University of San Carlos

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Name: Avenido, Julius Reiner, L. Rating:________ 

Subject/Schedule: EE3212L T 1:30-4:30 PM Date: 2/9/2021

Experiment No. 1

The External Characteristics of Different DC Generators

Objectives:

The objectives of this experiment is: a) To study the external characteristics of different DC
generators, and b) To compare their external characteristics with one another.

Introduction:

A DC generator is an electrical machine whose primary function is to convert mechanical

energy into electrical energy. When the conductor cuts the magnetic flux, emf will be
generated according to the principles of electromagnetic induction from Faraday’s Law.
There are many types of DC generators exhibiting different external characteristics [1]. In
this experiment, the following DC generators will be examined: a) Separately Excited, b) Self
Excited, c) Cumulatively Compounded, d) Differentially Compounded and, e) Series Wound.

Characteristic is the graph between two dependent quantities. It shows the steady-state
characteristic of DC generators. External or load characteristics portray the relationship
between the terminal voltage and load current at a constant speed. The terminal voltage V
will be less than the generated voltage E due to potential drop in the armature circuit. Hence,
this curve will lie below the internal characteristic. This characteristic is essential in
determining the suitability of a generator for a particular purpose [2]. It can be acquired by
making simultaneous measurements of terminal voltage and load current (with voltmeter and
ammeter) of a loaded generator.

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A. Shunt Generator Separately Excited DC Generator

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 1. Circuit diagram of separately excited DC generator

Methodology:
 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 1.
 After checking for proper connections, the circuit was excited.
 The field current, terminal voltage, load current, speed, and power output were
recorded.

Tabulated Data:

Termina
Load Speed
Field l Pout
Current  S 
No. Current Voltage  
IF (mA) IL
(V) (RPM) (W)
(A)
1 90 220 0 1730 0
2 90 214 1 1710 214
3 90 212 1.4 1700 296.8
4 90 210 1.8 1690 378
5 90 208 2.1 1680 436.8
6 90 204 3 1675 612
7 90 202 3.5 1670 707
8 90 198 4.1 1660 811.8
9 90 194 5 1650 970
10 90 192 5.75 1640 1104
11 90 184 7 1610 1288
12 90 180 8 1600 1440
Table 1. Measured values of the parameters of separately excited DC generator

2
Graph:

Load Current vs Power Output

9
8
7
6
Load Current (A)

5
4
3
2
1
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 1.1 Load Current vs Power Output

Field Current vs Power Output

100
90
80
70
Field Current (mA)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 1.2 Field Current vs Power Output

3
 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output
250

Terminal Voltage (V) 200

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Ouput (W)

Figure 1.3 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

Speed vs Power Output

1750

1700
Speed (RPM)

1650

1600

1550

1500
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 1.4 Speed vs Power Output

Discussion:

Figure 1.1 shows that the power output increases as the load current increases. Figure 1.2
shows that the power output increases while the field current remains constant. The field
current is always constant because the field winding is not electrically linked to the armature
circuit. Figure 1.3 shows that the power output increases as the terminal voltage decreases.
The terminal voltage decreases as the load current increases due to the potential drop of the
internal resistance of the armature. Figure 1.4 shows that the power output increases as the
speed decreases.

4
B. Shunt Generator Self Excited DC Generator

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 2. Circuit diagram of self-excited DC generator

Methodology:
 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 2.
 After checking for proper connections, the circuit was excited.
 The field current, terminal voltage, load current, speed, and power output were
recorded.

Tabulated Data:

Terminal Load Speed

Field Pout
Voltage Current S
No. Current
IL
IF (mA) (V) (RPM) (W)
(A)
1 90 220 0 1735 0
2 90 218 0.5 1700 109
3 90 214 1 1690 214
4 90 210 1.5 1690 315
5 90 208 1.8 1690 374.4
6 90 204 2.5 1690 510
7 90 202 2.5 1680 505
8 85 196 3.2 1670 627.2
9 83 190 4 1660 760
10 80 188 4.5 1650 846
11 80 182 5 1640 910
12 64 170 6.5 1630 1105
13 62 164 7 1630 1148
14 60 160 7.8 1620 1248
Table 2. Measured values of the parameters of self-excited DC generator

Graph:

5
 Load Current vs Power Output
9
8
7
6
Load Current (A)

5
4
3
2
1
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Power Output (W)

Figure 2.1 Load Current vs Power Output

Field Current vs Power Output

100
90
80
70
Field Current (mA)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Power Output (W)

Figure 2.2 Field Current vs Power Output

6
 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output
250

Terminal Voltage (V) 200

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Power Output (W)

Figure 2.3 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

Speed vs Power Output

1760
1740
1720
1700
Speed (RPM)

1680
1660
1640
1620
1600
1580
1560
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Power Output (W)

Figure 2.4 Speed vs Power Output

Discussion:

Figure 2.1 shows that the power output increases as the load current increases. Figure 2.2
shows that the power output increases as the field current decreases. Unlike the separately
excited DC generator, its field current decreases because of the reduction in terminal voltage.
Figure 2.3 shows that the power output increases as the terminal voltage decreases. The
terminal voltage decreases as the load current increases because of: a) potential drop of the
internal resistance of the armature, b) demagnetization effect of the armature reaction and, c)
decrease in field current due to the reduction in terminal voltage. Figure 2.4 shows that the
power output increases as the speed decreases.

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C. Cumulatively Compounded DC Generator (Under Excited)

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 3. Circuit diagram of cumulatively compounded DC generator

Methodology:
 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 3.
 After checking for proper connections, the circuit was excited.
 The field current, terminal voltage, load current, speed, and power output were
recorded.

Tabulated Data:

Terminal Load Speed

Field Pout
Voltage Current S
No. Current
IL
IF (mA) (V) (RPM) (W)
(A)
1 362 220 0 1730 0
2 355 216 1 1720 216
3 350 214 2.4 1700 513.6
4 350 212 1.6 1700 339.2
5 340 210 2.2 1680 462
6 340 208 2.9 1670 603.2
7 334 206 3.5 1660 721
8 330 202 4.3 1650 868.6
9 322 198 5 1640 990
10 315 195 5.6 1630 1092
11 304 188 7 1620 1316
12 300 185 7.5 1610 1387.5
13 294 182 8 1600 1456
Table 3. Measured values of the parameters of cumulatively compounded DC generator

Graph:

8
 Load Current vs Power Output
9
8
7
6
Load Current (A)

5
4
3
2
1
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 3.1 Load Current vs Power Output

Field Current vs Power Output

400
350
300
Field Current (mA)

250
200
150
100
50
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 3.2 Field Current vs Power Output

9
 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output
250

200
Terminal Voltage (V)

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 3.3 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

Speed vs Power Output

1750

1700
Speed (RPM)

1650

1600

1550

1500
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Figure 3.4 Speed vs Power Output

Discussion:

Figure 3.1 shows that the power output increases as the load current increases. Figure 3.2
shows that the power output increases as the field current decreases. The field current
decreases because of the reduction in terminal voltage. Figure 3.3 shows that the power
output increases as the terminal voltage decreases. Figure 3.4 shows that the power output
increases as the speed decreases. The cumulatively compounded DC generator has two field
windings connected in such a way that their magnetic fields support each other.

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D. Differentially Compounded DC Generator

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 4. Circuit diagram of differentially compounded DC generator

Methodology:

 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 4.

 After checking for proper connections, the circuit was excited.
 The field current, terminal voltage, load current, speed, and power output were
recorded.

Tabulated Data:

Terminal Load Speed

Field Pout
Voltage Current S
No. Current
IL
IF (mA) (V) (RPM) (W)
(A)
1 374 220 0 1720 0
2 360 212 0.8 1710 169.6
3 350 208 1.4 1700 291.2
4 340 204 1.75 1700 357
5 335 200 2 1690 400
6 324 190 2.7 1690 513
7 310 185 3.3 1680 610.5
8 298 178 3.8 1680 676.4
9 282 169 4.4 1670 743.6
10 268 160 4.8 1660 768
11 240 142 5.7 1650 809.4
12 212 128 6.2 1670 793.6
Table 4. Measured values of the parameters of differentially compounded DC generator

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Graph:

Load Current vs Power Output

7

5
Load Current (A)

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Power Output (W)

Figure 4.1 Load Current vs Power Output

Field Current vs Power Output

400
350
300
Field Current (mA)

250
200
150
100
50
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Power Output (W)

Figure 4.2 Field Current vs Power Output

12
 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output
250

Terminal Voltage (V) 200

150

100

50

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Power Output (W)

Figure 4.3 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

Speed vs Power Output

1740

1720

1700
Speed (RPM)

1680

1660

1640

1620

1600
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Poewr Output (W)

Figure 4.4 Speed vs Power Output

Discussion:

Figure 4.1 shows that the power output increases as the load current increases. Figure 4.2
shows that power output increases as the field current decreases. The field current decreases
because of the reduction in terminal voltage. Figure 4.3 shows that the power output increases
as the terminal voltage decreases. Figure 4.4 shows that the power output increases as the
speed decreases. The differentially compounded DC generator has both shunt and series field
windings connected in such a way that their magnetic fields oppose each other. This type of
generator is the opposite of the cumulatively compounded DC generator.

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E. DC Series Generator

Circuit Diagram:

Figure 5. Circuit diagram of DC series generator

Methodology:
 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 5.
 After checking for proper connections, the circuit was excited.
 The field current, terminal voltage, load current, speed, and power output were
recorded.

Tabulated Data:

Terminal Load
Field Pout
Voltage Current
No. Current
IL
IF (mA) (V) (W)
(mA)
1 0 17 0 0
2 14.8 25 14.8 370
3 21.8 30 21.8 654
4 29.2 35 29.2 1022
5 26.5 40 26.5 1060
6 41.8 45 41.8 1881
7 45.2 50 45.2 2260
8 56 55 56 3080
9 65 60 65 3900
10 84 75 84 6300
11 90 90 90 8100
12 126 110 126 13860
13 152 130 152 19760
14 185 150 185 27750
15 230 170 230 39100
16 273 190 273 51870
17 340 210 340 71400

14
 18 422 230 422 97060
19 480 240 480 115200
Table 5. Measured values of the parameters of DC series generator

Graph:

Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

300

250
Terminal Voltage (V)

200

150

100

50

0
0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000 140000
Power Output (W)

Figure 5.1 Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

Discussion:

Figure 5.1 shows that the power output increases as the terminal voltage increases. The power
output reached its maximum value when terminal voltage also reached its maximum value.

F. Separately Excited DC Generator vs Self Excited DC Generator

Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

250

200
Terminal Voltage (V)

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
Power Output (W)

Separately Excited DC Generator Self Excited DC Generator

Figure 6. Superimposed plot of terminal voltage vs power output

Discussion:

15
Figure 6 compares the terminal voltage vs power output curve between the separately excited
DC generator and self-excited DC generator. It is seen that the terminal voltage of the
separately excited DC generator decreases slower than that of the self-excited DC generator.
Also, the power output of the self-excited DC generator is lower than that of the separately
excited DC generator because it has a lower terminal voltage.
G. Cumulatively Compounded DC Generator vs Differentially Compounded DC
Generator

Terminal Voltage vs Power Output

250
Terminal Voltage (V)

200

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
Power Output (W)

Cumulatively Compounded DC Generator

Differentially Compounded DC Generator
Figure 7. Superimposed plot of terminal voltage vs power output

Discussion:

Figure 7 compares the terminal voltage vs power output curve between the cumulatively
compounded DC generator and differentially compounded DC generator. It is seen that the
terminal voltage of the cumulatively compounded DC generator decreases slower than that of
the differentially compounded DC generator. This is due to the nature of the magnetic flux
created by their two field windings: additive for the cumulative compounded while opposing
for the differentially compounded. Also, the power output of the differentially compounded
DC generator is lower than that of the cumulatively compounded DC generator because it has
a lower terminal voltage.

Conclusions: 

The student was able to study the external characteristics of different DC generators. The
student was also able to compare their external characteristics with one another. This
characteristic is essential in determining the suitability of a generator for any particular
purpose.

Reflection: 
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I realized that it is important to understand the principle behind an experiment instead of just
memorizing formulas. Being able to familiarize the characteristics of different DC generators
is important in identifying their purpose. I had a lot of fun comparing their graphs with one
another. Also, I can confidently say that I am getting used to the online class setup and the
requirements accompanying it. I am able to manage my time better than I did last semester.

Certification: 

I hereby certify that all the statements contained in this report are true to the best of my
knowledge and belief. A document made by:

2/10/21
Julius Reiner L. Avenido

References: 

[1]https://www.elprocus.com/what-is-a-dc-generator-construction-working-principle-and-
applications/

[2]https://www.electricalengineeringinfo.com/2016/03/characteristics-of-dc-series-and-shunt-
generators.html

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