Synchronous Generators: Q&A; Summary
1. A synchronous generator has 4 poles and operates at 60 Hz. What is its synchronous speed?
Answer: A) 1800 RPM
2. In the per-phase equivalent circuit (generator convention), the correct KVL is:
Answer: B) EA = Vφ + Ia·Zs
3. A Y-connected generator has a line voltage of 4,160 V. What is the phase voltage Vφ?
Answer: B) 2,400 V
4. Voltage regulation VR% is defined as:
Answer: A) (Vnl − Vfl) / Vfl × 100
5. At lagging power factor, the voltage regulation is typically:
Answer: C) Positive and larger than at unity pf
6. All four synchronization conditions include all EXCEPT:
Answer: C) Same power factor angle
7. Short Circuit Ratio (SCR) is computed as:
Answer: B) If(OCC,Vrated) / If(SCC,Irated)
8. Maximum power in a cylindrical rotor generator (Ra≈0) occurs at δ =
Answer: C) 90°
9. Cylindrical rotors are used in generators operating at:
Answer: B) High speed, 2–4 poles
10. A generator has EA = 2,800 V and Vφ = 2,400 V. VR% is:
Answer: B) 16.7%
11. Synchronous reactance Xs represents:
Answer: C) Combined armature leakage + armature reaction reactance
12. In two-reaction theory, d-axis current Id equals:
Answer: B) Ia·sin(δ+θ)
13. An over-excited synchronous generator connected to the grid will:
Answer: B) Supply Q to the grid (acts capacitively)
14. A generator delivers 10 MW at 0.8 pf lagging. Apparent power S =
Answer: C) 12.5 MVA
15. Damper (amortisseur) windings in a synchronous generator primarily:
Answer: C) Suppress hunting and assist synchronization
16. If η = 96% and Pout = 48 MW, required input power is:
Answer: B) 50 MW
17. When using a synchroscope for paralleling, close the breaker when:
Answer: C) Needle is stationary at 12 o'clock
18. The reluctance power term in salient pole generator power equation is proportional to:
Answer: C) sin2δ
19. With Ra=1Ω, Xs=10Ω, Ia=100A at unity pf, Vφ=2000V: |EA| is approximately:
Answer: C) 2,326 V
20. (Bonus Question) What happens to the terminal voltage of a generator if the field current is
increased while the speed is constant?
Answer: Terminal voltage increases.