Characteristics Of D.C. Generators

The d.c. generators have following characteristics in general,

1) Magnetization characteristics

2) Load characteristics

1.1 Magnetization Characteristics

This characteristics is the graph of generated no load voltage E against the field current I_f, when speed of, generator is maintained constant. As it is plotted without load with open output terminals it is also called No load characteristics or Open circuit characteristics.

E_oV_sI_fis magnetization characteristics

Where E_o= No load induced e.m.f.

But for generator,

E = (?PNZ)/(60A)

.^.. E ? ? with (PNZ) / (60A) constant

.^.. E ? I_f as ? ? I_f

Thus induced e.m.f. increases directly as I_fincreases. But after certain I_fcore gets saturated and flux also remain constant though I_fincreases. Hence after saturation, voltage also remains constatnt.

Note : Thus characteristics is linear till saturation and after that bends such that voltage remains constant though I_fincreases.

The characteristics is shown in the Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 Magnetization characteristics

Now the induced e.m.f. also varies with speed.

Actually, E ? N ?

So if magnetization characteristics for various speeds are plotted we will get family of parallel characteristics as shown in the Fig. 2. For lower speeds, generated voltages are less so characteristics for lower speeds are below the characteristics for higher speeds.

Fig. 2

1.2 Load Characteristics

These are further divided into two categories,

1) External characteristics

2) Internal characteristics

The external characteristics is the graph of the terminal voltage V_tagainst load current I_L.

The internal characteristics is the graph of the generated induced e.m.f. against the armature current I_a.

Note : While plotting both the characteristics, the speed N of the generator is maintained constant.

Note : In most of the cases, the shunt field current is very small as compared with load current I_L. Hence in practice, the internal characteristics shows the graph of induced e.m.f. E against load current I_L, instead of I_a, neglecting I_sh.