Generators

The Alternator
The synchronous machine consists essentially of (a) a field system excited by direct current and (b) an
armature. Almost invariably the armature is the stationary member and the field system the rotating
member. The induced e.m.f. in the armature winding is a motionally induced e.m.f. and its mode of
production identical with that of the D.C. machine. The only difference is that it is the magnetic field which
moves whereas the armature conductor is stationary.
As with a D.C. machine the e.m.f. induced in an individual armature coil ia an alternating
e.m.f. and consequently by bringing the winding out to fixed terminals the e.m.f. between these will be
alternating also. The complete fixed armature that is magnetic core and windings is called the stator and
the rotating field system the rotor. The general constructional features of a salient pole alternator are
shown below
As the field system rotates and carries its flux with it each portion of the stator core will
experience reversals of magnetisation and therefore as in a direct current machine the core has to be
laminated. !or ventilation purposes a series of radial ventilating ducts are provided. "ince the field
system rotates its exciting winding has to be fed by means of two slip rings but as the excitation voltage
is low and the power ta#en by the field winding small these present no difficulties
A salient pole has one field coil per pole very li#e a D.C. machine. !or the very high speeds of
turbine driven alternators it is necessary to adopt a cylindrical construction for the rotor and in such a
case the field winding has to be housed in a number of slots. A simplified form shows the cross section of
a four pole turbo alternator the dispostion of the rotor field of a turbo alternator rotor may be as high as
$%%%% ft per min or &%% metres per sec. The stresses due to centrifugal force are exceedingly high. The
rotors are thus made from steel forging or in some cases from thic# steel discs bolted together.
high speed rotor
The axial length is normally considerably greater than the diameter. 'as the advantage of
great strength and stiffness. The exciting current is carried by bar type conductors in the groups of slots
shown below. All currents in one group are in the same direction those on the next group on the
opposite direction. !lux produced is distributed over surface approximately according to sine law.
Details of stationary armature alternators.
Armature stampings pressed out of sheets of special magnetic iron or steel alloy. (n the
smaller si)es the stampings are pressed out in compete rings
"ection through top stator of salient pole machine. The armature core is built up of
laminations which are held tightly together by end clamping rings. "pacing strips inserted at intervals
leave ducts for cooling air to pass through. The air is driven through by the fan action of the rotor and
escapes via the apertures in the cast iron supporting frame.
Types of armature slot. The filled slot has round wires but it is common to have rectangular
conductors to economise slot space.
Sectional simplified diagram of a turbo alternator
The rotor is turned from a steel forging ans slotted to carry the exciting windings the slots being arranged
as shown above. *ecause of the high running speed alternators for large outputs have a considerable
axial length compared with rotor diameter.
Layouts of A.C. generators
Conventional excitation scheme (Rotary
"eparately excited D.C. exciter (+ut dated)
!rushless excitation scheme using shaft mounted diodes (Rotary
(ndirect self excitation (,rror)
Comparison of the value required to control with a fixed value. -hen the variable differs from
a fixed reference value an .error. exists and the function of the controlling medium is to restore
equilibrium e.g. if the voltage output falls on the brushless rotary excited alternator the a.v.r. controls the
exciter field to restore equilibrium.
"odern compound scheme (static
Direct self excited (!unctional)
Control of the voltage to a set value is achieved by the inherent characteristics of the
machine.
A compound wound d.c. generator with a level compound characteristic has additional current
in the series field under load conditions. (n the self excited compound alternator there is a constant
amount of excitation required for no load condition. Additional excitation due to more current form the
current transformers is obtained in response to extra external demands
Recovery graphs for #functional# and #error# layouts
Shaft driven generating system
Methods of drive
a. Belt or chain driven
b. Direct coupling engaging the propeller shaft
c. Power taken from the main gearbox.
d. Power taken from the free end of the engine
-ith D.C. auxiliaries power can be ta#en by either a chain or belt drive from the propulsion
system with an A./.0. maintaining constant voltage.
!or A.C. systems methods used include the use of a D.C. generator with an D.C.1A.C.
converter or direct A.C. generation. -ith the latter either a constant speed drive is required or a
frequency converter. -ith either method the revolutions at which the shaft alternator can be used is
limited. (n this way direct drive systems will generally be fitted in con2unction with a C.3. system which
maintains constant engine speed under full away conditions.
Advantages
i. Saving on fuel costs, allows efficient use of heavy rather than gas oil
ii. reduced maintenance costs
iii. Capital saving on reduced number of auxiliary sets
iv. Reduced space and weight
v. Reduction in noise
Disadvantages
i. Power available for propulsion reduced
ii. Capitol cost of plant
iii. Auxiliaries required for manoeuvring, although some medium speed plants are capable of
manoeuvring with shaft alternators and C.P. system
iv. Complicated constant speed or frequency gear required with slow speed engines