere-turns of the armature. To realize this compensation, the compensating
winding is displaced by 90 electrical degrees from the field winding. The compensating winding also
improves commutation considerably. This is a great adventure since the field of a universal motor is
weakened by lowering the reactance of the series field winding. If the compensating winding is short
circuited (inductive compensation), the alternating currents in the armature are induced by
transformer action into the shorted compensating winding, thus, effectively cancelling the reactive
armature currents. To reduce losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents, the field structure is
laminated. Few universal motors operate at the same speed on AC as on DC. Whether it runs faster
on AC or DC is a matter of design.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 1

6.3 Pre-lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) What is a universal motor? Why is it called a dc series motor?

2) Why is the input current of a universal motor lower for ac supply than dc supply?
3) How can the performance of a universal motor be improved for ac operation?
4) Find some industry applications of a universal motor.

6.4 Experimental Work

Operation of a universal motor using ac supply

1) Connect the experimental set up as shown in Fig. 2 using ac supply. A dc brake is

connected with the motor as a load. Ask a teacher/officer to check your connection.

Fig. 2 Experimental wiring for observing a universal motor’s characteristics.

2) Apply 115 V ac to the input of the motor. Make sure the dc supply at the braker is switched
OFF and the variac is at minimum position. Record the input motor current and motor speed.
3) Turn ON the dc supply at the braker, and record the dc voltage and current (should be
approximately 0 V and 0 A).
4) Increase the dc voltage gradually up to 0.50 A (load current) in five equal steps and record
the motor input current and speed. Note that the motor input current should not exceed the
rated value.
5) Turn the variac back to zero position. Switch OFF all power supplies.
6) Plot the load current vs. speed characteristics. Also plot input current vs. speed
characteristics.

Operation of a universal motor using dc supply

1) Change the power supply from ac to dc and keep all other previous connections intact. Ask a
teacher/officer to check your connection.
2) Apply 85 V dc to the input of the motor. Make sure the dc supply at the braker is switched
OFF and the variac is at minimum position. Record the input motor current and motor speed.
3) Turn ON the dc supply at the braker, and record the dc voltage and current (should be
approximately 0 V and 0 A).
4) Increase the dc voltage gradually up to 0.50 A (load current) in five equal steps and record
the motor input current and speed. Note that the motor input current should not exceed the
rated value.
5) Put the variac back to zero. Switch OFF all power supplies.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 2

6) Plot the load current vs. speed characteristics on the same figure drawn in step 6 for ac
operation. Also plot input current vs. speed characteristics on the same figure drawn for ac
operation.
7) Compare the two (for ac and dc supply) curves, and comment on the pre lab questions 2 and
3.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 3

 EXPERIMENT 7— Effect of rotor resistance variation on torque-speed
behaviour of an induction motor

7.1 Aims
 To observe the torque-speed characteristics of an induction motor under the condition of
rotor resistance variation.
 To investigate the input current and efficiency of the induction motor under the variation of
rotor resistance.

7.2 Theory
Investigating the the torque-speed curve of an induction motor, as shown in Fig. 1, it is apparent that
the rotor circuit resistance has significant impact on speed at which maximum torque occurs. The
plots below illustrate two cases: low rotor resistance on the left and high rotor resistance on the
right.
http://people.ucalgary.ca/~aknigh/electrical_machines/induction/design/rotor_influence.html

Fig. 1 impact of rotor resistance on torque-speed characteristics of induction motor.

It can be seen from the plots that a high rotor resistance will provide a high starting torque, leading
to rapid acceleration of the mechanical system. This is desirable since during starting the stator
current is significantly above the rated current. Short acceleration times reduce the stress on the
system caused by high current.

While high starting torques are desirable, high rotor resistance results in a relatively high slip (low
speed) during normal running operation. As torque is proportional to rotor ohmic losses divided by
slip, high resistance causes increased losses and reduced efficiency during normal operation.

The above points cause a problem. For most applications it is desirable to have:
 high starting torque
 high efficiency at rated speed
However, designs with high starting torque will have low efficiency at rated speed and designs with
high efficiency will have low starting torque. In order to resolve these conflicting requirements, two
steps must be considered:
1. Careful consideration of the application requirements
2. Designs of motors with variable rotor resistance.

7.3 Pre-lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) How does the developed torque in an induction motor depend on the rotor resistance?

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 1

 2) What are the advantages and disadvantages of the high rotor resistance in an induction
motor?

7.4 Experimental Work

1) Check and record the nameplate ratings of the slip-ring induction motor.
2) Measure the dc resistances of the rotor windings and take an average. Assuming the ac
resistance is 20% higher than the dc resistance due to ‘skin effect’, obtain an estimate for the
rotor resistance/phase.
3) Connect the circuit diagram as shown in Fig. 2. Note that the rotor circuit is shorted, similar
to a squirrel cage induction motor. A dc brake generator is connected as a load to the motor.
The load/armature current of the generator can be varied in step using a variac.

Shorted rotor
Wattmeter
c.c. 0.8A dc
A
3-φ Variac F-
3-φ supply p.c.
V + Ar +
A
(inside the Rotor R
(24V L-L) panel) p.c. -
Y-connected Brake
Slip ring IM generator

Fig. 2 Experimental wiring for observing the effect of rotor resistance variations .

4) Apply 0.8 A dc to the field of the generator, and increase the input voltage to the motor until
the speed is 2700 rpm. Set an armature current of brake generator which is less than 2.5A by
decreasing the external armature resistance. Observe that the brake generator shows an
unbalance condition. Now adjust the position of the mass m of the balancing weight along
the balancing rod so that the brake generator remains at equilibrium condition. Record the
input voltage, input current, input power, motor speed, and position of the balancing weight
in meter along the balancing rod. Calculate the torque using the relationship T=9.81 × m(kg)
× (l-b)(meter), where m is 110 gm, l is the total length of the rod in meter, and b is the
position of mass from the end side of the rod in meter. Also calculate the output power using
the relationship Pout = Torque x Speed, and the efficiency using η=Pout/Pin.
5) Reconnect the rotor circuit as shown in Fig. 3. Insert an external resistance to each phase of
the rotor circuit in a balanced way. Increase the value of external rotor resistance so that the
brake generator shows unbalance condition. Ensure the load current of the generator is
same as it was in step 4). Adjust the position of the mass m to make the generator balanced.
Record and estimate the same data as it was done in step 4.

R R
Y-connected

Wattmeter
External rotor
resistance
R
c.c. 0.8A dc
A
3-φ Variac F-
+ Ar
A

3-φ supply V
p.c.
+
A
(inside the Rotor R
(24V L-L)
panel) p.c. -
Y-connected Brake
Slip ring IM generator

Fig. 3 Insertion of 3-phase external resistance to the rotor circuit.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 2

6) Repeat the same task, as it is done in step 5, for other three values by increasing the external
rotor resistance gradually. Note that the load current of the generator should be same as it
was in step 4) in every case.
7) Plot rotor resistance vs. speed, torque, efficiency, and input current.
8) Discuss the plotted graph to support the objectives of the experiment.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 3

 EXPERIMENT 8— Loading characteristics of a two-value-capacitor-motor

8.1 Aims
 To classify capacitor-motors.
 To observe the input current, speed, torque, and efficiency of a two-value-capacitor-motor
under different loading conditions.

8.2 Theory
A single phase ac supply is not capable of producing a rotating field in a motor at standstill condition.
It is because single phase supply produces a field pulsating in nature. Thus, no starting torque is
developed. A two-phase action is necessary in a single phase motor to produce a rotating field at
starting and thus the starting torque. The two phase action can be ascertained by phase splitting,
which is done by using two windings in parallel in the stator. The two windings are called as main and
auxiliary windings, and their electrical characteristics are made different by selecting different
diameters of conductors, different number of turns in the coil, and capacitor/capacitors in series with
the auxiliary winding. Hence, two currents flowing through the two windings maintain two different
phase angles with respect to applied voltage and produce the two phase action. When the capacitor
is used in the auxiliary winding, the motor is called capacitor motor. In a capacitor-start motor, the
capacitor is used at starting. In this case, the phase difference between the two currents is closer to
90o. Sometimes two values of capacitors are used: one for starting and another one for running. In
that case, the motor is called two-value-capacitor-motor.

8.3 Pre-lab Work (Must be completed before coming to the laboratory)

1) Is a single phase motor self starting? Justify your answer.
2) Classify capacitor motor?
3) What are the general loading characteristics of induction motors?

8.4 Experimental Work

1) Check and record the nameplate ratings of the motor. Calculate the rated stator current if it
is not available in the nameplate.
2) Connect the system as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1. Experimental wirings of the two-value-capacitor-motor.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 1

3) Try to understand about the type of the motor based on the connections of capacitors in the
auxiliary winding.
4) Adjust the input voltage (around 42V) to achieve the motor speed around 2950 rpm. Make
sure the dc generator field current is 0 A. Record the generator terminal voltage, armature
current, motor speed and input current.
5) Apply the field current 0.8A to the dc generator.
6) Increase the load gradually in different steps until the dc load current is 2.6A by decreasing
the external resistance connected to the armature of the generator, and record the variables
as done in step 4).
7) Calculate the torque and efficiency for every observation. For calculating torque, calculate
the dc generator output and assume that the generator efficiency is 80%. Then you will get
dc generator input, which is ac motor output power. Using this output and the measured
speed in radian per second (rps), calculate the torque, τ = pout/speed(rps).
8) Plot load current vs. motor input current, speed, torque, and efficiency.
9) Discuss the graph clearly.

Lab manual on EE 3108, EEE, KUET Page 2

S9‐S10. Designing a Project: In the project, students could emphasize the knowledge and skills
learned from lectures and experiments and utilize them to implement process control of an
industry and voltage regulation and power factor control for a small power system.

Evaluation: Project will bear 20 marks, similar as for all other experiments.

Outcome: Viva, presentation and a group report.