The DC Self-Excited Generator
Tapia, Aedrian Earl L.
Malayan Colleges Laguna
ian.tapia1998@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The aim of this report is study the properties of
the DC shunt generator under no-load and full-
load conditions. To test the generator, certain
variables were varied to see how it responds to
the given conditions. The gathered data was then
analyzed and sketched into graphs for better
interpretation. The results show that the wrong
directional flow of the field current reduces the
residual magnetism, and in turn results in no
voltage build-up. On the other hand, if resistance
is involved in the generator, the decreasing
resistance causes the voltage to decrease and the
current to increase which implies an inversely
proportional relationship between the current
and voltage.
KEYWORDS
Armature
Armature Voltage/Current
Field Voltage/Current
Self-Excitation
Stator
Rotor
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objectives
The objectives of this experiment is to learn
how to connect the components of a self-
excited generator and to study its properties
under certain conditions namely: no-load
and full-load. Also, obtaining the data from
the experiment like the armature voltage and
current is important in order to construct its
relationship curve.
1.2 Concepts
Like all generators, the concepts that are
mostly used are Faraday's and Lenz's laws
which merely relates magnetism and the
induced current measured in a conductor.
1.3 Procedures
The experiment involves two (2) conditions
namely : no-load and full-load. Under no-
load conditions, a synchronous motor is set-
up to act as a prime mover to mechanically
drive the generator. Before starting the
experiment, a schematic is followed to
connect the motor to the generator and the
generator to the resistive loads. After
completing the set-up, the condition is tested
where the resistive switches were open and
also certain lead connections were
interchanged to see if there were any
alterations.
On the other hand, the full-load condition
was also tested by varying the resistance.
The data was then gathered and listed
according to its parameters. Also, the values
were used to calculate the power for each
resistance.
After testing both conditions, the rotation of
the motor was reversed by interchanging
the lead connections of the stator to the
motor. The changes were then observed and
analyzed.
2 RESULTS

2.1 No-Load Characteristics

In this condition, the resistance switches

were open which implies that there are no
resistance present. The generator was merely
observed if it would generate any voltage
build up. But during the original set-up, it
was observed that was no build-up. The
shunt field leads were then interchanged and
surely enough, a 15 Vdc was measured.
After, the field rheostat was varied which
resulted in a change of armature voltage.

2.2 Load Characteristics

In this condition, the resistance was then set

according to given values. Initially, the
resistance switches was placed at 120 and The rotation of the motor was then reversed
the shunt field current was adjusted until the and also, the resistance switches were
generator was delivering an output voltage opened. It was observed that the there was
of 120 Vdc. Subsequently, the load resistance no voltage build-up in the generator.
was adjusted to obtain each of the values
listed.
3 CONCLUSIONS
Table 2. Armature Current, Voltage and Power The results of this report show that when
under varying resistance
field current flows in the wrong direction,
RL IA EA Power
(ohms) (amps) (volts) (watts) the residual magnetism is reduced which
0 160 0 results in no voltage build-up. This property
600 0.2 150 30 is tested under no-load conditions. On the
300 0.45 145 65.25 other hand, full-load conditions show that
200 0.6 135 81 armature voltage and armature current are
150 0.85 126 107.1
inversely proportional. In the experiment,
120 1 120 120
100 1.1 115 126.5
when the resistance is decreased, the current
80 1.3 105 136.5 increases while the voltage decreases.
75 1.3 100 130
After testing the given conditions, the motor
was also tested to see if reversing its rotation
would cause any changes on the generator. It
Figure 2. Armature Voltage vs Field Current (w/
Load) was concluded that reversing its rotation
only causes a change in polarity.