EECS3603 Lab 6

EECS 3603 Electromechanical Energy Conversion Lab #6 Fall 2022
Lab #6: Synchronous Generator (SG)
Lab Objectives:
• To demonstrate the main operating characteristics and no-load operation of a three-phase synchronous
generator
• To demonstrate the voltage regulation characteristics of the generator under load condition
LabVolt Workstation Configuration
Table 1
Equipment Exercise
Synchronous Generator (SG)
1. Workstation 1
2. Resistive Load, 8311 1
3. Inductive Load, 8321 1
4. Capacitive Load, 8331 1
5. Power Supply, 8821 1
6. Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply, 8960 1
7. Data Acquisition and Control Interface, 9063 1
8. Synchronous Motor/Generator, 8241 1
9. Timing Belt, 8942 1
Procedures:
1. Initial experimental set up and connections before setting up the experimental circuit -
i) The required equipment is already installed in the LabVolt Workstation according to Table 1 and
Figure 1 to perform Lab #6.
1 | EECS |LSE | Y o r k U n i v e r s i t y
According to Table 1
USB Cable
24V Power Cable
Low Power Power Switch for FQD/PS

Output Switch
Low Power Output Figure 1
Terminals
ii) Connect the USB port of the Data Acquisition and Control Interface to a USB port of the host computer
with a USB cable.
Connect the Power Input of the Data Acquisition and Control Interface to a 24 V ac power supply.
Turn the 24 V ac power supply on. This will activate Data Acquisition and Control Interface (DACI)
module.
iii) Connect the USB port of the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply to a USB port of the host
computer with a USB cable. The Power Input of the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply is
already connected to an ac power outlet.
Turn the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply on, this will activate Four-Quadrant
Dynamometer/Power Supply module.
Set the Operating Mode switch to Dynamometer.
iv) Synchronous Motor/Generator module is already mechanically coupled to the Four-Quadrant

Dynamometer/Power Supply using a Timing Belt.
Part A: No-load operation of a three-phase synchronous generator (SG)
2. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Prime mover coupled to a synchronous generator (SG).
3. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, then make the
following settings:
- Set the Function parameter to CW Constant-Speed Prime Mover/ Brake.
- Set the Pulley Ratio parameter to 24:24.
- Set the Speed parameter to 1800 r/min.
4. Meter connection and setting –

- synchronous generator output voltage EO (input E1, E2, and E3)
- generator output frequency fO
- dc value of the field current IF (input I1) in the rotor electromagnet
Click Continuous Refresh button from the Metering window.
5. ATTENTION!
On the Synchronous Motor/Generator, set the Exciter switch to the closed position (I)
Adjust the Exciter knob to about ¾
of the maximal excitation. Maximal excitation is obtained when the
Exciter knob of the Synchronous Motor/Generator is set to fully clockwise position.
6. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, start the prime mover.

On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.
7. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Oscilloscope, then make the appropriate settings in order to observe
the voltage waveforms measured using inputs E1, E2, and E3 (i.e., the waveforms of the voltages
induced across each stator winding of the three-phase synchronous generator).
Snapshot of the Oscilloscope Window:
8. Using the Phasor Analyzer, determine the phase shift between the first and second voltage waveforms
(voltages at inputs E1 and E2).
Phase Shift = -120°
Can you conclude that all three voltage waveforms produced by the three- phase synchronous generator
are phase shifted 120° with respect to one another?
❑ Yes ❑ No
9. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, slowly decrease the Speed parameter to 1000
r/min. While doing this, observe on the Oscilloscope the voltage waveforms at inputs E1, E2, and E3.
How does the amplitude of the voltage waveforms produced by the three- phase synchronous generator
vary as the speed of the generator decreases? Explain why.
Answer:
The faster the rotor turns, the larger the amplitude. Using this relationship, we can conclude that as
we decreased the speed of the rotor (generator speed), there was a lower rate of change in the
magnetic flux which resulted in a smaller amplitude. In addition, when we increased the speed, we
noticed the amplitude increased which means the size of the amplitude is dependent on the speed
of rotor (generator speed) – correlating to how much magnetic flux is passing through the stator
winding.
10. How does the frequency fO of the voltage waveforms produced by the three- phase synchronous generator
vary as the speed of the generator decreases? Explain why.
Answer:
The frequency of the voltage waveforms induced across the stator windings in the three-phase
synchronous generator is proportional to speed of the generator. As we decreased the speed of the
generator, we noticed that the frequency of the voltage waveforms also decreased. This means if
the speed was increased, the frequency would also increase proportionally, satisfying the theoretical
and experimental relationship.
11. Does varying the speed of the three-phase synchronous generator affect the phase shift between the
voltage waveforms produced by the generator? Why?
Answer:
Varying the speed of the three-phase generator does not affect the phase shift between the voltage
waveforms produced by the generator. This is because the phase shift is a pre-determined value in
which the stator windings are set to 120 degrees and wounded in a way where it cannot be changed
due to the speed of the generator, while producing a sinusoidal waveform.
12. On the Synchronous Motor/Generator, slowly decrease the field current IF by turning the Exciter knob
counterclockwise. While doing this, observe the voltage waveforms at inputs E1, E2, and E3 on the
Oscilloscope.
How does the amplitude of the voltage waveforms produced by the three-phase synchronous generator
vary as the generator field current IF decreases? Explain why
Answer:
We noticed during the experiment that the amplitude was decreasing, and this is because as we
decrease the generator field current, there will be less amount of the flux passed through the stator
windings resulting in a smaller amplitude. This means there is a proportional relationship between
the field current and amplitude where decreasing the field current would result in smaller amplitude
and vice-versa.
13. Does varying the field current IF of the three-phase synchronous generator affect the output frequency fO and the
phase shift between the output voltage waveforms? Why?
Answer:
Varying the field current of a three-phase synchronous generator does not affect the output
frequency since the output frequency is only dependent on the speed of generator and number of
magnetic poles. In our experiment, when the field current was varied, we noticed no difference in
the output frequency.
14. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, stop the prime mover.
On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.
On the Synchronous Motor/Generator, set the Exciter switch to the open position (O).
- 8 - | EECS |LSE | Y o r k U n i v e r s i t y
Part B: Three-phase synchronous generator characteristics
Use a Resistive Load module and connect all three groups in parallel.
At first, open all switches on the Resistive Load module so that the resistance of resistor R1 is off.
Figure 3: Prime mover coupled to a synchronous generator (SG).
16. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, set the Speed parameter to the synchronous speed
ns = 1800 of the Synchronous Motor/Generator, then start the CW Constant-Speed Prime Mover/Brake.

On the Synchronous Motor/Generator, set the Exciter switch to the closed position (I)
17. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Data Table window.
Set the Data Table to record the three-phase synchronous g e n e r a t o r speed nGen, output voltage EO (input E1)
and frequency fO, field current IF (input I1).
18. In the Data Table window, click on the Record Data button to record synchronous generator speed nGen., output
voltage EO , output frequency fO , and field current IF .
19. Modify the resistance of resistor R1 and adjust the Exciter knob on the Synchronous Motor/Generator until the value
of the field current IF is as close as possible to the minimum field current IF = 0.2A.
20. In the Data Table window, click on the Record Data button to record the values of the three-phase synchronous
generator speed nGen., output voltage EO , output frequency fO , and field current IF .
21. ATTENTION!
Modify the resistance of resistor R1 and adjust the Exciter knob on the Synchronous Motor/Generator to increase
the generator field current IF to the maximum field current value 0 . 7 8 A in 11 or 12 equally distributed steps.
For each field current value, record the parameters in the Data Table.
It may be necessary to short-circuit the resistor R1 to obtain the maximum value of field current, IF
22. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, stop
the prime mover.
23. In the Data Table window, save the recorded data.
Data Table
24. Calculate the theoretical output frequency fO of the Synchronous Motor/Generator.
There are two pairs of magnetic poles in each stator winding of the Synchronous Motor/Generator.
Theoretical output frequency fO = 60 Hz
Average generator output frequency from the data table = 60 Hz
25. Plot a graph of the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO as a function of the generator field current
IF using the results you recorded to the Data Table.
Graph:
Observe the graph you just plotted. Does the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO increase
with the field current IF ?
❑ Yes ❑ No
26. In the Data Table window, clear all data without clearing the record settings.
In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, set the Speed parameter to 0 r/min, then start the CW
Constant-Speed Prime Mover/Brake. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.
Modify the resistance of resistor R1 and adjust the Exciter knob on the Synchronous Motor/Generator until the three-
phase synchronous generator field current IF is as close as possible to the field current IF corresponding to 0 . 5 A .
ATTENTION!
>>> Do not let the Synchronous Motor/Generator stop for a long time while current is flowing in the rotor
electromagnet. Doing so could seriously damage the Synchronous Motor/Generator.
generator speed nGen., output voltage EO , output frequency fO , and field current IF .
28. Now, In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, increase the Speed parameter of the prime
mover by 200 r/min until you reach 2400 r/min( 12 equally distributed steps). For each step, record the parameters in
the Data Table.
29. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.
In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, stop the prime mover.
30. In the Data Table window, save the recorded data.
Data Table:
31. Plot a graph of the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO as a function of the generator speed nGen.
using the results you recorded to the Data Table.
Graph:
Describe what happens to the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO as the generator speed nGen.
increases.
Answer:
The three-phase synchronous generator output voltage is proportional to the speed of the generator where we
can see in the graph above that as the speed of generator increases, the generator output voltage also increases
linearly.
32. Plot a graph of the three-phase synchronous generator output frequency fO as a function of the generator speed
nGen. using the results you recorded to the Data Table.
Graph:
Describe what happens to the three-phase synchronous generator output frequency fO as the generator speed nGen.
increases.
Answer:
The three-phase synchronous generator output frequency is proportional to the speed of the generator where we
can see in the graph above that as the speed of generator increases, the generator output frequency also
increases linearly.
Part C: Three-phase synchronous generator voltage regulation characteristic when the three-phase synchronous
generator supplies power to a resistive load
At first, open all switches on the Resistive Load module so that the resistance of resistors R1, R2, and R3 is off.
Figure 4: Prime mover coupled to a three-phase synchronous generator supplying power to a resistive load.
34. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, then make the following
settings:
- Set the Function parameter to CW Constant-Speed Prime Mover/ Brake.
- Set the Pulley Ratio parameter to 24:24.
- Set the Speed parameter to 1800 r/min.
35. Meter Setting-

- generator output voltage EO (input E1)
- output current IO (input I1)
- field current IF (input I2) in the rotor electromagnet
Click the Continuous Refresh button.
36. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, start the CW Constant-Speed Prime Mover/Brake.
Important!
On the Synchronous Motor/Generator, make sure that the Exciter switch is set to the closed (I) position.
Adjust the Exciter knob so that the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO is equal to the generator
nominal voltage (value indicated on the front panel of the Synchronous Motor/Generator).
37. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Data Table window.
Set the Data Table to record the three-phase synchronous g e n e r a t o r speed nGen., output voltage EO (input E1),
output current IO (input I1), and field current IF (input I2).
generator speed nGen., output voltage EO, output current IO , and field current IF .
39. Set the resistance of t h e resistors R1, R2, and R3 successively to each value indicated in the following table. For
each resistance value, record the three-phase synchronous generator parameters in the Data Table.

41. In the Data Table window, take a snap shot of the data table and save the recorded data in .csv format.
Data Table:
42. In the Data Table window, clear the recorded data without clearing the record settings.
Three-phase synchronous generator voltage regulation characteristic when the three-phase synchronous
generator supplies power to an inductive load
43. Remove the three-phase resistive load from the circuit in Figure 4 by disconnecting the load at points A, B, and
C.
Modify the circuit shown in Figure 4 by adding the three-phase inductive load by connecting points A, B, and C of the
load to the corresponding points in the circuit.
Open all switches on the reactive load module so that t h e reactance of reactive components X1, X2, and X3 is off.
Important!
46. Set the inductance X 1, X 2, and X 3 successively to each value indicated in the following table. For each inductance
value, record the three-phase synchronous generator parameters in the Data Table.

Data Table:
49. In the Data Table window, clear the recorded data without clearing the record settings.
Three-phase synchronous generator voltage regulation characteristic when the three-phase synchronous
generator supplies power to a capacitive load
50. Remove the three-phase inductive load from the circuit in Figure 4 by disconnecting the load at points A, B, and
C.
Modify the circuit shown in Figure 4 by adding the three-phase capacitive load by connecting points A, B, and C of the
load to the corresponding points in the circuit.
Open all switches on the reactive load module so that the reactance of reactive components X1, X2, and X3 is off.
Important!
53. Set the capacitance X 1, X 2, and X 3 successively to each value indicated in the following table. For each
capacitance value, record the three-phase synchronous generator parameters in the Data Table.

Data Table:
56. Using MS Excel, plot a graph of the three-phase synchronous generator output voltage EO measured when the
generator is connected to a resistive load, an inductive load, and a capacitive load as a function of the generator
output current IO. Plot all three curves for the different load types on the same graph.
Sample Plot
Graph:
\
57. Compare the voltage regulation curves you plotted in the previous step for the different load types connected to
the three-phase synchronous generator.
Answer:
Based on the plot in step 56, we can see that when the load type is either resistive or inductive, the
generator output voltage decreases as generator output current increases. However, this is not the case
when the load is capacitive, where the generator output voltage increases when the generator output
current increases displaying a linear relationship.
58. On the Power Supply, make sure that the main power switch is set to the O (off) position, then turn the 24 V ac
power source off. Close the LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR software. Turn the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply
off.
Review Questions:
1. Describe briefly the operation of a three-phase synchronous generator.
Answer:
The basic function of a synchronous generator is to convert mechanical power into electrical power. This
is done through the different parts of a motor, where first an electromagnet is used to create a magnetic
field around the rotor. This rotor revolves because it will be connected to an external mechanical source
of power such as wind or water. Once the rotor begins to rotate, a magnetic flux is produced and the rate
of change of magnetic flux in the stator windings creates an induced voltage. When an induced voltage is
produced across the stator windings, the synchronous generator converts the external mechanical power
into electrical power, and it can then be supplied to any load for use.
2. Explain why the output voltage EO produced by a three-phase synchronous generator is necessarily an ac
voltage.
Answer:
Since the rotor of a generator has a magnetic field that is constantly rotating, this produces an induced
voltage on the stator windings. With this induced voltage is also an induced current produced that is
constantly alternating and therefore since the direction of the current is constantly changing, this means
that the output voltage is necessarily an AC voltage.
3. A three-phase synchronous generator having three pairs of magnetic poles in each stator winding rotates at a speed
nGen. of 2000 r/min. Determine the generator output frequency fO .
Answer:
f0 = nGen.* Npairs / 60 = (2000)(3) / 60 = 100 Hz
4. A three-phase synchronous generator supplying power to a capacitive load (XC = 150 Ω) has an induced
voltage EEMF of 140 V, a stator resistance Rstator of 2.5 Ω, and a synchronous reactance XL of 30 Ω. Determine the
generator output voltage E O.
Answer:
Rstator = 2.5 Ω
XC = 150 Ω
XL = 30 Ω
EEMF = 140 V
E0 = ?
XT = XL – XC = 30 – 150 = -120 Ω
𝑍 = √(𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 )2 + (𝑋𝑇 )2 = √(2.5)2 + (−120)2 = 120 
I0 = EEMF / Z = 140 / 120 = 1.167 A
E0 = I0 * XC = (1.167) * 150 = 175 V

EECS3603 Lab 6

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EECS 3603 Electromechanical Energy Conversion Lab #6 Fall 2022

Lab #6: Synchronous Generator (SG)

LabVolt Workstation Configuration

24V Power Cable

Low Power Power Switch for FQD/PS

Set the Operating Mode switch to Dynamometer.

iv) Synchronous Motor/Generator module is already mechanically coupled to the Four-Quadrant

Part A: No-load operation of a three-phase synchronous generator (SG)

2. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Prime mover coupled to a synchronous generator (SG).

4. Meter connection and setting –

Click Continuous Refresh button from the Metering window.

6. In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, start the prime mover.

Snapshot of the Oscilloscope Window:

Part B: Three-phase synchronous generator characteristics

15. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Prime mover coupled to a synchronous generator (SG).

On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.

17. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Data Table window.

23. In the Data Table window, save the recorded data.

24. Calculate the theoretical output frequency fO of the Synchronous Motor/Generator.

Theoretical output frequency fO = 60 Hz

Average generator output frequency from the data table = 60 Hz

29. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.

In the Four-Quadrant Dynamometer/Power Supply window, stop the prime mover.

30. In the Data Table window, save the recorded data.

33. Connect the equipment as shown in Figure 4.

35. Meter Setting-

Click the Continuous Refresh button.

On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.

37. In LVDAC-EMS TOOLBAR, open the Data Table window.

40. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.

On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.

47. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.

On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source on.

54. On the Power Supply, turn the dc power source off.

1. Describe briefly the operation of a three-phase synchronous generator.

𝑍 = √(𝑅𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟 )2 + (𝑋𝑇 )2 = √(2.5)2 + (−120)2 = 120 

I0 = EEMF / Z = 140 / 120 = 1.167 A

E0 = I0 * XC = (1.167) * 150 = 175 V

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