MET May - 2024
MET May - 2024
(a) The terminal voltage is sensed by a 3-ph star-delta stepdown transformer and rectifier to D.C by a 3-ph bridge rectifier bank and
smoothened by an L-C filter to represent the actual terminal voltage in a reduced D.C form. This voltage is compared in a Zener reference
bridge circuit with the desired voltage provided by the Zener breakdown voltage so that the output gives the error or deviation between the
two ( voltage difference between actual and desired value). This error voltage is utilised for the thyristor trigger control in the diode bridge.
This thyristor diode bridge is provided with an A.C supply and the output depends on the conduction period of the thyristor which is
triggered by the error voltage as mentioned earlier. The output from the thyristor diode bridge goes to the A.C exciter field of the alternator
which in turn includes A.C voltage in A.C exciter 3-ph armature winding. This voltage is rectified by a bridge rectifier mounted on the rotor
shaft and finally provides excitation for the main alternator field winding. This will generate a 3-ph AC voltage in the main armature winding.
(Diagram)
(b) The magnetic field crossing conductors produce relative motion between the two. The magnetic field is created by the field windings of
the generator. The conductors are the armature windings of the generator. The relative motion of the magnetic field across the conductors
is provided by the rotor shaft. The more magnetic field lines cross conductors the more current is induced in the conductors. The way you
get more magnetic field is to put more current through the magnetic field windings so if you want more voltage induced you need to apply
more current to the field windings, and If output voltage drops, the AVR applies more current to the field windings, if output voltage
increases because of reduce load the AVR reduces current to the field windings
(Diagram)
An Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) regulates the generator terminal voltage by controlling the amount of current supplied to the
generator field winding by the exciter.
(Diagram)
The AVR controls the alternator output voltage by automatic adjustment of the exciter stator field strength. The AVR provides closed-loop
control by sensing the alternator output voltage at the main stator windings and adjusting the exciter stator field strength
Q2
(Diagram)
(b) The above-given picture is a representation of the working of an instantaneous overcurrent relay. As the name suggests, an
instantaneous overcurrent relay trips off the circuit as soon as a current higher than the set threshold is sensed by it.
This relay has a relay coil that carries current from the current transformer which is connected to the main circuit or bus bar. The current
transformer reduces the amount of current through the line which can be safely handled by the relay.
Under normal working conditions, the current through the CT which goes into the relay coil is such that the magnetic field produced by the
coil isn’t enough to attract the handle which goes through the relay coil. The handle is restrained by a control spring whose force is higher
than the attraction force of the relay coil electromagnet.
As soon as the current in the main bus bar rises beyond the set threshold, the current transformer sends a higher current to the relay coil.
This current causes the relay coil to energize highly enough to attract the handle. As it is clear from the image above, the handle causes the
circuit of the trip coil to complete which is connected to a battery. The trip coil thus breaks the circuit and avoids any overcurrent situation.
The threshold limit of current can be set by the Plug Setting Multiplier (PSM) of the relay which is a multiplier of the full-load current of the
circuit. These relays work instantly without any intentional delay (except the physical limitations) and hence these are called instantaneous
relays.
Q3
(a) A power measuring meter, called a wattmeter, can be connected into a circuit to measure power instead of making two measurements
(current and voltage) and then calculating the power. The power dissipated can be read directly from the scale of the wattmeter.
Working Principle: A wattmeter consists of two stationary coils connected in series, and one moving coil. The stationary coils, wound with
many turns of thick wire, have a low resistance. The moving coil wound with many turns of fine wire, has high resistance. For power
measurements, the moving coil is connected across the source voltage with a series resistance of high value which determines the current
through the coil in phase and proportional to voltage. The fixed coil is connected in series with the load, which can carry the load current.
The interaction of the two magnetic fields, produced by the fixed and moving coils, will cause the moving coil and its pointer to rotate in
proportion to the voltage (across the load) and current (through the load).
Diagram)
Q4
DC installations on ships, a compound-wound electric generator is often preferred for lighting purposes due to its superior performance
characteristics compared to shunt and series wound machines.
Compound-wound generators
Voltage Regulation:
Compound-wound generators combine the characteristics of both series and shunt wound generators. They have both series and shunt
windings. The series winding helps to boost the voltage under heavy load conditions, while the shunt winding provides good voltage
regulation under varying load conditions. This results in better overall voltage regulation, making compound-wound generators ideal for
lighting systems where consistent voltage is crucial to avoid flickering and ensure steady light output.
Load Handling:
Ships' lighting systems experience varying loads. Compound-wound generators handle these variations better because the series winding
compensates for the voltage drop caused by increased load. This adaptability to changing loads ensures that the lighting system remains
stable and reliable.
Performance: Shunt wound generators have good voltage regulation under steady load conditions. However, their voltage can drop
significantly under heavy loads because the field current decreases as the load increases. Use Case: Suitable for applications with relatively
constant loads but not ideal for varying loads like lighting systems on ships.
Performance: Series wound generators produce high voltage under no-load or light-load conditions and low voltage under heavy loads due
to the nature of series winding where the field current depends on the load current. Use Case: Typically used for applications requiring a
high starting torque but not suitable for stable voltage applications like lighting.
Performance: Combine the benefits of both shunt and series wound generators. They maintain relatively stable voltage across a wide range
of loads. Use Case: Ideal for ship lighting systems where load can vary significantly and stable voltage is necessary.
Regular Monitoring:
Continuously monitor voltage and current output to ensure the generator operates within specified parameters. Check for any abnormal
noises or vibrations during operation.
Load Management:
Ensure that the load connected to the generator is within its rated capacity to prevent overloading, which can damage the windings and
affect voltage regulation.
Regularly inspect and clean the generator to remove dust, dirt, and debris that could cause overheating or electrical faults. Pay special
attention to the commutator and brushes, ensuring they are clean and in good condition.
Check the brushes for wear and ensure they are making good contact with the commutator. Replace brushes that are worn out. Inspect the
commutator for signs of wear or scoring and smooth it if necessary.
Lubrication:
Lubricate bearings as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure smooth operation and prevent mechanical wear.
Electrical Connections:
Tighten and inspect all electrical connections to prevent loose contacts that can lead to arcing and potential faults.
Testing:
Periodically test the generator under load conditions to ensure it performs as expected. Perform insulation resistance tests to check for
any insulation degradation.
By selecting compound-wound generators for ship lighting, you achieve better voltage regulation and adaptability to varying loads, ensuring
reliable and stable lighting. Proper attention and regular maintenance are essential to keep the generator in optimal working condition and
prolong its service life.
Q6
a) D.C motors are classified as series, shunt and compound motors based on these armature and field winding connections.
Series motor: In series motor field windings are connected in series with the armature windings
Shunt motor: In the shunt motor field, windings are connected in parallel with the armature winding.
Compound motor: These have both series and shunt field windings.
In long shunt compound motors, the shunt field winding is connected parallel to the series combination of series field and armature
winding
In a short shunt compound motor, the series field is connected series to the parallel combination of the armature and shunt field winding.
The compound motors are further classified into cumulative and differential compound motors.
In cumulative compound motor, series field flux and shunt field flux are in the same direction.
In differential compound motor, series field flux opposes the direction of shunt field flux
b) numerical
Q7( numerical )
Q8
(a) Fluorescent tube power factor can be improved by using power factor correction techniques such as adding capacitor banks or using
electronic ballasts. These methods help offset the reactive power consumed by the fluorescent tubes, resulting in a higher power factor.
Capacitor banks store energy and release it to counteract the inductive reactive power, while electronic ballasts regulate the power
delivered to the tubes more efficiently. These measures reduce power losses, improve energy efficiency, and optimize the utilization of the
electrical system's capacity.
b) numerical
Q9
a) the non-linear resistor is a resistive component that doesn't change linearly in response to voltage, current, temperature, or other
parameters. Non-linear resistors are used for a variety of purposes, including:
Transient and surge protection: Non-linear resistors can help protect circuits from transient and surge issues.
ESD protection: Non-linear resistors can help protect circuits from ESD issues.
Temperature detection and compensation: Non-linear resistors can help detect and compensate for temperature changes.
Light-dependent resistors (LDRs): These resistors have a resistance that decreases as light increases.
Voltage-dependent resistors (VDRs): These resistors have a resistance that decreases significantly when the voltage exceeds a certain
value.
The difference between linear and non-linear resistance is based on the relationship between the current and voltage in a circuit element. A
component with non-linear resistance will have a non-linear I-V curve.
b) numerical