2

Armature Reaction and

Regulation of Alternators

2.1 Introduction
In the last chapter we have seen how an e.m.f. gets induced in an alternator. As long
as the alternator terminalsare open i.e. no load is connectedto an alternator,the induced
e.m.f. is same as the voltage availableat the terminals.Thus terminal voltage per phase
Vph and induced e,m.f. per phase Ephare same as long as alternator is on no load.
But when the alternator is loaded, the armature of an alternator carries current. We
know that, any current carrying conductor produces its own flux. Hence on load, armature
of an alternator produces its own flux called armature flux. This flux has significant effect
on the performance of an alternator on load. The terminal voltage Vph no longer remains
same as induced e.m.f. Eph on load conditions. The performance of an alternator on load is
mathematically expressed by a parameter called voltage regulation.
This chapter explains the effect of the armature flux on the performance of an
alternator and various analytical and graphical methods of finding the voltage regulation
of an alternator.

2.2 Parameters of Armature Winding

There are three important parametersof an armature winding of an alternator.These
are,
1. Armature resistance Ra
2. Armature leakage reactance XL
3. Reactance corresponding to armature reaction
Let us discuss these three parameters in detail which will help us to draw an
equivalent circuit of an alternator. The equivalent circuit and the concept of synchronous
impedanceplays an important role in determining the regulation of an alternator.
 2-2 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alterna
Electrical Machines •Il tort
2.3 Armature Resistance
its own resistance. The effective resistance of
Every armature wtnding has
as RaphQ/ ph or Ra Q/ Ph.
armature winding per phase is denoted
measured by applying the known d.c. voltage
Generally the armature resistance is
The ratio of applied voltage and measured currentand
moasunng the d.c. current through it.
skin effect, the effective resistance under is
the armature resistance But due to the a.c.
conditions is more than the d.c. resistance
Generally the effective armature resistance
V Voc under a.c. conditions is taken 1.25 to 1.75
times the d.c. resistance.
While measuring the armature resistance
it is necessary to consider how the armature
winding is connected whether in star or
delta. Consider a star connected armature
Fig. 2.1 Star connected alternator winding as shown in the Fig. 2.1.
When voltage is applied across any two terminals of an armature winding, then
tir equivalent resistanceis the series combination of the two resistances of two different
phase windings.
RRY — Resistance between R-Y terminals
Ra+Ra=2Ra
where Ra = Armature resistance per phase

Q/ ph
2

Thus in star connected alternator, the

armature resistance per phase is half of the
resistance observed across any two line
dc terminals.
Consider the delta connected alternator as
B shown in the Fig. 2.2.
When voltage is applied across any two
terminals, then one phase winding appears in
Fig. 2.2 Delta connected alternator parallel with series combination of other two.
Hence the equivalent resistance across the terminals is parallel combination of the
resistances Ra and 2Ra.
RRY = Rall 2Ra Q/ph
 Amatu•• A Regulation of AR•mato€•

the Atmatun• to be
any two line terminals
24 ArmatureLeakage Reactance
armaturv carries a current. it
its own flux, part of
completes its path through the air
around the conductors itself Such a is
called leakage flux. shown in the

Key Point 'Iiis leuÅase

flux the
•ar»ature tnåveticv in nature, So
F. 2.3 Armature Leakage eux to theresistance,
SD is inductance of the armature winding pet phase. then leakage
is by XI = 2 f Sl/ph. value Of Imkagetx•aetano•
armature resxstanee.Similar to the machines. the value oi
res—tanceis very very small.

25 Armature Reaction
is to alternator, the armature winding of the alternator
a current Every current carrying conductor produces its own so armature oi
its own flux. vshen carrying a curtvnt, so thetx•ate two fluxes
air gap, due to armature current while second is produced by the field
calkd main flux produced by the armature is called armature aux,
Key : SD —ect armatureflux on the "Nirt flux affecting its oalue and the
ze armature reaction
of armature flux not depends on the magnitude of the eurtx•nt
through armature winding but also depends on the nature of the power factor
to alternator.
Let us study effer-tof nature of the load power factor on the armature tvs•ction.
 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alte

2.S.1 Unity Power Factor Load

Conshict a purt•h•reststn•e load conmvted to the alternator, having unity Power factor
induced e m.i. Erh drives a current of Iaphand load power factor is unity, Eph
I
are in phaq Witheach other.
ef tir mam flux by the field winding responsible for producing Eph
Own Eph lags f by
Now current through armature la, produces the armature flux say (t)a. So flux a and
1. are alums in tir dir«tion.
relationship Yvtween •a, Eph and laph can be shown in the phasor diagram.

Maintux Flux
Main flux
Armature flux

Arrnaüe
Time

irduced e.mf.
due to

Fig. 2.4 Armature reaction for unity p.f. load

It can be from the phasor diagram that there exists a phase differenceof 900
between the armature flux and the main flux. The waveforms for the two fluxes are also
shown in the Fib 24. From the waveforms it can be seen that the two fluxes oppose each
other on the left half of each pole while assist each other on the right half of each pole.
Hence average flux in the air gap remains constant but its distribution gets distorted.
Key Point : Hence such distorting effectof armature reaction under unity p.f. conditionof
the I(Mdis called cross magnetising effect of armature reaction.
the
Due to such distortion of the flux, there is small drop in the terminal voltage of
alternator.

2.5.2 Zero Lagging Power Factor Load

Consider a purely inductive load connected to the alternator having zero lagging
power factor. This indicates that la driven by Eph,lags Ephby 900which is the power
factor angle .
Of
Induced e.m.f. Eph lags main flux by 900while +a is in the same direction as that
Ia. So the phasor diagram and the waveforms are shown in the Fig. 2.5.
re
It can be seen from the phasor diagram that the armature flux and the main flux a
exactly in opposite direction to each other.
Electrical Machines - Il 2-5 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators

Main flux
Armature 900

- - —Timo
s
Eph Induced e.m.f.
due to

Fig. 2.5 Armature reaction for zero lagging p.f. load

Key Point : So armatureflux tries to cancel the mainflux. Such an effectof armature
reaction is called demagnetising effect of the armature reaction.
As this effect causes reduction in the main flux, the terminal voltage drops. This drop
in the terminal voltage is more than the drop corresponding to the unity p.f. load.

2.5.3Zero Leading Power Factor Load

Consider a purely capacitive load connected to the alternator having zero leading
power factor. This means that armature current laph driven by Eph,leads Ephby 900, which
is the power factor angle .
Induced e.m.f. Eph lags f by 900 while laph and a are always in the same direction.
The phasor diagram and the waveforms are shown in the Fig. 2.6.
•a Armature flux
1
900 la Main
flux 1

- - e-Time
Eph
Induced e.m.f.
due to

Fig. 2.6 Armature reaction for zero leading p.f. load

It can be seen from the phasor diagram and waveforms shown in the Fig. 2.6, the
armatureflux and the main field flux are in the same direction i.e. they are helping each
other.This results into the addition in main flux.
Key Point : Such an effectof armaturereactiondue to which armatureflux assistsfield
flux is called magnetising effect of the armature reaction.
As this effect adds the flux to the main flux, greater e.m.f. gets induced in the
armature. Hence there is increase in the terminal voltage for leading power factor loads.
 2-6 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternator,
Electric•l Moct•önes •
zero lagging and zero leading Electrical Machi
factor loads i.e. between
and partly demagnetising for lagging working speed 0
power factor loads case of alternato
loads or partly magnchsingfor leading
condition, hence
Reactance (Xar) conditions.
2.54 Armature Reaction there is change in the terminal voltage
conditi«ysof the load powet factors, Equivalen
In all
macuon. Nlainly the practical loads are inductive in nature, due to 2.7
to the armature reduction in the terminal voltage. From the a
demagtu•trstngetfect of armature reaction, 'Shereis •
voltage is due to the interaction of armature and main flux. This drop is armature wind
thesdrop reaction reactanc
not anv ph»ical element. it changes to E'
to the armature reaction, armature winding is
But to quantify t}u•voltage drop due flows through
reactance of the armature is called
assurm•dto hau• a fictitiousreactance.This fictitious la XLrespectivel
drop due to armature reaction
armature reaction reactancedenoted as Xar Q/ Ph. And the the drops across
can accountedas the voltage drop across this reactance as la Xar
Key Point : The ('dlue of this reactancechanges as the load power factor changes, as
armature reaction de;vnds on the load power factor.

2.6 Concept of Synchronous Reactance and Impedance

From above discussion,it is clear that armature winding has one more parameter
which ts armature reaction reactancein addition to its resistance and the leakage reactance.
In practice,
sum of the fictitious armature reaction reactance accounted for considering combined to ge
armature reactioneffect and the leakage reactance of the armature is called synchronous
Hence the
reactance of the alternator denoted as Xs.
Fig. 2.8.
So J X, = xar Q/ph
As both Xl and X are ohmic values per phase, synchronous reactance is also
specified as ohms per phase.
Now from this, it is possible to define an impedance of the armature
winding. Such an
impedance obtained by combining per phase values of
synchronous reactance and
armature resistanceis called synchronous impedance of the
alternator denoted as Zs.
SO Zs=Ra+jXs Q/ph Thus in

Q/ph
For getting a standard frequency,
alternator is to be driven at
word synchronousused in
specifying the reactance and synchronotus speed • So
impedance is referred to the

and
Electrical Machines • 2-7 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
working speed of the alternator, Generally
impedance of the winding is constant but in
of altematot, synchronous reactance
depends on the load and its power factor
condition, hence synchronous impedance also
varieg with the load and its power factor
condition•.

2.7 EquivalentCircuit of an Alternator

From the above discussion it is clear that in all
there are three important pararneters of
armature winding namely armature resistance Ra,
leakage reactance XL and armature
reactionreactancv Xar.If E h is induced e.m.f. per phase
on no load condition then on load
it changesto E' due to armature reaction as shown in the equivalent
circuit. As current la
through the armature, there are two voltage drops across
Ra and XLas la Ra and
la XLrespectively. Hence finally terminal voltage Vt is less than
E' by the amount equal to
the drops across Ra and XL.
x

ph 'Au E'ph
Vt Load

Fig. 2.7 Equivalentcircuit

In practice, the leakage reactance XL and the armature reaction reactance X are
combined to get synchronous reactance Xs
Hence the equivalent circuit of an alternator gets modified as shown in the
Fig. 28.

Xs Ra

ph Vt Load

Fig. 2.8 Equivalent circuit of an altemator

Thus in the equivalent circuit shown,
Eph Induced e.m.f. per phase on no load
Terminal voltage per phase on load
laph Armature resistance per phase
Synchronous impedance per phase
and ph = V tph +1 a Z s (Phasor sum)
 Regulation of Altern
ArmatureReaction &

of an Attemator
2.8 VoRnge Equation to the armature resistance drop and
that due
d € generators,wc e.m.f. available across the load. The
to all
same in case of
called tenninal voltage. The concept is
availabk• made availableto the load due to the various
c m.t.can denoted
avadaNe to the load is called terminal voltage
of thr« alternatorsas all the phases are identical, the equations and the
V phase basis.
arc pres-ed
are following voltage
if the mducede m.f. per phase in the alternator, there
drops tn an altetvtot.
Ra are per phase values.
il TIVdrcv acrossarmature resistance la Ra both la and
u) Thc across reactance la Xs,both la and Xs are per phase values.
Aftersupply-rag drops, the remaining voltage of Eph is available as the terminal
vcåtage
Key Point: Ra is always in phase with la due to a resistive drop while CUrrent
!c lags hv uqtk tesp•ct to drop laxs as it is a drop across purely inductive reactance.
Hence all quanuties can not be added or subtracted algebraically but must be
added or subtracted vectorially considering their individual phases. But we can write a
voltage equatvon its phasor form as,

a a s

ms •s called voltage equation of an alternator.

From this voltage equation, we can draw the phasor diagrams for various load power
factor conditions and establish relationshipbetween Eph and Vph, in terms of armature
current IR. boad current and power factor cos (4)

2.9 Phasor Diagram of a Loaded Alternator

above voltage equation is to be realised using
power factor conditions. For drawing the phasor diagrams for various loa
phasor diagram consider all per phase
and rernember following steps. value

Steps to draw the phasor diagram •

I. current la as a reference
phasor.
2. Now if load power
factor is cos + , it indicates
as Vph is the voltage that angle between V h and
available to the load. Ia
ElectricalMachines • Il 2-9 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
So show the phasor in such a way that angle between V and la is • . For
lagging , la should lag Vr h and for leading , la
should lead V . For unity
factor load is zero, so V h and la are in
phase.
Now the drop la Ra is a resistive drop and hence will always be in phase with I
phasor la Ra ditvetion will be always same as la, i.e. parallel to Ia. But as it is
to be added to V , I Ra phasor must be drawn from the tip of the Vph phasor
drawn.
4, The drop la x s is drop across purely inductive reactance. In pure inductance,
current lags voltage by 900. So ' la Xs' phasor direction will be always such that I
will lag la x s phasor by 900.But this phasor is to be drawn from the tip of the
la Ra phasor to complete phasor addition of V I R and la Xs
5, Joining the starting point to the terminating point, we get the phasor Eph.
laxs Whatever may be the load power
factor,la Ra is a resistivedrop, will be in
phase with la while IaXs is purely
la lags by 900
lazs inductive drop and hence will be
w.r.t.laXs
laRa
perpendicularto la in such a way that la
will lag la Xs by 900. This is shown in the
Fig. 2.9.
Fig. 2.9
By using the above steps, the phasor
diagramsfor various load power factor conditions can be drawn.

2.9.1Lagging Power Factor Load

The power factor of the load is cos lagging so la lags Vph by angle . By using steps
discussedabove, phasor diagram can be drawn as shown in the Fig. 2.10.

laxs
Eph OA=Vph
AB = laRa
j IaR a : BC =
ph
ph AC-1aZs

a
1
o D E

Fig. 2.10 Phasor diagram for lagging p.f. load

 •CO DEF E3 -

e-zS

2.92 Leasng PoteetFactor Load

re as SDla V • Ey an By
can as in Fig- 211-

OA=V

211 Phaso,r fot p.f. load

To tye perverdiculars are dra•m
Ern A b at D E
h. AOAD, = as.
 2-11

oeser%edfe

2.32 unify Power Factor Load

c

4-4

F. 212
of ee ur«y = 1- So = O, V
So diagam be
Crrsi& OZ. we

As cm = If so sm OYeme
: Tre phasor d.agars drawn a reQzre
But to Qrive reiatxrshp„ pb—r a
much rsne is as a
 & Regulation of
Annature Reaction
•q 2.12 for and
Eiecttfc•l
effects of armature
and
doc to
more than
reaction.
powct factot condition,
in gencral fot any 2

p.f. loads
Sign for lagging
p.f. loads
Sign for leading
terminal voltage
Per phase rated
armature current
— Per phase full load
the voltage regulation of an alternator.
define
From discussion,we can now

Regulation of an Alternator
2.10 Voltage of alternator is less than the induce
terminalvoltage and
load
v ph will change from Vph to Eph, if flux
disconrected, la is zero hence there
enf. Epwso if load is load is disconnected,
is because when reaction. This change in
armature flux to cause armature
no voltage drops and no the voltage regulation.
is significant in defining
terminal voltage is defined as the change in
regulation of an alternator
Key Point: The voltage excitation and speed constan
removed, keeping field
terminal mltage when full load is
divided by the rated terminal voltage.

So if Rated terminal voltage

Eph No load induced e.m.f.

then voltage regulationis defined as,

Eph-V
% Regulation

The value of the regulation not only depends on the load current but also
power factorof the load. For lagging and unity p.f. conditions there is always drop
terminal voltagehence regulation values are always positive. While for leading
load conditions,the terminalvoltageincreasesas load current increases. Hence regt
is negativein such cases. The relationshipbetween load current and the terminal VOI
called load characteristicsof an alternator. Such load characteristics for various load
factor conditions are shown in Fig. 2.13.
 Machines • Armature Reaction Regulation of Ajtemators
terminal

Loading p, t.

Unity p. f.
Lagging p. f.

Fig. 2.13 Load characteristics of an alternator

Example 2.1 : A 3 phase,star connectedalterttatorsuppliesa loadof kW at a pteer
factor Of 0.8 lagging with a terminal voltageof 11 kV. Its armatureresistanceis 0.4 ohms
phase while synchronous reactance is 3 ohms per phase. Calculate the line
value of e.m.f,
generatedand the regulation at this load.
Solution : P = 100 kW, cos 0.8 lagging, 11kV, 0.4 Q, Xs=3Q
For three phase load,
VSx11x103x1Lxo.8
IL = 65.6 A
Now = la and for star connected alternator IL Iph.
65.6 A Full load per phase armature current
For lagging p.f. loads,
(Eph) 2 (Vph la Ra + (Vph xs) 2

Now = = 6350.853v (As star connected)

(Eph) 2 = (6350.853x 0.8+ 65.6x 0.4)2 + (6350.853x 0.6+ €5.6x

E 6191.47 v i.e. Eline = VS Eph = 11.24 kv

Eph —Vph
and % Regulation x 100
ph

6491.47- 6350.853
x 100 2.214%
6350.853
For lagging p.f. loads, regulation is always positive.
2.11 EVA Rating of an Alternator
designed to supply a specific voltage to the Various
n'e alternators are denoted as VL. The power drawn
rated terminal voltage
voltage is called its of specifying rating of an alternator in
dcf*nds its power factor. Hence
the maximum apparent power which it can supply to the
is $00fied in terms of is VLIL, measured in VA (volt
the apparent power
thr« pha.q circuits, rating of an
expressed in kilo volt amperes and is called kVA
is alternator can supply. So for a given rated
IL is rated Kill load current which
alternator, its full load rated current can be decided.
and kVA rating of an
alternator.
Consder kVA, 11 kV, three phase

In eus case kVA rating = 60

IL 3
kVA

10- to express the product in kilo volt ampe

3
60 =

3.15 A

This is fre rated full load current of an alternator.But load current is same as
armature current So from kVA rating, it is possible to determine full load armatzl
current of an alternator which is important in predicting the full load regulation of
alternator for various power factor conditions.Similarlyif load condition is different
full load, the correspondingarmature current can be determined from its fun
value
Key Point: la at half load= axla at full load. It reducesin the same proportion in
ltd condition reduces.
Hence regulation at any p.f. and at any load condition can be determined.
Example 2.2 : A 1200kVA, 6600V, 3 phasestar connectedalternatorhas its
resistanceas 0.25Q per phaseand its synchronous
reactanceas 5 Q per phase. Calculatt
regulation if it deliversa full load at i) 0.8 lagging
and ii) 0.8 leading p.f.
Solution :kVA 1200,h = 6600V, 0.250, Xs=5Q
Now kVA = ILxlo -3 i.e. 1200 =
IL 104.97 A
laph = 104.97A (Full
load current)
...As star
ph = = 60
- 3810.512v
Electrical Machines - 2-15 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
i) For 0.8 lagging p.f. load
(Eph ) 2 = (Vph Ra + (Vph sin

(Eph ) 2 = (3810.512xo.8+104.97xo.25) 2

Eph = 4166.06v
Eph-V 4166.06-3810.512
% Reg x 100 *100
ph 3810.512
= +9.33 %

ii) For 0.8 leading p.f. load

(Eph - (Vph COS la Ra + (Vphsin +-la xs) 2

(Eph

Eph 3543.47 v
Eph-Vph 3543.47 - 3810.512
% Reg x 100=
3810.512

= - 7.00%
The regulation is negative for leading p.f. loads.

2.12 Methods of Determining the Regulation

The regulation of an alternator can be determined by various methods. In case of small
capacityalternators it can be determined by direct loading test while for large capacity
alternatorsit can be determined by synchronous impedance method.
The synchronous impedance method has some short comings. Another method which
is popularly used is ampere-turns method. But this method also has certain disadvantages.
The disadvantagesof these two methods are overcomein a method called zero power
factormethod. Another important theory which gives accurate results is called Blondel's
two reactiontheory. Thus there are followingmethods availableto determine voltage
regulationof an alternator,
Electrical Machines •n 2-16 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alte
1. Dimet loadtng
2. SvnchronousimB'dance method or E.M.F method
3. Ampere-turns meth«xi or M method
4. Zero power factor method or rotict triangle method
5. ASA m«xlificd form of M.M.F. method
8. Two roacoon thcory.
tet us discuss methods in detail.

2.13 Voltage Regulation by Direct Loading

The Fig. 214 shows circuit diagram for conducting the direct loading test on
three pha.'Qalternator. n•te star connected armature is to be connected to a the
three
load the of Yippiepole single throw (TPST)switch. The field winding is excited
by dc supply. To control the flux i.e. the current through field
windin
rheostat is in series with the field winding. The prime mover is shown
driving the alternator at its synchronous speed. Which

TPST switch

Mechanical

Pomerover # Three
phase
load

armature
Rheostat A If
winding
of altemator

Supply
Fig. 2.14 Circuit diagram
for direct loading
Procedure : test on alternator
alternatoris first
prime mover. driven at its
synchronous speed NS by
means of a
Now
Eph
By giving dc.
supply to the field
flux so that rated
voltageis availablewindinb the field current
voltmeter connected across the is adjusted to adjust the
switch across the lines The terminals. This
load is then load is then be the
full load condition increased so that ammeter connected by meams
of the alternator. of a TPST
reads rated
Again adjust value of current. This is
the voltage
to its rated value
by means
älectrical Machines •Il 2-17 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
of field excitation using a rheostat connected. throw off the entire load by opcrvng
the TI'ST switch, without changing the speed and the field excitation. (%serv€ the
voltmeter reading. As load is thrown off, there is no armature current and ass«idtcd
drops.So the voltmeter reading in this situation indicates the value of internally induced
c m.f.called no load terminal voltage. Convert both the reading to phage values. The rated
voltageon full load is Vph while reading when load is thrown off is Eph.So by using the
formula,
Eph -V ph
% Reg x 100
ph

the full load regulation of the alternator can be determined. The value of the
regulationobtained by this method is accurate as a particular load at required p.f. is
actuallyconnectedto the alternator to note down the readings.
Key Point : But for high capacity alternators, that muchfull load can not be simulated or
directly connected to the alternator. Hence method is restricted only for small capacity
alternators.

Example 2.3 : While supplying a full load, running at synchronousspeed,the terminal

voltageof an alternator is observedto be 1100 V. When the load is thrown off, keepingfield
excitation and speed constant, the terminal voltage is observedto be 1266 V. Assuming star
connected alternator, calculate its regulation on full load.
Solution : On full load, terminal voltage is 1100V.

so 1100v i.e. v ph = = 635.0853v

When load is thrown off, VL= 1266V. But on no load, VL = E

1266
Eline --- 1266 V i.e. Eph = 730.925 v

Eph Vph
% Reg x 100
ph

730.925- 635.0853x 100= 15.09%

635.0853
Eiectric•l M.chines n 2 • 18 ArmatureReaction & Regulation
of
2.14 Synchronous Impedance Methodor E.M.F. Method
methmdis caned E.M.F.method of determining the regulation. The
data cakulate aegulation.
armature t+.+.tatv•e phase (Ra).
which is the graph of open circuit voltage
curtmt. Tas uspossibleby conductingopen circuit test on the
alternator
3. Shcrt •rant characteristicswhich is the graph of short circuit carrent
agaimst
sho:t circuit
possibleby conducting test on the alternator. field

us circuit diagram to perform open circuit as well as short

circuit test
The is coupled to a prime mover capable of driving
the
at Its Thearmatureis connectedto the terminals of a switch. alternatot
The
swit&l are short circuited through an ammeter. The voltmeter othe
aeoæ is co
to reasure open circuit voltage of the alternator.
Tie fR4d winding is connectedto a suitable d.c. supply with
se-ies. rheostat connected
excitationiæ. field current can be varied with the help
arcurt diagram is shown in the Fig. 2.15. of

StÜ TPST switch

Voc v A Isc

Field

of alternator
Rheostat

Supply
Fig. 2.15 Circuit
diagramfor open
2.14.1 Open Circuit Test circuit and short circuit
test on alternator
Procedure to conduct this
test is as
follows :
i) start the prime
moverand adjust
the speed to the
ii) Keeping synchronous speed of the
in the field
circuitmaximum,
switch on the d.c.
supply-
Electrical Machines - Il 2-19 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
ili) the T.P.S.T.switch in the armature circuit is kept open.
iv)With the help of rheostat, field current is varied from its minimumvalue to
the rated value. Due to this, flux increases, increasing the induced e.m.f. Hence
voltmeter reading, which is measuring line value of open circuit voltage increases.
For various values of field current, voltmeter readings are observed.
The observations for open circuit test are tabulated as below :

Observationtable for open circuit test :

Sr. No. V (line)V V (phase)= V (line)/VSV

From the above table, graph of (Voc)phagainst If is plotted.

of the alternator,calledO.C.C.
Key Point : This is called open circuit characteristics
This is shown in the Fig. 2.16.

(Voc)phvolts
(la)sc
in amp
s.c.c.

Full load.

0.C.C. and S.C.C. of an alternator

Fig. 2.16
 & Regulation of A
Arm.ure Re•ction
2.20

2.141 Shod C*cuit Test the field IS

ee value. T.Ps.T.
fru to a switch
armature gets short circuited. Then
is obtained through
ail fun load current
the armature circuit.
ammeterconnectedin
Thtscn current plotted from the
graph called short circuit characteristics, S.C.C. Th.
crcust

circuit •
tot
Short circuit armature current
per phase (Inc) A

Tie SCC. a Ere graphpassingthroughthe origin while O.C.C. resemble

curve of a magetE mau•riaL
Key : As SCC. is straightline graph,only one reading corresponding to full Irnd
arputure currentaimg the origin is sufficientto draw the straight line.

2.143 Determinationof Z. from O.C.C. and S.C.C.

Tie vrnpdarre Z, of the alternatorchanges as load condition changes
OCC. SCC. cm be to determineZ, for any load and load p.f. conditions.
1 In short circuit test, external load impedance
zero. The short circuit armature current is circulated
againstthe impedanceof the armature winding
which is 4. The voltage responsible for driving thE
shortcircuitcurrentis internally induced e.m.f. This
Fig, 2.17 can be shownin equivalentcircuit drawn in
Fib 2.17.
From «.iujvaki circuit we can
write,

I krown,whrh can
Qf. be be observed on the
under ammeter. But internally
is voltaw across short circuit conditm. voltmeter con—
E short circuit. To
dnvtng determine Z, it is necessary
ZY
Electrical Machines • Il 2-21 Armature Reaction & Regulation of Alternators
Now internally induced e.m.f. is proportional to the
flux i.e. field current If.
Eph
From e.m.f. equation
So if the terminals of the alternator are opened
without disturbing If which was present at the time
of short circuited condition, internally induced
e.m.f. will remain same as Eph. But now current
Open
Eph 'N' circuit will be zero. Under this condition equivalent circuit
will become as shown in the Fig. 2.18.
It is clear now from the equivalent circuit that
as la — () the voltmeter reading (Voc)phwill be
Fig. 2.18 equal to internally induced e.m.f. (Eph).
Eph (Voc)phon open circuit
Thisis what we are interested in obtaining to calculatevalue of 70s.So expressionfor
Zs can be modified as,
(Voc
(1asc ph
for sameIf

Phase e. m. f. on open circuit

Thus in general, Zs Phase current on short circuit For same excitation

So O.C.C. and S.C.C. can be used effectively to calculate 70s.

The value of Zs is different for different values of If as the graph of O.C.C.is non
linear in nature.
Sosuppose Zs at full load is required then,
1 Full load current
equal
From S.C.C.determine If required to drive this full load short circuit Ia. This is
to 'OA', as shown in the Fig. 2.16.
line from point
Now for this value of If, (Voc)phcan be obtained from O.C.C. Extend
available at point D.
A, till it meets O.C.C. at point C. The corresponding (Voc)phvalue is
(Voc)ph = OD
While (l asc)ph = OE
(Voc
Zs at full load
Full load (lasc sarneIf (sameexcitation)

OE sameIf OA
•-亂龕“fifi%
EEü•r..Ä • 2.23 Atr•ture &
z 14S Advantages and Limitations of Synchronous impedance Method
advantageof thu valueof
can calculated. f ferre regulatvn of tke
impdarce Z. for ny
alternatorat any
Load can determired. Actual "d reed re to
and methcx.ican u•ædfor very hi-'t capacity alternators.
man hmitatvm of this method is that the rrtefY•cÄ large vaEz
reactarre. This Jeads to high values of percatfzge regulatirn than utual
re.uits Hence this is caned pessimistic method.
Example 2.4 •w The open circuit and short circuit test is star
ccmåucted m a 3 pug,
866V, IT) kVA alternator.
amnected,
TheOC test results are,
I Amp 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Voc line Volts 173 310 485 605 728 790 840

Thefield current of 1 A, produces a short circuit current of 25 A.

armature resistance per phase is 0.15 Q. Calculate its full load regulationat 0-8
lagging power factor condition.
: V, EVA
EVA IL *10-3 ig. 100 *10 -3

6667 A
1 = IL = 6667 A As star connected alternator

Vph = rated terminal voltage per phase

For calculationof Z, on full load, it is necessary to plot O.C.C.and S.C.C.to the scale.
Note : If for same value of If, both I and V can be obtained from the table itself,
graphneed not be plotted. In some problems, the values of V and I for same If are
directlygiven, in that case too, the graph need not be plotted.
In this problem, I = 25 A for If 1 A.
Electrical Mochine• 2-24 ArmatureReaction & Regulation
of Alter

SCC
oc.CF

300
FromS.C.C
Forla -66.67 A, 2.4m

FromO.C.C
For If = 2.4A, (V oc) = 240V

If in amp

Fig. 2.19
but we want to calculate
Zs for I asc= its full load value which
required to be plotted. is 66.67 A. So
graph!
For O.CC the
dividing each value by values of open circuit
O. voltage are converted to
phase b
From S.C.C.

= 66.67A, 2.4 A
From O.CC.

If - 2.4 A, (V
)ph = 240 V
From the graph,
ZEfor full load is,

oc ph
asc 240
forsame
excitation 66.67 For = 3.6 Q/ phase
If -2.4 A
Ra 0.15 Q/ phase

3.597Q/ phase
ph F.L 500 v,
cos = 0.8 and
sin • ().6 lagging
p.f.
Electric"Mochit»e•
2-25 Armature Ruction A Regulation of
fid) toad, 08 lagging p f. condition can be calculated
(Vt. cose Ra) 2 (Vph Sino

0.84 66.67x 0.15) 2 0.6+ 66.67k 3397) 2

677.86
v
Eph -vph 677.86-500
00, Regulation = x 100 x 100
ph

= + 35.57%

Example 2.5 : A 230 V, 3 phase,star connectedalternatorgives on opencircuit, e.m.f.

230 V, for a field current of 0.38 A. The same field current on short circuit causes an

armature current of 12.5 A. The armature resistance measured between two lines s

ohms.Find the regulation for the current of 10 amps at 0.8 lagging and 0.8 leading
pourr factors.

Solution: VL = 230 V, Ra between lines = 1.8 Q

(Vcr)line = 230 V, lasc = 12.5 A for same If = 0.38 A
The value of open circuit e.m.f. is always line value unless and until specifically
mentionedto be a phase value.

(1asc ph
for sameIf

(Voc)ph ¯ — v
132.79
132 79
' 10.623Q/ph
12.5

R between terminals 1.80

Forstar connection,Ra between the terminals is 2 Ra per
2 Ra per ph 1.8
Ra per ph = 0.9 Q

S
2 (10.623)2 -(0.9) 2 10.585Q/ph
Nowregulation is asked for = 10 A
Note: The value of Zs is calculated for la = 12.5A and not at la = 10 A, It will be
differentfor I = 10 A. But in this problem the test results are not given hence it is not
a