University of San Carlos

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Name: ______________________________________ Rating: ____________
Surname First Name MI
Subject and Schedule : __________________________ 2nd Semester 2023-24

Experiment No: _____

Title of Experiment: ______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Category Weight Score Remarks

Title 5
Introduction & Objectives 10
Materials / Circuit Diagram 5
Tabulated Data 5
Discussion 10
Conclusion 10
Format 5
Score (Report) - 50
Score (Exam) - 50
Total Score -100
 University of San Carlos
Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
MEA 3103L

Experiment No. 4
Characteristics and Operation of a DC Generator

Name: Sumalinog David Roy D.__________ Rating:________

Subj/Schedule: MEA 3103L - TH 1:30-4:30

Objectives:

The objective of this experiment is to introduce the concepts and theories applied in a DC
induction generator through a hands-on visualization and measurement of its different properties,
such as current, voltage, and speed.

Introduction:

The discovery of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday in the early 1800s (Al-
Khalili, 2015) has left a lasting impact for DC shunt generators. The creation of electrical
generators, such as DC generators, which are essential to many modern electrical systems, was
made possible by this discovery. For engineers and personnel dealing with electrical power
generating and distribution systems, understanding the basic concepts and functioning features of
DC generators is essential. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough understanding of
DC generators by thoroughly examining these concepts and traits.

A DC generator, first and foremost, is a machine that converts mechanical energy into
direct current electrical energy (Vedantu, n.d.). As previously mentioned, it is based on the theory
of electromagnetic induction by Michael Faraday, where it utilizes dynamically induced
electromagnetic field (EMF) production.

According to Team (2023), there are two main types of DC generators, self-excited
generators and separately excited generators. Under the self-excited generators are three
variations: series-wound, shunt wound, and compound wound. For this experiment, only a
separately excited DC generator will be used.
Circuit Diagrams:

Figure 1.1: Circuit Diagram of a Shunt Wound DC Generator

Figure 1.2: Circuit Diagram of a Separately Excited DC Generator

(Note: both figures drawn using draw.io - free flowchart maker and diagrams online)
Tabulated Data:

Constant RPM, Increasing Current Constant RPM, Decreasing Current

I (mA) V (volts) S (rpm) I (mA) V (volts) S (rpm)

0 6.01 1547 150 113.9 1545
10 11.44 1547 140 110.8 1546
20 18.39 1546 130 106.7 1561
30 25.67 1546 120 101.6 1544
40 35.47 1546 110 95.1 1547
50 42.3 1545 100 89.3 1547
60 50.6 1546 90 85.1 1546
70 60 1546 80 76.9 1546
80 65.8 1546 70 74.6 1544
90 73.4 1546 60 62.9 1546
100 84.6 1546 50 53.8 1545
110 92.2 1546 40 45.1 1546
120 99 1546 30 35.56 1546
130 103.04 1546 20 24.63 1546
140 108.4 1546 10 18.29 1547
150 113.9 1545 0 6.3 1546

Current = 100mA, Decreasing RPM Current = 70mA, Increasing RPM

S (RPM) V (volts) S (RPM) V (volts)

1798 98.7 0 0
1640 90.3 149.4 7.01
1458 81.1 325.3 15.3
1342 73.4 448.8 21.08
1225 67 604.1 28.31
1069 59.6 758.2 35.55
910.7 50 895.6 41.7
758.4 41.8 1054 49
619.4 34.5 1205 56.4
458.3 25.21 1374 64.3
307.4 16.92 1492 69.8
174.4 9.6 1651 77.2
0 0 1796 84.1
Discussion/Graphs/Findings:
A separately excited DC generator was utilized in this experiment. A separately excited
DC generator is differentiated by the fact that its field winding is made excited by another
independent power source.

Other instruments that were used in this experiment are the Variable Frequency Drive
(VFD), voltmeter, ammeter, tachometer, rheostats, and a power supply.

The VFD controls the speed of an electrical motor by varying its input voltage (Salgado,
2023). To simulate armature rotation and thus mechanical input, a VFD is used to both power and
regulate the rotation of the armature.

Figure 2.1: Variable Frequency Drive used for the experiment

A voltmeter, ammeter, and tachometer is used to measure the voltage, current, and the
rotation per minute of the DC generator, respectively. These are used for the proper data gathering
of the voltage, current, and rpm, and to ascertain the relationships between the three variables in a
DC generator.

Using a rheostat to increase and decrease resistance, the current can be regulated. In the
circuit diagram for separately-excited DC generators, the rheostat is characterized by the following
symbols:

Figure 2.2: Rheostat Symbols

 140

120 110.8113.9
106.7
101.6
95.1 113.9
100 89.3 108.4
85.1 103.04
99
74.6 76.9
Voltage (V)

80 92.2
84.6 Increasing
62.9
60 53.8 73.4 Decreasing
45.1 65.8
60 Linear (Increasing)
35.56
40 50.6
24.63 Linear (Decreasing)
42.3
18.29 35.47
20
6.3 25.67
18.39
0 11.44
6.01
(0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
Current (mA)

Figure 2.3: Line Graph of Voltage with constant RPM, increasing current vs. decreasing current

Two interesting characteristics can be found on the line graph above, comparing the voltage
when the current is decreasing to when the current is increasing. Firstly, the no-load characteristic
of a separately excited DC generator is evident from the starting voltage when the current is zero.
This is possible due to the relationship between the generator terminal voltage and the excited
current drawn under the initial conditions (Mplgmg & Mplgmg, 2019).

𝑉𝑡 = 𝐸𝑎 − 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎
where 𝐼𝑎 𝑅𝑎 = 0
therefore, 𝑉𝑡 = 𝐸𝑎 .

Another interesting characteristic is that the voltage of the decreasing current is generally
higher than that of the increasing current. This is made possible through a concept called residual
magnetism. Residual magnetism is defined as the magnetization left behind after removing an
external magnetic field from the circuit. In the case of the DC generator, when the current is
reduced from a higher amperage, the residual magnetism left from that initial higher value
contributes to the additional voltage generated. Thus, when decreasing current occurs, the voltage
is generally of a higher value than if the current started from zero.
 150 98.7
Voltage (V) 81.1 90.3
100 59.6 67 73.4
41.8 50
25.21 34.5
50 9.6 16.92
0
0
0 174.4 307.4 458.3 619.4 758.4 910.7 1069 1225 1342 1458 1640 1798
Speed (rpm)

Figure 2.4: Line Graph of Voltage with constant current (I = 100mA) and decreasing rpm

100 77.2 84.1

64.3 69.8
Voltage (V)

49 56.4
35.55 41.7
50 21.08 28.31
15.3
0 7.01
0
0 149.4 325.3 448.8 604.1 758.2 895.6 1054 1205 1374 1492 1651 1796
Speed (rpm)

Figure 2.5: Line Graph of Voltage with constant current (I = 70mA) and increasing rpm

Current is not the only variable that can be adjusted to change the output voltage of the
DC generator. The speed of the armature’s rotation also affects how much voltage is generated.
The speed and voltage are proportional, as seen in this relation between flux and speed (N):

𝛷𝑃𝑁𝑍
𝐸𝑎 =
60𝐴
where P, Z, Φ, and A are constant,
therefore 𝐸𝑎 ∝ 𝑁.

Reflection:

The student learned, through various observations and conclusions found from this
experiment, the relevance of variables such as current, rpm, voltage, and flux in a separately
excited DC generator. The student was able to understand the working principle of electromagnetic
induction from observing how armature rotation affects the output voltage in a DC generator.

Indeed, one can appreciate their pivotal role in the field of electrical engineering, serving
as a crucial link between mechanical energy and electrical power. Through an exploration of their
fundamental principles, and operational characteristics, one can gain deeper understanding on
electrical systems and the important parts that make them work.
Certification:

I, Sumalinog, David Roy D., confirm that I am the sole author of this laboratory report
titled “Characteristics and Operation of a DC Generator.” All aspects of this report, including the
experimental procedures, data analysis, discussion, and conclusions, are entirely my own work.

I have properly cited all sources used in this report and ensured that the presented data accurately
reflects the results obtained from the experiments outlined in the methodology.

I understand the importance of academic integrity and attest that this report has not been submitted
elsewhere. I take full responsibility for the originality and accuracy of this work.

Signed:

Date: March 4, 2024

References:
Al-Khalili, J. (2015). The birth of the electric machines: a commentary on Faraday (1832)
‘Experimental researches in electricity.’ Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
A, 373(2039), 20140208. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2014.0208
Mplgmg, & Mplgmg. (2019, March 21). The operating characteristic of separately excited DC
generator - electrical power energy. Electrical Power Energy -.
https://www.electricalpowerenergy.com/2018/02/separately-excited-dc-generator/
Salgado, U. (2023, October 17). What is a VFD Drive and Why You Need One? —
INDUSTLABS. IndustLabs Industrial Automation Solutions.
https://industlabs.com/news/what-is-a-vfd-drive-and-why-you-need-
one#:~:text=A%20VFD%20(variable%20frequency%20drive,of%20machinery%20in%2
0industrial%20plants.
Team, L. (2023, June 25). Types of DC Generators: Diagram (Shunt, Series & Compound) |
Linquip. Industrial Manufacturing Blog | linquip.
https://www.linquip.com/blog/classification-of-types-of-dc-generators/
Vedantu. (n.d.). DC generator. VEDANTU. https://www.vedantu.com/physics/dc-generator