1. What is a Generator?

A Generator is a machine which converts Mechanical Energy

into Electrical Energy.

2. On which principle a Generator works?

Generator works on Faradays laws of “Electro Magnetic

Induction ”

3. What are Faradays laws of Electro Magnetic Induction?

First Law

Whenever a conductor cuts magnetic flux an E.M.F is induced

in that conductor.

Second Law

The magnitude of the induced e.m.f. is equal to the rate of

change of flux linkage.

4. What are the two main parts of an AC Generator?

1. Stator
2. Rotor

5. What is the main difference between an AC Generator and DC

Generator?

In an AC Generator the field is rotating and the armature is

stationary whereas in DC Generator the field is stationary and the
armature
is rotating.

6. What are the advantages of stationary armature and rotating field in

an AC Generator?
 1. It is easy to take output from the stationary armature.
2. It is easier to insulate stationary armature for higher voltage.
3. Low voltage excitation supply can be easily supplied to the rotor
through slip rings.

7. What is the relation between the frequency, pole and speed of a

Generator?

F = PN/120 Hz

Where P is the No.of Poles

N is the Speed in RPM.

8. In a Generator with 2 pole, and speed 3000 rpm, what is the

frequency
of the induced emf ?

F = PN/120
= 2 x 3000/120
= 50 Hz.

9. What is the connection of winding in a stator?

Double star connection.

10. What is the efficiency of a Generator?

98.55%

11. What is the coolant used to cool stator winding?

Demineralised water.

12. What is the coolant used to cool rotor winding?

Hydrogen.

13. What are the advantages of Hydrogen gas as coolant over others?

1. Density is 1/14 of air.

2. Windage loss is low.
3. Low noise.
4. Heat transfer co efficient is 1.5 times higher than air.
5. Thermal conductivity is 7 times higher than air.

14. What are the losses in a Generator?

1. Stator copper
2. Stator iron
3. Rotor copper
4. Windage loss
5. Stray loss
6. Friction loss

15. What is Short Circuit Ratio (SCR) of a Generator?

It is the ratio of the field current required to produce rated

voltage
on open circuit to the field current required to circulate rated current on
short circuit.

What are the conditions for parallel operation of alternators?

To synchronize AC generators, several important factors must be checked.

a) Equal terminal voltages- The terminal voltage of the incoming machine must be approximately equalto bus-bar
voltage. This is obtained by adjustment of the incoming generator’s field strength.

b) Equal frequency- The frequency of the incoming machine must be equal to those bus-bars. This is obtained
by adjustment of the incoming generator’s prime-mover speed.

c) Phase voltages in proper phase relation- The phase of the incoming machine voltage must be the same as that of
the bus-bar voltage relative to the load i.e. the phase voltages of the incoming machine and the bus-bar should be in
phase opposition. This implies that there will be no circulating current between the windings of the alternators already
in operation (the bus-bars) and the incoming machine.

Question No. 1: Armature, field, rotor, stator: which is which?

By definition, the stator comprises all of the nonrotating electrical parts of a generator or
motor. Also by definition, the rotor includes all of the rotating electrical parts.
The field of a machine is the part that generates the direct magnetic field. The current in the
field does not alternate. The armature winding is that which generates or has an alternating
voltage applied to it.

Usually, the terms "armature" and "field" are applied only to alternating current generators,
synchronous motors, DC motors, and DC generators.

Alternating current generators. The field of a synchronous generator is the winding to

which the DC excitation current is applied. The armature is the winding to which the load is
connected. In small generators, the field windings are often on the stator, and the armature
windings are on the rotor. Most large machines, however, have a rotating field and a
stationary armature.

A synchronous motor is virtually identical to a synchronous generator. Thus, the armature is

the stator and the field is the rotor.

DC machines. In DC machines, both motors and generators, the armature is the rotor, and
the field is the stator. Because the armature is always the rotor on DC machines, many
electricians and engineers mistakenly believe that the armature is the rotor on all motors
and generators.

Question No. 3: What is service factor?

Service factor is the load that may be applied to a motor without exceeding allowed ratings.
For example, if a 10-hp motor has a 1.25 service factor, it will successfully deliver 12.5 hp (10
x 1.25) without exceeding specified temperature rise. Note that when being driven above its
rated load in this manner, the motor must be supplied with rated voltage and frequency.

Keep in mind, however, that a 10-hp motor with a 1.25 service factor is not a 12.5-hp motor.
If the 10-hp motor is operated continuously at 12.5 hp, its insulation life could be decreased
by as much as two-thirds of normal. If you need a 12.5-hp motor, buy one; service factor
should only be used for short-term overload conditions.

Question No. 5: How does an induction generator work?

An induction generator is identical in construction to an induction motor. The stator

windings are connected to a 3-phase power system, and the three phases create a rotating
magnetic field. The induction generator's rotor is rotated by a prime mover, which turns
faster than synchronous speed. As the rotor windings cut through the rotating field, current
is induced in them. This induced current creates a field that, in turn, cuts through the stator
windings to create power output to the load.

The induction generator thus draws its excitation from the power system to which it's
connected. The induction motor must have synchronous generators connected to its stator
to start generating. After the induction generator is operating, capacitors can be used to
supply the excitation.

Question No. 7: How do AC generators control vars, voltage, and power?

Although the controls of a generator do interact, the following generalities are true.

* Power output of a generator is controlled by its prime mover.

* Voltage and/or var contribution of a generator are controlled by the exciter current level.

For example, let's assume that an additional load is connected to the output of a generator.
The added current flow will increase the strength of the armature's magnetic field and cause
the generator to slow down. In order to maintain frequency, the generator's governor will
increase the power input to the prime mover. Thus, the additional power required of the
generator is controlled by the prime mover input.

In our example here, the net magnetic flux in the air gap will decrease, since the armature
increase opposes the field flux. If the field flux is not increased to make up for this change,
the generator output voltage will decrease. Thus, the excitation current is used to control the
output voltage.

Let's look at another example as a further clarification. Suppose additional var load is added
to our generator. In this circumstance, the generator output current will increase again.
However, since the new load is not "real" power, the prime mover needs to be increased only
enough to overcome the additional IR drop created by the extra current.

As a final example, let's assume that we have two or more generators running in parallel and
feeding a load. Generator 1 (G1) is carrying all the load (real and reactive) while Generator 2
(G2) is running at zero watts and zero vars. If the operator for G2 opens the prime mover
throttle, G2 starts to feed watts to the system. Since the connected load hasn't changed, both
generators will speed up unless G1 throttles back.
As G2 picks up an additional share of the load, it requires an increased field flux. If the G2
operator does not increase the G2 field, G2 will draw its additional excitation from G1,
requiring G1 to increase its excitation level. If neither G1 nor G2 increase the excitation
level, the overall system voltage will go down.

Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/01/generator-protection-

interview.html#ixzz3ogVeY1O6

Why star delta starter is preferred with induction motor?

Star delta starter is preferred with induction motor due to following reasons:
• Starting current is reduced 3-4 times of the direct current due to which voltage drops and hence it causes
less losses.
• Star delta starter circuit comes in circuit first during starting of motor, which reduces voltage 3 times, that
is why current also reduces up to 3 times and hence less motor burning is caused.
• In addition, starting torque is increased and it prevents the damage of motor winding.

State the difference between generator and alternator

Generator and alternator are two devices, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Both
have the same principle of electromagnetic induction, the only difference is that their construction.
Generator persists stationary magnetic field and rotating conductor which rolls on the armature with slip
rings and brushes riding against each other, hence it converts the induced emf into dc current for external
load whereas an alternator has a stationary armature and rotating magnetic field for high voltages but for
low voltage output rotating armature and stationary magnetic field is used.

Why AC systems are preferred over DC systems?

Due to following reasons, AC systems are preferred over DC systems:

a. It is easy to maintain and change the voltage of AC electricity for transmission and distribution.
b. Plant cost for AC transmission (circuit breakers, transformers etc) is much lower than the equivalent DC
transmission
c. From power stations, AC is produced so it is better to use AC then DC instead of converting it.
d. When a large fault occurs in a network, it is easier to interrupt in an AC system, as the sine wave current
will naturally tend to zero at some point making the current easier to interrupt.
How can you relate power engineering with electrical engineering?

Power engineering is a sub division of electrical engineering. It deals with generation, transmission and
distribution of energy in electrical form. Design of all power equipments also comes under power
engineering. Power engineers may work on the design and maintenance of the power grid i.e. called on
grid systems and they might work on off grid systems that are not connected to the system.

What are the various kind of cables used for transmission?

Cables, which are used for transmitting power, can be categorized in three forms:
• Low-tension cables, which can transmit voltage upto 1000 volts.
• High-tension cables can transmit voltage upto 23000 volts.
• Super tension cables can transmit voltage 66 kV to 132 kV.

Why back emf used for a dc motor? highlight its significance.

The induced emf developed when the rotating conductors of the armature between the poles of magnet, in
a DC motor, cut the magnetic flux, opposes the current flowing through the conductor, when the armature
rotates, is called back emf. Its value depends upon the speed of rotation of the armature conductors. In
starting, the value of back emf is zero.

What is slip in an induction motor?

Slip can be defined as the difference between the flux speed (Ns) and the rotor speed (N). Speed of the
rotor of an induction motor is always less than its synchronous speed. It is usually expressed as a
percentage of synchronous speed (Ns) and represented by the symbol ‘S’.

Explain the application of storage batteries.

Storage batteries are used for various purposes, some of the applications are mentioned below:

• For the operation of protective devices and for emergency lighting at generating stations and substations.
• For starting, ignition and lighting of automobiles, aircrafts etc.
• For lighting on steam and diesel railways trains.
• As a supply power source in telephone exchange, laboratories and broad casting stations.
• For emergency lighting at hospitals, banks, rural areas where electricity supplies are not possible.

9. Explain advantages of storage batteries

Few advantages of storage batteries are mentioned below:

• Most efficient form of storing energy portably.
• Stored energy is available immediately because there is no lag of time for delivering the stored energy.
• Reliable source for supply of energy.
• The energy can be drawn at a fairly constant rate.

10. What are the different methods for the starting of a synchronous
motor.

Starting methods: Synchronous motor can be started by the following two methods:
• By means of an auxiliary motor: The rotor of a synchronous motor is rotated by auxiliary motor. Then rotor
poles are excited due to which the rotor field is locked with the stator-revolving field and continuous rotation
is obtained.
• By providing damper winding: Here, bar conductors are embedded in the outer periphery of the rotor poles
and are short-circuited with the short-circuiting rings at both sides. The machine is started as a squirrel
cage induction motor first. When it picks up speed, excitation is given to the rotor and the rotor starts rotating
continuously as the rotor field is locked with stator revolving field.

11. Name the types of motors used in vacuum cleaners, phonographic

appliances, vending machines, refrigerators, rolling mills, lathes, power
factor improvement and cranes.

Following motors are used: -

• Vacuum cleaners- Universal motor.
• Phonographic appliances – Hysteresis motor.
• Vending machines – Shaded pole motor.
• Refrigerators – Capacitor split phase motors.
• Rolling mills – Cumulative motors.
• Lathes – DC shunt motors.
• Power factor improvement – Synchronous motors.

12. State Thevenin’s Theorem:

According to thevenin’s theorem, the current flowing through a load resistance

Connected across any two terminals of a linear active bilateral network is the ratio open circuit voltage (i.e.
the voltage across the two terminals when RL is removed) and sum of load resistance and internal
resistance of the network. It is given by Voc / (Ri + RL).

13. State Norton’s Theorem

The Norton’s theorem explains the fact that there are two terminals and they are as follows:
• One is terminal active network containing voltage sources
• Another is the resistance that is viewed from the output terminals. The output terminals are equivalent to
the constant source of current and it allows giving the parallel resistance.
The Norton’s theorem also explains about the constant current that is equal to the current of the short circuit
placed across the terminals. The parallel resistance of the network can be viewed from the open circuit
terminals when all the voltage and current sources are removed and replaced by the internal resistance.

14. State Maximum power transfer theorem

The Maximum power transfer theorem explains about the load that a resistance will extract from the
network. This includes the maximum power from the network and in this case the load resistance is being
is equal to the resistance of the network and it also allows the resistance to be equal to the resistance of
the network. This resistance can be viewed by the output terminals and the energy sources can be removed
by leaving the internal resistance behind.

Q2. Can a generator produce electricity ?

A. No, it can only creates a potential difference, which causes the flow the current.

Q3. What is the essential parts of DC machine ?

A. Field system, Armature, commutatore, Brushes, Armature winding, Bearings, Shafts.

Q4. What is the function of commutator?

A. The commutatore is the form of rotating switch placed b/w the armature and external circuit and so
arrange that it reverses the the connection to the external circuit at the instant of each reversal of the
current in the armature coil and thus convert induced alternating current in armature coil into direct
current in the external load circuit.

Q5. What is Armature reaction ?

A. The effect of the magnetic field setup by the armature current on the distribution of flux under the
main pole of the DC machine is known as the Armature reaction.

Q6. What is the function of armature in the generator ?

A. It rotates the conductors in to uniform magnetic field and provide the path of very low reluctance to
the magnetic flux.

what is the principle of motor?

Whenever a current carrying conductor is placed in an magnetic field it produce turning or twisting
movement is called as torque.

Types of dc generator?
DC Generators are classified into two types 1)separatly excited DC generator
2)self excited DC generator, which is further classified into; 1)series 2)shunt and 3)compound(which is
further classified into cumulative and differential).

Which motor has high Starting Torque and Staring current DC motor, Induction motor or
Synchronous motor?
DC Series motor has high starting torque. We can not start the Induction motor and Synchronous motors
on load, but can not start the DC series motor without load.

Define stepper motor. What is the use of stepper motor?

The motor which work or act on the applied input pulse in it, is called as stepper motor. This stepper motor
is under the category of synchronous motor, which often does not fully depend of complete cycle. It likes to
works in either direction related to steps. for this purpose it mainly used in automation parts.

What is 2 phase motor?

A two phase motor is a motor with the the starting winding and the running winding have a phase split.
e.g;ac servo motor.where the auxiliary winding and the control winding have a phase split of 90 degree.

Which type of A.C motor is used in the fan (ceiling fan, exhaust fan, padestal fan, bracket fan etc) which are
find in the houses ?
Its Single Phase induction motor which mostly squirrel cage rotor and are capacitor start capacitor run.

Give two basic speed control scheme of DC shunt motor?

1. By using flux control method:in this method a rheostat is connected across the field winding to control
the field current.so by changing the current the flux produced by the field winding can be changed, and
since speed is inversely proportional to flux speed can be controlled
2.armature control method:in this method a rheostat is connected across armature winding by varying the
resistance the value of resistive drop(IaRa) can be varied, and since speed is directly proportional to Eb-
IaRa the speed can be controlled.

Difference between a four point starter and three point starter?

The shunt connection in four point starter is provided separately form the line where as in three point starter
it is connected with line which is the drawback in three point starter.
What is the difference between synchronous generator & asynchronous generator?
In simple, synchronous generator supply's both active and reactive power but asynchronous
generator(induction generator) supply's only active power and observe reactive power for magnetizing. This
type of generators are used in windmills.

Why syn. generators are used for the production of electricity?

Synchronous machines have capability to work on different power factor (or say different imaginary power
varying the field EMF. Hence syn. generators r used for the production of electricity.
Why is the starting current high in a DC motor?
In DC motors, Voltage equation is V=Eb-IaRa (V = Terminal voltage, Eb = Back emf in Motor, Ia = Armature
current,Ra = Aramture resistance). At starting, Eb is zero. Therefore, V=IaRa, Ia = V/Ra ,where Ra is very
less like 0.01ohm.i.e, Ia will become enormously increased.

What are the advantages of star-delta starter with induction motor?

The main advantage of using the star delta starter is reduction of current during the starting of the motor.
Starting current is reduced to 3-4 times Of current of Direct online starting.(2). Hence the starting current is
reduced , the voltage drops during the starting of motor in systems are reduced.

Why series motor cannot be started on no-load?

Series motor cannot be started without load because of high starting torque. Series motor are used in
Trains, Crane etc.

Mention the methods for starting an induction motor?

The different methods of starting an induction motor
DOL:direct online starter
Star delta starter
Auto transformer starter
Resistance starter
Series reactor starter
What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Synchronous motors?
Advantage or Merits:
One of the major advantage of using synchronous motor is the ability to control the power factor. An over
excited synchronous motor can have leading power factor and can be operated in parallel to induction
motors and other lagging power factor loads thereby improving the system power factor.
In synchronous motor the speed remains constant irrespective of the loads. This characteristics helps in
industrial drives where constant speed is required irrespective of the load it is driving. It also useful when
the motor is required to drive another alternator to supply at a different frequency as in frequency changes.
Synchronous motors can be constructed with wider air gaps than induction motors which makes these
motors mechanically more stable.
In synchronous motors electro-magnetic power varies linearly with the voltage.
Synchronous motors usually operate with higher efficiencies ( more than 90%) especially in low speed and
unity power factor applications compared to induction motors
Disadvantages or Demerits:
Synchronous motors requires dc excitation which must be supplied from external sources.
Synchronous motors are inherently not self starting motors and needs some arrangement for its starting
and synchronizing.
The cost per kW output is generally higher than that of induction motors.
These motors cannot be used for variable speed applications as there is no possibility of speed adjustment
unless the incoming supply frequency is adjusted (Variable Frequency Drives).
Synchronous motors cannot be started on load. Its starting torque is zero.
These motors have tendency to hunt.
When loading on the synchronous motor increases beyond its capability, the synchronism between rotor
and stator rotating magnetic field is lost and motor comes to halt.
Collector rings and brushes are required resulting in increase in maintenance.
Synchronous motors cannot be useful for applications requiring frequent starting or high starting torques
required.