Characteristics of DC Generators

Characteristics Of DC Generators
Generally, following three characteristics of DC generators are taken into

considerations: (i) Open Circuit Characteristic (O.C.C.), (ii) Internal or Total
Characteristic and (iii) External Characteristic. These characteristics of DC
generators are explained below.
1. Open Circuit Characteristic (O.C.C.) (E0/If)
Open circuit characteristic is also known as magnetic characteristic or no

load saturation characteristic. This characteristic shows the relation between
generated emf at no load (E0) and the field current (If) at a given fixed speed.
The O.C.C. curve is just the magnetization curve and it is practically similar for
all type of generators. The data for O.C.C. curve is obtained by operating the
generator at no load and keeping a constant speed. Field current is gradually
increased and the corresponding terminal voltage is recorded. The connection
arrangement to obtain O.C.C. curve is as shown in the figure below. For shunt
or series excited generators, the field winding is disconnected from the machine
and connected across an external supply.
Now, from the emf equation of dc generator, we know that Eg = kɸ. Hence, the
generated emf should be directly proportional to field flux (and hence, also
directly proportional to the field current). However, even when the field current
is zero, some amount of emf is generated (represented by OA in the figure
below). This initially induced emf is due to the fact that there exists some
residual magnetism in the field poles. Due to the residual magnetism, a small
initial emf is induced in the armature. This initially induced emf aids the
existing residual flux, and hence, increasing the overall field flux. This
consequently increases the induced emf. Thus, O.C.C. follows a straight line.
However, as the flux density increases, the poles get saturated and the ɸ
becomes practically constant. Thus, even we increase the If further, ɸ remains
constant and hence, Eg also remains constant. Hence, the O.C.C. curve looks
like the B-H characteristic.
The above figure shows a typical no-load saturation curve or open circuit
characteristics for all types of DC generators.
2. Internal Or Total Characteristic (E/Ia)

An internal characteristic curve shows the relation between the on-load
generated emf (Eg) and the armature current (Ia). The on-load generated emf Eg
is always less than E0 due to the armature reaction. Eg can be determined by
subtracting the drop due to demagnetizing effect of armature reaction from no
load voltage E0. Therefore, internal characteristic curve lies below the O.C.C.
curve.
3. External Characteristic (V/IL)

An external characteristic curve shows the relation between terminal voltage (V)
and the load current (IL). Terminal voltage V is less than the generated emf Eg
due to voltage drop in the armature circuit. Therefore, external characteristic
curve lies below the internal characteristic curve. External characteristics are
very important to determine the suitability of a generator for a given purpose.
Therefore, this type of characteristic is sometimes also called as performance
characteristic or load characteristic.
Internal and external characteristic curves are shown below for each type of
generator.
Characteristics Of Separately Excited DC Generator
If there is no armature reaction and armature voltage drop, the voltage will
remain constant for any load current. Thus, the straight line AB in above figure
represents the no-load voltage vs. load current IL. Due to the demagnetizing
effect of armature reaction, the on-load generated emf is less than the no-load
voltage. The curve AC represents the on-load generated emf Eg vs. load current
IL i.e. internal characteristic (as Ia = IL for a separately excited dc generator).
Also, the terminal voltage is lesser due to ohmic drop occurring in the armature
and brushes. The curve AD represents the terminal voltage vs. load current i.e.
external characteristic.
Characteristics Of DC Shunt Generator

To determine the internal and external load characteristics of a DC shunt
generator the machine is allowed to build up its voltage before applying any
external load. To build up voltage of a shunt generator, the generator is driven
at the rated speed by a prime mover. Initial voltage is induced due to residual
magnetism in the field poles. The generator builds up its voltage as explained
by the O.C.C. curve. When the generator has built up the voltage, it is
gradually loaded with resistive load and readings are taken at suitable
intervals. Connection arrangement is as shown in the figure below.
Unlike, separately excited DC generator, here, IL≠Ia. For a shunt generator,

Ia=IL+If. Hence, the internal characteristic can be easily transmitted to Eg vs.
IL by subtracting the correct value of If from Ia.
During a normal running condition, when load resistance is decreased, the

load current increases. But, as we go on decreasing the load resistance,
terminal voltage also falls. So, load resistance can be decreased up to a certain
limit, after which the terminal voltage drastically decreases due to excessive
armature reaction at very high armature current and increased I 2R losses.
Hence, beyond this limit any further decrease in load resistance results in
decreasing load current. Consequently, the external characteristic curve turns
back as shown by dotted line in the above figure.
Characteristics Of DC Series Generator

The curve AB in above figure identical to open circuit characteristic (O.C.C.)
curve. This is because in DC series generators field winding is connected in
series with armature and load. Hence, here load current is similar to field
current (i.e. IL=If). The curve OC and OD represent internal and external
characteristic respectively. In a DC series generator, terminal voltage increases
with the load current. This is because, as the load current increases, field
current also increases. However, beyond a certain limit, terminal voltage starts
decreasing with increase in load. This is due to excessive demagnetizing effects
of the armature reaction.
Characteristics Of DC Compound Generator
The above figure shows the external characteristics of DC compound

generators. If series winding amp-turns are adjusted so that, increase in load
current causes increase in terminal voltage then the generator is called to be
over compounded. The external characteristic for over compounded generator
is shown by the curve AB in above figure.
If series winding amp-turns are adjusted so that, the terminal voltage remains
constant even the load current is increased, then the generator is called to be
flat compounded. The external characteristic for a flat compounded generator
is shown by the curve AC.
If the series winding has lesser number of turns than that would be required to
be flat compounded, then the generator is called to be under compounded. The
external characteristics for an under compounded generator are shown by the
curve AD.

Characteristics of DC Generators

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Characteristics Of DC Generators

Generally, following three characteristics of DC generators are taken into

1. Open Circuit Characteristic (O.C.C.) (E0/If)

Open circuit characteristic is also known as magnetic characteristic or no

2. Internal Or Total Characteristic (E/Ia)

3. External Characteristic (V/IL)

Characteristics Of Separately Excited DC Generator

Characteristics Of DC Shunt Generator

Unlike, separately excited DC generator, here, IL≠Ia. For a shunt generator,

During a normal running condition, when load resistance is decreased, the

Characteristics Of DC Series Generator

The above figure shows the external characteristics of DC compound

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