1. What Is A Generator?

Answer :
A Generator is a machine which converts Mechanical Energy into Electrical Energy.
2. On Which Principle A Generator Works?
Answer :
Generator works on Faradays laws of “Electro Magnetic Induction ”
3. What Are Faraday's Laws Of Electro Magnetic Induction?
Answer :
First Law: Whenever a conductor cuts magnetic flux and E.M.F is induced in that conductor.
Second Law: The magnitude of the induced e.m.f. is equal to the rate of change of flux linkage.
4. What Are The Two Main Parts Of An Ac Generator?
Answer :
1. Stator
2. Rotor
2. Question 5. What Is The Main Difference Between An Ac Generator And Dc Generator?
Answer :
In an AC Generator the field is rotating and the armature is stationary whereas in DC Generator the field is
stationary and the armature is rotating.
3. Question 6. What Are The Advantages Of Stationary Armature And Rotating Field In An Ac
Generator?
Answer :
1. It is easy to take output from the stationary armature.
2. It is easier to insulate stationary armature for higher voltage.
3. Low voltage excitation supply can be easily supplied to the rotor through slip rings.
4. Question 7. What Is The Relation Between The Frequency, Pole And Speed Of A Generator?
Answer :
F = PN/120 Hz
Where P is the No.of Poles
N is the Speed in RPM.
5. Question 8. In A Generator With 2 Pole, And Speed 3000 Rpm, What Is The Frequency Of The Induced
Emf ?
Answer :
F = PN/120
= 2 x 3000/120
= 50 Hz.
6. Question 9. What Is The Connection Of Winding In A Stator?
Answer :
Double star connection.
7. Question 10. What Is The Efficiency Of A Generator?
Answer :
98.55%
8. Question 11. What Is The Coolant Used To Cool Stator Winding?
Answer :
Demineralised water
9. Question 12. What Is The Coolant Used To Cool Rotor Winding?
Answer :
Hydrogen.
10. Question 13. What Are The Advantages Of Hydrogen Gas As Coolant Over Others?
Answer :
1. Density is 1/14 of air.
 2. Windage loss is low.
3. Low noise.
4. Heat transfer co efficient is 1.5 times higher than air.
5. Thermal conductivity is 7 times higher than air.
11. Question 14. What Are The Losses In A Generator?
Answer :
1. Stator copper
2. Stator iron
3. Rotor copper
4. Windage loss
5. Stray loss
6. Friction loss
12. Question 15. What Is Short Circuit Ratio (scr) Of A Generator?
Answer :
It is the ratio of the field current required to produce rated voltage on open circuit to the field current required
to circulate rated current on short circuit.
13. Question 16. What Is The Value Of Scr In A 210 Mw Turbo Alternator?
Answer :
SCR = 0.49
14. Question 17. Why Over Current Protection Is Not Necessary For Modern Generators?
Answer :
Over Current protection is not considered necessary for modern alternators because these are capable of
withstanding a complete short circuit at their terminals for sufficient time without much over heating and
damage.
15. Question 18. What Type Of Protection Is Provided For The Generators Against Over Heating Of The
Generator Stator?
Answer :
Resistance temperature detector.
16. Question 19. Which Type Of Relays Are Used For The Merz-price Protection System For Alternator?
Answer :
Merz-Price protection is differential protection provided for the alternator. The relays used in the Merz-Price
protection system of alternator are instantaneous electro-magnetic type protection.
17. Question 20. Why Large Alternator Is Grounded With Large Resistance?
Answer :
Large capacity of alternators are typically provided with resistance grounding. High value of resistor is
connected to the neural path to the ground. If the generator is delta connected, then it is grounded with the help
of zig-zag transformer or (Delta-Star) transformer such that a high resistor is connected between the neutral
point and the ground. Resistance grounding is provided so as to limit the short circuit current flowing during
earth fault to stator winding in order to provide protection against mechanical stresses and melting of winding
during Line to Ground short circuit. In large generators fault current is limited as low as 10 to 15 amperes
during short circuit.
18. Question 21. Why It Is Not Necessary To Provide Protection For Turn To Turn Fault In Alternator?
Answer :
The coils of the modern alternators are single turn and therefore it is not necessary to provide protection for
turn to turn faults.
19. Question 22. Why It Is Necessary To Suppress Field Immediately After Disconnection Of Faulty
Alternator From The System?
Answer :
In the event of fault on the generator windings even though the generator circuit breaker is tripped, the fault is
continuous to fed as long as the excitation will exist because the emf is induced in the generator. Hence it is
necessary to suppress the field immediately after disconnecting the faulty generator from the system.
20. Question 23. Why It Not Necessary To Provide Over-voltage Protection In Turbo-alternator?
Answer :
The over voltage occurs when the prime mover speed increases due to sudden loss of the load on the generator
and the speed control governors in case of turbo-generators are very sensitive to the speed variations and
therefore generator over voltage of significant duration or magnitude does not generally occur. This is the
reason why generators are not provided with over voltage protection.

Q. Principle of operation of a generator?

A. An electric generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electric generator
is based on the principle that whenever flux is cut by a conductor, an e.m.f. is induced which will cause a current
to flow if the conductor circuit is closed. The direction of induced e.m.f. (and hence current) is given by Fleming’s
right hand rule.

Q. What is the role of a Commutator?

A. The function of commutator is to facilitate the collection of current from armature conductors. It converts the
alternating current induce in the armature conductors into unidirectional current in the external load circuit.

Q. What is the function of brushes?

A. The purpose of brushes is simply to lead current from the rotating loop or winding to the external stationary
load.

Q. What are the different types of generators?

A. Generators are generally classified based on their methods of field excitation
(i) Separately excited d.c. generators
(ii) Self-excited d.c. generators

Q. How do you define separately excited generators?

A. A d.c. generator whose field magnet winding is supplied from an independent external d.c. source (e.g., a
battery etc.) is called a separately excited generator.

Q. How do you define Self Excited Generators?

A. A d.c. generator whose field magnet winding is supplied current from the output of the generator itself is called
a self-excited generator. There are three types of self-excited generators depending upon the manner in which the
field winding is connected to the armature
(i) Series generator – , the field winding is connected in series with armature winding so that whole armature
current flows through the field winding as well as the load.
(ii) Shunt generator – , the field winding is connected in parallel with the armature winding so that terminal
voltage of the generator is applied across it.
(iii) Compound generator – there are two sets of field windings on each pole—one is in series and the other in
parallel with the armature. A compound wound generator may be:
(a) Short Shunt in which only shunt field winding is in parallel with the armature winding
(b) Long Shunt in which shunt field winding is in parallel with both series field and armature winding

Q. What are the different types of losses in DC Machines?

A. The losses in a d.c. machine (generator or motor) may be divided into three types1. Copper losses: These losses
occur due to currents in the various windings of the machine.
2. Iron or core losses: These losses occur in the armature of a d.c. machine and are due to the rotation of armature
in the magnetic field of the poles. They are of two types
a. Hysteresis loss: Hysteresis loss occurs in the armature of the d.c. machine since any given part of the armature
is subjected to magnetic field reversals as it passes under successive poles.
b. Eddy current loss: The voltages induced in the armature conductors produce circulating currents in the armature
core known as eddy currents and power loss due to their flow is called eddy current loss. The eddy current loss
appears as heat which raises the temperature of the machine and lowers its efficiency.
3. Mechanical losses: These losses are due to friction and windage. These losses depend upon the speed of the
machine. But for a given speed, they are practically constant.

Q. What are constant and variable losses?

A. constant losses: Iron losses, Mechanical losses, Shunt field losses
Variable losses: Copper loss.

Q. Explain armature reaction?

A. Armature reaction is the effect of magnetic field setup by armature current on the distribution of flux under
main poles of a generator. The armature magnetic field has two effects
a. It demagnetizes or weakens the main flux
b. It cross-magnetizes or distorts it.
The first effect leads to reduced generated voltage and second to the sparking at the brushes.

Q. Why do we use compensation windings?

A. Compensation windings are used to neutralize the cross magnetizing effect of armature reaction.

Q. What if there are no compensation windings?

A. In the absence of compensation windings the flux will be suddenly shifting backward and forward with every
change in load inducing an e.m.f in the armature coils. The magnitude of this e.m.f may be so high as to strike an
arc between the consecutive commutator segments. This may further develop into a flash-over around the whole
commutator thereby short circuiting the whole armature.

Q. What is commutation?
A. The currents in the coils connected to a brush are either all towards the brush (positive brush) or all directed
away from the brush (negative brush). Therefore, current in a coil will reverse as the coil passes a brush. The
reversal of current in a coil as the coil passes the brush axis is called commutation.

Q. How do you improve Commutation?

A. Improving commutation means to make current reversal in the short-circuited coil as spark less as possible.
This can be done using
(i) Resistance commutation
(ii) E.M.F. commutation

Q. What is voltage regulation?

A. The change in terminal voltage of a generator between full and no load (at constant speed) is called the voltage
regulation. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the voltage at full-load.%Voltage Regulation= (VNL-
VFL)/VFL*100
 VNL= Terminal voltage of generator at No load.
VFL= Terminal voltage of generator at full load.

Q. What are the advantages of parallel operation of generators?

A. 1. Continuity of service
2. Efficiency
3. Maintenance and Repair
4. Increasing plant capacity
5. Non availability of single large unit
1) Define the principle of operation of a DC generator ?
ANSWER
An electrical generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The principle
operation of a generator is that whenever flux is cut by a conductor, an e.m.f will induced which in turn will cause
current to flow in a conductor circuit if closed. The direction of induced e.m.f can be given by Fleming’s right
hand rule.
2) What purpose is served by the pole shoe in a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The pole shoes serve the following purposes:
1. They spread out the flux in the air gaps
2. They reduced the magnetic path as they are of large cross sectional area
3. They supports the field coils
3) What are the advantages and disadvantages of carbon brushes ?
ADVANTAGES:
1. They lubricate and polish the commutator
2. If sparking occurs, they damage the commutator less than with the copper brushes
3. They provide good commutation
DISADVANTAGES:
1. Due to contact with commutator, it causes a loss of about 2 V. Therefore, they are unsuitable for low voltage
machines in which this forms a large percentage loss
2. Due to high voltage loss, the commutator size should be made larger than for copper brushes
3. Their low current density necessitates large brush holders
4) What is the role of commutator in an electrical DC generator ?
ANSWER
The function of commutator is to facilitate the collection of current from armature conductors. It converts the
alternating current induce within the armature conductors into unidirectional current in the external load circuit.

5) How would you define separately excited DC generator ?

ANSWER
An electrical DC generator in which the magnetic field is created by supplying an energy from external DC source
to field magnets is called separately excited DC generator.
6) How would you define self excited DC generator ?
An electrical DC generator in which the magnetic field is created by an output of the generator itself is called self
excited DC generator. Depending upon the manner in which the field winding is connected to the armature can
be further classified in to three types.
1. Series Generator: The field winding is connected in series with armature winding so that the whole armature
current flows through the field winding as well as the load.
2. Shunt Generator: The field winding is connected in parallel with the armature winding so that terminal voltage
of the generator is applied across it.
3. Compound Generator: There are two sets of field winding on each pole, one is in series and the other in parallel
with the armature. A compound wound generator may be (i) Short Shunt: In which only shunt field winding is
in parallel with the armature winding (ii) Long Shunt: In which shunt field winding is in parallel with both series
field and armature winding
7) What are the different types of losses in DC Machines ?
ANSWER
The losses in DC machines either (generator or motor) are of three types.
• Copper losses ( (i) Armature Cu loss (ii) Shunt field Cu loss (iii) Series field Cu loss )
• Iron losses ( (i) Hysteresis loss (ii) Eddy current loss )
• Mechanical losses ( (i) Friction loss (ii) Windage loss )
8) Why is the armature of a DC machine made of silicon steel ?
ANSWER
The most important function of an armature is to provide low reluctance path for the flux through the armature
from N pole shoe to the S pole shoe. It is, therefore made of a material having high permeability. An additional
advantage of silicon steel is that it has low hysteresis loss.

9) Why do we use slotted armature in DC machine ?

ANSWER
The slotted armature has following three advantages
1. The air gap can be reduced to a value required for mechanical clearance. This reduces the reluctance of the
magnetic circuit.
2. The conductors can be properly placed so that there is a little fear of them being displaced.
3. The drag on the conductors is greatly reduced so that their insulation is in no danger of damage by pressure.
10) Why is armature placed on the rotor of a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The armature winding is placed on the rotor of a DC machine to facilitate to commutation i.e. to convert
the produced alternating voltage in to direct voltage at the brushes
11) What factor determines the number of poles in a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The number of poles in a DC machine is determine by:
1. Frequency
2. Current per brush arm
12) Why is armature winding of a DC machine always double layer winding ?
ANSWER
If coils are placed in one layer, it is difficult to arrange their ends so that they will pass each other. In order to
avoid this difficulty, the coils are generally arranged in two layers. Each coil has one of its sides at the top of the
slot and the other at the bottom of some other slot. The coil ends will then lie side by side.
 13) What is the essential difference between lap winding and wave winding ?
ANSWER
The essential difference between lap winding and wave winding is in the commutator connections. In the lap
winding, the commutator pitch is 1 whereas for a wave winding it is about twice the pole pitch.
14) Why is lap winding used in large multi-polar DC generator ?
ANSWER
The lap winding is used in large multi polar DC generators because it can carry heavier current than a wave
winding due to having more parallel paths. Therefore, lap winding is used to avoid having conductors of large
cross section.

15) The armature winding of a DC machine is a single closed loop. How do we get parallel paths ?
ANSWER
Whether the winding in a DC machine is lap winding or wave winding, when the brushes are lifted the armature
circuit is a single closed loop. However, when brushes are lowered on to the commutator, two or
more parallel paths are formed depending upon the type of the winding.
• With a lap winding , the number of parallel path formed is equal to the number of the poles.
• With a wave winding, the number of parallel path formed is 2 irrespective of the number of poles.
16) Why is equalizer not used in wave winding ?
ANSWER
Equalizer is not used in wave winding because conductor in each of the two parallel paths passes under all N and
S poles successively.
17) What is armature reaction in a DC machines ?
ANSWER
Current flowing through armature conductors also creates a magnetic flux called armature flux that distorts and
weakens the flux coming from the main poles. This action of armature flux on to the main flux is called armature
reaction. Compensation winding is usually used to neutralize the armature reaction effect.

18) What if there are no compensation winding in a DC machine ?

ANSWER
If there is no compensation winding in a DC machine, the flux will keep on shifting backward and forward on
every load changing, this may results in induced e.m.f within the armature coils. The magnitude of this e.m.f may
be so high as to strike an arc between the consecutive commutator segments that may further lead to a flash-over
around the whole commutator, thereby short circuiting the whole armature.
19) What is commutation in a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The current in the coils connected to a brush are either all towards the brush (positive brush) or all directed away
from the brush (negative brush). Therefore, current in the coil will reverse as the coil passes a brush. This reversal
of current in the coil as the coil passes a brush is called commutation.
20) What is the need of multiplex winding ?
ANSWER
As we know that, there are only two parallel paths in a simple wave winding whereas for a lap winding, the
number of parallel paths is equal to the number of poles. Suppose we have a 10 pole machine, in case of simple
wave winding there will only be two parallel path while in lap winding we will have 10 parallel paths. However,
sometimes, it is desired to increase the number of parallel paths enabling the armature to carry large current and
 at the same time reducing the conductor current. For this purpose, multiplex winding is used. With this duplex
wave winding, the above 10 pole machine will have 4 parallel paths. Similarly, with duplex lap winding, the
machine will have 20 parallel path circuits.
21) Discuss the nomenclature of multiplex winding ?
ANSWER
The nomenclature of multiplex winding is according to the number of parallel paths formed.The number
of parallel paths in a multiplex wave winding is given by:
No. of parallel paths = No. of poles ( P ) × Degree of plex
Thus, a duplex wave winding is one in which the number of parallel paths = 2×2=4. A triplex wave winding will
have 2×3=6 parallel paths.
No. of parallel paths = No. of poles ( P ) × Degree of plex
Thus, a duplex lap winding is the one in which the number of parallel paths is 2P. A triplex lap winding will have
3P parallel paths.
22) What is the advantages of using a large number of poles in a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The following are the few advantages of using large number of poles in a DC machine.
1. The flux per pole is reduced. this reduces the thickness of armature core and yoke and hence the weight of
machine.
2. The length of the magnetic circuit is reduced, resulting in the reduction of field ampere turns.
3. The length of the armature end connections is reduced.
4. The current per brush arm is reduced. This reduces the length of the commutator.
23) What is the disadvantages of using a large number of poles in a DC machine ?
ANSWER
The following are the few disadvantages of using large number of poles in a DC machine.
1. More commutator segments are needed or alternatively there must be more volts per for a given commutator
diameter and thickness of segments.
2. The brush arm are closer together, increasing the damage of flash over.
3. Frequency is proportional to number of poles and core loss depends upon frequency.
4. The armature diameter is increased.
24) What decides the upper and lower limit to the number of poles in a DC a machine ?
ANSWER
The upper limit to the number of poles is imposed by frequency which is of the order 20-30 Hz for large machines
and not exceeding 50 Hz for small machines. The lower limit is decided by the current per brush arm which
should not exceed 400 A otherwise an excessively long commutator will be necessary.
26) How would you define separately excited generator and self excited generator ?
ANSWER
Separately excited generator is the one in which the magnetic field is created within the field magnets by supplying
energy from an external DC source where Self excited generator is the one in which the magnetic field is created
within the field magnets from an output of generator itself. There are three types of self-excited generators
depending upon the manner in which the field winding is connected to the armature.
1. Series generator
2. Shunt generator
3. Compound generator
 Compound generator are further classified into two classes depending upon the connection scheme of series and
shunt winding. i.e.
1. Short Shunt in which only shunt field winding is in parallel with the armature winding
2. Long Shunt in which shunt field winding is in parallel with both series field and armature winding
27) What are the advantages and disadvantages of separately excited generator over a self excited
generator ?
ANSWER
Advantages:
1. The field ampere turns can be independently controlled.
2. It will operate in a stable condition with any field excitation.
3. We can have a wide range of output voltages.
Disadvantages:
1. A separate DC source is required.
2. It is an inconvenient arrangement.
28) What are the factors that affect the voltage build up in a DC shunt generator ?
ANSWER
The voltage of a DC hunt generator may fail to build up because of any one reason given below.
1. The field circuit resistance is too high.
2. The incorrect field connections.
3. Low speed.
4. Insufficient residual magnetism.

29) What factors affects the armature resistance (Ra) of a DC machine depends ?
ANSWER
The armature resistance of a DC machine depends upon:
1. Number,size and connection of armature coils.
2. Contact resistance between the commutator and carbon brushes of a DC machine.
30) Why does the field winding of a series DC machine has less number of turns than that of DC shunt
machine ?
ANSWER
The resistance of the shunt field winding is kept large so that current in that winding is small compared to the
rated armature current of the machine where the winding turns are kept high to produce the necessary m.m.f. On
the other hand, the resistance of the series field winding is kept too small so that voltage drop across the winding
is minimum where the winding turns are fewer than that of a shunt winding at rated conditions to produce the
same flux since, the series winding carries the rated current of the machine.
31) What is the necessity of compound generator ?
ANSWER
In practical, power circuit requires a constant voltage, especially lightening circuits. Shunt and series generators
cannot e used in such situations. As the load current of a shunt generator increases, its terminal voltage falls down.
On the other hand, in series generator, an increase in the load current is accompanied by rise in the terminal
voltages.
In the compound generator, both series and shunt winding are placed on each field pole. The series winding is so
connected that flux produced by it aids the flux produced by shunt winding. As the load current increases, the
 flux produced by the series winding compensates for the loss of flux due to armature reaction. Consequently, the
terminal voltage of the generator remains constant.
32) Why do we use over compounded generator in power stations ?
ANSWER
In power stations, there is a considerable distance between the generator and the load. We have to compensate
not only for armature reaction and the armature voltage drop but also for IR drop in the line between the generator
and the load. In such situations, we place a few additional turns on the series winding of the cumulatively
compounded generator so that the terminal voltage increases as the load current rises. Such a generator is called
over compounded generator that compensates for the voltage drop in the line to maintain constant voltage at the
load terminals.
33) How does sudden changes in load of a DC machine causes flash over ?
ANSWER
As the load on a generator changes suddenly, the armature reaction causes severe distortion of flux in the air gap.
This causes an irregular voltage distribution around the commutator. The high value of voltage between segments
over a portion of the commutator may cause flash over.

34) What happens if a DC machine is operated at a speed below the rated speed ?
ANSWER
If a DC machine is operated at a speed below the rated speed of the machine, it may overheat due to:
1. increased field current necessary to produce rated voltage.
2. decrease in fanning action.
35) What are the two requirements to be met while connecting shunt generator in parallel ?
ANSWER
The two requirements to be met while connecting shunt generator in parallel are:
1. The positive terminals of all the machines must be connected to the positive bus bar and the negative terminals
must be connected to the negative bus bar.
2. The terminal voltages of the machines being parallel must be the same.
36) How will you disconnect one of the two shunt generators operating in parallel ?
ANSWER
In order to disconnect one of the two shunt generators operating in parallel, the following procedure is adopted:
1. The load of the generator to be disconnected is shifted over to the other by gradually reducing its field current
and increasing the field current of other generator.
2. When the current output of the machine to be disconnected is reduced almost to zero, the main switch is opened.

37) In a power station, we have several small shunt generators in parallel instead of a single large shunt
generator, why ?
ANSWER
It is generally more desirable in a generating station to have several small generators that may be paralleled than
to have a single large generator to supply all the load. This is because:
1. The load supplied by a generating station is usually variable. As machine operate at greatest efficiency at or near
full load, it is possible with several machines to keep each machine either fully loaded or shut down entirely.
2. A generator that breaks down may be removed from the circuit for repairs without interrupting the power supply.
3. Generators may be added to the system as the power demand increases.
38) Why is the efficiency of a DC generator not determined by direct loading ?
ANSWER
It is difficult to measure the output of a DC generator by direct loading. In practice, efficiency of a machine is
calculated by using this formula
Efficiency = Output/Input = Output/(Output+losses)
Question No. 01: Which material is used for the core of a transformer and why?
Answer: Laminations of specially alloyed silicon steel (silicon content 4–5 per cent) are used due to its high
electrical resistance, high permeability, non-ageing characteristics and minimum iron loss.

Question No. 02: What is stacking factor? What is its approximate value?
Answer: Stacking factor is the ratio of iron content in the laminated varnished core by volume. Its value is about
90 per cent, that is, 10 per cent volume is occupied by varnish and air.

Question No. 03: What is the emf equation of a transformer?

Answer: Erms = 4.44 Fm fN V
Where,
Fm = maximum value of the flux linkage with both the windings,
f = frequency of the supply,
N = number of turns.

Question No. 04: Why are LT windings placed near the core?
Answer: LT windings are placed near the core to reduce the total dielectric strength of the insulating materials
provided on the winding.

Question No. 05: What do you mean by power transformer?

Answer: Transformers that are used on transmission lines for the transmission and distribution of relatively large
quantities of energy are called power transformers.

Question No. 06: The windings of a transformer are divided into several coils because?
Answer: It is difficult to wind as one coil

Question No. 07: What will happen if the d.c. machine is operated below rated speed?
Answer: This will result in overheating due to two reasons; First, more field current has to be maintained in order
to produce the rated voltage. Second, decrease in fanning action due to decrease in speed.

Question No. 08: What will happen if the d.c. shunt motor opened accidentally running on no-load has its
shunt field winding?
Answer:
1. The field will be reduced to only to the value of residual flux.
2. The speed will be very high.
3. The parts of motor may even fly apart.
Question No. 09: A d.c. shunt motor is found suitable to drive fans because they require?
Answer: Small torque at start up and large torque at high speeds

Question No. 10: What is the power factor of a transformer at no load?

Answer: At no load, the power factor of a transformer is very low and lagging, whereas the power factor on load
is nearly equal to the power factor of the load, which it is carrying.

Question No. 11: What are the essential parts of a transformer?

Answer: The essential parts of a transformer are as follows:
1. Magnetic circuit consisting of laminated iron core and clamping structure
2. Primary winding
3. Tank filled with insulating oil
4. HT terminals with bushings
5. LT terminals with bushings
6. Conservator tank
7. Breather
8. Vent pipe
9. Thermometer

Question No. 12: How is magnetic leakage reduced?

Answer: Magnetic leakage is reduced to a minimum by sectionalizing and interleaving the primary and secondary
windings.

Question No. 13: What is the permissible maximum flux density in transformer core?
Answer: 1.6–1.8 Wb/m2

Question No. 14: What are the two basic types of transformers?
Answer: The two basic types of transformers are:
1. The isolation type in which the two windings are physically isolated and electrically insulated from
each other.
2. The auto transformer type in which one coil is used for both the windings.

Question No. 15: What are the types of windings according to the construction?
Answer: According to the construction, the types of windings are:
1. Sandwich type and
2. Cylindrical type

Question No. 16: What is an ideal transformer?

Answer: A transformer having an overall efficiency of 100 per cent is called an ideal transformer.

Question No. 17: Oil in transformers is used to?

Answer: To cool the windings

Question No. 18: What do you understand by external characteristics of a d.c. generator?
Answer: The graph between the terminal voltage and load current is known as external characteristics of a d.c.
generator, provided speed and field current remain constant.
Question No. 19: If the rated speed of a d.c. shunt motor is 1440 r.p.m, which method of speed control
would you suggested to obtain a speed of 1500 r.p.m?
Answer: Field control method of speed control is suggested.

Question No. 20: What is the normal phase difference between the voltage and the no-load current in a
transformer?
Answer: The no-load current in a transformer normally lags behind the voltage by about 80°– 85°.

Question No. 21: What is the use of iron core in a transformer?

Answer: The iron core is used in a transformer to provide continuous easy magnetic path of low reluctance.

Question No. 22: What is called grain-oriented laminations?

Answer: Grain-oriented laminations are cold rolled laminations specially annealed to orient the iron crystals, that
is, the grains in a uniform way in the direction of rolling to get very high permeability and low hysteresis loss.
Question No. 23: Why is the frequency not changed during transformation of electrical energy in a
transformer?
Answer: As the same flux having a definite frequency is responsible for the production of emf on both the primary
and secondary windings, there is no question of change in the frequency.

Question No. 24: What are the types of transformers?

Answer: Types of transformers are:
1. Step up transformer
2. Step-down transformer.

Question No. 25: How does a transformer contribute towards the widespread popularity of AC system over
DC?
Answer: High voltage of AC system can be obtained using a transformer for transmission of electrical power.
Using a transformer, AC voltage can be increased or decreased without any power loss.

Question No. 26: What is the most important precaution in any experiment with d.c. shunt motor?
Answer: Before switching on d.c. supply, a sufficient resistance should be put in series with the armature of the
d.c. shunt motor.

Question No. 27: Does the direction of rotation of d.c. shunt motor would get reversed if the armature
current and field current both are reversed?
Answer: No.

Question No. 28: What is the difference between cylindrical-type and sandwich-type winding?
Answer: In cylindrical-type winding, the length of the coils is equal to the length of the core limb. The primary
and secondary windings are placed one over the other, placing low-voltage winding nearer the core, whereas in
sandwich-type winding HT and LT windings are placed lengthwise one above and other like a sandwich.

Question No. 29: What is the name of the winding to which supply is given?
Answer: The name of the winding is Primary winding.
Question No. 30: What is the name of the winding from which the supply is taken for load connections?
Answer: Secondary winding.

Question No. 31: Why are iron cores in transformers made laminated?
Answer: Iron cores are made laminated to reduce eddy current loss.

Question No. 32: What determines the thickness of the lamination or stamping?
Answer: Frequency determines the thickness of the lamination or stamping.

Question No. 33: Why are the laminations insulated from each other?
Answer: The laminations are insulated from each other by insulating varnish or thin paper to break the path of
eddy currents and thus reduce eddy current loss.

Question No. 34: What is the phase relationship between the primary and secondary voltages of a
transformer?
Answer: The primary and secondary voltages of a transformer are 180° out of phase.

Question No. 35: What is turn ratio of a transformer?

Answer: The ratio of the number of turns in the primary to the number of turns in the secondary-windings is
called the turn ratio or the ratio of transformation of the transformer, which is indicated by a constant.

Question No. 36: What is voltage ratio of a transformer?

Answer: Voltage ratio is the ratio of the voltage between the line terminals of one winding to that between the
line terminals of another winding at no load.

Question No. 37: What are the types of transformers according to the arrangement of iron cores?
Answer: There are three types:
1. Core type,
2. Shell type and
3. Distributed core or Berry type.

Question No. 38: What magnetic circuit is formed in Berry-type constructions and why?
Answer: Distributed magnetic circuits are formed in Berry-type construction because of its distributed cores.

Question No. 39: What is called limb of a transformer?

Answer: The vertical portion of the iron core where the windings are placed is called limb of a transformer.

Question No. 40: What do you mean by step-up and step-down transformers?
Answer: When a transformer converts low voltage to high voltage, it is called a step-up transformer and when
the transformer converts high voltage to low voltage it is called a step-down transformer.
 Question No. 41: What do you mean by distribution transformers?
Answer: When transformers are used for distributing the energy from transmission lines as well as networks for
local consumption and the secondaries are directly connected to the consumer’s load, they are called distribution
transformers.

Question No. 42: What do you mean by lighting transformer?

Answer: A transformer used to supply a distribution circuit having no motors connected to it is called lighting
transformer.

Question No. 43: When the required thickness of lamination in a transformer decreases?
Answer: When the applied voltage increases

Question No. 44: The size and construction of bushings in a transformer depend upon the?
Answer: Size of tank and voltage supplied.

Question No. 45: What is the resistance of the field winding of a D.C. shunt generator kept low?
Answer: If the field resistance of a D.C. generator is more than particular value (critical resistance), the generator
will fail to build up the voltage. For this reason, the field resistance of a D.C. shunt generator is kept low.

Question No. 46: What range of speed can you get with the field control method of speed control of d.c.
shunt motor?
Answer: Speed higher than rated speed can be obtained by using this method.

Question No. 47: What range of speed can you get with the armature control method of speed control of
d.c. shunt motor?
Answer: Speed lower than the rated speed can be obtained by the armature control method.

Question No. 48: What is the most essential condition for the voltage build up for a d.c. shunt generator?
Answer: There should be a residual magnetism in the poles of the DC shunt generator

5. What is the main difference between an AC Generator and DC Generator?

In an AC Generator the field is rotating and the armature is stationary whereas in DC Generator the field is
stationary and the armature is rotating.

6. What are the advantages of stationary armature and rotating field in an AC Generator?

1. It is easy to take output from the stationary armature.

2. It is easier to insulate stationary armature for higher voltage.
3. Low voltage excitation supply can be easily supplied to the rotor through slip rings

When DC Generator fails to build up the voltage, what are the reasons?
No residual magnetism, reversal of field connections and the resistance in the load circuit may be greater than
critical resistance
What is field flashing?
In case when the dc machine fails to build up the voltage due to lack of residual magnetism, filed coils are
connected to the dc source (battery) for short while for magnetizing the filed poles. Application of external source
of direct current to the field of the dc machine is called field flashing

Why do we use starter for dc machine?

At the time of starting, no back emf is offered by the dc machine, hence huge starting currents flow in to the
machine which damage the armature, in order to avoid the damage starter is employed. By using starter armature
current is limited during starting the machine by providing external resistance and while starting this external
resistance is removed in steps

Factor that has to be considered while choosing the resistor?

While choosing the resistor for connecting in filed or armature circuit care should be taken that the resistor current
rating is more than the full load current rating of the circuit. For example, if rated field current is about 2Amps.
Then resistor connecting in the field circuit should be chosen in such a manner that the current rating of the resistor
is greater than 2Amps.

What are the different losses in dc machine?

▪ Armature and field copper loss
▪ Iron and magnetic losses (hysteresis and eddy current loss)
▪ Mechanical losses
▪ Stray-load losses
Drawbacks of Brake test?
Some of the drawbacks of the brake test are:

▪ This test is performed with small motors only

▪ Internal losses cannot be determined
Induction Machine Viva Questions
Define Slip in Induction Machine?
Slip is the difference between the speed of the stator rotating magnetic field and the speed of the rotor of the
induction motor expressed as a fraction of synchronous speed is known as slip of the induction motor.

Why Induction Machine always runs below synchronous speed ?

Induction motor works on the principle of induction. When both rotating magnetic field of stator and rotor of
induction motor rotates with same speed no emf is induced in the rotor conductors resulting no torque is produced
in the rotor of induction machine and motor will stop. Therefore in order to have torque for rotating the rotor
induced emf is required. Hence Induction motor rotates with speeds less than synchronous speed.

How direction of 3 phase Induction Motor can be changed

Direction of 3 phase induction motor can be changed by changing any two supply phases of the induction motor.
Changing any two phases will result in change in rotating magentic field to opposite direction. Therefore rotor
direction is also changed.

What are the different starting methods of 3 phase induction motor?

Different starting methods employed while starting 3 phase induction motors are:

▪ Direct on line starting method

▪ Primary resistance starting method
▪ Auto transformer starting
▪ Star-Delta Starting method
When we can get Maximum Torque in Induction Motor while starting?
Starting torque for 3 phase induction motor is low. In order to increase the starting torque an external resistance
should be inserted while starting of the 3 phase induction motor. It is to be remembered that starting torque of slip
ring induction motor is high compared to squirrel cage rotor machine due to the provision of adding external
resistance while starting the machine.

What are the different losses in 3 phase induction motor?

Different losses in the 3 phase induction motor are stator copper loss, stator iron loss, rotor copper loss, friction
and windage loss and stray load loss.

What is the relation between torque and supply voltage in 3 phase induction motor?
Torque T = sV2
What is the direction of rotation of rotor with respect to the rotating magnetic field?
Rotating Magnetic Field is set up when 3 phase ac supply is provided to the stator windings of the induction
motor. Rotating Magentic Field rotates at synchronous speed. Rotor rotates in the direction of the rotating
magnetic field

What is Slip In Induction Motor?

Speed of the Induction Motor will be always less than synchronous speed and speed of the motor further reduces
when load is applied on the motor. The difference between the speed of the stator (synchronous speed Ns) and
the actual speed of the motor (N) is called slip of the induction motor and is designated by letter ‘s’. It is
represented in RPM. However it is general tendency to represent as fraction or percentage of synchronous speed.

What is the speed of the rotor magnetic field with respect to rotor?
Currents flowing through the rotor windings due to induction caused by stator will have a frequency of ( f ‘, which
is equal to sf where f is the applied frequency to stator). This current flowing through the rotor sets up a magentic
field equal to s x Ns with respect to the rotor.
What is the relative speed between the fields set up by the stator and rotor?
Stationary. The speed of the stator field with respect to stator surface will be Ns and the speed of rotor with respect
to the stator surface will be N. The speed of the magentic field of the rotor with respect to the rotor will be s x Ns .
Therefore the speed of the rotor field with respect to stator surface is equal to rotor speed of the motor and rotor
field with respect to rotor.
N + s x Ns = Ns ( 1-s ) + s x Ns = Ns
Therefore the relative motion between stator field and rotor field will be stationary or zero.

What happens when Induction motor is loaded?

During no load operation the relative speed between stator magnetic field and rotor speed will be less (means slip
is less). Hence small emf is generated which generates small currents and torque will be generated in such a
manner sufficient to overcome the friction and windage losses.

When motor is loaded (Load applied to rotor), motor torque reduces as the load torque increases. Hence motor
slows down (slip increases). As the motor slows down, the relative speed between rotor and stator magnetic field
increases. This results in greater motor currents and generates greater motor torque to overcome the load torque.
Thus as the load on the induction motor increases, motor slows down until sufficient torque is generated to
overcome the applied load torque.

Why Induction motors are widely used in Industries?

In Industries 80% of the motor drives used are induction motors. Induction Motors are widely used in Industries
because of some features it possess.

They are:
 ▪ Low Cost
▪ Simple and Rugged Construction
▪ Absence of Commutator
▪ Good power factor
▪ Higher efficiency
▪ Good Speed Regulation
What is the relation between between Induction motor and Transformer?
Induction motors are considered as transformers with secondary winding rotating. This is because both
transformers and induction motor operates in such a manner that power is transferred to secondary windings
(rotor) from primary windings (stator) by mutual induction principle.

Why the efficiency of the Induction motor is less compared to transformer?

Induction motor and Transformer operates on the same principle that power is transferred to secondary by mutual
induction. But in transformer, flux will be traveled from primary to secondary winding through the core of the
transformer. In induction motor flux travels from stator to rotor through the air gap. Therefore power factor will
be less for induction motor compared to transformer which also results in less efficiency for induction motor
compared to transformer.

Why Speed Control of Induction Motor is difficult compared to DC shunt motor?

Speed Control of DC shunt motor can be possible by providing resistance in the armature and field circuits and
varying the resistors speed changes can be carried out over a wide range. On the other hand speed control
of induction motor is costlier and bit tedious.

Speed of Induction motors = (120x f x (1-s))/p.

Therefore for speed control either supply frequency should change or number of poles should change and other
methods can be employed. Care should be taken that in the process efficiency and power factor should
be maintained.

Explain the operation of induction motor in simple words?

When 3 phase ac supply is given to stator of the induction motor rotating magnetic field will be generated.
This magnetic field (flux) cuts the stationary conductors of the rotor of induction motor. Therefore an emf is
induced by Faraday’s law of electro-magentism. As the rotor conductors are short circuited, current starts flowing
in the windings of the rotor this produces a magnetic field. Due to interaction of both the magnetic fields a torque
will be developed. If the torque generated is sufficient to overcome the load torque rotor starts rotating.