ONLINE GATE COACHING CLASSES

BY

Prof. Ch. SAI BABU,

Professor of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
JNTUK Kakinada

Lecture 10 of Electrical Machines

Topic: Synchronous Machines
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada-533003,
Andhra Pradesh

1
Number Syllabus Detailed Syllabus

Lecture • Cylindrical and • Principle of

X Salient pole machines operation of
• Performance Alternator
• Regulation • EMF Equation
• Parallel operation of • Effect of Kd & Kc
generators • Regulation of
Alternator by
Various Methods

2
 Synchronous Machines

Introduction

• The mechanical power or energy is converted into electrical power or

energy with the help of an AC machine called alternator or synchronous

generator.

• However, when the same machine can be used to convert electrical power

or energy into mechanical power or energy, then it is known as a

synchronous motor.

• Thus, the same machine can be operated as a generator or as a motor and

in general, it is called as a synchronous machine.

3
 Principle of operation of Synchronous Generator

• Synchronous Generator works on the principle of Faraday’s Law of Electro

Magnetic Induction.

• In generator action, an EMF is induced in the armature conductors when

they cut across the magnetic field.

• On closing the circuit, current flows through the armature conductors

which produces another field.

• By the interaction of this field and main field a force is exerted on the

conductor which acts is opposite direction to that of rotation.

• It is this force against which the relative motion of conductors has to be

maintained by the mechanical power supplied by the prime-mover, thus

the mechanical power is converted into electrical power.

4
https://www.electrical4u.com/working-of-electric-motor/
 Constructional Features of Synchronous
Machines
The important parts of a synchronous machine are given below:
1. Stator
2. Rotor
3. Miscellaneous

Stator:
The outer stationary part of the machine is called stator; it has the following important
parts:
(i) Stator frame: It is the outer body of the machine made of cast iron and it protects
the inner parts of the machine. It can be also made of any other strong material since it
is not to carry the magnetic field. Cast iron is used only because of its high mechanical
strength.
(ii) Stator Core: The stator core is made of silicon steel material. It is made from
number of stamping which are insulated from each other. Its function is to provide an
easy path for the magnetic lines of force and accommodate the stator winding.
(iii) Stator Winding: Slots are cut on the inner periphery of the stator core in which
three-phase or one-phase winding is placed. Enamelled copper is used as winding
material. 5
Rotor:
The rotating part of the machine is called rotor. From construction point of
view, there are two types of rotors named as
(i) Salient pole type rotor
(ii) Non-salient pole type rotor

6
Salient pole type rotor:

 In this case, projected poles are provided on the rotor.

 The cost of construction of salient pole type rotors is low,

moreover sufficient space is available to accommodate field
winding but these cannot bear high mechanical stresses at
high speeds.

 Therefore, salient pole type construction is suited for

medium and low speeds and are usually employed at hydro-
electric and diesel power plants as synchronous generators.

 Since the speed of these machines (generators) is quite low,

to obtain the required frequency, the machines have large
number of poles.

Non-salient pole type rotor:

 In this case, there are no projected poles but the poles are
formed by the current flowing through the rotor (exciting)
winding.

 Non-salient pole type construction is suited for the high

speeds. The steam turbines rotate at a high speed (3000
rpm).

 When these turbines are used as prime-mover for this

machine working as a generator, a small number of poles
are required for given frequency.

 Hence, these machines have smaller diameter and larger 7

length.
Production of Sinusoidal Alternating EMF
 When a conductor or coil cuts across the magnetic field an EMF is induced
in it by the phenomenon called electromagnetic induction.

 This can be achieved either by rotating a coil in the stationary magnetic

field or by keeping the coil stationary and rotating the magnetic field.

 The magnetic field can be rotated by placing the field winding on the
rotating part of the machine.

8
EMF Equation

9
Coil Span Factor:
 In a full pitch winding the coil span or coil pitch is always equal to the pole
pitch which is equal to 180 electrical degrees.
 When the coil span is less than 180 electrical degrees, the winding is called
short pitched or fractional pitch or chorded winding as shown in Fig.

 Let ‘e’ be the induced emf in each of the two sides of the same coil. For a
full pitch winding the emf induced in two sides of the coil i.e., OA and AB
are 180 electrical degrees apart.
 However, when the winding is short pitched by an angle β electrical
degrees, the emf induced in the two sides of the coil are OA and AC, i.e.,
(180 –β) electrical degrees apart. 10
11
Distribution Factor:
 In a concentrated winding, all the conductors of any one phase, which lie
under a single pole, are placed in a single slot.
 When the conductors of one phase, which lie under a single pole, are
placed in several slots, the winding is called distributed winding.
 A distributed winding is shown in Fig. in which there are 12 slots per pole
for a three-phase winding or four slots per pole per phase.
 In a distributed winding, the number of coils representing each phase are
connected in series and is called a coil group.

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Distribution Factor (Contd…..)

 The emfs induced in the conductors lying in two adjacent slots is similar in
wave shape and magnitude but there is a phase difference between them.
This phase difference is equal to the angular displacement between two
adjacent slots, i.e., slot pitch.

 Let there be m coils connected in series in a coil group placed in adjacent

slots and α(alpha) be the angle between two adjacent slots in electrical
degrees

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Winding Factor:
 The combined effect of coil span factor and distribution factor is known as
winding factor. In fact, winding factor is the product of coil span factor and
distribution factor.

14
Synchronous Reactance and Synchronous Impedance

15
Equivalent Circuit of an Alternator and Phasor Diagram

16
The phasor diagram for non-inductive, inductive and capacitive load are shown
in Fig. (a), (b) and (c) respectively. While drawing phasor diagram, following
steps are followed:

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Voltage Regulation

18
Determination of Voltage Regulation

19
 Synchronous Impedance Method (or) EMF Method
 This method is based on the concept of replacing the effect of armature
reaction by a fictitious reactance. For a synchronous generator

Determination of Synchronous Impedance

 To determine the value of synchronous impedance of an alternator experimentally,
the following two tests are performed on the machine:

(i) Open circuit test

(ii) Short circuit test
Open circuit test: The field current If (excitation) is gradually varied (increased
in steps) and the voltage across the terminals of the alternator E is recorded for
every change in the field current. A graph is plotted taking If along abscissa and
E along the ordinate called open circuit characteristics (O.C.C.).

20
Short circuit test:

 The field current If is gradually increased and the short circuit current Isc is
recorded for every change in the field current with the help of ammeter
connected across the alternator terminals. A graph is plotted taking If along
abscissa and Isc along with ordinate called short circuit characteristics (S.C.C.).

Determination of Synchronous Reactance

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 Ampere-Turn (or) MMF Method
 The synchronous impedance method is based on the concept of replacing
the effect of armature reaction by a fictitious reactance. Accordingly,
some assumptions were made. But due to those assumptions, the voltage
regulation obtained by that method was higher than the actual value.

In ampere-turn or MMF method, the effect of armature leakage reactance is

to be replaced by an equivalent additional armature reaction MMF. This
additional MMF is combined with the armature reaction MMF.

To determine the regulation of an alternator by MMF method, the following

information is required.

(i) The resistance of the stator winding per phase.

(ii) Open-circuit characteristics at synchronous speed.
(iii) Short-circuit characteristics.

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 The open circuit and short circuit characteristics are shown in Fig. , where field
current If1; is determined to give rated voltage V on no-load, neglecting armature
resistance drop, the field current If2 is determined to cause short-circuit current, equal
to full load current, on short circuit.

 On short circuit, the field excitation If2 , balances the impedance drop in addition to
armature reaction on full load. But, as we know that R is usually very small and XL is
also small for low voltage on short circuit, so impedance drop can be neglected. Hence
pf on short circuit is almost zero lagging and the field amp-turns are used entirely to
over come the armature reaction. Therefore, If2, gives demagnetising amp-turns at full
load.

This method of determining synchronous

impedance is known as optimistic method
since it gives values lower than actual
values. It is because the excitation to
overcome armature reaction is
determined on unsaturated part of the
magnetising curve.

23
 The regulation obtained by synchronous impedance (or) EMF method and
ampere-turn (or) MMF method is based on the total synchronous reactance
i.e., (the sum of reactance due to armature leakage flux and due to armature
reaction effect).
 This introduces error due to vectorial addition of magnetic fluxes.
 Whereas, the zero power factor method is based on the separation of
reactances due to leakage flux and that due to armature reaction flux,
therefore, it gives more accurate results.
 For determining voltage regulation by this method, the following data is
required:
(i) Effective resistance of armature winding.
(ii) Open-circuit characteristic.
(iii) Field current to circulate full-load current in the stator.
(iv) Zero-power factor full-load voltage characteristic—a curve plotted
between terminal voltage and field current while the machine is being
running on synchronous speed and delivering full-load current at zero
power factor.
24
Steps to obtain zero power factor characteristic
1. The machine is rotated at rated synchronous speed by a
prime-mover.
2. A pure inductive load (variable load reactors or an under-
excited synchronous motor) is connected across the
armature terminals and the excitation or field current of the
alternator is raised so as to cause flow of full-load armature
current. Usually, the alternator is loaded by an under-
excited synchronous motor while plotting zero pf full-load
curve.
3. The value of the reactance is then increased step by step in
such a way that the excitation current is adjusted to a value
that causes full-load rated armature current to flow. In the
process, the armature terminal-voltages are varied from 125
% to 25 % of the rated voltage in steps, maintaining the
speed and rated armature current constant throughout the
test.
4. Note down the armature terminal voltages and excitation
currents at each step.
5. Draw a curve between terminal voltage and excitation
current, as shown in Fig.. It gives the zero power factor 25
(lagging) characteristic
 Multiple Choice Questions on Synchronous Machines

1. The angle δ in the swing equation of a synchronous generator is the :

(A) Angle between stator voltage and current

(B) Angular displacement of the rotor with respect to the stator
(C) Angular displacement of the stator mmf with respect to a synchronously rotating axis.
(D) Angular displacement of an axis fixed to the rotor with respect to a synchronously rotating axis.

Ans: D [GATE:2013]

Explanation:

The angle δ in the swing equation of a synchronous generator is the angular displacement of an
axis fixed to the rotor with respect to a synchronously rotating axis.

26
2. A three phase, salient pole synchronous motor is connected to an infinite
bus. It is operated at no load a normal excitation. The field excitation of the
motor is first reduced to zero and then increased in reverse direction
gradually. Then the armature current.
(A) Increases continuously
(B) First increases and then decreases steeply
(C) First decreases and then increases steeply
(D) Remains constant

Ans: B [GATE:2010]

Explanation:

The Back emf will go to zero when field is reduced, so Current input will be increased. But
when Field increases (though in reverse direction) the back emf will cause the current to
reduce

27
3. A three-phase cylindrical rotor synchronous generator has a synchronous
reactance Xs and a negligible armature resistance. The magnitude of per phase
terminal voltage is VA and the magnitude of per phase induced emf is EA.
Considering the following two statements, P and Q.
P: For any three-phase balanced leading load connected across the terminals of
this synchronous generator, VA is always more than EA.
Q: For any three-phase balanced lagging load connected across the terminals of
this synchronous generator, VA is always less than EA.
Which of the following options is correct? [GATE-2020]
(A) P is true and Q is false
(B) P is true and Q is true
(C) P is false and Q is true
(D) P is false and Q is false
Ans: C
Explanation: P is false and Q is true

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 For lagging p.f. load :
Alternate:

A (cylindrical rotor) synchronous generator

(with ra = 0) has always positive voltage

For all lagging power factor loads: EA > VA regulation for lagging p.f. loads i.e. EA > VA.

For unity p.f. load: Whereas it has positive, zero and negative

regulation for leading loads i.e. all cases EA

> VA, EA = VA and EA < VA are possible

Still we can see : EA > VA

For ‘slightly’ leading load, phasor diagram will

be quite similar to that of unity p.f. load, thus
EA will be greater than VA. Thus P is false.

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4. A single 50 Hz synchronous generator on droop control was delivering 100 MW
power to a system. Due to increase in load, generator power had to be increased
by 10 MW, as a result of which, system frequency dropped to 49.75 Hz. Further
increase in load in the system resulted in a frequency of 49.25 Hz. At this
condition, the power in MW supplied by the generator is _______.

Ans: 130 MW [GATE-2020]

Explanation:
Given:
f=50Hz
P=100MW

Using Δfpu=-R ΔPpu ……… (i)

For Ist case:

f1 = 49.75 Hz

ΔP = +10MW

Δf = f1-f = 49.75 – 50 = -0.25 Hz

Using equation (i)

For 2nd case:

f2 = 49.25 Hz
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Δf = f2-f = 49.25 – 50 = -0.75 Hz
5. A cylindrical rotor synchronous generator has steady state synchronous
reactance of 0.7 pu and subtransient reactance of 0.2 pu. It is operating at
(1 + j0) pu terminal voltage with an internal emf of (1 + j0.7) pu. Following a
three-phase solid short circuit fault at the terminal of the generator, the
magnitude of the subtransient internal emf is ________ pu.

Ans:1.019 [GATE-2020]

Explanation:
Given:

31
6. A cylindrical rotor synchronous generator with constant real power output
and constant terminal voltage is supplying 100 A current to a 0.9 lagging
power factor load. An ideal reactor is now connected in parallel with the load,
as a result of which the total lagging reactive power requirement of the load is
twice the previous value while the real power remains unchanged. The
armature current is now_______ A.
Ans. 125.34 A [GATE-2020]

Explanation

32
7. The Figure below shows the per-phase Open Circuit Characteristics
(measured in V) and Short Circuit Characteristics (measured in A) of a 14 kVA,
400 V, 50 Hz, 4-pole, 3-phase, delta connected alternator, driven at 1500 rpm.
The field current, If is measured in A. Readings taken are marked as respective
(x, y) coordinates in the figure. Ratio of the unsaturated and saturated
synchronous impedances (Zs(unsat)/Zs(sat)) of the alternator is closest to:

[GATE-2020]

(a) 1.000 (b) 2.000

(c) 2.100 (d) 2.025

Ans: C
Explanation: For unsaturated synchronous 33
impedance
8. Two parallel connected, three-phase, 50Hz, 11kV, star-connected synchronous
machines A and B, are operating as synchronous condensers. They together
supply 50 MVAR to a 11 kV grid. Current supplied by both the machines are
equal. Synchronous reactance of machine A and machine B are and respectively.
Assuming the magnetic circuit to be linear, the ratio of excitation current of
machine A to that of machine B is ________.

Ans: 2.086 [GATE-2017]

Explanation:

34
9. The positive, negative and zero sequence reactance of a wye-connected
synchronous generator are 0.2 pu, 0.2 pu, and 0.1 pu, respectively. The
generator is on open circuit with a terminal voltage of 1 pu. The minimum value
of the inductive reactance, in pu, required to be connected between neutral and
ground so that the fault current does not exceed 3.75 pu if a single line to
ground fault occurs at the terminals is _______ (assume fault impedance to be
zero).
[GATE-2017]

Ans: 0.1 p.u

Explanation:

35
10. A 3-phase, 2-pole, 50 Hz, synchronous generator has a rating of 250 MVA, 0.8
pf lagging. The kinetic energy of the machine at synchronous speed is 1000 MJ.
The machine is running steadily at synchronous speed and delivering 60 MW
power at a power angle of 10 electrical degrees. If the load is suddenly removed,
assuming the acceleration is constant for 10 cycles, the value of the power angle
after 5 cycles is ________ electrical degrees.

Ans: 12.7 [GATE-2017]

Explanation:

36
11. The pitch factor for a full pitch winding of a synchronous machine is
(A) 0.9

(B) 1.0

(C) 0.0

(D) 0.5

Ans: B
Explanation:
Pitch factor = Winding pitch/Pole pitch.
Pole pitch may be defined as the distance between the two adjacent poles, which is
nothing but the periphery of the armature divided by the number of poles.
Pole Pitch between two adjacent poles in case of
any machine will always be 180 degrees
electrical.
In the case of full pitch winding, the winding
pitch is equal to the pole pitch. For full pitch
winding the pitch factor is equal to unity and the
winding is known as “full pitch winding”.
37
12. A location requires 300kW of 60Hz ac power. Power sources are available
only at 50Hz. Power is to be generated using synchronous motor - alternator
set. How many poles should each of the machines have to convert 50Hz power
to 60Hz power?
(A) 10 pole motor, 12 pole generator
(B) 12 pole motor, 10 pole generator
(C) 10 pole motor, 10 pole generator
(D) 12 pole motor, 12 pole generator

38
13. For the circuit given below, what real and reactive power are provided by
the generator when the switch is closed?

(A) 180 kW, 90kVAr (B) 252 kW, 52.8kVAr (C) 252 kW, 152kVAr

(D) 108 kW, 2.8kVAr

Ans: B [GATE:2009]
Explanation:
P3 = 80kW
Q3 = P3 tanθ = P3 tan(cos–1(0.85)) = 80 kW × tan(–31.79°) = –49.6KVAr
P2 = S cos θ = 90KVA × 0.8 = 72kW
Q2 = S sin θ = 90KVA × 0.6 = 54KVAr
P1 = 100kW
Q1 = P1 tan θ = 100 kW(tan(cos–1(0.9))= 100tan(25.8) = 48.4KVAr
Total real power = 252kW
39
Total reactive power = 52.8KVAr
14.

Ans: A [GATE:2008]

Explanation:

40
15. A 25 kVA, 400 V, - Δ-connected, 3-phase, cylindrical rotor synchronous
generator requires a field current of 5A to maintain the rated armature current
under short-circuit condition. For the same field current, the open-circuit
voltage is 360V. Neglecting the armature resistance and magnetic saturation, its
voltage regulation (in % with respect to terminal voltage), when the generator
delivers the rated load at 0.8 pf leading, at rated terminal voltage is _________.

Ans: -14.6% [GATE-2017]

Explanation:

41
16. A 50MVA, 10kV, 50Hz, star-connected, unloaded three-phase alternator has a
synchronous reactance of 1 p.u. and a sub-transient reactance of 0.2 p.u. If a 3-
phase short circuit occurs close to the generator terminals, the ratio of initial
and final values of the sinusoidal component of the short circuit current is
_________.
Ans: 5 [GATE-2017]

Explanation:

42
17. For eliminating the 7th harmonic of emf wave of an alternator the fractional

pitch must be

(A) 7/8

(B) 3/2

(C) 6/7

(D) 2/3

Ans: C

Explanation:

One harmonic can be completely eliminated by selecting a coil span (fractional pitch) that

results in the pitch factor of zero for that particular harmonic.

For example, 5th harmonic is completely eliminated by selecting the coil span of 4/5.

Similarly 3rd harmonic can be eliminated by selecting a coil span of 2/3.

Therefore for eliminating the 7th harmonic coil span of 6/7 is to be selected.
43
18. Curves X and Y in figure denote open circuit and full-load zero power
factor(zpf) characteristics of a synchronous generator. Q is a point on the zpf
characteristics at 1.0 p.u. voltage. The vertical distance PQ in figure gives the
voltage drop across:

(A) Synchronous reactance (B) Magnetizing reactance (C) Potier reactance

(D) Leakage reactance

Ans: A
Explanation:
Given open circuit and full-load zero power factor of a synchronous generator. At point Q
the zero power factor at 1.0 pu voltage. The voltage drop at point PQ is across
synchronous reactance. 44
19. Consider a system consisting of a synchronous generator working at a lagging
power factor, a synchronous motor working at an overexcited condition and a directly
grid-connected induction generator. Consider capacitive VAr to be a source and
inductive VAr to be a sink of reactive power. Which one of the following statements is
TRUE?

(A) Synchronous motor and synchronous generator are sources and induction generator is a
sink of reactive power.

(B) Synchronous motor and induction generator are sources and synchronous generator is a
sink of reactive power.

(C) Synchronous motor is a source and induction generator and synchronous generator are
sinks of reactive power.

(D) All are sources of reactive power.

Ans: A [GATE-2016]
Explanation:

Form the figure we can observe that given synchronous generator operates at lagging pf, i.e., an
inductive load should be connected so, machine will generate reactive power to lagging load.
Synchronous motor is over excited, i.e., it is acting like a Synchronous condenser. Induction generator
45
will absorb reactive power of the development of magnetic field.
20. A 30MVA, 3-phase, 50Hz 13.8kV, star-connected synchronous generator has
positive, negative and zero sequence reactance, 15%, 15% and 5% respectively.
A reactance (Xn) is connected between the neutral of the generator and ground.
A double line to ground fault takes place involving phases ‘b’ and ‘c’, with a
fault impedance of j0.1 p.u. The value of Xn(in p.u) that will limit the positive
sequence generator current to 4270 A is ________.

Ans: 1.108 [GATE-2016]

Explanation:

46
21. A 50 Hz generating unit has H-constant of 2 MJ/MVA. The machine is
initially operating in steady state at synchronous speed, and producing 1 pu of
real power. The initial value of the rotor angle δ is 5o, when a bolted three phase
to ground short circuit fault occurs at the terminal of the generator. Assuming
the input mechanical power to remain at 1 pu, the value of δ in degrees, 0.02
second after the fault is______.

Ans: 5.9 [GATE-2015]

Explanation:

After 0.02 sec, we have

47
22. In a synchronous machine, hunting is predominantly damped by

(A) Mechanical losses in the rotor

(B) Iron losses in the rotor
(C) Copper losses in the stator
(D) Copper losses in the rotor

[GATE-2014]

Ans: D

Explanation:

After sudden change of the load in three phase synchronous machine, the rotor has
to search or hunt for its new equilibrium position. It causes the hunting, which can
be damped by rotor copper losses.

48
23. When an alternator is running on no-load the power supplied by the prime
mover of an alternator goes to

(A) Produce E.M.F in the armature winding

(B) Meet Cooper losses and windage losses in an armature
(C) Meet iron losses
(D) Meet no-load losses

Ans: D
Explanation:
Under no-load condition synchronous machine will only draw a small current
(active power) to mainly compensate friction and windage losses and it can be
used to supply reactive power and control the power factor of an external
system, by controlling the field current.

49
24. A 4-pole, 3-phase, double-layer winding is housed in a 36-slot stator for an
ac machine with 60c phase spread. Coil span is 7 short pitches. Number of slots
in which top and bottom layers belong to different phases is

(A) 24
(B) 18
(C) 12
(D) 0

Ans: A

Explanation:
Given that:
A 4-pole, 3-Phase, double layer winding has 36 slots stator with 600 phase spread, coil
span is 7 short pitched
so, Pole pitch = Slot/ Pole = 36/4 =9
Slot/pole/phase = 3
so, 3-slots in one phase, if it is chorded by 2 slots then
Out of 3  2 have different phase
Out of 36  24 have different phase.
50
25. A synchronous generator is connected to an infinite bus with excitation
voltage Ef = 1.3 pu. The generator has a synchronous reactance of 1.1 pu and is
delivering real power (P) of 0.6 pu to the bus. Assume the infinite bus voltage to
be 1.0 pu. Neglect stator resistance. The reactive power (Q) in pu supplied by the
generator to the bus under this condition is _____.
[GATE-2014]
Ans: 0.1092 p.u

Explanation:

As active power in synchronous generator

is given by

δ = Load angle

{Ef = 1.3 pu, V = 1 pu, Xs = 1.1pu, P = 0.6 pu}

51
26. A star connected 400 V, 50 Hz, 4 pole synchronous machine gave the
following open circuit and short circuit test results :

Open circuit test: Voc = 400V (rms, line-to-line) at field current, If = 2.3 A
Short circuit test: Isc = 10A (rms, phase) at field current, If = 1.5 A

The value of per phase synchronous impedance in Ω at rated voltage is_____.

Ans: 15.06Ω [GATE-2014]

Explanation:

52
27. A 50 Hz synchronous generator is initially connected to a long lossless
transmission line which is open circuited at the receiving end. With the field
voltage held constant, the generator is disconnected from the transmission line.
Which of the following may be said about the steady state terminal voltage and
field current of the generator?

(A) The magnitude of terminal voltage decreases, and the field current does not
change.
(B) The magnitude of terminal voltage increases, and the field current does not
change.
(C) The magnitude of terminal voltage increases, and the field current increases
(D) The magnitude of terminal voltage does not change and the field current
decreases.

Ans: D [GATE-2010]

Explanation:

A 50 Hz Generator is initially connected to a long lossless transmission line

which is open circuited as receiving end as shown in figure.
Due to Ferranti effect the magnitude of terminal voltage does not change, and
the field current decreases.
53
28.

Ans: A [GATE-2009]
Explanation:

54
29. A star connected 440V, 50Hz alternator has per phase synchronous reactance of 10
ohms. It supplies a balanced capacitive load current of 20A. as shown in the per phase
equivalent circuit of figure. It is desirable to have zero voltage regulation. The load power
factor should be :
(A) 0.82
(B) 0.47
(C) 0.39
(D) 0.92

Ans: D [GATE:2010]

Explanation:

𝑬𝒇 ∠𝜹 = 𝑽∠𝟎 + 𝑰𝒂 ∠∅ ∗ 𝒁𝒔 ∠𝜽 = 𝑽∠𝟎 + 𝑰𝒂 ∗ 𝒁𝒔 ∠𝜽 + ∅

Squaring on Both Sides

𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
𝑬𝒇 = 𝑽 + 𝑰𝒂 𝒁𝒔 + 𝟐 𝑽 𝑰𝒂 𝒁𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒔(𝜽 + ∅)

For Zero Regulation Ef=V

𝑪𝒐𝒔(𝜽 + ∅) = IaZs/2V = -0.3936

𝜽 + ∅=113.178

∅ = 𝟐𝟑. 𝟏𝟕𝟖 and Cos ∅= 0.9192 55

55
56
31. A three-phase alternator has negligible stator resistance. A short-circuit test is
conducted on this alternator. At a particular speed a field current of If is required to
drive the rated armature current. If the speed of the alternator is reduced to half, the
field current required to maintain rated armature current: [GATE-2012]
(A) Would be equal to If
(B) Would be equal to 2If
(C) Would be equal to If/2
(D) Cannot be predicted due to insufficient data

Ans: A

Explanation:

For Short Circuit Calculation:

𝑬𝒕 𝑬𝒕
𝑰𝑺𝑪 = ≅
𝒁𝒔 𝑿𝒔

Also 𝑬𝒇 ∝ 𝒇 ∗ ∅ and 𝑿𝒔 ∝ 𝒇 Which Gives 𝑰𝑺𝑪 ∝ ∅

Hence Short Circuit Current is only a function of Excitation

57
32. Two 3-phase, Y-connected alternators are to be paralleled to a set of
common busbars. The armature has a per phase synchronous reactance of 1.7
ohms and negligible armature resistance. The line voltage of the first machine
is adjusted to 3300V and that of the second machine voltages are in phase at
the instant they are paralleled. Under this condition, the synchronizing current
per phase will be :

(A) 16.98 A (B) 29.41 A (C) 33.96 A (D) 58.82 A

Ans: A
Explanation:

𝑬𝟏 −𝑬𝟐
Per Phase Synchronising Current =
𝒁𝑺𝟏 +𝒁𝑺𝟐
But ZS1 = ZS2
And E1 and E2 must be of Phase Quantities:
𝟑𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝟑𝟐𝟎𝟎
−
𝟑 𝟑
∴ 𝑰𝑺𝒀 = = 𝟏𝟔. 𝟗𝟖𝑨 58
𝟐 ∗ 𝟏. 𝟕
33. Two 550kVA alternators operate in parallel to supply the following loads
(i) 250kW at 0.95 power factor lag
(ii) 100kW at 0.8 power factor lead
One machine is supplying 200kW at 0.9 power factor lag. The power factor of the
other machine must be

(A) 0.89 lead (B) 0.95 lead (C) 0.95 lag (D) 0.89 lag

Ans: A

Explanation:
𝟐𝟓𝟎
Total KVA Supplied to Load = ∠ − 𝐜𝐨𝐬 −𝟏 𝟎. 𝟗𝟓 = (250-j82.17)kVA
𝟎.𝟗𝟓

𝟏𝟎𝟎
Total KVA Supplied to M2 = ∠ 𝐜𝐨𝐬 −𝟏 𝟎. 𝟖 = (100+j75) kVA
𝟎.𝟖

𝟐𝟎𝟎
Total KVA Supplied to M1 = ∠ 𝐜𝐨𝐬 −𝟏 𝟎. 𝟗 = (200-j96.864) kVA
𝟎.𝟗

Using Power Conversation :: (250-j82.17)kVA + (100+j75) kVA = (200-j96.864) kVA +S2

S2 = 174.65 ∠30.814

Positive Sign Indicates Leading P.F

P.F = Cos(30.8140) = 0.8588 Lead 59

34. A 4-pole, 50 Hz, synchronous generator has 48 slots in which a double
layer winding is housed. Each coil has 10 turns and is short pitched by an
angle to 36c electrical. The fundamental flux per pole is 0.025 Wb. The fifth
harmonic component of phase emf (in volts), for a three phase star connection
is:

(A) 0 (B) 269 (C) 281 (D) 808

Ans: A

Explanation:

Fifth harmonic component of phase emf

So Angle = 108/5 =360

The phase emf of fifth harmonic is zero

60
35. The distribution factor for a 36 slot stator with three-phase, 8-pole winding, having
120o phase spread, is _____________.

Ans: 0.844 [GATE: 2003]

Explanation:

𝟑𝟔
𝒎= = 𝟏. 𝟓
𝟑∗𝟖

𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒔/𝑷𝒉 𝟑𝟔 𝟑 𝟏𝟐 𝟒∗𝟑
= = =
𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝟖 𝟖 𝟒∗𝟐
Which Gives Sk = 3
𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝟐
Distribution Factor, 𝑲𝒅 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟒𝟒
𝟑∗𝐬𝐢𝐧
𝟐∗𝟑

36 . It is desirable to eliminate 5th harmonic voltage from the phase voltage of an

alternator. The coils should be short-pitched by an electrical angle of [GATE: 2002]
(A) 30o (B) 36o (C) 72o (D) 18o

Ans: B
Explanation:

For Fifth Harmonics, 5β = 1800

61
Therefore, β = 360 61
37.

62
38. Distributed winding and short chording employed in AC machines will result in :
(A) Increase in emf and reduction in harmonics
(B) Reduction in emf and increase in harmonics
(C) Increase in both emf and harmonics
(D) Reduction in both emf and harmonics

Ans: D
Explanation:
𝑚𝑛𝛾
sin
𝒕𝒉 2
Distribution Factor in Distributed Winding, 𝑲𝒅 𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒄 = 𝑛𝛾
m sin 2

Kd is always less than 1, So emf Reduces.

If mnγ/2 is equal to zero the the nth harmonic gets eliminated.

39. A synchronous generator connected to an infinite bus is overexcited.

Considering only the reactive power, from the point of the system the machine
acts as:
(A) A capacitor

(B) An inductor

(C) A resistor

(D) None of these

Ans: B

Explanation: 63
It will absorb leading reactive power in this case or it will supply lagging reactive power.
40. The armature of a single phase alternator is completely wound with T single
turn coils distributed uniformly. The induced voltage in each turn is 2 Volts
(rms). The EMF of the whole winding is

(A) 2T Volt (B) 1.11T Volt (C) 1.414T Volt (D) 1.273T Volt

Ans: D

Explanation:
𝒎𝜸 𝝅
𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝟐
𝟐 𝟐
Distribution Factor, 𝑲𝒅 = 𝒎𝜸 = 𝝅 =
𝝅
𝟐 𝟐

EMF of whole winding, E’ = Kd*N*E

2
= *T*2
𝜋

= 1.273 T

64
41. A single-phase, 2000V alternator has armature resistance and reactance of 0.8 ohms and 4.94
ohms respectively. The voltage regulation of the alternator at 100A load at 0.8 leading power factor is :
(A) 7% (B) -8.9% (C) 14% (D) 0%

Ans: B
Explanation:

𝑬𝒊 ∠𝜹 = 𝑽∠𝟎 + 𝑰𝒂 ∠𝝋 ∗ 𝒁𝒔 ∠𝜽 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎∠𝟎 + 𝟏𝟎𝟎∠ cos −𝟏 𝟎. 𝟖 ∗ (𝟎. 𝟖 + 𝒋𝟒. 𝟗𝟒) = 1822.316 ∠14.070

𝑬−𝑽
% Voltage Regulation = *100 = -8.884%
𝑽

42. A synchronous generator is feeding a zero power factor (lagging) load at rated current. The
armature reaction is
(A) Magnetizing
(B) Demagnetizing
(C) Cross-magnetizing
(D) Ineffective

Ans: B

Explanation:

As Ef > Vt, The generator is over Excited.

Therefore, Armature Reaction is Demagnetising in Nature. 65

65
43. A round rotor generator with internal voltage E1=2.0p.u and X1=1.1p.u is connected
to a round rotor synchronous motor with internal voltage E2=1.3.u and X2=1.2p.u. The
reactance of the line connecting the generator to the motor is 0.5p.u. When the generator
supplies 0.5 p.u. power, the rotor angle difference between the machines will be

(A) 57.42o (B) 1o (C) 32.58o (D)122.58o

Ans: C

Explanation:

Assuming resistance of the armature to be zero.

In first case, the generator is feeding a partly inductive load.
It means that generator is supplying lagging power.
The generator is supplying lagging power current when it is overexcited
which is represented by Ef1.
In second case, a capacitor is connected across the load to completely nullify the
inductive current. It means the generator supplies no reactive power and unity power
factor current is drawn from the generator. The excitation (Ef2) corresponding to unity.
From the phasor diagram Ef1>Ef2 and as the field current approximately directly
proportional to excitation, the field current has to be reduced. 66
44. Figure shows the magnetization curves of an alternator at rated armature current,
unity power factor and also at no-load. The magnetization curve for rated armature
current, 0.8 power factor leading is given by

(A) Curve A (B) Curve B

(C) Curve C (D) Curve D

Ans: C
Explanation: [GATE:2007]
For any particular rated voltage, leading power factor terms are to left of uφ f curve and
lagging power factor terms are to right.

45. A synchronous generator is connected to an infinite bus with excitation voltage

Ef = 1.3 pu The generator has a synchronous reactance of 1.1 pu and is delivering real
power (P) of 0.6 pu to the bus. Assume the infinite bus voltage to be 1.0 pu Neglect stator
resistance. The reactive power (Q) in pu supplied by the generator to the bus under this
condition is _______________.

Ans: 0.11 [GATE:2011]

Explanation:
𝑽𝑬𝒇
Output Power Delivered, P = sin 𝜹
𝑿𝒔

sin 𝜹 = 0.6*1.1/1*1.3 = 0.5

𝜹 = 300
𝑽𝑬𝒇 𝑽𝟐 67
Reactive Power,Q= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜹 − = 0.11pu
𝑿𝒔 𝑿𝟏
46. The per unit voltage of two synchronous machines connected through a lossless line
are 0.95∠10° and 1.0 ∠ 0°. Match the two sides in the following:
(a) Real power of Machine 1
(b) Reactive power of Machine 1
(c) Power factor of Machine 1
(P) Positive real power
(Q) Positive reactive power
(R) Negative real power
(S) Negative reactive power
(T) Leading power factor
(U) Lagging power factor

Ans: (a) → (P), (b) → (S), and (c) → (T)

Explanation:

 The alternator which is having greater δ will deliver real power, while the other one
will absorb real power.

 The alternator which has more per unit voltage, delivers reactive power and operates
at lagging power factor, while the other one absorbs reactive power and operates at
leading power factor. 68
47. The phasor diagram of the synchronous machine connected to an infinite bus is
shown in Figure. The machine is acting as a:

(A) Motor and operating at leading PF

(B) Generator and Operating at lagging PF
(C) Motor and Operating at a lagging PF
(D) Generator and operating at leading PF

Ans: B
Explanation:

The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage
when the full load is removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, divided by the
rated terminal voltage.
So if Vph = Rated terminal voltage
Eph = No load-induced e.m.f
Regulation = (Eph -Vph)/Vph
The value of the regulation not only depends on the load current but also on the power
factor of the load.
For lagging and unity p.f. conditions there is always a drop in the terminal voltage hence
regulation values are always positive. 69
48. Consider two alternators are running in parallel now if the excitation of the one of
the alternator is changed then it will

(A) Change power factor

(B) Change frequency
(C) Reduce speed
(D) Change load demand

Ans: A
Explanation:

Suppose the excitation of the alternator is decreased below normal excitation then
reactive power will change and active power output (W or KW) of the alternator will
remain unchanged.
The under-excited alternator delivers leading current to the infinite bus bar.
It is because the leading current produces an adding m.m.f to increase the under
excitation.
Similarly, an overexcited alternator operates at lagging power factor and supplies lagging
reactive power to an infinite bus bar.
Conclusion: From both of the above condition i.e whether the excitation is increased or
decreased its power factor changes. 70
49. A three-phase alternator is connected to a delta-delta transformer. The hysteresis and
eddy current losses of the transformer are, respectively, 300 W and 400W. If the speed of
the alternator is reduced by 10%, then the hysteresis and eddy current losses of the
transformer will be, respectively

(A) 228 W and 262.44 W

(B) 243 W and 324 W
(C) 243 W and 360 W
(D) 270 W and 400 W

Ans: A

Explanation:
Given Ph = 300W, Pe = 400W, and f2= 0.9f1
Now, Valt∝ 𝒇, 𝑩𝒎 ∝ f and assuming x=2, we have:
𝑷𝒉𝟐 = 𝑲𝒉 𝒇𝟐 𝑩𝒙𝒎 = 0.9*300 = 218W
𝑷𝒉𝟐 = 𝑲𝒉 𝒇𝟐𝟐 𝑩𝟐𝒎 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 ∗ 𝟎. 𝟗𝟒 = 𝟐𝟔𝟐. 𝟒𝟒𝑾

71
50. A 6-pole, three-phase alternator running at 1000 rpm supplies to an 8-pole, three-
phase induction motor which has a rotor current of frequency 2 Hz. The speed at which
the motor operates is

(A) 1000 rpm (B) 960 rpm (C) 750 rpm (D) 720 rpm

Ans : D

Explanation:
Given that sfs = 2 Hz, therefore
𝟐
𝒇𝒔 = 𝒕 This frequency is generated by alternator,
𝒔

𝟐
𝟏𝟐𝟎∗
𝒔
Thus, = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝟔

S=0.04
And fs=50Hz
For a Eight pole motor of 50Hz the speed, N = 120*50/8=750rpm
The Speed of Induction motor= 750-0.04*750=720rpm.

72
51. A field excitation of 20 A in a certain alternator results in an
armature current of 400 A in short-circuit and a terminal voltage of
2000 V on open-circuit. The magnitude of the internal voltage drop
within the machine at a load current of 200 A is

(A)1 V (B) 10 V (C) 100 V (D) 1000 V

Ans : D
Explanation:
Internal voltage Drop = Internal resistance * Ioc
=(2000/400)*200
= 1000V

73
52. The salient-pole construction for field structure of an alternator is generally used for
................ machine.
(A) 2-pole
(B) 8-pole
(C) 4-pole
(D) 10-pole

Ans : B
Explanation:
The salient pole rotors are driven by low-speed water turbines or diesel engines. It is
because the salient-pole type construction is difficult to build to withstand the stresses at
high speeds. Because a salient pole rotor turns at low speed (50 to 300 r.p.m.) and because
a frequency of 50 Hz is required, we must place a large number of poles on the rotor. The
speed of an alternator is given as

N = 120f/P

Hence the speed of an alternator is inversely proportional to the number of poles. As

discussed above the salient pole alternator turns at low speed, therefore, the number of
poles required to be more. 74
53. In case of leading power factor, the terminal voltage of the alternator will :

(A) Rise on removing the full load

(B) Fall on removing the full load
(C) Fall on adding the full load
(D) Rise on adding the full load
Ans : A
Explanation:
 Under the load condition, the terminal voltage of the alternator is less than the induced e.m.f(Eph). So if the
load is disconnected, Vph(per phase rated terminal voltage) will change from Vph to Eph, if flux and speed
are maintained constant. This is because when the load is disconnected, Ia is zero hence there are no
voltage drops and no armature flux to cause armature reaction. This change in the terminal voltage is
significant in defining the voltage regulation.
 The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage when the full load is
removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, divided by the rated terminal voltage.
 So if Vph = Rated terminal voltage
 Eph = No load-induced e.m.f
 Regulation = (Eph -Vph)/Vph
 The value of the regulation not only depends on the load current but also on the power factor of the load.
 For lagging and unity p.f. conditions there is always a drop in the terminal voltage hence regulation values
are always positive.
 While for leading capacitive load conditions, the terminal voltage increases as load current increases. Hence
the regulation is negative in such cases. Hence the terminal voltage will fall on removing the full-load.
75
 Assignment Problems

P1. A 3-phase, 8-pole, 50 Hz star connected cylindrical rotor alternator

develops an open circuit emf of 415 V. The armature has 48 slots with

two layer winding full pitched with 2 turns each. The alternator has

mean air gap diameter 0.2 m, core length 0.5 m. The peak value of

fundamental flux density wave in air gap.

(A) 0.05 T (B) 2.38 T (C) 1.2 T (D) 1.82 T

76
P2. A 600 kVA, 11 kV, 6-pole, 3 – Φ star connected alternator has

percentage resistance and reactance of 2 and 10 respectively. Calculate

the synchronizing power per mechanical degree of displacement at full

load 0.9 power factor lagging.

(A) 111.50 W/phase (B) 111.50 kW/phase (C) 334.5 W/phase

(D) 334.5 kW/phase

77
P3. Calculate the power angle when a 2000 kVA, 11 kV, 3-phase,
Y-connected alternator having a resistance of 0.5 ohm and a reactance
of 5 ohm per phase delivers full load current at normal rated voltage
and 0.8 p.f lagging.

(A) 6.600
(B) (B) 40.160
(C) (C) 3.300
(D) (D) 36.240

78
P4. The synchronous generator shown in the figure is supplying active power to
an infinite bus via two short, lossless transmission lines, and is initially is
steady state. The mechanical power input to the generator and the voltage
magnitude E are constant. If one line is tripped at time t1 by opening the circuit
breakers at the two ends (although there is no fault), then it is seen that the
generator undergoes a stable transient. Which one of the following waveforms of
the rotor angle δ shows the transient correctly? [GATE:2015]

79
P5. A 400 V, 50 kVA, 0.8 pf leading delta connected 50 Hz
synchronous machine has a synchronous reactance of 2 ohm and
negligible armature resistance. The friction and windage losses are 2
kW and the core loss is 0.8 kW. The shaft is supplying 9 kW load at a
power factor of 0.8 leading. The line current drawn is :

(A) 12.29 A
(B) (B) 16.24 A
(C) (C) 21.29 A
(D) (D) 36.88 A

80
P6. A 20-pole alternator is having 180 identical stator slots with

6 conductors in each slot. All the coils of a phase are in series. If the

coils are connected to realize single-phase winding, the generated

voltage is V1. If the coils are reconnected to realize three-phase star-

connected winding, the generated phase voltage is V2. Assuming full

pitch, single-layer winding, the ratio V1/V2 is:

𝟏 𝟏
(A) (B) (C) 𝟑 (D) 2
𝟑 𝟐

81
For any queries/clarifications/suggestions...feel free to
contact through...
[email protected]

82
 Solutions for Assignment Problems
P1. A 3-phase, 8-pole, 50 Hz star connected cylindrical rotor alternator develops an open
circuit emf of 415 V. The armature has 48 slots with two layer winding full pitched with 2
turns each. The alternator has mean air gap diameter 0.2 m, core length 0.5 m. The peak
value of fundamental flux density wave in air gap.
(A) 0.05 T (B) 2.38 T (C) 1.2 T (D) 1.82 T
Ans: B
Explanation:
P2. A 600 kVA, 11 kV, 6-pole, 3 – Φ star connected alternator has percentage resistance

and reactance of 2 and 10 respectively. Calculate the synchronizing power per mechanical

degree of displacement at full load 0.9 power factor lagging.

(A) 111.50 W/phase (B) 111.50 kW/phase (C) 334.5 W/phase (D) 334.5 kW/phase

Ans: B

Explanation:
P3. Calculate the power angle when a 2000 kVA, 11 kV, 3-phase, Y-connected
alternator having a resistance of 0.5 ohm and a reactance of 5 ohm per phase
delivers full load current at normal rated voltage and 0.8 p.f lagging.
(A) 6.600 (B) 40.160 (C) 3.300 (D) 36.240

Ans: C

Explanation:
P4. The synchronous generator shown in the figure is supplying active power to an infinite bus via two
short, lossless transmission lines, and is initially is steady state. The mechanical power input to the
generator and the voltage magnitude E are constant. If one line is tripped at time t1 by opening the
circuit breakers at the two ends (although there is no fault), then it is seen that the generator
undergoes a stable transient. Which one of the following waveforms of the rotor angle δ shows the
transient correctly? [GATE: 2015]

Ans: A

Explanation:

For alternator rotor angle is positive, after fault occurring this rotor angle increases.
P5. A 400 V, 50 kVA, 0.8 pf leading delta connected 50 Hz synchronous
machine has a synchronous reactance of 2 ohm and negligible armature
resistance. The friction and windage losses are 2 kW and the core loss
is 0.8 kW. The shaft is supplying 9 kW load at a power factor of 0.8
leading. The line current drawn is :
(A) 12.29 A (B) 16.24 A (C) 21.29 A (D) 36.88 A

Ans: C

Explanation:
P6. A 20-pole alternator is having 180 identical stator slots with 6 conductors in each

slot. All the coils of a phase are in series. If the coils are connected to realize single-phase

winding, the generated voltage is V1. If the coils are reconnected to realize three-phase

star-connected winding, the generated phase voltage is V2. Assuming full pitch, single-

layer winding, the ratio V1/V2 is:

𝟏 𝟏
(A) (B) (C) 𝟑 (D) 2
𝟑 𝟐

Ans: D

Explanation: