Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof.

, SELECT, VIT, Vellore 1

Content

• What is Commutation?
• Effects of Commutation
• Understanding Commutation
• Commutation Period
• Reactance Voltage
• Methods of improving Commutation
• Resistance Commutation
• E.M.F. Commutation
• Interpoles or Compoles

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 2

What is Commutation?

The process by which current in the short-circuited

coil is reversed while it crosses the M.N.A. is called
commutation.

If the current reversal i.e. the change from + I to zero

and then to − I is completed by the end of short circuit or
commutation period, then the commutation is ideal.

Sparkling at the brushes

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 3

Understanding Commutation

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 4

Commutation Period

The brief period during which coil

remains short-circuited is known as
commutation period Tc.

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 5

Reactance Voltage / Self-induces e.m.f
• Reactance voltage = coefficient of self-inductance x rate of change of current.
𝑑𝐼
𝑒=𝐿
𝑑𝑡

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 6

Over & Under Commutation

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 7

 Methods of Improving Commutation
• Resistance Commutation
• Replacing low contact Resistance Cu. Brushes
with high contact resistance Carbon Brushes
(i) the resistance r1 of the first path will increase due to the
diminishing area of contact of bar ‘b’ with the brush and because
(ii) resistance r2 of second path will decrease due to rapidly increasing contact
area of bar ‘a’ with the brush.

Advantages of carbon brushes

• they are to some degree self-lubricating and polish the commutator
• should sparking occur, they would damage the commutator less
than when Cu brushes are used.
Disadvantage
• V drop – not suitable for small machines
• Large Commutator segments
• Large holders -lower current density (about 7-8 A/cm2 as compared to 25-30 A/cm2 for Cu brushes)

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 8

 Methods of Improving Commutation
• E.M.F. Commutation (Brush Lead or Interpoles/Compoles)
function of interpoles

• polarity is the same as that of the main pole ahead, they induce an e.m.f. in the coil
(under commutation) which helps the reversal of current.

• The e.m.f. induced by the compoles is known as commutating or reversing e.m.f.

• As interpoles carry armature current, their commutating e.m.f. is proportional to the

armature current.

• neutralize the cross-magnetising effect of armature reaction.

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 9

References

Text Books
• P. S. Bimbhra, "Electrical machinery", Seventh Edition, Khanna Publications, 2014.
• B. L. Theraja, A. K. Theraja, “Electrical Technology, Vol-2”, S. Chand Publisher.
• Chapter-27 : Pages 946-951, Section 27.7 – 27.12

Useful Weblinks
• commutation in dc machine with method of improving commutation /Commutation process in dc generator
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNXV4f89vFI
• Commutation maxon DC Motor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNQe_rrbEx4

Dr. J. Belwin Edward, Asso. Prof., SELECT, VIT, Vellore 10

THANK
YOU

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