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: 3/2/21 

Experiment No. 2

Parallel Operation of DC Generators

Objectives:

The objectives of this experiment is to demonstrate the parallel operation of DC generators.

Introduction:

Nowadays, power is usually provided by many synchronous generators connected in parallel

through bus bars. This is responsible for the continuous operation of power plants. Parallel
operation of DC generators is required in order to meet extra load demand. It is difficult to
accomplish this task with one generator only. There are many advantages in running DC
generators in parallel. Some of these include: a) reliability, b) efficiency, and c) continuity of
service [1]. The generators that are sources of power are principal safety components, and
hence paralleled for reliability. Generators run most efficiently when loaded to their rated
capacity. Electric power costs less per kWh when the generator producing it is efficiently
loaded. Therefore, when load demand on power plant decreases, one or more generators can
be shut down and the remaining units can be efficiently loaded. In addition, uninterrupted
power supply is essential to customer satisfaction. If one generator is used, it becomes
impossible to deliver uninterrupted power supply during its maintenance hours or breakdown.
In order to operate DC generators in parallel, some conditions must be fulfilled [2]. First,
their external characteristics should be the same. Second, their terminal voltage must be the
same. Third, their polarities must be identical.

Equipment and Materials:

 2x DC Shunt Generators
 4x Ammeters
 2x Voltmeters
 Electrical Switches
 Electrical Load (Lamp Banks)

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Circuit Diagram:

Figure 1. Circuit diagram of DC generators connected in parallel

Methodology:

 The circuit was properly connected as shown in Figure 1.

 The 3-Φ induction motor was run.
 Generator A was built up by reducing the value of the field rheostat. When field
rheostat RfA is decreased, the field current IfA increases and simultaneously, the
generated emf in Generator A increases.
 Generator A was connected to the bus bars and then resistive load was increased.
 Generator B was connected in parallel to Generator A in order to take some of the
load by Generator A. To accomplish this, the following conditions were fulfilled: a)
Both generators have the same external characteristics, b) the same polarity, and c)
the same voltage.
 Generator B was built up to the level of the bus bar voltage of 220 volts by reducing
the value of the field rheostat. When field rheostat R fB is decreased, the field current
IfB increases and simultaneously, the generated emf in Generator B increases.
 The switch of Generator B was closed. This makes Generator B in parallel to
Generator A. However, at this condition, the current delivered by Generator B is still
zero and at this condition it can be said that Generator B is “floating”.
 For Generator B to deliver current, the induced emf must be greater than the bus bar
voltage of 220 volts. This is achieved by increasing the field of Generator B while
simultaneously decreasing the field of Generator A.

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Results and Discussion:

Present the Solution of this Problem with Discussion

Two shunt generators A and B are to be operated in parallel to supply a common load.
Generator A has a no-load voltage of 240 and a voltage of 220 when it delivers a load of 60
A. Generator B has a no-load voltage of 230 and a voltage of 220 when it delivers the same
current as A. Assuming straight-line characteristics for both machines, calculate: a) the line
voltage and total load in kilowatts when generator B is “floating”; b) the total load delivered
by both machines when the line voltage is 225 V.

Given:
VA_NL = 240, VA_FL = 220, I1 = 60
VB_NL =230, VB_FL = 220, I2 = 60
VLL = 220
I1+I2 = 120 A
240−220 1
RA= =
60−0 3
230−220 1
R B= =
60−0 6
1 1
240− I 1=230− I 2
3 6
60=2 I 1−I 2

a. VLL= 220 V, ILoad_total=120 A, Ptotal=220*60/1000=

b. VLL=225

240−225
I 1= =45 A
1
3
230−225
I 2= =30 A
1
6
(45∗225)+(30∗225)
Ptotal =P A + PB = =16.875 kW
1000

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Conclusions: 

The student was able to demonstrate the parallel operation of DC generators. The student was
also able to present a solution to the problem regarding parallel DC generators. By

Reflection: 

I realized that the principles applied in this experiment is similar to that of parallel operation
of transformers. I find it amusing how different electrical theories are related to each other.
This means that reviewing previous experiments is very important in electrical engineering. I
am thankful to our adviser having explained the topic very well. By doing a bit more
research, I was able to grasp the purpose behind parallel operation of DC generators.

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:

3/2/21
Julius Reiner L. Avenido

References: 

[1] https://www.electrical4u.com/parallel-connection-of-dc-generator/
[2] https://electricalvoice.com/parallel-operation-of-dc-generators/