DC Generator
1. Armature reaction
Armature reaction:
By armature reaction is meant the effect of magnetic field set up by armature
current on the distribution of flux under main poles of a generator. It has two
main effects:
i)It demagnetises or weakens the main flux and
ii)It cross-magnetises or distorts it.
The first effect leads to reduced generated voltage and the second to the sparking
at the brushes.
Geometrical and Magnetic Neutral Axes in DC
Generator:
(i)The geometrical neutral axis (G.N.A.) is the axis that bisects the angle between the
centre line of adjacent poles. Clearly, it is the axis of symmetry between two adjacent
poles.
(ii) The magnetic neutral axis (M.N.A.) is the axis drawn perpendicular to the mean
direction of the flux passing through the centre of the armature. Clearly, no e.m.f. is
produced in the armature conductors along this axis because then they cut no flux.
With no current in the armature conductors, the M.N.A. coincides with G.N.A. as
shown in Fig. 1.
Armature reaction explanation:
Let us discuss these effects of armature reaction by considering a 2-pole generator.
(i) Fig. 2(i) shows the flux due to main poles (main flux) when the armature conductors
carry no current. The flux across the air gap is uniform. The m.m.f. producing the
main flux is represented in magnitude and direction by the vector OFm. Note that
OFm is perpendicular to G.N.A.
Fig. 2(i)
Armature reaction explanation:
(ii) Fig. 2(ii) shows the flux due to the
current flowing in armature conductors
alone (main poles un-excited).
The armature conductors to the left
of G.N.A. (conductors under N pole)
carry current “in” (x) and those to the
right carry current “out” (•). The
direction of magnetic lines of force can
be found by cork screw rule. It is clear
that armature flux is directed
downward parallel to the brush axis.
The m.m.f. producing the armature
flux is represented in magnitude and
direction by the vector OFA in Fig. Fig. 2(ii)
(2.3) (ii).
Armature reaction explanation:
(iii) Fig. 2(iii) shows the flux due to the
main poles and that due to the current
in armature conductors acting together.
The resultant m.m.f. OF is the vector sum
of OFm and OFA as shown in Fig. 2(iii).
Since M.N.A. is always perpendicular to
the resultant m.m.f., the M.N.A. is shifted
through an angle θ. Note that M.N.A. is
shifted in the direction of rotation of
the generator.
Armature reaction explanation:
(iv) In order to
achieve sparkless commutation, the
brushes must lie along the M.N.A.
Consequently, the brushes are shifted
through an angle θ so as to lie along the
new M.N.A. as shown in Fig. 2(iv). Due to
brush shift, the m.m.f. FA of the armature is
also rotated through the same angle θ. It is
because some of the conductors which were
earlier under N-pole now come under S-
pole and vice-versa. The result is
that armature m.m.f. FA will no longer be
vertically downward but will be rotated in
the direction of rotation through an angle θ.
Now FA can be resolved into rectangular Fig. 2(iv)
components Fc and Fd.
Armature reaction explanation:
(a) The component Fd is in direct opposition to the m.m.f. OFm due to main poles. It
has a demagnetizing effect on the flux due to main poles. For this reason, it is called
the demagnetizing or weakening component of armature reaction.
•
(b) The component Fc is at right angles to the m.m.f. OFm due to main poles.It distorts
the main field. For this reason, it is called the cross magnetizing or distorting
component of armature reaction. It may be noted that with the increase of armature
current, both demagnetizing and distorting effects will increase.
Summary:
(i)With brushes located along G.N.A. (i.e., θ = 0°), there is no demagnetizing
component of armature reaction (Fd = 0). There is only distorting or cross magnetizing
effect of armature reaction.
(ii) With the brushes shifted from G.N.A., armature reaction will have
both demagnetizing and distorting effects. Their relative magnitudes depend on the
amount of shift. This shift is directly proportional to the armature current.
(iii) The demagnetizing component of armature reaction weakens the main flux. On the
other hand, the distorting component of armature reaction distorts the main flux.
(iv) The demagnetizing effect leads to reduced generated voltage while cross
magnetising effect leads to sparking at the brushes.
How to reduce armature reaction:
1. Compensating winding: The armature reaction is due to the presence of armature
flux. Armature flux is produced due to the current flowing in armature conductors.
Now, placing another winding in close proximity of the armature winding if it
carries the same current but in the opposite direction as that of the armature current,
then this will nullify the armature field. Such an additional winding is called as
compensating winding and it is placed on the pole faces.
2. Interpoles: Interpoles are the small auxiliary poles placed between the main field
poles. Winding on the interpoles is connected in series with the armature. Each
interpole is wound in such a way that its magnetic polarity is same as that of the
main pole ahead of it. Interpoles nullify the quadrature axis armature flux.
