Category: 4. Generator

DC generators are classified based on how their fields are excited (i.e. produced). There are three methods of excitation, and thus three main types of DC generators: Permanent Magnet DC Generators – Field coils excited by permanent magnets Separately Excited DC Generators – Field coils excited by some external source Self Excited DC Generators – Field coils excited… Continue reading Types of DC Generators 

Before we can explain the working principle of a DC generator, we need to cover the basics of generators. There are two types of generators–DC generators and AC generators. Both DC and AC generators convert mechanical power to electrical power. A DC generator produces direct power, while an AC generator produces alternating power. Both of… Continue reading Working Principle of DC Generator

In modern power system, power is usually supplied by many synchronous generators connected in parallel which helps to maintain continuity of plant operations. Now a day’s, isolated one large generator is outdated. When we connect two generators in parallel, they have a tendency to remain in step. By doing some changes in their armature current… Continue reading Parallel Operation of DC Generators

The construction of an alternator consists of field poles placed on the rotating fixture of the machine. An alternator is made up of two main parts: a rotor and a stator. The rotor rotates in the stator, and the field poles get projected onto the rotor body of the alternator. The armature conductors are housed… Continue reading Construction of Alternator

The working principle of an alternator is very simple. It is just like the basic principle of DC generator. It also depends upon Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction which says the current is induced in the conductor inside a magnetic field when there is a relative motion between that conductor and the magnetic field. For… Continue reading Working Principle of Alternator

What is an Alternator? An alternator is defined as a machine which converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current (at a specific voltage and frequency). Alternators are also known as synchronous generators. Where is an Alternator Used? Alternators produce the power for the electrical systems of modern vehicles. Previously, DC generators or dynamos were… Continue reading Alternator Synchronous Generator

In this article we discuss one of the easiest methods of making a phasor diagram for a synchronous generator. Now, let us write the various notations for each quantity at one place, this will help us to understand the phasor diagram more clearly. In this phasor diagram we are going to use: Ef which denotes excitation voltage… Continue reading Phasor Diagram of a Synchronous Generator

In order to derive various conditions for power in both alternators and synchronous motors, let us consider the general problem of power flow through inductive impedance. The circuit diagram shown below consists of voltage source E1, voltage source E1 and load which consists of one resistor in series with an inductor. Now if we assume… Continue reading Power Derivation in Synchronous Motors

Power rating of an alternator is defined as the power which can be delivered by an alternator safely and efficiently under some specific conditions. Increasing load increases losses in the alternator, which leads to a temperature rise of the machine. The conductor and insulator parts of the machine have some specific overheating withstand limits. The… Continue reading Rating of Alternator

Armature winding in an alternator may be either closed type open type. Closed winding forms star connection in armature winding of alternator.There are some common properties of armature winding. First and most important property of an armature winding is, two sides of any coil should be under two adjacent poles. That means, coil span =… Continue reading Armature Winding of Alternator