Ajeto, Joshua Allen D.

BSME EE 330 B
Assignment no. 2
Operating Principles of DC Generators
1. Major components of DC Generator
A. Armature Reaction

• Armature reaction is the effect on the main field flux of

that flux set up by the currents in the armature winding.
The effect is the same for both lap- and wave-wound
machines.

B. Brush Polarity

• The brush polarity is defined as follows: the brush is

called positive or anodic, where the current flow is from
the brush to the commutator, and negative or cathodic,
where the current flow is from the commutator to the brush
(Ichiki 1978).

C. Field Supply

• n a DC generator, field coils produce an electromagnetic

field and the armature conductors are rotated into the
field. Thus, an electromagnetically induced emf is
generated in the armature conductors. The direction of
induced current is given by Fleming's right hand rule.
2. Output Voltage Control

• A voltage regulator generates a fixed output voltage of a

preset magnitude that remains constant regardless of
changes to its input voltage or load conditions. There are
two types of voltage regulators: linear and switching.
3. Generator Ratings

• Generator rating can be defined as a set of specified

values for a particular generator model by its
manufacturers. It signifies the capability of delivering
that much power output under normal working conditions.
They are usually expressed in units like Kilowatts (kW) or
Kilovolts Ampere (kVA).
4. Rotation

• As the turbine turns, the coil begins to revolve, and the

wires begin to move up and down inside the magnetic field,
producing the electric current, which can now be used to
light objects. Electric generators are machines that
transform spinning or mechanical energy into electrical
energy.
5. Regulation

• The voltage regulation of an alternator or synchronous

generator is defined as the rise in the terminal voltage
when the load is decreased from full-load rated value to
zero. The speed and field current of the alternator remain
constant.