Batangas State University

College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts

Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering Department

What are the Relations in the Load Characteristics

of a DC Shunt Generator?
Aristotle Geo M. Mandac
Batangas State University - Alangilan, College of Engineering,
Brgy. 24, Batangas City, Philippines, +63 946 711 4129
21-00831@g.batstate-u.edu.ph

Abstract: Due to the self-regulating properties of the shunt field winding, the load characteristic of a DC shunt generator shows its
capacity to maintain a fairly constant terminal voltage under a variety of load situations. In conclusion, the load characteristic of a DC
shunt generator describes how its terminal voltage and armature current change with changes in the load connected to it.
Understanding the load characteristic is crucial for analyzing and predicting the generator's performance under various operating
conditions.

Keywords: Constant Terminal Voltage, DC Shunt Generator, EMF, Load

I. Introduction

A DC shunt generator is a type of electrical IV. Pre-Test

device that uses electromagnetic induction to
transform mechanical energy into electrical
energy. It is a commonly used tool in many
applications where a steady and dependable direct
current (DC) supply is needed. A DC shunt
generator's load characteristics must be
understood in order to evaluate its performance
and determine whether it is appropriate for a given
application.
A DC shunt generator's load characteristics
define how the generator reacts to changes in the
load that is connected to it. The term "load"
describes the electrical appliances or machinery
that use the generator for power. One may find out
more about how the generator's voltage, speed, V. Procedures
and efficiency change under various load
conditions by looking at the load characteristics. Step 1: Make Connections as per the instructions
It has the capacity to deliver a practically given below:
constant terminal voltage is one of its primary
features. This is made possible by the inclusion of
a parallel-connected shunt field winding that is
coupled to the armature winding. The shunt field
winding creates a magnetic field that is essentially Step 2: Click on "Check" Button for checking
constant, indicating that the generator's output the connections.
voltage is steady under a range of loads. Step 3: If connections is correct, MCB will be
turned ON.
Step 4: Select the No. of Bulbs from the Lamp
II. Objectives of the Study load.
Step 5: Click on "Add" Button to add the values
 To determine the load characteristics of a dc to the Observation Table.
shunt generator. Step 6: Add different values to the Table by
 To determine the increasing the lamp load.
Step 7: Click on "Graph" Button to Create
Graph.
III. Materials Step 8: Click on "Print" Button to print the web
page.
1. MCB Step 9: Click on "Reset" Button to reset the web
2. Starter page.
3. A meter
4. V meter VI. Data and Results / Discussion
5. Lamp Load
6. Dc motor
7. Dc generator

Experiment No. 1 1
EE 422 – DC and AC Machinery
 Batangas State University
College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts
Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering Department
Simulation
1. As we have observed from the simulation the
armature magnetic field in a dc generator produces an
essential effect known as the generation of
electromotive force(EMF) or voltage. When a DC
generator operates, the armature, which consists of
conductive coils pr windings, rotates within a magnetic
field. As the armature rotates, the armature windings
cut through the magnetic field lines, resulting in the
generation of an EMF according to faraday’s law of
electromagnetic induction. This EMF induces an
electric current to flow trhough the armature windings
creating electrical power.
2. In a DC generator, the polarity of the
interpole is usually the same as the main pole
that comes next. If the main pole is a North pole,
then the interpole will also be a North pole. And
if the main pole is a South pole, then the
interpole will also be a South pole.So, by having
the interpole's polarity the same as the main pole
ahead, it helps keep everything balanced and
running well. It's like having a helper magnet
that knows exactly what to do to keep the
generator working properly.
3. In a DC generator, the air gap refers to the
space between the field poles and the armature,
where the electricity is generated. The interpole
is an additional set of small poles placed between
the main field poles. The interpole air gap is
made larger compared to the air gap under the
main field poles, it means that the space between
the interpole and the armature is intentionally
increased. The reason behind making the
interpole air gap larger is to allow for better
performance and improved commutation.
Remember, commutation is the process of
smoothly switching the direction of the electric
current as the generator rotates.By increasing the
interpole air gap, it allows more room for the
magnetic field produced by the interpole to
influence the armature. This helps in reducing
the armature reaction and improves the
commutation process.When the interpole air gap
is larger, it provides a stronger magnetic field in
that region. This stronger magnetic field helps in
neutralizing the effect of the armature field and
reduces the chances of sparking or electrical
disturbances during commutation.
4. The compensating winding, also known as the
interpoles or commutating poles, serves an
important purpose. Its function is to neutralize or
counteract the effects of armature reaction under
the pole faces.Armature reaction occurs in a DC
machine when the armature current flows
through the armature windings, creating its own
Experiment No. 1
EE 422 – DC and AC Machinery
magnetic field. This magnetic field interacts with
the magnetic field produced by the main field
poles, causing a distortion or shift in the overall
magnetic field distribution.
5. The yoke of a DC generator is typically made
of cast iron due to its favorable combination of
magnetic properties, mechanical strength, cost-
effectiveness, thermal conductivity, and
corrosion resistance.
VII. Conclusions
When a DC shunt generator is connected to a
resistive load the load resistance increases, the
terminal voltage decreases, while the armature
current decreases as well. This is because the shunt
field winding is directly connected across the
armature terminals, resulting in a relatively constant
field current and a nearly constant magnetic field.
The load characteristic of a DC shunt generator
demonstrates its ability to maintain a reasonably
constant terminal voltage with varying load
conditions, because of the self-regulating nature of
the shunt field winding. Understanding the load
characteristic is essential for analyzing and predicting
the generator's performance under different operating
conditions.In conclusion, the load characteristic of a
DC shunt generator describes how its terminal
voltage and armature current vary with changes in the
load connected to it.
VIII. Author’s Profile
Aristotle Geo M. Mandac (Author)
- A second year Mechanical Engineering stud who
currently goes to Batangas State University -
Alangilan. He is 20 Years hold and resides at Brgy.
24 BatangasCity. He is a smart, determined and
hardworking person that will do whatever it takes to
reach his dreams and goals in life. A great support
system enables him to overcome the struggles that he
faces in life which is his family. His hobbies are
cooking and listening to music He is a skilled and
talented student that can do all that is needed to
accomplish his job.
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