KHATRA VIVEK RAMNIKBHAI - EE23BT052
Experiment 3.1: Magnetization Characteristics of a DC Shunt
Generator
Objectives of the Experiment
• To obtain the open circuit characteristics of a DC shunt generator at rated speed.
• To determine the critical field resistance and critical speed.
• To find the maximum voltage that the machine can build up as a shunt generator.
• To draw the [Link] at a speed other than the rated speed.
Summary
This experiment investigates the magnetization characteristics, also known as the Open Circuit Character-
istics (O.C.C.), of a DC shunt generator. This curve shows the relationship between the no-load generated
EMF (Eg ) and the field current (If ) at a constant speed. Due to residual magnetism, a small EMF is
generated even when the field current is zero. The initial part of the curve is linear because the air gap
provides most of the reluctance. As the field current increases, the iron poles begin to saturate, causing the
curve to bend. From this curve, the critical field resistance can be determined, which is the maximum
field circuit resistance above which the generator fails to excite.
Experimental Set up Details
• Explanation of Connections: A DC motor, acting as a prime mover, is mechanically coupled to the
DC generator. The motor’s speed is kept constant at the generator’s rated speed. The generator’s field
winding is connected to a separate variable DC supply to control the field current (If ). An ammeter
measures If , and a voltmeter across the armature measures the generated no-load voltage (Eg ).
• Name Plate Details:
– Type: DC Motor
– Output power: 3 HP
– Field Excitation Current: 0.6A
– Rated voltage: 220V
– Rated speed: 1500 rpm
– Type: DC generator
– Output power: 3 HP
– Rated voltage: 220V
– Rated speed: 1500 rpm
• Apparatus Parameters:
1
Apparatus Type Range
Ammeter (Field) DC (0-2)A
Voltmeter (Armature) DC (0-300)V
Rheostat (Generator Field) Wire-wound 500Ω/5A
Circuit Diagram
Figure 1: Circuit for O.C.C of a Separately Excited DC Generator.
Observation
• Observation Table:
Table 1: Magnetization Characteristics at 1500 rpm
[Link]. Field Voltage Vf (V) Field Current If (A) Generated EMF Eg (V)
1 0 0 23.5
2 20 0.05 55.2
3 40 0.13 110.0
4 60 0.19 142.5
5 80 0.25 167.8
6 100 0.31 187.4
7 120 0.36 198.9
8 140 0.42 208.9
9 160 0.47 217.2
10 180 0.52 224.0
11 200 0.57 229.6
12 220 0.64 236.2
• Graph:
• Explanation of Observations: The experiment was performed while maintaining the generator
speed at a constant 1500 rpm. At zero field current, a residual voltage of 23.5 V was measured,
confirming the presence of residual magnetism in the poles. As the field current If was increased,
2
Magnetization Characteristics (O.C.C.) at 1500 rpm
250
200
Generated EMF, Eg (V)
150
100
50
0
0 5 · 10−2 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7
Field Current, If (A)
O.C.C. at 1500 rpm
Critical Field Resistance Line (Rc ≈ 497 Ω)
Figure 2: Open Circuit Characteristics with Critical Field Resistance Line.
the generated voltage Eg rose linearly until approximately If = 0.42 A. Beyond this point, the curve
begins to bend, indicating that the magnetic core is entering saturation. This is because the reluctance
of the iron path is no longer negligible, and a larger increase in current is needed for a smaller increase
in voltage.
Conclusions
The magnetization characteristics of the DC shunt generator were successfully obtained and plotted. The
experiment confirms the theoretical relationship between field current and no-load EMF. The key parameters
determined from the graph are: the machine’s residual voltage is **23.5 V**, and the critical field
resistance (Rc ) at 1500 rpm is approximately **497 Ω**. This value represents the tangent to the O.C.C.
curve and is the maximum field resistance for which the generator can self-excite. The results provide a clear
understanding of the generator’s excitation limits and behavior under no-load conditions.