No.
of the Experiment : 02
Name of the Experiment : Study the properties of DC Self-Excited Shunt Generator.
Objectives :
1. To study the properties of the self-excited DC shunt generator under no-load and
full-load conditions.
2. To learn how to connect the self-excited generator.
3. To obtain the armature voltage vs armature current load curve of the generator.
Theory :
A DC generator is an electrical device that primarily converts mechanical energy
into electrical energy. According to Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction,
when a conductor cuts through a magnetic field, it generates an electromotive force
(emf). This emf can drive a current if the conductor circuit is closed.
In a DC Generator, the stator is the magnetic field and the rotor is the armature.
The generated power is originally AC power, which is then converted to DC power
using the help of brushes.
Excitation is the process of supplying a magnetic field to the field windings to
enable the generation of electricity. Generated voltage depends on the strength of
the magnetic field used in the generator. This means, by controlling excitation, we
can control how much electricity is being produced.
Based on excitation, there are two main types of DC generator. They are : 1)
Separately excited and 2) Self excited. In separately excited configuration, the
field coils are energized from an independent exterior DC source. In a self-excited
type, the field coils are energized from the generated current within the
generator. When the field windings are attached parallel to the generator, it is
called DC Self-Excited Shunt Generator.
Self-excitation in a DC generator is enabled by residual magnetism in the stator
pole pieces, which retain a small magnetic field even when not operating. When the
generator starts, this weak field induces a small voltage in the armature, causing
current to flow through the field windings. This process strengthens the magnetic
field and increases the output voltage until normal operation is achieved.
In this experiment, the armature voltage, armature current and power for varying
loads have been observed.
Ckt Diagram :
Data Table :
Discussion :
Self-excitation in a DC shunt generator is possible due to residual magnetism in
the stator pole pieces, which provides an initial weak magnetic field. This initial
field induces a small EMF in the armature, causing a current to flow through the
field windings and strengthen the magnetic field. This process continues in a
positive feedback loop. At one point, magnetic saturation occurs. Magnetic material
in the generator's stator poles reaches a point where further increases in current
result in only minimal increases in magnetic field strength. This limits the field
enhancement, stabilizing the generator's output voltage. Key factors influencing
this process include the field resistance, the speed of armature rotation, and the
presence of sufficient residual magnetism.
As seen in the experimental data, when there is no load, a DC shunt generator
generates a stable voltage due to the balance between residual magnetism and the
feedback mechanism of self-excitation. When a load is applied, the current
increases, causing a voltage drop due to the internal resistance and armature
reaction. As the load increases, this voltage drop becomes more pronounced, leading
to a decrease in the terminal voltage of the generator. If we observe the change in
the developed power, it can be seen that power is also increasing. This means that
the change of current is more dominant than the change of voltage.
A DC self-excited shunt generator is widely used in applications such as battery
charging, electroplating, and as exciters for alternators due to its ability to
maintain stable voltage. Its importance lies in its simplicity, and cost-
effectiveness. So, it is easy to maintain and reliable for various industrial uses.
Another factor, which is one of the main advantages of this type of generator, is
its good voltage regulation. This makes it suitable for applications that require a
stable power supply, such as in hospitals, data centers, and sensitive electronic
equipment. The generator's self-excitation capability allows it to run without an
external power source, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility across
different applications.
Report Questions :
1. If a self-excited generator has lost all of its residual magnetism, can it build
up an output voltage? Yes/No.
Ans: If a self-excited generator has lost all of its residual magnetism, it cannot
build up an output voltage. Residual magnetism is what provides the initial
magnetic field to induce voltage in the armature windings. Without it, the initial
voltage will not be induced. So no current will flow in the field windings, giving
no output voltage.
2. How would you get a generator to work after it had lost all of its residual
magnetism?
Ans: The method to make a generator start working after it loses its residual
magnetism is called "flashing". An external DC power source, such as a DC battery
is used in this method. I would connect the power source to the field windings. By
applying voltage to the field windings, the core will gain some magnetism. After
this, it should be able to run again and maintain self excitation this time.
3. Does a generator slowly lose its residual magnetism with time? Yes/No.
Ans : Yes, a generator slowly lose its residual magnetism with time. This happens
due to factors like mechanical vibrations, temperature changes, and aging of
magnetic materials, which weaken the magnetic field in the stator poles.
4. Plot the EA vs IA regulation curve on the graph Paper.
Ans : do the graph bro
5. Calculate the regulation from no-load to full-load.
Ans : [(No load voltage - Full load)/Full load voltage]*100%
