Plot the O.C.C. of a D. C. Generator & find the Critical Resistance

Experiment No.: 1

Experiment Name: Plot the O.C.C. of a D. C. Generator & find the Critical Resistance.

Objective:

1. To plot open circuit characteristics of a DC shunt generator
2. To find critical resistance from the characteristics curve

Theory:

In a DC Generator an expression for the voltage generated (E) in the armature winding can be written as- E=  PΦZN/60A volt. Where Φ=  Flux per pole in weber, Z= No. of armature conductors, N= Speed in rpm, P= No. of poles, A=No. of parallel paths.

For a generator, which is, running at constant speed the above expression can be written as, E= K.Φ or, E=K.B

Where B is the flux density in the air gap. The flux is established due to field mmf N_f  I_f . Where N_f  is the number of field turns and I_f is the field current. Due to this a field intensity H is established and H= N_f  I_f / L, where L is the mean length of the magnetic path per pole. From the above, E α B and B is a function of H, while H α I_f. Thus the relation between E and I_f , must be similar to that between B and H for the magnetic circuit of the machine. A typical magnetization curve is shown in the figure. This characteristic is also known as the Open Circuit Characteristics (O.C.C.) curve, since the armature is open circuited.

Circuit Diagram:

Observation Table:

Speed of the generator = 1500 r.p.m.                           

Sl. No.	If field current (A)	No load voltage across armature, Eg (V)
1.	0	28.04
2.	0.04	85
3.	0.08	155
4.	0.12	190
5.	0.16	210
6.	0.2	230
7.	0.24	235
8.	0.28	240
9.	0.32	250
10.	0.36	250
11.	0.38	250

Characteristics Graph:

Calculation:

Critical resistance = Voltage/ current from the open circuit characteristics

Apparatus Used:

SL NO	Name of the Apparatus	Specification	Qty.	Maker’s Name
1	DC Motor	3 HP, 220 V DC Shunt	1	M.E.W.
2	DC Generator	3 kW, 220 V DC Shunt	1	M.E.W.
3	Ammeter	PMMC type, 0-1 A	1
4	Voltmeter	PMMC type, 0-300 V	1
5	Tachometer	Non contact type, Digital	1	Metrix+
6	Control Panel	230 V AC	1	M.E.W.
7	Connecting Cables	Banana Jack	As required

Remarks:

1.     The method is applicable to both, the ‘series’ as well as the ‘shunt’ generator. The field winding is separately excited in this method. In case of series generator, the field circuit has to be suitable for carrying the rated current. For series generator, instead of potential divider arrangement, a variable resistance in series with the field winding is used to change the field current. The resistance of suitable current should be chosen.

2.     The reading should be taken with field current increasing only. This is because of the hysteresis effect, due to which the curve with readings taken in the decreasing order of the field current lies little above the curve with increasing order of the field current.