Synchronous and DC Machines Laboratory

Date:
Experiment 7

AIM: To determine Voltage regulation of an alternator by Direct Load

method.
MACHINE SPECIFICATIONS:
D.C. Shunt Motor: 2HP, 200V, 8.1A, 1500 rpm
Alternator: 2.2kVA, 5.5A, 415V, 1500 rpm
APPARATUS:
(1) Voltmeter (AC) 0 - 600V – 01 no.
(2) Ammeter (AC) 0 – 10 A - 01 no.
(2) Ammeter (MC) 0 - 5A - 01 no.
(3) Rheostat, 400Ω, 1.4A - 02 no.

THEORY:

The voltage regulation of an Alternator is defined as “the rise in voltage at the terminals,
when the load is reduced from full load rated value to zero, speed and field current remaining
constant”.

With the change in load, there is a change in terminal voltage of an alternator or synchronous
generator. The magnitude of this change not only depends on the load but also on the load
power factor.

It is also defined as “the rise in voltage when full load is removed divided by the rated
terminal voltage, when speed and field excitation remains the same.” It is given by the
formula,

There are two methods for finding the voltage regulation of synchronous
generator/Alternators:
1. Direct loading method.
2. Indirect loading method.
The indirect method of finding voltage regulation of an Alternators can be further
classified into 3 Methods:
1. EMF method or Synchronous impedance method.
2. MMF method or Ampere Turn method.
3. Zero power factor method or Potier method.

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The voltage regulation of small rating alternators can be found out experimentally by direct
loading method. In this direct method, a three phase load is connected to star connected
alternator with the help of Triple Pole Single Throw switch. The field winding of alternator is
excited using an external DC supply. A rheostat is connected in series with the field winding,
to control the flux produced in the field winding.

Adjust the rheostat of the field winding so that, to produce the rated terminal voltage. Close
the load switch, apply the full load and measure the voltage at full load V.

Then the entire load is thrown off while the speed and field excitation are kept constant. The
open circuit or no-load voltage Eo is measured and now the regulation can be determined
from the below equation.

This method is not convenient and economical for finding out the voltage regulation of large
rating alternators because it requires adequate loading facilities in the laboratories and it is
expensive due to power loss. This method is suitable for finding the voltage regulation of
small ratings alternators less than 5 kVA.

Circuit Diagram

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 Synchronous and DC Machines Laboratory

PROCEDURE:
1. Firstly connections are to be made as given in the circuit diagram
2. Adjust the prime mover such that the alternator rotates at synchronous speed Ns.

3. Now DC supply is given to the field winding and the current flow through the field is adjusted so
that the flux is adjusted such that the rated voltage is obtained at its terminals which can be seen
on the voltmeter connected across the lines.

4. Now load is connected to the alternator with the help of TPST switch.

5. The load is then increased such that the ammeter reads rated current. This is full load condition of
the alternator. Now as the load is connected due to armature reaction there is a loss of voltage so
let the induced voltage be V.

6. Now again adjust the rheostat of the field winding to get rated voltage at alternator terminals.

7. Now remove the load by opening TPST switch and the excitation, speed should not be changed it
should be same as before removing the load.

8. As there is no load there is no armature reaction the induced emf is equal to the terminal voltage
which is E.

Now we can calculate voltage regulation of an Alternator by

% Voltage regulation = (E0 – V / V) × 100

OBSERVATION TABLE:

Sr. Open circuit or % Regulation

Load Voltage at Particular
no-load voltage
No. Current load, V (E0 – V / V) × 100
Eo

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 Synchronous and DC Machines Laboratory

Calculation:
Voltage regulation at particular load

% Voltage regulation = (E0 – V / V) × 100

E0= Open circuit or No load voltage

V= Terminal voltage at particular load

Conclusion:

QUIZ:
1. Define voltage regulation of alternator.
2. What are the reasons of drop of terminal voltage due to load in case of
alternator?
3. Can the terminal voltage raise under load?
4. What is difference between cylindrical and salient pole rotor machines?
5. State the type of rotor in case of hydro alternator
6. State the limitations of direct loading method for finding out the voltage
regulation of large ratings Alternators.

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