Interview Questions On Alternator

Hello Engineers.

Today we are sharing alternator interview questions with answer.

Q. 1. What are the two types of turbo-alternators ?
Ans.  Vertical and horizontal.

Q. 2. How do you compare the two ?
Ans. Vertical type requires less floor space and while step bearing is necessary to carry the weight of the moving element, there is very little friction in the main bearings. The horizontal type requires no step bearing, but occupies more space.

Q. 3. What is step bearing ?
Ans. It consists of two cylindrical cast iron plates which bear upon each other and have a central recess between them. Suitable oil is pumped into this recess under considerable pressure.

Q. 4. What is direct-connected alternator ?
Ans. One in which the alternator and engine are directly connected. In other words, there is no intermediate gearing such as belt, chain etc. between the driving engine and alternator.

Q. 5. What is the difference between direct-connected and direct-coupled units ?
Ans. In the former, alternator and driving engine are directly and permanently connected. In the latter case, engine and alternator are each complete in itself and are connected by some device such as friction clutch, jaw clutch or shaft coupling.

Q. 6. Can a d.c. generator be converted into an alternator ? If yes then how ?
Ans. Yes. A DC generator can be converted into an alternator. By providing two collector rings on one end of the armature and connecting these two rings to two points in the armature winding 180° apart.

Q. 8. Would this arrangement result in a desirable alternator ?
Ans. No

Q. 9. How is a direct-connected exciter arranged in an alternator ?
Ans. The armature of the exciter is mounted on the shaft of the alternator close to the spider hub. In some cases, it is mounted at a distance sufficient to permit a pedestal and bearing to be placed between the exciter and the hub.

Q. 10. Any advantage of a direct-connected exciter ?
Ans. Yes, economy of space.

Q. 11. Any disadvantage ?
Ans. The exciter has to run at the same speed as the alternator which is slower than desirable. Hence, it must be larger for a given output than the gear-driven type, because it can be run at high speed and so made proportionately smaller.