LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

Course No.: EEC2920

II Year B.Tech. (Electrical), IV Semester

1. Load test of a DC series motor.

2. Load test of DC shunt and compound motors.

3. Speed control of a DC separately excited motor using Ward

Leonard method.

4. Speed control of a wound rotor induction motor using rotor

resistance control.

5. Determination of voltage regulation of an alternator using

synchronous impedance method and ASA method.

6. Synchronization of a three-phase alternator to infinite bus-

bar and plotting of V-curves of the machine at different
output powers.

7. Determination of d-axis and q-axis synchronous reactance of

a salient pole synchronous machine by slip-test.

8. Operation of three-phase induction machine as generator.

 TITLE PAGE OF THE REPORT
1. Information about the Experiment

Title of the course (Name of the lab): Electrical Machine Lab 1

Course No.: EEC2920

Title of the experiment: ………………………………………………………

Date of performing the experiment: ………………………………………

Day of the Experiment (Wednesday/Thursday): ……………………….

Date of submission of the report: ………………………………

2. Information about the student

Name: ………………………

Class S. No. : ………………………

Group No. : ………………………

College/Faculty No.: ………………………

Enrolment No.: ………………………

Name of group-partners:

1. ……………………

2.…………………

3. ……………………
INFORMATION FORMING BODY OF THE REPORT
The informations to be incorporated in the report may be formatted as follows:

Object

This should include the precise aim of the experiment as well as list of the main tests to be
performed.

Description of apparatus

Under this head complete nameplate data of the equipment being tested must be given. The
complete list of equipments, along with their type and range/rating, must be given. The list should
also include the identification marks, e.g. equipment-number, manufacturer’s name, and model, of
all the equipments. This information may be needed to use the same set of equipments, in case
verification of earlier observations is required or an incomplete experiment is to be completed.
These informations may be tabulated as shown in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1 Format for writing details of equipments used in the experiment

S.No. Equipments/Devices Range/Rating Equipment No. Manufacturer/

Make/Model

Circuit diagram

The circuit diagram is an essential part of the laboratory report. It must show complete connection
diagram. The ratings of all the instruments should be indicated in the diagram. Alternatively,
serial number of the equipments, as given in table 1.1, may be indicated in the diagram.
Observations
Observations recorded during the experiment in the format given in each experiment manual.
Calculations
If required, calculations should be given along with the mathematical relations employed. If same
process of calculation is used for different sets of observations, sample calculation for any one set
of observations must be shown. Results of calculations may be suitably arranged in a tabular
form.
Results
The results derived from the observations may be given in tabular, graphical or any other suitable
form as given in the manual of the experiment. In case of graphs, dependent variable should be
plotted as the ordinate and independent variable as the abscissa. Thus, to plot speed-torque curve
of a motor, the dependant variable, speed, should plotted on the Y-axis and the independent
parameter, torque, should be plotted along X-axis.
If a number of curves are to be plotted on same sheet, points pertaining to different curves
must be differentiated using different notations. For example, if the points of one curve are
shown by , the points of the other curve may be represented by . The different curves may also
be differentiated by plotting them in different colours.
Comments on the results
The conclusions drawn from the obtained results should be discussed. The experimental results
must be compared with those expected theoretically. The probable reasons for any difference
between experimental and theoretical results must be explained.
 EXPERIMENT 1
LOAD TEST OF DC SERIES MOTOR

OBJECT

To conduct load test on a dc series motor and plot the following curves:
(a) Torque versus input current
(b) Speed versus input current
(c) Speed versus torque
(d) Efficiency versus output power

THEORY

In a dc series motor, the field winding of the motor is connected in series with the armature.
Therefore, the air-gap flux  depends on the armature current Ia. If linear magnetic circuit is
assumed, the flux can be written as
  K f Ia (1.1)
Here Kf is a proportionality constant.
The torque produced by a dc motor is given by
T  K t I a (1.2)
where Kt is a constant for a particular motor.
Using Eq. (1.1), Eq. (1.2) may be written as
T  K t K f I a2 (1.3)
Therefore, T versus Ia curve is a parabola for low values of Ia. For large Ia, the magnetic
circuit gets saturated and flux becomes almost constant. The T versus Ia curve becomes linear as
shown in Fig. 1.1.
The speed of a dc motor may be written as
V  I a Ra  Rse 
n  Kn (1.4)

where
Ra is the resistance of armature winding,
Rse is the resistance of series field winding and
Kn is a constant of motor.
Using Eq. (1.1), Eq. (1.4) may be written as
Kn V 
n   Ra  Rse  (1.5)
Kf  Ia 
 Using Eq. (1.5) the speed-current characteristic of the motor may be plotted as shown in
Fig. 1.1. It may be observed that at low loads armature current is very small and the motor speed
becomes dangerously high. Therefore, a dc series motor should never be allowed to run on no-
load. If no-load condition occurs, the motor must be disconnected from the supply. This is
achieved using a starter with a centrifugal switch which disconnects the supply in case the motor
speed exceeds a preset value. The starter also inserts an external resistance in series with the
armature in order to reduce the starting current. As the motor gains speed, the external resistance
is gradually cut out by moving the starter handle from OFF position to ON position.
Eliminating Ia from Eq. (1.5) with the help of Eq. (1.3), the speed-torque relation may be
obtained as

Kn V K t K f 
n   Ra  Rse  (1.6)
Kf  T 

Speed

Torque

Armature current

Fig. 1.1 Series motor characteristics

The speed-torque characteristic is similar to the speed-current characteristics, shown in Fig. 1.1.
If the motor is loaded by applying mechanical or friction brakes using a pulley-belt
arrangement, the output torque T (in Newton-meter), may be calculated as
T  T1  T2   R  g (1.7)
where T1 and T2 are the tensions on the two sides of the belt in kgf, R is the radius of the pulley in
meters and g is acceleration due to gravity. It may be taken as 9.81 m/sec2.
The output power of the motor may be obtained as
2 π  n T
Pout  Watts (1.8)
60
Where n is speed of the motor in rpm.
The input power is given by
Pin  V  I (1.9)
 Experiment 5.1 81
Where V and I are the input voltage and input current of the motor respectively.
Efficiency of the machine is given by
Pout
η  100 (1.10)
Pin

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

For load test, the motor may be loaded by applying mechanical brakes using a pulley-belt
arrangement and recording the tensions on the two sides of the belt with the help of spring
balances. A moving coil voltmeter rated for more than rated voltage of the motor is required to
measure the input voltage. A moving coil ammeter rated for more than rated current of the motor
is required to measure the input current. A starter having eight terminals is used to start the series
motor. Two terminals of the starter are to be connected to the line terminals, two to the field
terminals and two to the armature terminals of the motor. Two terminals are to be connected to
the centrifugal switch which is mounted on the dc motor.

PROCEDURE

(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 1.2.

(ii) Put some load on the shaft of the motor by tightening the brake belt.
(iii) Keeping the drum handle at OFF position, release the ON contact of the starter. This
makes out supply available at the controller.
(iv) Start the motor by moving the drum handle to position No. 1 and then gradually cut
out all the starting resistance by moving handle up to position No. 5.

series motorstarter DC series motor

+ A L A Y X
230-V DC Supply

LL AA YY XX Centrifugal switch
A
+
X
V Field winding
load
 YY
XX
Y
AA

Fig. 1.2 Circuit diagram

 (v) Increase the load on the motor shaft by tightening the belt till the motor draws its full
load current. Note down the supply voltage, armature current, tension on the two
sides of the belt and speed of the motor.
(vi) Decrease the load in small steps till the motor draws a current of about 50% of its
rated value. Note down the supply voltage, armature current, tension on the two sides
of the belt and speed of the motor for each load condition.

OBSERVATIONS

Effective radius of the pulley R =….

Different observations may be recorded as:

S.No Input voltage of Input current of Spring tensions Speed of the

the motor the motor motor

V I T1 T2 n

REPORT

Calculate the input power (Eq. 1.9), torque (Eq. 1.7), output power (Eq. 1.8), and efficiency (Eq.
1.10) and tabulate the results as follows

S.No Ammeter Speed of the Input Power Torque Output Efficiency

reading motor power
Pin  V  I Pout
I n T Pout 
Pin

Plot torque versus input current, speed versus input current, speed versus torque, and efficiency
versus output power curves. Comment on the nature of these curves.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Why do the dc series motors give high starting torque?

2. Why should a dc series motor not be started on no-load? What protective device can
be used to avoid no-load operation?
3. Mention industrial applications of dc series motors.
 EXPERIMENT 2
LOAD TEST OF SHUNT AND COMPOUND MOTORS

OBJECT

To conduct load test on shunt and compound motors and plot speed versus load and efficiency
versus load curves.

THEORY

A dc motor with its field winding connected to the dc supply in parallel with the armature is
called a dc shunt motor. If the supply voltage is kept constant, the field current and therefore, the
air-gap flux  remain constant.
The speed of a dc shunt motor is given by
V  I a Ra
n  Kn (2.1)

Where
V is the applied voltage
Ia is the current drawn by the armature
Ra is the resistance of the armature circuit
 is the air-gap flux per pole
Kn is a constant of the machine

The motor torque is given by T  Kt I a . As the motor loaded its armature current
increases. With an increase in armature current the armature resistance drop ( I a Ra ) increases and
the speed decreases. The decrease in speed is countered by a decrease in flux  caused by the
armature reaction. Since I a Ra drop predominates, the speed falls somewhat with load and a
drooping characteristic is obtained. The speed of the motor drops by a few percent as the motor is
loaded from no-load to full-load.
The characteristics of the dc shunt motor can be modified by using an additional winding,
which is connected in series with the armature. The additional winding is called the series field
winding. The flux produced by the series field winding depends on the armature current. As the
motor is loaded the armature current increases. This causes an increase in the series field flux. The
series field flux may aid the shunt field flux or it may oppose the shunt field flux. If the series
field flux aids the shunt field flux, the motor is called a cumulatively compounded motor and if
the series field flux opposes the shunt field flux, the motor is called a differentially compounded
motor.
In cumulatively compounded motor, the net air-gap flux increases as the motor is loaded.
As a consequence the decrease in speed is more as compared to a shunt motor. In a differentially
compounded motor the net air-gap flux decreases with an increase in the armature current,
resulting in a higher motor speed as compared to a shunt motor. The variations in speeds of shunt
and compound motors are shown in Fig. 2.1.

Differentialy
compounded
Speed
Shunt

Cumulatively
compounded

Armature current

Fig. 2.1 Characteristics of dc shunt and compound motors

For conducting the load test, the motor may be loaded by applying mechanical brake using
a pulley-belt arrangement. Alternately, the motor may be coupled with a dc generator. Increasing
the electrical load on the generator will mechanically load the motor. The output power of the
generator may be calculated as
Pog  Vog I og (2.2)
Where Vog is the output voltage and Iog is the output current of the generator.

The output power of the motor is same as the power input to the generator. This may be
calculated as
Pog
Pom  Pig  (2.3)
g
From Eq. (2.2) and (2.3)
Vog I og
Pom  (2.4)
g
The efficiency of the generator (  g ) for a particular load may be obtained from the
efficiency-load curve of the dc generator. If the efficiency-load curve is not available, a constant
value of the generator efficiency may be assumed (say 0.85).
The input power of the motor may be calculated as
Pi m  Vi m I i m (2.5)
where Vim is input voltage and Iim is input current of the motor.

The efficiency of the motor may be calculated as

86 Experiments on DC Machines
P
 m  om  100 (2.6)
Pim

EXPERUMENTAL SETUP

In the experimental setup, the motor under test is coupled to a cumulatively compounded dc
generator. Increasing load on the generator will increase load on the dc motor. The generator is
loaded with the help of a lamp-load. A three-point starter is used to start the dc motor. A rheostat
is required to vary the field current of the motor to keep the no-load speed same for the three types
of motor connections. Another rheostat is required to vary the field current of the generator to
keep the terminal voltage constant. These rheostats should be rated for a current more than the
rated field current of the respective machines and should have resistances such that the field
currents can be varied over a wide range. Two moving coil voltmeters, rated for more than the
rated voltages of the two machines, are required to measure the terminal voltages. Two moving
coil ammeters, rated for more than the rated currents of the two machines, are required to measure
the line currents of the two machines.

PROCEDURE

(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 2.2. This will connect the motor as well as the
generator in cumulatively compounded mode. Keep the machines on no-load.
(ii) Move the starter knob gradually from OFF position to ON position to start the motor.
(iii) Adjust the speed of the dc motor to a speed no, more than its rated speed with the help
of the motor field circuit rheostat Rhm. Record the readings of the various instruments
and the no-load speed of the motor.
(iv) Gradually increase the electrical load on the generator and record the readings of the
various instruments and the speed of the motor for different load conditions. Keep the
generator output voltage constant at its rated value for each reading by varying the
generator field circuit rheostat Rhg.
(v) Switch off the load and the dc power supply. Interchange the connections of the series
field winding of the motor (Connect the terminal Y of the series-field winding to the
armature terminal A of the motor and the terminal YY to the starter terminal A). This
will connect the motor in differentially compounded mode. Repeat (ii) to (iv).
(vi) Switch off the load and the dc power supply. Remove the series field winding from the
circuit. Connect the armature terminal A of the motor to the terminal A of the starter.
This will connect the motor in shunt mode. Repeat (ii) to (iv).

OBSERVATIONS

Tabulate the various observations for three types of dc motors as follows:

Type of connection: …….(Cumulatively compounded, Differentially compounded or

Shunt)
 S.No. Motor side Generator side Speed
Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading
Vim Iim Vog Iog
n

CALCULATIONS
Calculate output power (Eq. 2.4), input power (Eq. 2.5), and efficiency (Eq. 2.6) and tabulate the
results for the three types of dc motors, along with the relevant observations as follows:

Type of motor: …….(Cumulatively compounded, Differentially compounded or Shunt)

S.No Input current of the Speed of the Output power of Input power of Efficiency of the
motor motor the motor the motor motor
Iim n Pom Pim m

From the tabulated results, plot speed and efficiency of the three motors against input current.
Comment on the nature of these curves.

3-Point starter DC motor DC Generator

+ A  L F A +
A

A A
230-V dc supply

Resistive load
+ Shunt field Series field Shunt field +
Series field
V V
Z ZZ Y YY Z ZZ Y YY
 
Rh m AA Rh g
AA

Fig. 2.2 Circuit diagram for cumulatively compounded motor

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Explain why is a dc shunt motor regarded as a constant speed motor.

2. Mention industrial applications of shunt and compound motors.
3. Why is the starting torque of a cumulatively compounded motor better than a shunt
motor?
4. A cumulatively compounded dc motor is supplying a constant torque load. If the
series field winding is shorted, what will be the effect on the armature current and
speed of the motor?
5. A differentially compounded dc motor is supplying a constant torque load. If the
series field winding is shorted, what will be the effect on the armature current and
speed of the motor?
 EXPERIMENT 3

WARD-LEONARD METHOD OF SPEED CONTROL OF DC MOTOR

OBJECT

To control the speed of a separately excited dc motor using Ward-Leonard method and draw the
no-load speed versus armature voltage curves for both the directions of rotation.

THEORY

The speed of a dc motor is given by

V  I a Ra
n  Kn (3.1)

Where
V is the applied voltage
Ia is the current drawn by the armature
Ra is the resistance of the armature circuit
 is the air-gap flux per pole
Kn is a constant of the machine
In a separately excited dc motor, the field winding is excited from a separate source. If the field
winding voltage is kept constant, the air-gap flux of the motor remains constant, irrespective of
the load on the motor and voltage applied across the armature. With constant air-gap flux,
equation (3.1) may be written as
n  K n' V  I a Ra  (3.2)

Where K n'  K n 

At no load, the armature current tends to zero. The no-load speed of the motor may be
written as
no  K n' V (3.3)

Thus, the no-load speed of the motor varies linearly with the voltage across its armature.
Reversing the polarity of the armature voltage may reverse the direction of rotation of the motor.
In the Ward-Leonard method of speed control the armature of the motor, whose speed is to
be controlled, is fed from a separately excited dc generator. The generator is driven at a constant
90 Experiments on DC Machines

speed with the help of an ac motor (Induction or synchronous). The three machines should have
same power ratings. The generator output voltage is controlled by varying its field current. As the
power requirement of the field circuit is very low (1 to 2% of the machine power rating), a
potential divider may be used to feed the variable voltage to the generator field when the dc motor
is of low rating. For higher power applications, controlled power rectifiers may be needed.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

In the experimental setup, a 3-phase induction motor is used as a prime mover. A star-delta starter
is used to start the motor. The variable supply for the generator field is obtained using a potential
divider. A moving coil voltmeter, rated for more than the rated voltage of the motor, is required to
measure the armature voltage of the motor. A DPDT switch is required for reversal of field
current of the generator.

PROCEDURE

(i) Make connections as shown in Fig. 3.1. Keep the switch S open and the double pole
double throw (DPDT) switch connected to position 1-1′.

(ii) Start the induction motor using a star-delta starter.

(iii) Keep the potential divider setting at zero and observe the voltmeter reading. The
voltmeter should indicate zero or near zero voltage. Close the switch S.

(iv) Increase the potential divider setting gradually to increase the field current of the
generator. This will increase the armature voltage of the motor and hence the speed
of the motor. Record the speed of the motor for various values of armature voltage
(up to the rated voltage).

(v) Open the switch S and connect the DPDT switch to the position 2-2′. This will
reverse the direction of the generator field current and hence polarity of its output
voltage.

(vi) Repeat (iii). The motor will run at a low speed in the reverse direction. Repeat (iv).

OBSERVATIONS

S.No. Forward direction Reverse direction

Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading Voltmeter reading Ammeter reading
 Experiment 3 91

Induction Motor

3-Phase supply
(Through star-delta
starter)
S
Potential divider DPDT switch DC generator DC motor
+
230-V dc supply

A A
Field winding + Field winding
1 2 V
Z ZZ Z ZZ
1' 2' -
AA AA

+ 
 230-V dc supply

Fig. 3.1 Circuit diagram

REPORT
From the observed values, draw the speed versus applied voltage curves for both the directions of
rotation. Comment on the nature of the curve.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Why is the Ward Leonard method of speed control used, though it is costly and
inefficient?
2. What are the special applications of this method of speed control?
3. What is static Ward Leonard method of speed control?
4. Explain the terms constant torque drive and constant power drive.
 EXPERIMENT 4

SPEED CONTROL OF WOUND ROTOR INDUCTION MOTOR BY

ROTOR RESISTANCE VARIATION

OBJECT

To control the speed of a three-phase induction motor by rotor resistance variation and plot the
speed-torque and slip-torque characteristics of the motor for different values of rotor resistance.

THEORY
The speed of three phase induction motor is given by
n  ns  1  s  (4.1)

Where ns is the synchronous speed of the motor given by

120 f
n  rpm (4.2)
s P

and s is the motor slip given by

n s -n
s (4.3)
ns
Where n is speed of the motor in rpm.
From Eq. (4.1) it may be observed that speed of the motor can be controlled either by varying the
synchronous speed or by varying the slip. The synchronous speed can be varied by either varying
the frequency or by changing the number of poles of the motor. The slip of a wound rotor motors,
can be increased at constant synchronous speed by inserting an additional resistance, Re, in the
rotor circuit. The speed-torque characteristics of an induction motor for different values of Re are
shown in Fig. 4.1. It may be observed that with increase in rotor circuit resistance, the maximum
torque of the motor remains unaffected. Thus the motor torque capability remains same even at a
low speed. It may also be observed that the starting torque of the motor increases with an increase
in Re. Therefore, Re should be kept high at the time of starting. This not only increases the starting
torque but also decreases the starting current of the motor.
If the motor is loaded using a dc generator, the output power of the generator may be
calculated as
Pog  Vog I og (4.4)
76 Experiments on Induction Machines

ns
Speed

Increasing Re

Torque
Fig. 4.1 The speed-torque characteristics of an induction motor for different values of Re

Where Vog is the output voltage and Iog is the output current of the generator.
The output power of the motor is same as the power input to the generator. This may be
calculated as
Pog
Pom  Pig  (4.5)
g

From Eq. (4.4) and (4.5)

Vog I og
Pom  (4.6)
g
The efficiency of the generator (  g ) for a particular load may be obtained from the
efficiency-load curve of the dc generator. If the efficiency-load curve is not available, a constant
value of the generator efficiency may be assumed (say 0.85).
The output torque of the motor may be evaluated as
Pom
T ` (4.7)

Where  is the angular speed of the motor in rad/sec. It is s given by
2n
 (4.8)
60

From Equations (4.6) to (4.8)

Vog I og 60
T  (4.9)
g 2n
 Experiment 4.6 77

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
The experimental setup consists of a wound rotor motor coupled to a dc shunt machine. The dc
shunt machine may be operated as a generator to put mechanical load on the motor. The sliprings
of the rotor of the induction motor are connected to a star-connected variable resistance. The
resistance may be varied in three steps, Step 1 for maximum resistance, Step 2 for medium and
Step 3 for minimum resistance. The variable resistance may be used both for starting as well as
speed control of the motor.

PROCEDURE
(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 4.1 using instruments of appropriate ratings.
(ii) Adjust the external rotor circuit resistance to its maximum value (step 1).
(iii) Keep the generator on no-load condition by keeping all the switches of the lamp load in
off position.
(iv) Switch on the ac supply to start the motor.
(v) Adjust the dc generator voltage to its rated value (110 V) by varying its field current with
the help of rheostat RHF. Record the supply frequency and speed of the motor.
(vi) Increase the load current of the generator in small steps and note down the speed for each
value of the load current. Keep the generator terminal voltage constant at its rated value
by varying its field current for each value of the load current.
(vii) Repeat (iii) to (vi) for two more values of rotor circuit resistance.

OBSERVATIONS

Generator terminal voltage:………

Rotor resistance step: ………(Step1/2/3)

S.No. Frequency Load current of dc generator Speed of motor

f Ig n

A 3-phase slipring induction motor

0-5A
U DC Generator
+ A 
3-phaserated voltage supply

A
Lamp Load

W V U +
Field-winding
N N V
Z ZZ
B Stator Rotor 
V RhF
AA
C W

Fig. 4.1 Circuit diagram

78 Experiments on Induction Machines

CALCULATIONS & REPORT

Rotor resistance step: ………(Step1/2/3)

S.No. Frequency Speed Synchronous speed Slip Torque

f n ns s T
(Eq. 4.2) (Eq. 4.3) (Eq. 4.9)

Plot speed and slip of the motor against the output torque for different resistance steps. Comment
on the nature of the curves.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. What are the different methods of speed control of a 3-phase induction motor?
2. What are the advantages of rotor resistance control method of speed control of induction
motor? What are the drawbacks of this method?
 EXPERIMENT 5

DETERMINATION OF VOLTAGE REGULATION OF AN

ALTERNATOR

OBJECT

To obtain the open-circuit, short-circuit and full-load zero power factor characteristics of an
alternator and determine there-from the voltage regulation at 0.8 lagging, 0.8 leading and unity
power factor loads using the following methods:
(a) Synchronous impedance method
(b) MMF method
(c) Potier triangle method

THEORY
The per-phase circuit model of a three-phase synchronous machine is shown in Fig. 5.1(a).
Here
Ef is the per-phase emf induced in the armature winding due to the field mmf Ff,
Er is the per-phase emf induced in the armature winding due to the resultant field mmf Fr,
xar is the per-phase inductive reactance that takes into account the emf induced in the
armature winding due to the armature reaction mmf Far,
xL is the per-phase leakage reactance of the armature winding,
ra is the per-phase resistance of the armature winding,
Vt is the per-phase rated terminal voltage of the machine, and
Ia is the rated armature current of the machine.
If linear magnetic circuit is assumed, the reactances xar and xL may be combined to obtain
an approximate equivalent circuit as shown in Fig. 5.1 (b). Here xs  xar  xL . It is called the
synchronous reactance of the machine. The total impedance of the circuit is called the
synchronous impedance of the machine. It is given by

Z s  ra2  x s2 (5.1)
Voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in the terminal voltage,
expressed as a percentage of the rated terminal voltage, when the rated load at the specified power
 Experiment 5 99

xar xL ra xs ra Ia
Ia
+ +
+ +
Ef Er Vt Ef Vt
 
 
(a) (b)
Fig 5.1 Circuit model of three-phase synchronous machine

factor is thrown off, with speed and field current remaining unchanged. It may be observed from
the circuit model of the machine that at no-load, the terminal voltage becomes equal to the
excitation emf, Ef. Therefore the voltage regulation of the machine may be defined as
E f  Vt
VR   100 (5.2)
Vt
The voltage regulation of the alternator may be determined using the following methods:
(i) Synchronous impedance method or EMF method
(ii) MMF method
(iii) Potier triangle method or zero power factor method

Synchronous impedance method or EMF method

This method uses the equivalent circuit of Fig. 5.1(b). The phasor diagram of the alternator, for
lagging and leading power factor loads are shown in Fig. 5.2. From the phasor diagrams the
excitation emf can be obtained as
E f  (Vt  I a ra cos φ  I a x s sin φ )2  (I a x s cos φ  I a ra sin φ )2
(5.3)
where the upper sign is for lagging power factor load and the lower sign is for leading power
factor load. For unity power factor load the excitation emf can be obtained as
E f  (Vt  I a ra ) 2  (I a x s )2 (5.4)
The armature winding resistance can be determined by conducting a dc test. The synchronous
reactance can be determined by conducting open-circuit and short-circuit tests on the machine.

Open-circuit test

In open-circuit test, the machine is run at the synchronous speed with its armature open-circuited.
The field current of the machine is varied and the corresponding open-circuit voltages (VOC) are
recorded. The open-circuit voltage may be plotted against the field current to obtain the open-
circuit characteristic (OCC) of the machine. The OCC is shown in Fig. 5.3.
100 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

Short-circuit test

In short-circuit test, the machine is run at the synchronous speed with its armature short-circuited.
The field current of the machine is varied and the corresponding short-circuit currents (ISC) are
recorded. The short-circuit current may be plotted against the field current to obtain the short-
circuit characteristic (SCC) of the machine. The SCC is shown in Fig. 5.3.
To determine the synchronous impedance of the machine, read the field current I ft
corresponding to the rated voltage Vt, of the machine from the OCC. Corresponding to the same
field current, determine the short-circuit current IS, from the SCC, as shown in Fig. 5.3. The
synchronous impedance of the machine may be calculated as
Vt
Zs  (5.5)
Is
The synchronous reactance of the machine may be obtained using Eq. (5.1) as

x s  Z s2  ra2 (5.6)
Knowing the synchronous reactance and the armature winding reactance of the machine, the per-
phase excitation emf may be determined from Eq. (5.3) or Eq. (5.4) and then the voltage
regulation may be evaluated using Eq. (5.2).

MMF method

In EMF method, all the mmfs were transformed into their corresponding emfs. In MMF method, a
reverse procedure is adopted. Here, each emf is replaced by its equivalent mmf. In both the
methods, the air-gap is assumed to be uniform and the magnetic circuit is assumed to be linear.
From the equivalent circuit of Fig. 5.1(a), the excitation emf of an alternator can be written
as
E f  V t  I a ra  j I a x L  xar 
or

E f  E 1   j I a x L  j I a x ar 
or

E f  E 1  E L  E ar  (5.7)

where E 1 is the net induced emf in the armature. It is given by

E 1  V t  I a ra (5.8)
 Experiment 5 101

Ef Ef
 j I a xs
j I a xs  Ia

   I a ra
Vt  
Ia I a ra
Vt
(a) lagging power factor load (a) leading power factor load

Fig. 5.2 Phasor diagram of synchronous generator for EMF method

VOC , ISC

OCC

E1 SCC

Vt
Ia

IS

Ift If1 Ifa field-current

Fig. 5.3 Open-circuit and short-circuit characteristics of an alternator

I f

I f1
I f1
Ef

(90  δ1   )
o
I f
Ia
I f a
E1
o Ef 90 o
90 
1 
I f a Vt
 1  Vt
I a ra
(90  δ1   )
o
I f a
E1 I f a

Ia
(a) lagging power factor load (b) leading power factor load

Fig. 5.4 Phasor diagram of synchronous generator for MMF method

102 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

E L is the induced emf due to the leakage flux and E ar is the induced emf due to the armature-
reaction flux.
The mmf phasors lead the corresponding emf phasors by 90 degrees. Eq. (5.7) can be used
to write the mmf equation as

F f  F 1  F L  F ar  (5.9)
The mmf phasors of Eq. (5.9) may be written in terms of the field current as

I f  I f 1  I fL  I far 
or
I f  I f1  I fa (5.10)

where I fa  I fL  I far is the field current required to circulate the full-load current under short-
circuit condition.
The mmf phasors F L and F ar (or I fL and I far ), lead the phasors E L and E ar respectively,
by 90 degrees. The armature current phasor I a also leads the phasors E L and E ar by 90 degrees.
Therefore, the phasor I fa (  I fL  I far ) is in phase with the armature current, as shown in
Fig. 5.4. The magnitude of I fa can be obtained from the SCC corresponding to the rated armature
current Ia, as shown in Fig. 5.3.
From the phasor diagrams of Fig. 5.4, the magnitude of E1 is given by

E1  Vt  I a ra cos 2  I a ra sin  2 (5.11)

The angle  1 can be obtained as

 I a ra sin  
 1  tan 1   (5.12)
 Vt  I a ra cos  
Corresponding to E1, If1 can be obtained from the OCC, as shown in Fig. 5.3. Knowing the values
of Ifa, If1 and  1 , If can be obtained from the phasor diagrams of Fig. 5.4 as follows:

For lagging power factor load

I f  I 2f 1  I 2fa  2 I f 1 I fa cos(90   1   ) (5.13)

For leading power factor load

I f  I 2f 1  I 2fa  2 I f 1 I fa cos(90   1   ) (5.14)

For unity power factor load, both  1 and  are zero. Therefore,

I f  I 2f 1  I 2fa (5.15)
 Experiment 5 103

Corresponding to the value of If, as obtained above, Ef can be obtained from the OCC and the
voltage regulation can be determined using Eq. (5.2).

Potier-triangle method

The EMF method gives a value of voltage regulation, which is more than the actual value
(pessimistic value), whereas the MMF method gives a lower value (optimistic value), of voltage
regulation as compared to the actual value. The voltage regulation of the machine can be
determined more accurately using the Potier-triangle method.
From the circuit of Fig. 5.1(a), the induced emf due to the resultant mmf F r (or I fr ) may
be written as
E r  E f  j I a x ar
or
E r  E f  E ar (5.16)

where E ar is induced emf due to the armature reaction mmf F ar (or I far ). From the circuit of
Fig. 5.1(a), E r may also be written as
E r  V t  I a ra  j I a x L (5.17)
Corresponding to the Eq. (5.16), the mmf equation may be written as
I fr If I far

or

If I fr I far (5.18)

The phasor I fr leads the phasor E r by 90 degrees and the phasor I far is in phase with the armature
current I a , as shown in the phasor diagram of Fig. 5.5. From the phasor diagram, the magnitude
of E r may be obtained as

Er  Vt  I a ra cos  I a x L sin  2  I a x L cos  I a ra sin  2 (5.19)

The angle  r can be obtained as

 I a x L cos   I a ra sin  
 r  tan 1   (5.20)
 Vt  I a ra cos   I a x L sin  
Here, the upper signs are for lagging power factor load whereas the lower signs are for leading
power factor load. For unity power factor load, Eq. (5.19) and Eq. (5.20) may be written as

Er  Vt  I a ra 2  I a xL 2 (5.21)
104 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

I f

I fr

(90  δ r   )
o
Ef

Er
o
90
j I a xL
I f ar r Vt 
 
I f ar
I a ra
Ia

(b) lagging power factor load

Ef
I fr
Ia
(90o  δr  ) Er
I f ar j I a xL
I

f

90o   I a ra
r
Vt
I f ar

(b) leading power factor load

Fig. 5.5 Phasor diagram for Potier triangle method

and
 I a xL 
 r  tan 1   (5.22)
 Vt  I a ra 
To determine Er using above equations, the leakage reactance xL , must be known. This may be
determined from the Potier triangle. Corresponding to Er, Ifr may be obtained from the OCC. Ifar
may be determined from the potier triangle. Knowing Ifr and Ifar, the magnitude of field phasor
I f can be obtained from the phasor diagram of Fig. 5.5 as follows:
For lagging power factor load

I f  I 2fr  I 2far  2 I fr I far cos(90   r   ) (5.23)

 Experiment 5 105

For leading power factor load

I f  I 2fr  I 2far  2 I fr I far cos(90   r   ) (5.24)

For unity power factor load

I f  I 2fr  I 2far  2 I fr I far cos(90   r ) (5.25)

Corresponding to If, Ef can be obtained from the OCC and the voltage regulation can be
determined using Eq. (5.2).

Determination of leakage-reactance and armature reaction mmf using Potier triangle

Construction of Potier triangle requires the full-load zero power factor characteristics (ZPFC) of
the alternator. The ZPFC may be drawn by conducting full-load zero power factor test.
In full-load zero power factor test, the alternator is run at its rated speed with a purely
inductive, variable load connected across the armature. For different values of load, the field
current is so adjusted that the rated current flows through the armature. The armature terminal
voltages and the corresponding field currents are recorded for each load. The plot of the terminal
voltage against the field current gives the ZPFC, as shown in Fig. 5.6. In the ZPFC,
I fa  I fL  I far (or OA) can be obtained from the SCC (Fig. 5.3). It is the field current
corresponding to the rated armature current on the SCC. From the OCC and ZPFC, the Potier
triangle can be constructed as follows:
(i) Draw a horizontal line at the rated voltage Vt, cutting ZPFC at point B.
(ii) On the horizontal line, locate a point C such that CB  OA
(iii) From the point C, draw a line parallel to the air-gap line. The line cuts the OCC at a
point D.
(iv) Draw a line DE perpendicular to BC. The triangle DEB is the required Potier
triangle.
In the Potier triangle, the line DE gives the voltage drop across the leakage-reactance xL at the
rated armature current Ia and the line EB gives the armature reaction mmf Ifar. Therefore,
DE
I a x L  DE  x L  (5.26)
Ia
and
I far  EB (5.27)

PROCEDURE

DC test
Apply a small dc voltage between a line terminal and the neutral terminal of the armature winding
of the alternator using a potential divider so that a small current, less than the rated current, flows.
Measure the input voltage Vdc and the input current Idc.
106 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

Terminal
voltage air-gap line
OCC
D
Potier triangle ZPFC
Vt
C E B

Field current
O A
IfL+ Ifar

Fig. 5.6 Construction of Potier triangle

Open-circuit test

(i) Do the connections as shown in Fig. 5.7 using instruments of appropriate ratings.
(ii) Keeping the potential divider setting near zero, start the dc motor with the help of the
four-point starter.
(iii) Adjust the motor field circuit rheostat RhM, to run the motor at the rated synchronous
speed of the alternator.
(iv) Gradually increase the field current of the alternator. Note down the field current (IF)
and the corresponding open-circuit voltage (VOC) till the voltage reaches about 120%
of the rated voltage.

Short-circuit test

(i) Change the connections of the armature as shown in Fig. 5.8.

(ii) Start and run the dc motor at the rated synchronous speed of the alternator.
(iii) Gradually increase the field current of the alternator. Note down the field current and
the corresponding short-circuit armature current (ISC) till the rated value of the
armature current is reached.

Full-load zero power factor test

(i) Connect a balanced 3-phase, purely inductive, variable load to the armature as shown
in Fig. 5.9.
(ii) Start and run the motor at the rated synchronous speed of the alternator.
 Experiment 5 107

4-Point Starter DC Motor Potential divider Alternator

L LL F A A
+ + +
A
230-V DC supply

230-V dc supply
A V
X 
Field-winding
Field N
Z ZZ
XX Armature
RhM AA B

C
 

Fig. 5.7 Circuit diagram for open-circuit test

Armature
B

Fig. 5.8 Armature connections for short-circuit test

A
A

V
three-phase star-
connected purely
inductive load

Armature
B

Fig. 5.9 Armature connections for zero power factor test

(iii) Gradually increase the load. For each load adjust the field current so that the rated
armature current flows. Record the terminal voltage (VT) of the alternator and the
corresponding field current for each value of the load.
108 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

OBSERVATIONS

DC test
Vdc=…. Idc=…….

Open-circuit test

S.No. Field current Open-circuit voltage

IF VOC

Short-circuit test

S.No. Field current Short-circuit current

IF ISC

Full-load zero power factor test:

S.No. Field current Terminal voltage

IF VT

CALCULATIONS

Calculate the armature winding resistance as

Vdc
ra  1.15 
I dc
EMF method

(i) Plot OCC and SCC from the observed data.

( ii ) Corresponding to the per-phase rated voltage Vt , determine I S as shown in Fig. 5.3.
( iii ) Determine x s using Eq. (5.5) and Eq.(5.6).
( iv ) Determine E f using Eq. (5.3) or (5.4).
(v) Determine the voltage regulation using Eq. (5.2).

MMF method

( i ) Plot OCC and SCC from the observed data.

( ii ) Corresponding to the rated armature current I a , determine the field current I fa from the
SCC as shown in Fig. 5.3.
( iii ) Determine E1 and  1 using Eq. (5.11) and Eq. (5.12) respectively.
 Experiment 5 109

( iv ) Corresponding to E1 , determine the field current I f 1 from the OCC, as shown in Fig.
5.3.
( v ) Determine I f using Eq. (5.13), (5.14) or (5.15).
( vi ) Corresponding to I f , determine E f from the OCC.
( vii ) Determine the voltage regulation using Eq. (5.2)

Potier-triangle method

(i) Plot OCC and ZPFC from the observed data and construct the Potier-triangle as shown
in Fig. 5.6.
( ii ) From the Potier-triangle, determine xL and I far .
( iii ) Determine Er and  r using Eq. (5.19) and Eq. (5.20) respectively.
( iv ) Corresponding to the voltage Er determine I fr from the OCC.
( v ) Determine I f using Eq. (5.23), Eq. (5.24) or Eq. (5.25).
( vi ) Corresponding to the I f , determine E f from the OCC.
( vii ) Determine the voltage regulation using Eq. (5.2)

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Explain why the OCC of an alternator is a nonlinear curve while the SCC is a linear
curve.
2. Explain why the synchronous impedance method gives a pessimistic value of the
voltage regulation of an alternator.
3. Explain how the Potier triangle can be drawn with the help of the OCC and only two
points on the ZPFC.
 EXPERIMENT 6
SYNCHRONIZATION OF ALTERNATOR TO INFINITE BUS BAR

OBJECT

To synchronize a three-phase alternator to infinite bus bar using dark-lamp method and obtain its
V-curves at different loads.

THEORY

Infinite bus bar means a supply system of constant voltage and frequency independent of the load
exchanged (fed into the bus bar or drawn from the bus bar). To satisfy these conditions, the
system must have the ideal parameters of zero impedance and infinite moment of inertia.
Practically, a supply system, with a large number of machines connected to it, can be considered
as an infinite bus bar.
The process of connecting a synchronous machine to infinite bus bar is known as
synchronization. A machine should satisfy the following conditions before synchronization can
take place:
(i) The machine terminal voltage must be nearly equal to the bus bar voltage.
(ii) The machine frequency must be nearly equal to the bus bar frequency. In other
words, the machine speed must be nearly equal to its synchronous speed.
(iii) The phase sequence of the machine and that of the bus bar should be same.
(iv) At the instant of synchronizing, the respective phase voltages of the machine and the
bus bar should be in same phase.
The output voltage of an alternator depends on its field current. Therefore, by varying the
field current of the alternator, the output voltage can be made equal to the bus bar voltage. To
ensure fulfillment of this condition, a voltmeter may by alternately connected to the machine
terminals and the bus bar terminals.
The frequency of the alternator voltage depends on the speed of the prime mover. By
varying the speed of the prime mover, the frequency of the alternator output may be equalized
with the frequency of the bus bar. Fulfillment of this condition, along with the conditions (iii) and
(iv), can be ensured using dark-lamp method.

Dark lamp method

In this method, three incandescent lamps are used. One lamp is connected between one terminal
of the bus bar (say terminal a) and one terminal of the machine (say terminal A). The other two
lamps are connected between the remaining two terminal pairs (b-B and c-C). The line to neutral
voltages of the bus bar (Va, Vb, Vc) and the alternator (VA, VB, VC) are shown in Fig. 6.1. If the
frequency of the bus bar voltage is f and that of the alternator is f   f , then the alternator
phasors will rotate at a frequency  f relative to the bus bar phasors. The voltages that appear
 Experiment 6 93

across the lamps (VAa, VBb, VCc) also change with frequency  f . The instant at which, the two
sets of phasors are in same phase, the voltages across the three lamps will be zero and all the
lamps will be dark. When the two sets of phasors are in phase opposition, the voltages across the
three lamps will be twice the magnitudes of the bus bar and the alternator voltages. The lamps
will be brightest at this instant. Thus the lamps will flicker at a frequency  f . If the difference in
the two frequencies is very small, the brightness of the bulbs will change very slowly. When all
the lamps are dark it may be concluded that the bus bar and alternator voltages are of equal
magnitudes, their phase difference is zero and their phase sequence are also same.
If all the bulbs do not become dark at the same instant, it may be concluded that the phase
sequence of the two voltages are not same. To correct the phase sequence, any two terminals of
the bus bar or the alternator may be interchanged.
It may be observed that the maximum voltage that may appear across a lamp is twice the
voltage of the bus bar. A number of series connected bulbs may be used to achieve the desired
voltage rating.
The instant of synchronizing can be more correctly ensured by means of a synchroscope.
A synchroscope has a rotating hand and a dial labeled with slow and fast direction arrows
indicating the speed of the machine with reference to the synchronous speed, as shown in Fig. 6.2.
When the hand of synchroscope is at the point M, two voltages are in same phase and the machine
can be connected to the bus bar.
After the machine is connected to the bus bar, its voltage and frequency become equal to those of
bus bar. As the frequency of the infinite bus is constant, the speed of the alternator is also
constant. The prime mover also runs at the same speed. Any effort to increase the speed of the
prime mover will result in an increased power output from the prime mover and therefore from
the alternator. If excitation of the alternator is changed, the reactive power output, and therefore
the power factor, of machine changes. For a particular excitation, called the normal-excitation, the
machine operates at unity power factor. If the excitation is more than the normal-excitation (over-
excitation), the alternator power factor is lagging and if the excitation is less than the normal
excitation (under-excitation), the alternator power factor is leading. At a fixed mechanical power
input from the prime mover, if the excitation is increased from a low value, the armature current
of the motor decreases to become minimum at the normal excitation and then it increases as the
excitation is increased above the normal-excitation. The plot of armature current against the
excitation current has a V shape and therefore it is called V-curve.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

In the laboratory setup a dc shunt motor is used as a prime mover for the alternator as well
as for the dc shunt generator, which works as exciter for the alternator. Changing the resistance in
the field circuit of the motor can change the speed of the set. The excitation of the alternator can
be varied either by changing the resistance of the dc generator field circuit or the resistance of the
alternator field circuit.
Two series connected lamps are connected between one terminal of the bus bar and one
terminal of the machine. In all, six lamps are used as shown in Fig 6.3. A synchroscope is also
used.
94 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

VA
V Aa
M
Va
f

Vc
V Cc SLOW FAST
VB

VC
Vb V Bb

Fig. 6.1 Phasor diagrams of alternator and bus bar voltages Fig. 6.2: Synchroscope

PROCEDURE

(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 6.3. The dotted lines show the internal
connections.
(ii) Keep the alternator-switch off and start the dc motor with the help of the three-point
starter.
(iii) Switch on the ac supply, close the bus bar switch and observe the brightness of the
synchronizing lamps. If all the lamps have same brightness, the phase sequence is
correct. Otherwise, switch off the ac supply and interchange the connections of the
bus bar at any two terminals of the bus bar switch. Again switch on the ac supply.
(iv) Vary the speed of the dc motor by varying its field circuit resistance with the help of
rheostat RhM, so that it runs it at a speed slightly higher than the synchronous speed
of the alternator. A rotation of the synchroscope hand in the ‘FAST’ direction at a
slow speed confirms that the speed is slightly above the synchronous speed. The
synchronizing lamps will flicker at a very low rate under this condition.
(v) Change the excitation of the alternator by varying its field circuit resistance, using
rheostat RhA such that its no-load voltage is slightly higher than the bus bar voltage.
The excitation of the machine can also be varied by varying the generator field circuit
rheostat RhG. The two voltages can be compared by alternately connecting the switch
S to position 1-1’ (bus bar) and 2-2’ (alternator).
(vi) Close the synchronizing switch at the instant when the needle of the synchroscope,
while slowly rotating in the ‘FAST’ direction, crosses the vertical line on its dial
(point M in Fig. 6.3). The alternator will be synchronized to the bus bar.
(vii) Adjust the field current of the driving motor to make the wattmeter reading zero. The
alternator neither draws any power from the bus bar nor delivers any power to the
bus bar. The machine is said to be floating on the bus bar.
(viii) Adjust the field current of the alternator to a low value, by varying rheostat RhG or
RhA, for which the armature current is near its rated value. Record the field and the
 Experiment 6 95

armature current while keeping the wattmeter reading zero with the help of the
rheostat in the field circuit of the dc motor (RhM).
(ix) Increase the field current of the alternator, by decreasing the resistance of the
rheostats RhG or RhA and record the armature currents for different values of field
currents, while keeping the wattmeter reading zero with the help of the rheostat Rh M.
Take the reading up to that value of field current, for which the armature current
again achieves its rated value.
(x) Repeat (viii) and (ix) for another reading of the wattmeter (say 200 W).

Alternator Wattmeter
Three-point starter DC motor DC generator CC
+
L F A (Prime-mover) (Exciter) + A  M L
C
X
V1
230-V DC Supply

A A PC V2
Field-winding
Field-winding Field-winding
XX
Z N
Z ZZ ZZ Rh A
Rh M AA AA Rh G
Armature-winding A
A B

SYNCHRO NIZING P ANEL

M Synchronizing Lamps

SLOW FAST

Synchroscope
From 230-V three-phase
infinite bus-bar

a
b
c

Bus bar switch Alternator switch

V S

1 2
Bus bar Alternator

1' 2'

Fig 6.3 Circuit diagram

96 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

OBSERVATIONS

S.No. Output power = 0 Watts Output power = 200 Watts

Field current Armature Field current Armature
If current If current
Ia Ia

REPORT

Plot the armature current of the alternator against its field current for the two values of output
powers. Indicate the zones of leading and lagging power factors and the points of unity power
factors on the curves. Comment on the nature of the curves.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. A synchronous machine is connected to infinite bus bar exchanging a constant

electrical power with the bus bar. How will you ascertain whether it is running at a
lagging power factor or leading power factor, without the use of a power factor
meter, if the machine is running as (i) motor (ii) generator.
2. A three-phase alternator, with a dc shunt motor as prime mover and a dc shunt
generator as exciter, is connected to infinite bus bar. The alternator is supplying
certain power to the bus bar at unity power factor. Explain what happens when
(i) field current of the dc motor is increased
(ii) field current of the dc motor is decreased
(iii) field current of the dc generator is increased
(iv) field current of the dc generator is decreased
 EXPERIMENT 7

SLIP-TEST OF A THREE-PHASE ALTERNATOR

OBJECT

To perform slip test on a three-phase salient-pole alternator and determine

(a) the direct-axis and quadrature-axis synchronous reactances of the alternator
(b) the voltage regulation of the alternator at 0.8 lagging and 0.6 leading power factor
loads.

THEORY

The circuit model of synchronous machine, shown in Fig. 5.1, is valid only for cylindrical rotor
machines. In salient-pole machines, the air-gap is not uniform and therefore the permeance
offered to the armature-reaction mmf wave depends on its orientation angle with field pole axis
(called the direct-axis or d-axis). The permeance is maximum when the armature-reaction mmf
wave is aligned with the d-axis and it is minimum when the armature-reaction mmf wave is
aligned with the inter-polar axis (called the quadrature-axis or q-axis). The armature-reaction mmf
wave can be divided into two components, one along the d-axis and the other along the q-axis.
The synchronous reactance corresponding to the d-axis mmf wave is called the direct-axis
synchronous reactance xd , and the synchronous reactance corresponding to the q-axis mmf wave
is called the quadrature-axis synchronous reactance x q . xd and x q can be determined by
conducting slip-test.

Slip-test

In the slip test, the machine armature is connected to a three-phase supply whose voltage is much
less than the rated voltage of the machine while the rotor is run at a speed close to the
synchronous speed, with field winding left open circuited.
The current drawn by the armature, set up an mmf wave rotating at synchronous speed. If
the rotor is being run at a speed close to the synchronous speed in the same direction as the stator
mmf, the stator mmf will move past the field poles at the slip speed. When the stator mmf is
aligned with the d-axis, flux  d per pole is set up, so that the effective reactance offered by the
machine is xd . Similarly when the stator mmf aligns with the q-axis, the flux set up is  q per pole
and the machine reactance is x q . The current drawn by the armature therefore varies cyclically at
twice the slip frequency. The current is minimum when the machine reactance is xd , and is
maximum when the machine reactance is x q . Because of the cyclic current variations and
 Experiment 7 111

consequent voltage drop in the impedance of supply lines, the voltage at machine terminal also
varies cyclically and has a minimum value for the maximum current and a maximum value for the
minimum current. The machine reactances can be evaluated as follows:

The direct-axis synchronous impedance is given by

Vmax 3
Zd  (7.1)
I min
where Vmax is the maximum value of the line to line armature voltage corresponding to the
minimum armature current I min
The quadrature-axis synchronous impedance is given by
Vmin 3
Zq  (7.2)
I max
where Vmin is the minimum value of the line to line armature voltage corresponding to the
maximum armature current I max .
The d-axis and q-axis synchronous reactances may be evaluated as

xd  Z d  ra
2 2
(7.3)
and

x q  Z q  ra
2 2
(7.4)

where ra is the armature resistance per phase.

The excitation emf Ef, can be related to the rated terminal voltage Vt and the armature
current Ia as
E f  V t  I a ra  j I d x d  j I q x q (7.5)

where I d is the d-axis component of I a and I q is the q-axis component of I a . The phasor
diagram of the machine for a lagging power factor load is shown in Fig. 7.1. From the phasor
diagram, Id and Iq can be written as
I d  I a sin  (7.6)
I q  I a cos (7.7)

From the phasor diagram, the angle  can be obtained as follows:

From triangle ABC
I q xq Iq
cos   AC  xq  I a xq
AC cos
112 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

d-axis

Vt cos  I q ra I d xd
Iq C Ef
O q-axis


 I a xq j I q xq
Vt 
Iq xq
Id Ia I a ra
I d ra
I q ra A B
j I d xd

Fig. 7.1 Phasor diagram of three-phase salient-pole alternator for lagging power factor load

Now from triangle ODC

I a xq  Vt sin 
tan 
Vt cos  I a ra
or
 I a xq  Vt sin  
  tan 1   (7.8)
 t
V cos   I a a 
r
Knowing , the angle  can be obtained as
   (7.9)
The excitation emf can now be obtained from Fig. 7.1 as
E f  Vt cos   I q ra  I d xd (7.10)

For a leading power factor load, the angle  is taken negative and Eq. (7.8) and Eq. (7.9) are
modified as
 I a xq  Vt sin  
  tan 1   (7.11)
 Vt cos   I a ra 
and
   (7.12)
Other equations are same for both lagging and leading power factor loads.
 Experiment 7 113

The voltage regulation of the alternator can be determined as

E f  Vt
VR   100 (7.13)
Vt

PROCEDURE

(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 7.2, using instruments of appropriate ratings.
( ii ) Keep the field of the alternator open circuited and apply a reduced voltage (20 to 30
percent of the rated voltage) to the armature of the alternator using the three-phase
autotransformer.
( iii ) Start the dc motor (prime-mover) using the three-point starter. Adjust the field circuit
rheostat RhF and the armature circuit rheostat RhA of the dc motor to run the motor at
a speed close to the rated speed of the alternator.
( iv ) Connect a voltmeter rated for at least 500 V across the field winding and observe its
reading. If the voltmeter indicates only a few tens of volts, then it may be inferred
that the rotor is rotating in the direction of the rotating field of the armature. On the
other hand, if the voltmeter indicates a high voltage (a few hundred volts), the rotor is
rotating in a direction opposite to the direction of the rotating field of the armature.
Interchange any two terminals of the three-phase supply. The field-circuit voltmeter
will now indicate a small voltage.
(v) Note the maximum and minimum deflections of the ammeter and the corresponding
voltmeter readings for a few small values of slip such as 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 1.5 % etc.
( vi ) Perform the dc test to measure the per-phase armature resistance as explained in
experiment 6.2.

OBSERVATIONS

DC test

Vdc =…… Idc =……..

Slip test

S.No. Ammeter reading Voltmeter reading Speed

Maximum- Minimum- Maximum- Minimum-
current current voltage voltage

Imax Imin Vmax Vmin n

114 Experiments on Synchronous Machines

DC Motor
3-Point starter (Prime-mover) Alternator Three-phase
X autotransformer
L F A A
+ A

230-V, 3-phase supply

RhA
230-V DC supply

Field-winding V
Field N
Z ZZ
Armature
RhF B
AA
XX C


Fig. 7.2 Circuit diagram

CALCULATIONS & REPORT

The per-phase armature resistance
Vdc
ra  1.15 
I dc
The d-axis and q-axis synchronous reactances at different slips can be calculated and tabulated as
follows:

S.No. d-axis impedance q-axis impedance d-axis reactance q-axis reactance

Zd Zq xd xq
(Eq.7.1) (Eq.7.2) (Eq.7.3) (Eq.7.4)

Mean xd  Mean x q 

With the mean values of xd and xq use the relevant equations given in the theory to calculate the
voltage regulations at the specified power factors.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Why should the voltage applied to the armature of a three-phase alternator be kept
low in the slip test?
2. Why is the slip in the slip test kept at a low value?
 EXPERIMENT 8
OPERATION OF THREE-PHASE INDUCTION MACHINE AS
GENERATOR

OBJECT

To run a three-phase squirrel cage induction machine as a generator connected to 3-phase station
supply and to draw graphs of power factor, line current, percentage slip and efficiency against
the output of the generator.

THEORY

When the stator of a three-phase induction machine is connected to a constant voltage and
constant frequency three-phase supply, torque is produced on the rotor due to induced currents in
it by the rotating magnetic field. As long as the motor speed is less than the synchronous speed,
the rotor develops a motoring torque depending upon the slip. If the rotor is driven by an external
prime mover and its speed is gradually increased, the motoring torque decreases and becomes
zero when the rotor is driven exactly at the synchronous speed. Under this condition, the machine
is said to be “floating” across the supply i.e. it is neither motoring nor generating. No currents are
induced in the rotor. Now, if the speed of the rotor is increased above the synchronous speed,
currents are induced in the rotor in a direction opposite to that when running as motor. The stator
current also gets reversed and the machine becomes a generator. It supplies power to the supply
system at a leading power factor. Its frequency is fixed by the frequency of the supply to which it
is connected and the output power depends on the speed of the prime mover. The excitation
current required to produce the rotating magnetic field is drawn from the supply.

EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

The experimental setup requires a 3-phase induction motor coupled to a dc shunt motor of
same power rating. A star-delta starter is required to start the induction motor. Both the machines
should have voltage-ratings equal to voltages of the available ac and dc power supplies.
Measurement of power on ac side can be done by a wattmeter with pressure coil and
current coil ratings more than the rated voltage and current of the induction motor. If wattmeter
with required current rating is not available, a current transformer with suitable CT ratio may be
used. A moving iron (MI) type voltmeter rated for a voltage more than the rated voltage of the
motor is required to measure the voltage and an MI ammeter rated for a current more than the
rated current of the motor is required to measure the current.
Measurement of power input to the dc motor requires a moving coil (MC) voltmeter rated
for a voltage more than the rated voltage of the motor and an MC ammeter rated for a current
more than the rated current of the motor. A rheostat with a resistance comparable to the field
winding resistance and current rating more than the rated current of the field winding is required
to control the speed of the motor.
66 Experiments on Induction Machines

PROCEDURE

(i) Make the connections as shown in Fig. 8.1. Keep the switch S open.
( ii ) Start the induction motor with the help of the star-delta starter. The induction motor
drives the dc machine, which works as a generator.
( iii ) Observe the voltage available across the dc machine terminal. Compare the machine
voltage with the dc supply voltage by connecting the voltmeter across the terminals
2-2′ of the switch S. If the polarities of the two voltages are different, interchange the
dc supply terminals.
( iv ) Vary the field rheostat of the dc machine to make dc machine voltage equal to the dc
supply voltage. Close the switch to connect the dc machine with the dc supply,
(v) Adjust the excitation of dc machine so that the wattmeter reads zero. Under this
condition, the induction machine floats across the supply.
( vi ) Gradually increase the speed of dc machine by reducing the field excitation. When
the speed is higher than the synchronous speed the induction machine behaves as an
induction generator.
( vii ) Reduce the field current in small steps and record the readings of the instruments at
different super synchronous speeds. Also record the frequency of supply at each
reading.

Current transformer Star-delta

starter Induction machine
A Primary L S
M L1 B1 DC machine
A
 A + 1 2

A2
L Secondary M
230-V 3-phase supply

CC A2 B1 A 230-V dc supply
L M A1

+
V1 PC V2 C2 V
B2 Z ZZ
Wattmeter L2 A1 
C1 +
C1 C2 AA
B A
V

L3 B2

C 1' 2'

Fig. 8.1 Circuit diagram

 Experiment 8 67

OBSERVATIONS

S.No. DC motor Induction generator Speed

Field Line Input Output Output Wattmeter Frequency
current current voltage voltage current readings
If IL-dc Vdc VIG IIG W1 W2 f n

CALCULATIONS & REPORT

Output power of the induction generator is given by
Po-IG  W1  W2   mf W  CTratio (8.1)
Where,
mf W is the multiplying factor of the wattmeter and
CTratio is the current transformation ratio of the current-transformer.

Input power of the dc motor is given by

Pi-dc  Vdc  I L-dc (8.2)
Output power of the dc motor may be obtained by multiplying its input power by the motor
efficiency for the particular load. If efficiency-load curve of the dc motor is not available, a
constant value of efficiency dc may be assumed (say 0.85).
The input power of the induction generator is same as the output power of the dc motor.
Thus,
PinIG  Podc  Pidc  ηdc (8.3)
The efficiency of the induction generator may be evaluated as:
Po  IG
ηIG   100 (8.4)
Pin  IG

The slip of the induction generator may be evaluated using equations (4.1.1) and (4.1.2). The
power factor of the induction generator may be evaluated using equation (4.1.7).Tabulate the
results and draw graphs of power factor, line current, percentage slip and efficiency against output
of the generator. Comment on the nature of these curves.
68 Experiments on Induction Machines

Result Table

S.No. Po-IG ns s Pf Pi-dc PinIG ηIG

(Eq. 8.1) (Eq. 4.1.1) (Eq. 4.1.2) (Eq. 4.1.7) (Eq. 8.2) (Eq. 8.3) (Eq. 8.4)

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Why is the frequency of an induction generator independent of the speed of its prime
mover?
2. Why is the power factor of an induction generator leading?
3. What is the importance of inductance machine as a generator?