DC Generator is a machine which converts mechanical energy (or power) into

electrical energy (or power). And according in which their fields are excited,
generators are classified into many types as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1(the types of DC generator according to manner)

From figure 1 :

1. Separately excited D.C. Generator: are those whose field magnets are
energized from an independent source of D.C. Current. Separately excited
generators are often used in feedback control systems when control of the
armature voltage over a wide range is required.
2. Self-excited D.C. Generators: are those whose field magnets are energized
by the currents produced by the generator themselves. And have 3 types are:
Shunt wound D.C. Generator, Series wound D.C. Generator and Compound wound
D.C. Generator.
3. Shunt wound D.C. Generator: have field windings and armature windings
connected in parallel (shunt). The output varies inversely with load current. It
contains many turns of fine wires. When a generator is in operation, whether or
not it is delivering load current, the shunt field is always excited.
4. Series wound D.C. Generator: have field windings and armature windings
connected in series. Outputs vary directly with load currents. Series-wound
 generators have few practical applications. It has few turns of heavy wires.
When a generator is in operation, the series field is excited only when a load
current is being supplied. In series generator, therefore, the terminal voltage is
very low at light loads because of the excitation or load current is low.
5. Compound wound D.C. Generator: have both series field windings and shunt
field windings. These generators combine the characteristics of series and
shunt generators. The output voltage remains relatively constant for all values
of load current within the design of the generator. Compound generators are
used in many applications because of the relatively constant voltage

Principle:

It is based on the principle of production of dynamically (or motional) induced

emf (Electromotive Force). Whenever a conductor cuts magnetic flux, dynamically
induced emf is produced in it according to Faraday's Laws of Electromagnetic
Induction. This emf causes a current to flow if the conductor circuit is closed.

Figure2 (shows the principle of DC generator)

Hence, the basic essential parts of an electric generator are:

1. A magnetic field and

2. A conductor or conductors which can so move as to cut the flux.

1. http://www.ncert.nic.in/html/learning_basket/electricity/electricity/machine/dc_gene
rator.htm
2. http://www.ustudy.in/node/2240
3. http://www.scribd.com/doc/16774613/Types-of-DC-GENERATOR