EE 321

POWER SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

LAB 2 REPORT
Moape Kaloumaira: s11089535
Mosese Qionimacawa: s11085412
Geffory Scott: s11100493
Seci Durivou: s11098325

Objectives

To obtain the no load saturation curve of the alternator.

To obtain the short circuit characteristics of the alternator.

Introduction
The terms alternating current generator, synchronous generator, synchronous alternator, and
alternator are generally used interchangeably in engineering literature because synchronous
generator are so much universally used than induction generator, the term alternator should
smear to synchronous generator merely.

Alternator produce an AC voltage whose frequency depends entirely on the speed of rotation.
The alternator of a DC excitation is increased, while its speed is held constant, the magnetic flux
and the output voltage will increase in direct proportion b in the current.

Procedures
1) Using the synchronous motor / generator, four pole squirrel cage induction motor,
power supply, DC Voltmeter/ Ammeter and AC Voltmeter the given circuit was
connected.
2) a) Couple the Four pole squirrel cage induction motor to the synchronous motor/
generator with the timing belt.
b) Set the field rheostat of the synchronous motor/ Generator at is full clockwise
position (for zero resistance).
The RF was measured. RF = 0.425kOHM
c) The power supply was set at its full counter clockwise position (CCW) [for zero dc
voltage]
VF was measured. VF = 0V
3) a) The power supply was on.
b) When DC excitation (switch s open) was zero, the values of E1, E2 and E3 were
measured and recorded.
E1 = 0V, E2 = 0V and E3 = 0V
c) Explain why there is an AC voltage generated in the absence of dc excitation
In a synchronous generator rotor, there is some residual magnetism. For this reason
we found out that an AC voltage generated without DC excitation.
4) a) The rotor excitation toggle was switched off. The DC excitation was increased from 0
to 0.05A DC using the power supply voltage control.
b) The three generated voltages E1, E2 and E3 were measured and tabulated below.
If
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.30

E1
90
180
260
320
380
420

E2
92
180
260
320
380
420

E3
90
180
260
320
380
420

Eave
180
260
320
380
420

// we were told not exceed 240V...so our If were up till 0.30A//

c) Returned voltage to zero and turn off power supply. What the suppose of this step?
5) The average output voltage of the synchronous Motor generator was calculated and
tabulated above.
6) A) The power supply was turned off and the dc excitation was adjust until E1 = 415V ac.
The E2 and E3 were measured and recorded.
E2 = 414 Vac and E3 = 415 Vac
b) The power supply was turned off without touching the voltage adjust control.
c) Three ac were reconnected so that the voltage the three stator windings will be
measured.
d) The power supply was turn on and the voltages across was measured and recorded.
1 4 = , 2 5 = 240Vac and 3 6 = 240Vac
7) Using the synchronizing module, connect the circuit given.
8) Set the synchronizing switch to its open position.
b) Turn on the power supply and adjust the de excitation until E1 =n 415vac. The motor
should running and the three lamps on the synchronizing module should be illuminated.
c) The dc exciting current If (I1) = 0.26A dc
e) To what approximation peak value did Ia (I2) increase?
Ia (I2) = 0.517A ac
f) What is the final steady state value of If (I1), and Ia (I2)?
If (I1) = 0.26A dc and Ia (I2) = 0.517A ac

Discussion
a)

Eave ( average value)

Eave Vs IF
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1

If (dc current)

C) Up to what voltage is the curve a reasonably straight line??

E = 220V ac
D) At what voltage is the knee of the saturated curve?
E = 300V ac
E) Explain why the voltage increase less rapidly as the dc current increases
Alternator generate an AC voltage whose frequency depends upon the speed of the rotation,
the DC field excitation and the power factor of the load. DC excitation is directly proportional
to the magnetic flux provided the speed is constant and the voltage output will also increase
in directly proportional to the current.

F) Comment on the reason for not operating the alternator near the knee of its saturation curve
Efficiency drop off rapidly as you approach the knee of the saturation curve as the
energy is converted to heat rather electricity.

G) Explain why an alternator is much less likely to burn out on a sustained short circuit than
separately excited dc shunt generator??
As utmost modern alternators and generators have electronic voltage regulation, it is not all
that grim to complement current regulation and additional protection as well. A shunt wound
generator with separate excitation has no current defined control. Its output current can
increase well yonder the ratings

Discussion
The recorded average values of voltage vs dc current was plotted (i.e. rotor or field current vs
generator emf) using the MS Excel as displayed under the result section. The smooth curve was
drawn through the plotted graph and the value of voltage where the curve was reasonably
straight line. The voltage at the knee was recorded and found to be 220V.

Conclusion
To conclude, the no load saturation curve of the alternator was acquired and it is displayed
under the result section. Also the short circuit characteristics of the alternator was achieved.
Furthermore, Alternator generate an AC voltage whose frequency depends upon the speed of
the rotation, the DC field excitation and the power factor of the load. DC excitation is directly
proportional to the magnetic flux provided the speed is constant and the voltage output will
also increase in directly proportional to the current.
Finally, as utmost modern alternators and generators have electronic voltage regulation, it is
not all that grim to complement current regulation and additional protection as well. A shunt
wound generator with separate excitation has no current defined control. Its output current
can increase well yonder the ratings.