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AC Machinery
Ques 1. Which of the following factor should be identica l for two alternators running in parallel?
1. Phase sequence
2. Voltage
3. Frequency
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
Explanation:
Condition for parallel operation of an alternator
 There are five conditions that must be met before when two alternators running in parallel.
1. Equal line voltage
2. Same frequency
3. Same phase sequence
4. Same phase angle
5. Same waveform
Same Phase sequence
 During installation of a generator, carefully ensure the generator terminals and all control wiring is
correct so that the order of phases (phase sequence) matches the system.
 Connecting a generator with the wrong phase sequence will result in a short circuit as the system.
 If we will connect any of the alternators with the opposite phase sequence then the voltages of both the
alternator will become opposite to each other.
Same Frequency
 The frequency of two alternators should be same otherwise it will cause high acceleration and de-
acceleration in the prime mover hence this will result in large power transient in the power system.
Equal line voltage
 The line voltage of an alternator should be same as the voltage of a bus bar.
 If the voltage on the alternator will be more than bus bar than generator will deliver unnecessary high
reactive power to the grid.
 If the voltage of bus bar is more than alternator than generator will absorb high reactive power from the
grid or busbar.

Ques 2. The main reason for voltage drop in an alternator is

1. Armature resistance
2. Synchronous Reactance
3. Armature Reactance
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
Explanation:
Voltage Drop due to Armature Resistance
 The voltage drop caused by armature resistance per phase is IR a Where I is phase current in ampere
and R a is armature resistance in ohm.
 Additional energy loss such as Hysteresis loss, Eddy current Loss, and loss due to unequal distribution of
currents are part of armature resistance losses.
Armature Leakage Reactance
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AC Machinery
 When the load current flows through the armature winding it builds up the local flux which cuts the
winding and counters EMF is generated. This effect produces armature reactance that is equal to 2πfl.
 This armature reactance is called leakage reactance X L . and this leakage flux is proportional to the
armature current.
Armature Reaction
 When the load current flows in the stator conductor it produces the magnetic field which has a cross-
magnetization, de-magnetization, and magnetizing effect upon the main flux due to the field windings.
 Such an effect of armature current upon the main flux is known asarmature reaction.
 The armature reaction depends upon the power factor of the load.
Synchronous Reactance.
 The combination of leakage reactance along with armature reaction is called as synchronous reactance.
Ques 3. The maximum power in a synchronous machine is obtained when the load angle is

1. 0 degree
2. 120 degree
3. 90 degree
4. 45 degree
Answer 3. 90 degree
Explanation:
 The maximum power which can be obtained from a synchronous machine for a power angle δ = 90 degree.
P m = EV/Xs *sinδ = EV/Xs *sin90 o = EV/Xs
 For any other power angle power is given as
P = P m sinδ

Ques 4. The 3-phase unbalanced stator current in an alternator or synchronous machine cause
1. Heating of rotor
2. Vibration
3. Double frequency current in the rotor
4. All of the above
Show Explanation

Ques 5. The method of reducing the harmonic in an alternator are

1. Well distributed winding
2. Using short pitch winding
3. Slots are skewed
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
Explanation:
Well distributed winding
 Instead of keeping winding conductor concentrated, it is kept distributed and due to that there is a
considerable reduction in 3rd harmonic at the cost of the slight decrease in induced emf.
Short Pitch winding
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AC Machinery
 Short pitching can be used to eliminate harmonics of a particular order in alternators.
 In full pitched coils, as one conductor of a turn in a coil cuts N pole, the other conductor of the same turn
cuts S pole resulting in the production of induced emf(E).
 In short pitched coils, both conductors of the same turn in a coil don’t cut the respective poles
simultaneously.
 As a result, the magnitude of induced emf gets reduced toE*Cos(nθ/2),
where θ is the chording/short pitching angle
’n’ is an order of harmonic for which effect of chording is being considered.
 Cos(nθ/2) is called chording factor for ‘nth’ harmonic.
Skewing
 Slots are skewed in order to minimize the effect of voltage resulting from the ripple in the air gap flux
produced by the stator slots.
 The effect of the number of slots which produce undesirable ripple voltage can be limited by some degree
of skew.

Ques 6. In large synchronous generator or alternator, the protection provide for external fault is
1. Inter-turn fault protection
2. Sensitive earth Fault protection
3. Biased differential protection
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
Explanation:
Biased differential protection or Merz-Price Protection
 In this method, two sets of an identical current transformer are mounted on either side of stator phase
winding.
 The secondaries of the CT’s are connected in star and their ends are connected through pilot wires.
 At normal operating condition, the currents at the two ends of the protected section are same ( I 1 = I 2 ).
 When the fault occurs the balance is disturbed and differential current ( I 1 = I 2 ) flow through the
operating coil of the relay.

 This trip the generator circuit breaker to isolate the faulty section.
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AC Machinery
 The relay employed in this protection scheme is generally of electromagnetic type and are arranged for
instantaneous operation as fault are expected to be cleared as quickly as possible.
Sensitive Earth Fault Protection
 Sensitive Earth fault protection is normally used on systems where the earth fault current is limited to a
very low value.
 In sensitive earth fault protection, one dedicated Core Balance CT is used to detect any unbalance in 3
phases and its setting is so low even less than 1 % so it’s called sensitive earth fault protection.
Inter Turn Fault
 The coil used in the alternator are the multi-turn coil and the fault that occurs when there is a short that
occurs between two turns in a machine winding which are close to each other is called as inter-turn Fault.
 This fault occurs due to current surge with a high value of (L * di/dt) voltage across the turns.
 Inter turn fault mostly occur in stator part of an alternator.
Stator Inter-Turn Fault Protection
 Inter-turn faults on the same phase of the stator winding do not disturb the balance between the current in
the neutral and high voltage CT’s.
 This is the reason why inter-turn fault cannot be detected by longitudinal differential protection.
 A biased transverse differential protection is used for protecting the inter-turns fault of the generator.

Ques 7. In an alternator, if the winding is short pitch by 60 o electrical its pitch factor will be
1. 0.866
2. 1
3. 0.75
4. 0.28
Answer 1. 0.866
Explanation:
Pitch factor K p = cos α/2
α =60 o
K p = cos 60/2 = cos 30 =0.866
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AC Machinery
Ques 8. Consider two alternators are running in parallel now if the excitation of the one of the alternator is
changed then it will
1. Reduce speed
2. Change power factor
3. Change load demand
4. Change frequency
Answer 2. Change power factor
Explanation:
 Suppose the excitation of the alternator is decreased below normal excitation then reactive power will
change and active power output (W or KW) of the alternator will remain unchanged.
 The under-excited alternator delivers leading current to the infinite bus bar.
 It is because the leading current produces an adding m.m.f to increase the under excitation.
 Similarly, an overexcited alternator operates at lagging power factor and supplies lagging reactive power
to an infinite bus bar.
Conclusion:
From both of the above condition i.e whether the excitation is increased or decreased its power factor
changes.

Ques 9. The function of Potier triangle is to separate

1. Armature voltage and stator voltage
2. Armature leakage reactance and armature reaction m.m.f.
3. Stator losses and Rotor Losses
4. All of the above
Hide Explanation
Answer 2 . Armature leakage reactance and armature reaction m.m.f. Explanation:
 Potier triangle method is also called as Zero power factor (ZPF)method.
 According to this method in any alternator armature resistance drop IR a and the armature leakage
reactance drop IX L are basically the e.m.f quantities while armature reaction is considered as m.m.f
quantities.
 This method is based on the separation of the armature leakage reactance and armature reaction effect.
 The armature leakage reactance XL is called as Potier reactance hence this method is also called as Potier
reactance method.

Ques 10. Overspeed protection of the generator is done by

1. Differential relay
2. Over current relay
3. Governor
4. Alarm
Answer 3. Governor
Explanation:
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AC Machinery
 A governor, or speed limiter, is a device used to measure and regulate the speed of a machine, such as an
engine.
 The main function of a governor on a generator to sense the speed deviation and adjust the power input(
through opening or closing of valves on the steam unit).
 The governor will change the power input in proportion to the speed deviation.

Ques 11. During failure of prime mover in an alternator which relay is used to restore the working condition
1. Buchholz Relay
2. Reverse Power Relay
3. Differential Relay
4. Over speed relay
Answer 2. Reverse Power Relay
Explanation:
 If two synchronous generator is running parallel and the total load is divided among two then one
generator takes half of the total load of it.
 Due to unbalancing of load one generator shifts his total load on the second generator and run as a
motor instead of a generator.
 This situation can cause damage in the winding of the generator.
 In such condition reverse current relay is usually employed to trip the generator on reverse power flow.

Ques 12. Pitch factor is the ratio of emf of

1. Short pitch coil to full pitch coil
2. Full pitch coil to short pitch coil
3. Full pitch winding to distributed winding
4. Concentrated winding to distributed winding
Hide Explanation
Answer 1. Short pitch coil to full pitch coil
Explanation:
Pitch factor K p is given as

Ques 13. Synchronizing torque comes into operation under all of the following cases except
1. Frequency difference between two voltages
2. Phase difference between two voltages
3. Changing excitation current
4. None of the above
Answer 3. Changing excitation current
Explanation:
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AC Machinery
 By changing excitation current power factor changes i.e either leading or lagging.
 Suppose the excitation of the alternator is decreased below normal excitation then reactive power will
change and active power output (W or KW) of the alternator will remain unchanged.
 The under-excited alternator delivers leading current to the infinite bus bar.
 It is because the leading current produces an adding m.m.f to increase the under excitation.
 Similarly, an overexcited alternator operates at lagging power factor and supplies lagging reactive power
to an infinite bus bar.

Ques 14. When a generator is operating by itself supplying the system load then real and reactive power
supplied by the generator depends upon
1. Prime mover RPM
2. Type of Insulation
3. Inter-coil Inductance
4. Amount demanded by load
Answer 4. Amount demanded by load
Explanation:
When a generator is operating by itself supplying the system load then
1. The real and reactive power supplied by the generator will be the amount demanded by the attachment of
the load.
2. The governor point on the generator will control the operating frequency of the power system.
3. The field current ( field regulator set point) controls the terminal voltage of the power system.
This 3 situation found in an isolated generator in the remote field environment.
 Note: When there is inductive load on the grid then synchronous generator will supply reactive power as
it will act as capacitance which absorbs leading power and gives lagging power which is required by
inductive load.but when there is capacitive load then it will act as reactor and it will absorb reactive
power from the grid and it will give leading power and absorb lagging power from the grid.
 But when there is capacitive load then it will act as a reactor and it will absorb reactive power from the
grid and it will give leading power and absorb lagging power from the grid.

Ques 15. A 10 pole AC generator rotates at 1200 rpm. The frequency of AC voltage in cycles per second will
be
1. 120
2. 100
3. 160
4. 60
Answer 2. 100
Explanation:
 N s = 120f/P
1200= 120*f/10
f = 100 Hz
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AC Machinery
Ques 16. The output frequency of an alternator depends on
1. Number of poles and rotational speed
2. Rotational speed only
3. Numbers of poles only
4. Types of winding
Answer 1. Numbers of poles and rotational speed
Explanation:
The relation between speed and frequency is
N s = 120f/P
 From the above equation, it is clear that the output frequency of an alternator depends on the number of
poles and the rotational speed.
 The speed corresponding to a particular frequency is called the synchronous speed for that frequency

Ques 17. The number of electrical degrees passed through in one revolution of a six pole synchronous
alternator is
1. 720
2. 1800
3. 3600
4. 1000
Answer 2. 1800
 As we know that
electrical degree = p/2 mechanical degree
 electrical deg. = 6/2* 360 =3* 360
= 1080 answer

Ques 18. If the input to the prime mover of an alternator is kept constant but the excitation is changed, then
the
1. Active component of output is changed
2. Power factor remains constant
3. Power factor is reduced
4. Reactive component of the output is changed
Hide Explanation
Answer 4. Reactive component of the output is changed
 The prime-mover of an alternator is rotating at a constant power basis, i.e. its power and speed remain
constant, now if you make variations in the exciting coils, then the output power from the alternator will
vary in accordance.
 The output power of an alternator is proportional to the speed, and excitation voltage.
 Now if the excitation varies then the output currents varies along with voltage, but the speed is constant
and power demand or load on the alternator is also constant.
 Since Input to prime mover is kept constant, real power generated remains unchanged (as per the load
demand).
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AC Machinery
 When the excitation current is changed, magnetizing current in armature changes, in order to maintain the
air gap flux constant.
 Thus the reactive power consumption/ generation changes for a machine(ie KVAr component).

Ques 19. When an alternator is running on no load the power supplied by the prime mover of an alternator
goes to
1. Produce E.M.F in armature winding
2. Meet Cooper losses and windage losses in an armature
3. Meet iron losses
4. Meet no load losses
Answer 4. Meet no load losses
 If the phase angle θ is exactly 90 o , the synchronous machine must be driven by the prime mover whose
function is to supply power losses.
 In this case, a synchronous machine should be considered as a generator with zero power output.
 Since it power losses are covered by the electric power system its power factor can only be close to zero.
 That is why synchronous machine at this mode is usually referred as asynchronous reactor.
Conclusion: Under no load condition synchronous machine will only draw a small current (active power) to
mainly compensate friction and windage losses and it can be used to supply reactive power and control the
power factor of an external system, by controlling the field current.

Ques 20. The power factor of an alternator depends on

1. Core Losses
2. Speed of Motor
3. Type of Load
4. Armature losses
Answer 3. Type of Load
 The power factor depends on types of load, according to load the alternator provide both reactive(K VAR)
and real power(KW).
 Consider three types of loads
1. Pure Resistive Load
2. Resistive Inductive Load (RL load)
3. Resistive Capacitive Load (RC load)
 Resistive Inductive load:
 When the load is RL type it requires lagging VAR now that power has to be provided by the alternator
 Whenever alternator provides lagging VAR it produces demagnetization armature reaction hence
excitation has to be increased to maintain flux inside the machine(constant flux machine).
 At this condition, the alternator power factor is lagging. The more VAR alternator produces, power
factor becomes more lagging.
 Resistive Capacitive Load:
 When the load is of RC type , it requires leading VAR.
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AC Machinery
 Whenever Alternator provides leading VAR it’s power factor is leading. At this condition, the leading
VAR current causes magnetization effect
 So excitation can be decreased to main the flux.

Ques 21. Which type of rotor is best for turbo-alternator?

1. Salient pole type
2. Cylindrical rotor type
3. Any of the above
4. None of the above
Answer 2. Cylindrical rotor type
Cylindrical rotor type
 In cylindrical Rotor type, the air gap between stator and rotor is uniform.
 Cylindrical Rotor type machine is generally used for the high-speed operation.
 Commercially cylindrical rotor type synchronous generator is also called as turbo-alternator or turbo-
generator.

Salient-Pole type
 In the salient pole type synchronous generator the air gap between the stator and rotor is not uniform.
 They are used for low and medium speed operation and for a small synchronous machine.
 Commercially Salient pole type synchronous generator is also called as the hydro alternator and hydro
generator.

Ques 22. An alternator is generating power at 210 V per phase while running at 1500 rpm. If the speed of an
alternator drops to 1000 rpm the generated voltage per phase will be
1. 140 V
2. 150 V
3. 110 V
4. 230 V
Answer 1. 140 V
The voltage of an alternator is almost directly proportional to speed.
 Since the speed has reduced to two-thirds of what it was, so the voltage will do the same. i.e. (1000/1500)
x 210V
=(2/3) x 210 = 140V
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AC Machinery
Ques 23. An alternator is said to be over excited when it is operating at
1. Leading Power Factor
2. Lagging Power Factor
3. Unity Power Factor
4. None of the above
Answer 2. Lagging Power Factor
 Reactive power of synchronous generator is given as

 When the excitation is increased i.e for the high value of If E Cosδ R > V. Therefore the Reactive
power Q is positive.
 This means that synchronous generator is delivering the reactive power to the infinite bus and its power
factor is lagging.
 In that condition, the alternator is said to be over excited.

Ques 24. Armature reaction in alternator primarily affect

1. Rotor Speed
2. Terminal voltage per phase
3. Frequency of armature current
4. No load Losses
Answer 4. Terminal voltage per phase
 As the load on the alternator vary its terminal voltage also found to be varied as in D.C generator.
 When there is no load across the generator stator (Armature), there is no current in the armature winding
hence field flux around the winding will be zero.
 Thus, as soon as the load is connected with armature terminals, its current will also increase
proportionally causing its flux to increase.
 As we know that every current carrying conductor its own flux so armature of the alternator also
produces its own flux.
 The field flux ( main flux) produce by the field winding of an alternator.
 The flux produced by the armature is called as armature flux.
 So the armature flux will distort the value of main field flux.This distortion is known as armature
reaction.
 The effect of armature flux depends upon the magnitude of the current flowing through the armature
winding and nature of the power factor of the load connected to an alternator.
 In case if the load is at unity power factor, the effect of armature reaction is of cross magnetizing
type.
 If the load is at lagging power factor, the effect of armature reaction is of demagnetizing type.
 In case if the load is at leading power factor, the effect of armature reaction is of magnetizing type.
 Note:- In magnetizing effect armature flux assist field flux hence greater EMF is induced in the
armature.
 Hence there is an increase in the terminal voltage for leading power factor loads.
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AC Machinery
Ques 25. The function of damper winding in an alternator is
1. Damp oscillation
2. Provide stability
3. Eliminate Haunting
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
 Damper windings are windings that are wound to the rotor poles of the machine (winding it similar to that
of an induction machine) which help in two ways.
 We all know that a synchronous machine is not self-starting. Thus providing damper windings help
synchronous machines to act like an induction motor ( only at starting). Which helps the machine to self-
start.
 We all know that hunting is a persistent phenomenon when it comes to synchronous machines.
 We can reduce hunting to a great extent by damping it. They don’t let the motor to oscillate abruptly, they
damp the oscillations thus increasing the stability of the machine.

Ques 26. An alternator is rated for 75 kW at 0.8 power factor. It means that
1. The alternator has 4 poles
2. An alternator can supply 75 kW at 0.8 power factor
3. An alternator can supply power only to loads having power factor 0.8 only
4. The peak efficiency of alternator occurs only at 75 kW load having 0.8 lagging power factor.
Answer 2. An alternator can supply 75 kW at 0.8 power factor
 The rating of an alternator is usually given in kilowatt (kW) or kilovolt – ampere(kVA) at an assumed
power factor.
 Since in above question, its rating is given as 75 kW at 0.8 pf so an alternator can supply 75 kW at 0.8
power factor(lagging or leading).

Ques 26. If the armature reaction of an alternator produces magnetization effect on the main field then the
power factor should be
1. Unity
2. Zero, Lagging
3. Zero Leading
4. None of the above
Answer 3. Zero Leading
In case if the load is at leading power factor, the effect of armature reaction is of magnetizing type.
 Note:- In magnetizing effect, armature flux assist main field flux hence greater EMF is induced in the
armature.
 Hence there is an increase in the terminal voltage for leading power factor loads.

Ques 27. Two alternators are running in parallel if the excitation of the one of the alternator is changed then
1. Active component will change
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AC Machinery
2. Vibration will occur in an alternator
3. Alternator will run as the motor
4. Wattless component will change
Answer 4. Wattless component will change
 In an a.c. (alternating current) circuit, there are two components to impedance. There is a resistive
component and a reactive component. The reactive component is the algebraic sum of the total inductive
and capacitive reactances.
 The reactive component stores power in a magnetic field (for inductors) and an electric field (for
capacitors).
 When the power source is turned off, the magnetic and electric fields collapse and return the stored
energy back to the circuit in the form of an induced current.
 Therefore the current flow in the circuit which does not dissipate any power in the circuit is called
“wattless current or component“.
 Now coming to the point when the prime-mover of an alternator is rotating at a constant power basis, i.e.
its power and speed remain constant, now if you make variations in the exciting coils, then the output
power from the alternator will vary in accordance.
 The output power of an alternator is proportional to the speed, and excitation voltage.
 Now if the excitation varies then the power factor at which load is delivered is also changes, but the
speed is constant and power demand or load on the alternator is also constant.
 Since Input to prime mover is kept constant, real power generated remains unchanged (as per the load
demand).
 When the excitation current is changed, magnetizing current in armature changes, in order to maintain the
air gap flux constant.
 Thus the reactive power consumption/ generation changes for a machine(ie KVAr component)

Ques 28. When the power factor of an alternator is unity then the armature flux will be
1. Demagnetization
2. Cross-magnetization
3. Zero
4. Operating at high RPM
Answer 2. Cross-magnetization
 In case if the load is at unity power factor, the effect of armature reaction is of cross magnetizing
type.
 In the case of cross-magnetization, the flux at leading pole tip is reduced while the flux at trailing pole
tip tends to increase.
 Hence average flux in the air gap remains constant but its distribution gets distorted.
 Such distorting effect of armature reaction at unity p.f of the load is called as the cross-
magnetization effect of armature reaction.

Ques 29. For 50 Hz and 2 pole, the maximum speed of an alternator is

1. 6000
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AC Machinery
2. 2500
3. 3000
4. 1500
Answer 3. 3000
 Synchronous speed is given as
N s =120f/p
=120 x 50/2
=3000
Ques 30. Consider a System consisting working at lagging power factor, a Synchronous motor working at an
over-excited condition and a direct grid connected to the connected to induction generator. Consider
capacitive VAr to be a sink of reactive power. Which of the following statement is true?

1. Synchronous motor and Synchronous generators are source and induction generator is a sink of reactive
power.
2. Synchronous motor and Induction generators are the source and the synchronous generator is a sink of
reactive power.
3. A synchronous motor is a source and synchronous generator and induction generator is a sink of reactive
power.
4. All sources are of reactive power.
Answer 1. Synchronous motor and Synchronous generators are source and induction generator is a sink
of reactive power.
 Given synchronous generator operating at lagging power factor i.e, an inductive load should be connected
so that machine will generate reactive power to lagging load.

Synchronous motor and Synchronous generators

 Synchronous Motor is over-excited therefore it is acting like a synchronous condenser.

 An induction motor will absorb the reactive power for the development of a magnetic field.

Ques 31. If the frequency of an alternator increase then

1. Its speed increases
2. Its speed decreases
3. Speed will remain constant
4. None of the above
Answer 1. Its speed increases
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AC Machinery
 Synchronous speed is given as

N s =120f/p

So the speed of an alternator is directly proportional to its frequency therefore by increasing the
frequency of an alternator its speed will also increase.

Ques 32. The driving power from the prime mover driving the alternator is lost but the alternator remains
connected to the supply network and the field supply also remains on. The alternator will
1. Behave as synchronous motor with opposite rotation direction
2. Behave as induction motor with opposite rotation direction
3. Behave as synchronous motor with same rotation direction
4. Will get burn
Answer.3. Behave as a synchronous motor with same rotation direction Explanation:
 Here are the various possibilities for a synchronous generator connected to the grid when the Prime mover
is accidentally decoupled. The mode depends on whether the field winding is excited.
If Field Excitation is failed ( Field OFF)
 Cylindrical rotor machine: It will work as Induction Motor running in the same direction with speed
less than synchronous speed.
 Salient pole machine: It will work as Reluctance Motor running in the same direction at synchronous
speed.
If field Excitation is present
 When the alternator is connected to the bus bar and that point of time when the prime mover fails then
instead of supplying power to the bus bar it will receive power from the grid. Therefore synchronous
generator will behave as the synchronous motor.
 Loss of driving force in prime mover will result in the increase of system voltage far above the safe
limits.

Ques 33. Two alternators A and B are sharing an inductive load equally. If the excitation of alternator A is
increased then
1. Alternator A will deliver more current
2. Alternator B will Deliver more current
3. Both Alternator will deliver the same current
4. Both alternators will share the load equally.
Answer 1. Alternator A will deliver more current
 Suppose two alternators are operating in parallel and they are supplying half of the active and reactive
load.
 If the excitation of Alternator 1 is increased such that E f1 > E f 2 .
 It will cause a circulating current “Ic” which will flow through the armature and around the bus bar.
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AC Machinery
 Therefore alternator 1 will deliver load current at power factor cosΦ1and alternator 2 will deliver load
current at power factor cosΦ2where cosΦ1 > cosΦ2 since circulating current “Ic” is added to load current
of alternator 1 and subtracted from load current of alternator 2.
 It will result in an increase of KVAR supply of alternator 1 whereas KVAR supply of alternator 2 will
decrease.
Note:
 If the excitation of one of the alternators operating in parallel is increased above its normal value of
excitation i.e. overexcited its power factor will change in the lagging direction and its current output will
increase without a change in its kW load.
 When the alternator is under excited its power factor will become more leading and its current o/p will
increase without changing in kW output.
Thus whether the alternator is over excited or under excited its circulating current tends to increase
thereby increases the losses and reducing their useful capacity. Therefore it is desirable to keep the
circulating current to the minimum value.

Ques 34. The frequency of an alternator in an aircraft system is

1. 200 Hz
2. 300 Hz
3. 60 Hz
4. 400 Hz
Answer 4. 400 Hz
 400 Hz is used in aircraft because this is the optimum frequency.
 Since speed is directly proportional to the frequency and inversely proportional to the flux, therefore, flux
will be inversely proportional to the frequency.
 Higher the frequency lesser the flux which means lesser the core size and weight of the machine
 If frequency more than 400 Hz used it will increase the losses especially skin effect will increase and this
will affect the radio system performance of the aircraft.
 Therefore 400 Hz is the optimum frequency which provides the balance i.e. for the given size of
component or equipment losses is not that much high.

Ques 35. Three phase alternator are invariably star connected because
1. Magnetic Loss is minimized
2. Less number of wire turns are used
3. Higher terminal voltage is obtained
4. Small conductor can be used
Answer 3. Higher terminal voltage is obtained
 For the development of a rotating magnetic field in a three phase machine, it is essential that the current
in these three phase windings must be 120 degrees placed wrt each other both in space and time.
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AC Machinery
 In order to achieve it, both star or delta configurations can be used, but the star connection has certain
advantages over delta connection which are-
 The phase voltages in star connection are 57.7 % of the line voltages, i.e. the armature winding in star
connection is less exposed to voltage as compared to the delta connection which in turn reducing the
cost of insulation and conductor material.
 In a star connected system, V phase = √3 V line. and Emf induced ∝ Turns,
 Therefore a star connected alternator will require the lesser number of turns than a delta connected
alternator for the same line voltage.
 In star connection, if the neutral is grounded then it also provides a path for the Zero-Sequence currents
during faults,
 But in the delta connection, the zero sequence currents flow within the delta circuit and hence
increasing the load on the winding.
 Star connection offers high voltage and low current and hence it is suitable for transmitting high
voltages over the transmission lines than that of high current.
 Star Connected system is used where the low starting current is required.
 Delta connection is used where high starting Torque is required.

Ques 36. In an alternator chording angle for a flux, wave is α its value for 7th harmonic is
1. 5α
2. 8α
3. 7α
4. 2α
Answer 3. 7α
 Chording factor or pitch factor is defined as the ratio of generated emf in the short pitched coil to the emf
that would be generated in the full pitched coil.
K p = cosα/2
 The chording angle for rth harmonic is always r times the chording angle.
 Therefore the value of 7th harmonic will be 7α.

Ques 37. For eliminating the 7th harmonic of emf wave of an alternator the fractional pitch must be
1. 7/8
2. 2/3
3. 3/2
4. 6/7
Answer 4. 6/7
 One harmonic can be completely eliminated by selecting a coil span (fractional pitch) that result in the
pitch factor of zero for that particular harmonic.
 For example, 5th harmonic is completely eliminated by selecting coil span of 4/5.
 Similarly 3rd harmonic can be eliminated by selecting coil span of 2/3.
 Therefore for eliminating 7th harmonic coil span of 6/7 is to be selected.
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AC Machinery
Ques 38. When the speed of an alternator changed from 3600 rpm to 1800 rpm the generated emf/phase
become
1. One half
2. One fourth
3. Twice
4. One-fifth
Answer 1. One – half
 The average E.m.f generated per phase is given as
E = 4 f Φ T volts
Where f = PN/120 Hz
Φ = flux per pole
T = Total number of turns per phase
 Since the speed of the alternator is directly proportional to the emf of an alternator. So if the speed is
reduced to half then the emf will also become one-half.

Ques 39. One of the following condition which is not necessary when the alternator is operating in parallel
1. Terminal voltage of both alternators must be same
2. Same phase Rotation
3. Same frequency
4. Same rating
Answer 4. Same Rating
 There are five conditions that must be met before when two alternators running in parallel.
1. Equal line voltage
2. Same frequency
3. Same phase sequence
4. Same phase angle
5. Same waveform
 We can use 2 alternators of 6 MVA and 4 MVA each instead of using single 10 MVA alternator because it
is economical than using a single alternator of the same rating.

Ques 40. It is never advisable to connect a stationary alternator to live bus bar because it
1. Will behave as synchronous motor
2. Will Behave as induction motor
3. Will Get burn
4. Will decrease the bus bar voltage.
Hide Explanation
:[Answer 3. Will Get burn

 In a Synchronous machine, the stator carries the armature winding which is having a small resistance.
 Under stationary conditions, the emf induced in stator winding is zero.
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AC Machinery
 So if such an alternator is connected to a live bus bar, there is always a danger of short circuit (Ra is
negligible and frequency is zero so there is no reactance).

Ques 41. Keeping the excitation constant, if steam supply of an alternator running in parallel with another
identical alternator is increased then
1. It would over run the another motor
2. It will supply greater portion of the load
3. Its power factor will decrease
4. All of the above
Answer 2. It will supply greater portion of the load
 If the steam supply of one of the alternator is increased then its power input to the prime mover will also
increase.
 As we know that for parallel operation the speed must be same for both the alternators, therefore the
alternator with greater steam cannot overrun the alternator having the lesser steam supply.
 The alternator with more steam supply utilizes its increased power to carry more load by advancing its
angular position.

Ques 42. Zero power factor method is used to find

1. Voltage Regulation
2. Efficiency
3. Armature resistance
4. Synchronous Impedance
Answer 1. Voltage Regulation
 Zero power factor means that the load connected is either purely capacitive (zero leading) or purely
reactive (zero lagging), therefore, there’s no KWatt (real power) consumed by the load.
 As we know, the armature mmf depends on the armature current (Ia). when the load is purely resistive,
the armature mmf is 90° Electrical behind the field mmf.
 When the load is purely capacitive (zero leading pf), (Ia) advances by 90°, thus armature mmf is in phase
with the field mmf and in this case, it helps in increasing the resultant mmf.
 When the load is purely reactive ( zero lagging pf), Ia lags behind by 90° thus the voltage leads the
current by 90°.
NOTE: Power factor being zero means the angle between the voltage and current phasors in 90 degrees. The
term lagging implies that voltage leads current. Cosine 90 is Zero and hence called Zero Power Factor load.

Ques 43. The load sharing between two steam driven alternator operating in parallel may be adjusted by
varying the
1. Power factor
2. Speed of the alternator
3. Steam supply to the prime mover
4. None of the above
Answer 3. Steam supply to the prime mover
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AC Machinery
 By increasing the steam supply of any one the alternators, the alternator power input to the prime mover
is increased.
 The alternator with more steam supply utilizes its increased power to carry more load by advancing its
angular position.

Ques 44. Active power of an alternator can be varied by

1. Increasing field excitation
2. Changing prime mover speed
3. Decreasing field excitation
4. Any of the above
Answer 2. Changing prime mover speed
 The alternator rotor has to maintain a constant speed as it is designed to produce a certain voltage at the
desired frequency.
 However, the real power demand is variable and at any instant, it is the duty of the generator to match
(supply) this real power demand.
 When an alternator is connected to the grid if electrical load increases that mean real power increases.
This increase in real power takes place by rotor deceleration for short duration of time.
 The loading on generator should not exceed the generator rating as it may lead to heating of the stator.

Ques 45. Negative voltage regulation can be expected in case of

1. High-speed alternator
2. Slow speed alternator
3. Leading power factor load
4. Lagging power factor load
Answer 3. Leading power factor load
 The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage when the full load
is removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, to the rated terminal voltage.

Where V p h = Rated terminal voltage

E p h =No load induced e.m.f
 The value of regulation depends upon load current and power factor of the load.
 For lagging and unity power factor there is always drop in the terminal voltage hence regulation values
are always positive.
 For leading or capacitive load the terminal voltage increase as the load current increase because
armature flux is added up with the main field flux hence regulation is negative.

Ques 46. The main function of pilot exciter in larger alternator is

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AC Machinery
1. Driving dc auxiliaries
2. Battery charging
3. Exciting field winding of the main alternator
4. Exciting field winding of the main exciter
Answer 4. Exciting field winding of the main exciter
 Exciter is a device or combination of devices which supply the magnetizing current to generate the
working flux.
 In industrial applications basically, 3 types of exciters are used for an alternator.
1. Static exciter
2. Permanent magnet/Brushless Exciter
3. DC/Pilot exciter
 To maintain the stability of the overall system the synchronous generator should response quickly for
sudden changes in the load and in order to attend this two dc generator are used, one as a main
exciter and other as a pilot exciter.
 Pilot exciter is used to make the excitation of the generator independent of an external power source.
 A pilot exciter is mounted on the rotor shaft and it excites the field coil of a separately excited dc
generator called “ the main exciter”.

Ques 48. The advantages of parallel operation of alternator are

1. Continuity of the supply
2. Proper load Sharing
3. Increase in efficiency
4. All of the above
Answer 4. All of the above
The advantages of parallel operation of an alternator are
 Proper load sharing
 Increase in reliability
 Increase in efficiency
 Reduce losses
 Easy to operate
 Cheaper (reduce capital cost)
 Continuity of supply
Continuity of the supply
 If the single large unit is disabled for maintenance purpose then the station will be no longer functional;
Whereas if one of the several smaller units is in need of repair, the other smaller units are still available
to maintain continuity of the supply.
Efficiency
 During light load, one or more alternators may be shut off while a few operate at full load. This provides
more efficiency.
Future Expansion & reduction in cost
 An additional set of an alternator can be connected in parallel to meet the increasing demand thereby
reducing the initial cost of setting up another unit.
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AC Machinery
Ques 49. In synchronous machine, the generated V curve is drawn between
1. Field current on X-axis and armature current on Y axis
2. Field current on Y axis and armature current on X axis
3. Field current on Y axis and Power factor on X axis
4. Field current on X axis and Power factor on Y axis
Answer 1. Field current on X-axis and armature current on Y axis
 V curve is the graph showing the relation of armature current as a function of field current in
synchronous machines.
 In the case of a synchronous generator, V curve is drawn between field current on the X axis and armature
current on the Y axis.
 The purpose of the curve is to show the variation in the magnitude of the armature current as the
excitation voltage of the machine is varied.

Ques 50. In synchronous generator, the Inverted V curve is drawn between

1. Field current on X-axis and armature current on Y axis
2. Field current on Y axis and armature current on X axis
3. Field current on Y axis and Power factor on X axis
4. Field current on X axis and Power factor on Y axis
Answer 4. Field current on the X axis and Power factor on Y axis
 The Inverted V Curve is a graph showing the relation of power factor as a function of field
current.
 In the case of a synchronous generator, the inverted V curve is drawn between field current on X
axis and Power factor on Y axis.
 Similar to V Curve, its purpose is to show variation in power factor as the field current of the
machine is varied.
Ques 51. Alternators are usually designed to generate which type of ac voltage?
1. With fixed frequency
2. With variable frequency
3. Fixed current
4. Fixed power factor
Answer.1. With fixed frequency
 In an alternating current electric power system, synchronization is the process of matching the
speed and frequency of a generator or other source to a running network. An AC generator
cannot deliver power to an electrical grid unless it is running at the same frequency as the
network. If two segments of a grid are disconnected, they cannot exchange AC power again until
they are brought back into exact synchronization.
 Hence alternators are usually designed with the fixed frequency of AC voltage.

Ques 52.Two alternators rated 40 MVA and 60 MVA respectively are working in parallel and
supplying a total load of 80 MW. Speed regulation of both the alternator is 5%. The load sharing
between them will be
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AC Machinery
1. 30 MW, 50 MW
2. 32 MW, 48 MW
3. 36 MW, 44 MW
4. 40 MW each
Answer. 2. 32 MW, 48 MW
Change in frequency from No load to full load
f = 50 x 0.05 = 2.5Hz
Full load frequency
f f l 1 = 50 – 2.5 = 47.5Hz
Since both alternators have same speed regulation then
f f l 1 = f fl 2

From the above diagram

For machine 1
(50 – f)/(80 – x) = (50 – 47.5)/40
x – 16f = 80 – 16 x 50
x- 16f = -720—–1
For machine 2
(50 – f)/(80 – x) = (50 – 47.5)/60
x – 24f = -1200 ——-2
From equation (1) and (2)
x= 48 MW
f = 60 Hz
So, machine A operates at a load of 48 MW While machine B will operate at a load of
80 – 48 = 32 MW

Ques 53. An alternator has a per unit impedance of 0.9 p.u. to a base of 20 MVA, 33 kV, Then the
p.u. impedance to the base of 50 MVA and 11 kV.
1. 20.25
2. 15.75
3. 25.78
4. 10.50
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AC Machinery
Answer.1 20.25
The per unit impedance is given as
\begin{array}{l}{Z_{pu\;new}} = {Z_{pu\;old}}\left(
{\dfrac{{MV{A_{base\;new}}}}{{MV{A_{base\;old}}}}} \right){\left(
{\dfrac{{K{V_{base\;old}}}}{{K{V_{base\;new}}}}} \right)^2}\\\\ = 0.9 \times \dfrac{{50}}{{20}} \times
{\left( {\dfrac{{33}}{{11}}} \right)^2=20.25}\end{array}Zpunew=Zpuold(MVAbaseoldMVAbasenew
)(KVbasenewKVbaseold)2=0.9×2050×(1133)2=20.25

Ques 54. In an alternator, the effect of armature reaction is minimum at the power factor of
1. 0.5 Lagging
2. 0.866 Lagging
3. 0.866 Leading
4. Unity
Answer.4. Unity
At unity p.f., the effect of armature reaction is merely to distort the main field; there is no weakening
of the main field and the average flux practically remains the same.
At zero p.f. lagging, armature reaction is directly demagnetizing and the armature reaction weakens
the main flux. This causes a reduction in the generated e.m.f.
At zero p.f. leading, armature flux is now in the same direction as the field flux and, therefore the
armature reaction strengthens the main flux. This causes an increase in the generated voltage.

Ques 55. A 10 pole 25 Hz alternator is directly coupled to and is driven by 60 Hz synchronous motor
then the number of poles in a synchronous motor is?
1. 24 poles
2. 48 poles
3. 12 Poles
4. None of the above
Answer.1. 24 Poles
Number of poles of alternator Pa = 10
F = 25 Hz (alternator)
F = 60 Hz (motor)
Then the number of poles of motor Pm =?
Since the synchronous motor is directly coupled hence
Synchronous speed of an alternator = Synchronous speed of the motor
(120 x 25)/10 = (120 x 60)/ Pm
Pm = 24

Ques 56. Turbo alternators have rotors of

1. Small diameter and long axial length
2. Large diameter and long axial length
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AC Machinery
3. Large diameter and small axial length
4. Small diameter and axial length
Answer. 1. Small diameter and long axial length
Smooth Cylindrical Type or Non-Salient Pole alternator rotor is used for steam driven alternator i.e
turbo alternator which runs at very high speed.
 This type of Rotor is used for steam driven alternator i.e turbo alternator which runs at very high
speed.

Cylindrical Type Rotor

 The Rotor is made up of smooth solid forgings of alloy steel cylinder having the number of slots
along the outer periphery.
 The field windings of cylindrical type rotor are connected in series to the slip rings through which
they are excited by the DC exciter.
 The top portion of the slot is covered with the help of steel or manganese wedges and
the unslotted portion of the cylinder acts as the poles of an alternator.
 The field windings are arranged in such a way that its flux density is maximum on the polar
central line.
 In cylindrical rotor, the pole doesn’t project out from the smooth surface of the rotor hence they
maintain the uniform air gap between stator and rotor.
 Since steam turbine runs at very high speed, therefore, they required less number of poles hence
the diameter of the rotor is small and axial or rotor length is large.

Ques 57. The steady-state fault current during a 3 phase terminal fault on a generator is determined
by:
1. The transient reactance of the generator
2. The Sub-transient reactance of the generator
3. The synchronous reactance of the generator
4. DC offset during the instant of the fault
Answer.3. The synchronous reactance of the generator
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AC Machinery
1. Sub-transient (xd”). Subtransient reactance is a value used to determine the short circuit
current during the first few cycles after a short-circuit occurs. This is the short-circuit current
value to be used in all short-circuit studies.
2. Transient reactance (Xd’). Transient reactance is a value used to determine the short-circuit
current from the first few cycles up to about 30 cycles after the short-circuit occurs (depending
upon the design of the machine). This value is often used in voltage regulation studies.
3. Synchronous reactance (Xd). Synchronous reactance is a value used to determine the short-
circuit current when the steady state condition has been reached. Steady state is reached several
seconds afier the shortcircuit occurs. This value is often used to determine the setting of the
generator backup overcurrent relays.

Ques 58. To reduce the peripheral speed of an alternator, the diameter of the rotor is
1. Increased
2. Decreased
3. Increased or decreased
4. Kept same
Answer 2. Decreased
Peripheral speed refers to the actual linear speed of a tooth or point of the circumference of an
alternator when it is revolving under power. Peripheral speed is thus the product of the
circumference of the alternator and the number of revolution per minutes.
The peripheral speed of the alternator
Ps = π × D × RPM
The peripheral speed depends on the speed as well as the diameter of the rotor. So to reduce the
peripheral speed of the alternator the diameter of the rotor should be decreased.

Ques 59. The positive, negative and zero sequence impedances of 3-phase synchronous generator
are j 0.5 pu, j 0.3 pu, and j 0.2 pu respectively. When the symmetrical fault occurs on the machine
terminals. Find the fault current. The generator neutral is grounded through reactance of j0.1 pu
1. -j 3.33 pu
2. -j 1.67 pu
3. -j2.0 pu
4. -j 2.5 pu
Answer. 2. -j 1.67 pu
For symmetrical fault, the fault current is given as
I f = E/(Zi +Zn)
Where E = Pre fault voltage Which is equal to 1
Z i = poisitive impedance
Z n = Neutral Impedance
Zi = 0.5j & Zn = 0.1 j
I f = 1/(0.5j + 0.1j)
I f = -j 1.67
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AC Machinery

Ques 60. The emf induced per phase in a three-phase star connected synchronous generator
having the following data
Distribution factor = 0.955
Coil-span factor = 0.966
Frequency = 50 Hz
Flux per pole = 25 mwb
Turns per phase = 240, then emf per phase is
1. 2128.36 Volts
2. 1228.81 Volt
3. 869.46 Volts
4. 1737.80 Volts
Answer. 2. 1228.81 volt
E.M.F equation of an alternator is given as
E = K c K d √2π f Φ N p
Or E = 4.44 K c K d f Φ N p ………….. (since √2π = 4.44)
Where
K c = Coil span factor
K d = Distribution factor
Φ = Flux per pole
f = frequency
Np = Turns per phase
E = 4.44 × 0.955 × 0.966 × 50 × 25 × 10 -3 × 240
E = 1228.1 volts

Ques 61. A generating station supplies the following loads 15000 kW, 12000 kW, 8500 kW, 6000 kW
and 450kW. The station has the maximum demand of 22000kW. Calculate the diversity factor
1. 1.91
2. 0.52
3. 0.68
4. 1.34
Answer.A. 1.91
Diversity factor = Sum of individual maximum demand/Max demand of station
= (1500 + 1200 + 8500 + 6000 + 450)/22000
= 1.91

Ques 62. In a 3-phase synchronous generator, the stator winding is connected in star, because a
delta connection would
1. Have circulating currents due to triple harmonics
2. Require more insulation and conductor material
3. Require larger conductor and more core material
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AC Machinery
4. Result in a short circuit
Answer. 2. Require more insulation and conductor material
Alternators are connected primarily in the star to achieve the following motives:
1. The phase voltages in star connection is 57.7 % of the line voltages, i.e. the armature winding in
star connection is less exposed to voltage as compared to the delta connection which in turn
prove more economic if we consider insulation, breakdown strength, requirement of conductor
material
2. Easy protection: Neutral grounding is necessary to allow zero sequence currents to flow to the
ground in case of a fault.
3. Elimination of harmonics: Star connection facilitates a neutral connection which is instrumental
in eliminating triple harmonics.
4. No circulating currents: In star connection, we don’t have circulating parasitic currents like in
Delta which lead to heating losses.

Ques 63. A cylindrical synchronous machine connected to an infinite bus power will deliver
maximum power at power angle of
1. δ = 0°
2. δ = 90°
3. δ = 45°
4. δ = 30°
Answer. 2. δ = 90°
Power delivered by the synchronous generator is given as

Where E = Excitation voltage

V = Terminal voltage
X = Synchronous reactance
For P m a x sinδ = 1
δ = 90°
P m a x = VE/X

Ques 64. The maximum power developed in a cylindrical synchronous machine depends on the
1. Load angle
2. Synchronous reactance
3. Excitation
4. Both 2 and 3
Answer.4. Both 2 and 3
Power delivered by the synchronous generator is given as
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AC Machinery
Where E = Excitation voltage
V = Terminal voltage
X = Synchronous reactance
For P m a x sinδ = 1
δ = 90°
P m a x = VE/X
Therefore, maximum power developed depends on excitation, Terminal and synchronous reactance.

Ques 65. The effective resistance of a 2200V, 50Hz, 440 KVA, 1 -phase alternator is 0.5 ohm. On
short-circuit, a field current of 40 A gives the full load current of 200 A. The electromotive force on
open-circuits with same field excitation is 1160 V. Then the synchronous impedance and reactance
is _______ ohm and _______ ohm respectively
1. 5.8, 5.781
2. 6.5, 7.5
3. 3.2, 2.3
4. 10, 20
Answer A. 5.8, 5.81
For single phase alternator, the field current remains same for open circuit and short circuit
condition.
Synchronous impedance can be defined as the ratio of open-circuit voltage (or induced emf ) to
short-circuit current (or mmf ) corresponding to the same field excitation.
Z = V/I = 1160/200 = 5.8 ohms
Now synchronous Reactance X
\begin{array}{l}X = \sqrt {{Z^2} - {R^2}} \\\\X = \sqrt {{{5.8}^2} + {{0.5}^2}} \\\\X = 5.81\Omega
\end{array}X=Z2−R2X=5.82+0.52X=5.81Ω

Ques 66.Two generators rated 200 MW and 400 MW are operating in parallel. The drooping
characteristics of their governors are 4% and 5%, respectively from no load to full load. Assuming
that the generators are operating at 50 Hz at no load, how would a load of 600 MW be shared
between them? Then the system frequency at this load will be? Assume free governor operation.
1. 50 Hz
2. 51.4 Hz
3. 52. 5 Hz
4. 47.69 Hz
Answer. D. 47.69 Hz
Since the generators are in parallel hence they will operate at the same frequency at steady load.
Let the load On the generator 1 (200 MW) = P
Then the load on the generator 2 (400 MW) = (600 − P) MW
Let the reduction in the frequency = Δf
Now,
Δf ⁄ P = 0.04 × 50 ⁄ 200
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AC Machinery
Δf ⁄ P = 0.01 ———(1)
Also,
Δf ⁄ (600 − P) = 0.05 × 50 ⁄ 400
Δf ⁄ (600 − P) = 0.006 ———-(2)
Equating Δf in (i) and (ii), we get
P = 231 MW (Load on generator 1)
600 − P = 369 MW (Load on generator 2)
System frequency of the alternator is given as
f = \frac{{{f_o} - \Delta f}}{{{P_{rated}}}} \times P_1/P_2f=Pratedfo−Δf×P1/P2
Where f o is rated power frequency.
Δf is full load frequency.
Putting the value of P in above equation, the system frequency will be
\begin{array}{l}f = 50 - \dfrac{{0.04 \times 50}}{{200}} \times 231\\\\f =
47.69Hz\end{array}f=50−2000.04×50×231f=47.69Hz

Ques 67. A large hydroelectric power plant is under consideration. Its hydraulic head or water Level
difference above and below the dam and its power requirement dictate its water turbine or runner
must turn at from 137.00 rpm (14.347 rad/sec). Power required is 60 Hz. Then How many poles
must a direct-connected alternator have?
1. 60
2. 53
3. 55
4. 100
Answer 2. 53
The synchronous alternator is the basic a c. generator It is called synchronous because its
generated frequency is directly related to its number of armature and field poles and to its rotative
speed. An individual coil of winding generates a full cycle of a c. voltage each time it is swept by a
pair of magnetic poles. The relation between the generated frequency from cycles per pole pair to a
machine basis is given as
f = \dfrac{{P\omega }}{{4\pi }} \times \dfrac{{Cycle}}{{\sec }}f=4πPω×secCycle
Where
P = Number of Poles
ω = Rotative speed in rad/sec
Hence the number of poles connected the to the alternator is
\begin{array}{l}P = \dfrac{{4\pi f}}{\omega }\\\\P = \dfrac{{4\pi \times 60}}{{14.347}}\\\\P =
53\end{array}P=ω4πfP=14.3474π×60P=53

Ques 68. The stator of an alternator rarely uses ………………. slots.

1. Wide open type
2. Semi-closed type
3. Closed type
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AC Machinery
4. None of the above.
Answer 3. Closed Type
Constructionally the staler for both types of alternators is identical. The stator is made of
laminations of special magnetic iron or steel alloy and can accommodate armature conductors. The
whole structure is fitted in a frame. The frame may be of cast iron or welded steel plate. The
laminations in the stator are insulated from each other with paper or varnish depending Upon the
size of the machine. The stampings also have openings which make axial and radial ventilating
ducts to provide efficient cooling.
Slots provided on the stator core are mainly of three types
1. Open type
2. Semi-closed type.
3. Fully closed type
Open type:- Open type slots are commonly used because the coils can be formed, wound and
insulated prior to being placed in the slots. These slots also provide the facility in removal and
replacement maintenance of defective coil. However, these type of slots has the disadvantage of
distributing the air gap flux into branches which tends to produce ripples in the emf wave.
Semi-closed type:- The semi-closed type slots are better in this respect but do not permit the use
of pre-wound coils and lacks in ventilation as well as poses difficulty in maintenance.
Closed type: The wholly closed type slots do not distribute the air gap flux but
1. They tend to increase
2. The armature conductors have to be threaded through, thereby increasing initial labor and cost of
winding
3. They present a complicated problem of end connections. Hence, they are rarely used.

Ques 69. The advantages of having the revolving field of the alternator are
1. Ease of construction
2. Better Insulation to the armature
3. Reduce Rotor weight
4. All of the above
Answer. 4. All of the above
FIELD AND ARMATURE CONFIGURATIONS
There are two arrangements of fields and armatures:
1. Revolving armature and the stationary field
2. Revolving field and stationary armature.
ADVANTAGES OF ROTATING FIELD IN AN ALTERNATOR
In large alternators, rotating field arrangement is usually forward due to the following advantages.
1. Ease of Construction: Armature winding of large alternators being complex, the connection and
bracing of the armature windings can be easily made for the stationary stator.
2. The number of Slip Rings: If the armature is made rotating, the number of slip rings required for
power transfer from armature to the external circuit is atleast three. Also, heavy current flows
through brush and slip ring cause problems and require more maintenance in large alternators.
Insulation required for slip rings from rotating shaft is difficult with the rotating armature system.
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AC Machinery
3. High voltage generation:- Voltages can be generated as high as 11,000 and 13,800 V. These
values can be reached because the stationary armature windings do not undergo vibration and
centrifugal stresses.
4. High current Rating:- Alternators can have relatively high current ratings. Such ratings are
possible because the output of the alternator is taken directly from the stator windings through
heavy, well-insulated cables to the external circuit. Neither slip rings nor a commutator is used.
5. Better Insulation to Armature: Insulation arrangement of armature windings can easily be made
from the core on the stator.
6. Reduced Rotor Weight and Rotor Inertia: Since the field system is placed on the rotor, hence
the insulation requirement is less (for low dc voltage). Also, rotational inertia is less. It takes
lesser time to gain full speed.
7. Improved Ventilation Arrangement: The cooling can be provided by enlarging the stator core
with radial ducts. Water cooling is much easier if the armature is housed in the stator.
Hence in almost all of the alternators, the armature is housed in the stator while the dc field system
is placed in the rotor.

Ques 70. The a.c. armature winding of an alternator operates at ……………… the field winding.
1. The same voltage as
2. Much lesser voltage than
3. Much higher voltage than
4. None of the above
Answer. 3. Much Higher voltage than
AC is used everywhere, the generation level of a.c voltage may be higher as 11 KV to 33 KV. This
gets induced in the armature. For stationary armature, large space can be provided to accommodate
a large number of conductors and the insulation.
The rotor carries a field winding which is supplied with d.c. through two slip rings by a separate d.c
source.The field voltage is usually in the range between 100 and 250 V. The amount of power
delivered to the field circuit is relatively small.
Since the voltage applied to the rotating field is low voltage DC, the problem of ARC over at the slip
ring is not encountered.

Ques 71. The salient-pole construction for field structure of an alternator is generally used for
……………. machine.
1. 2-pole
2. 8-pole
3. 4-pole
4. None of the above
Answer.B 8-pole
The salient pole rotors are driven by low-speed water turbines or diesel engines. It is because the
salient-pole type construction is difficult to build to withstand the stresses at high speeds. Because
a salient pole rotor turns at low speed (50 to 300 r.p.m.) and because a frequency of 50 Hz is
required, we must place a large number of poles on the rotor. The speed of an alternator is given as
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AC Machinery
N = 120f/P
Hence the speed of an alternator is inversely proportional to the number of poles. As discussed
above the salient pole alternator turns at low speed, therefore, number of poles required be more.

Ques 72. The a.c. armature winding of an alternator is

1. Always star-connected
2. Generally delta-connected
3. Star-delta connected
4. Delta star connected
Answer. 1. Always connected in star
Alternators are connected primarily in the star to achieve the following motives:
 More economical:- The phase voltages in star connection are 57.7 % of the line voltages, i.e.
the armature winding in star connection is less exposed to voltage as compared to the delta
connection which in turn prove more economic if we consider insulation, breakdown strength, the
requirement of conductor material
 Availability of neutral: It is very important for an alternator to have a neutral point. This neutral
point is to be grounded through a resistor, for stability purposes. The neutral allows a path for
circulating currents under unbalanced loaded conditions, and also during faults. If there was no
path for the flow of fault current, and a line to ground fault occurs in one of the three phases,
there would be a rise in voltages in the other two healthy phases and eventually, it would cause
insulation failure in the other two phases and the line to ground fault would lead to a 3 phase
fault. A neutral point would avoid all this and limit the fault condition to one phase only. Insulation
would be protected, and the lines can be operational after fault isolation.For all this to happen,
star connection in the stator is absolutely necessary.
 Zero sequence current Path:- In star connection, if the neutral is grounded then it also provides
a path for the Zero-Sequence currents during faults, whereas in the delta connection the zero
sequence currents flow within the delta circuit and hence increasing the load on the winding.
 Easy protection: Neutral grounding is necessary to allow zero sequence currents to flow to the
ground in case of a fault.
 Elimination of harmonics: Star connection facilitates a neutral connection which is instrumental
in eliminating triple harmonics.
 No circulating currents: In star connection, we don’t have circulating parasitic currents like in
Delta which lead to heating losses.

Ques 73. Drop in alternator frequency is corrected by:

1. Damper W inding
2. Increased Prime Mover Output
3. Automatic Voltage Regulator
4. None of these
Answer.2. Increased Prime Mover Output
Explanation:-
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AC Machinery
The frequency of an alternator can be adjusted by changing the speed of the Prime Mover as we
know that
Ns = 120f/P
Ns ∝ f
Hence the speed of the prime mover is directly proportional to the alternator frequency therefore by
increasing the speed of Prime-mover we can increase the speed of an alternator.

Ques 74. The angular displacement between two interconnected stations is mainly due to
1. The synchronous reactance of both the alternators
2. The reactance of the interconnector
3. Armature reactance of both alternators
4. All of the above
Answer.3. Armature reactance of both alternators
Interconnected station
 In an interconnected station to transfer large load between the stations, it is required that the
load on the line must be shared equally.

 Consider the 2 generating station S-1 and S-2 supplying a Receiving station RS through line
1 and line 2.
 To deliver equal power through line 1 and line 2 the phase and active component of line current
I 1 and I 2 must be equal.
 To compensate Impedance drop the regulating components (RE) are installed at the sending end
of each transmission line.
 The parallel operation and load sharing between two alternators are possible because of
alternator internal reactance which limits the short circuit current and allows angular
displacement between two stations.

Ques 75. The pitch factor for a full pitch winding of a synchronous machine is
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AC Machinery
1. 0.5
2. 0.9
3. 0.0
4. 1.0
Answer D. 1.0
Pitch factor is the ratio between the winding pitch and pole pitch
Pitch factor= Winding pitch/Pole pitch
Pole pitch may be defined as the distance between the two adjacent poles, which is nothing but the
periphery of the armature divided by the number of poles.
In other words, it is the number of armature conductors or number of armature slots per pole.

Pole Pitch between two adjacent poles in case of any machine will always be 180 degrees electrical.
In case of full pitch winding, the winding pitch is equal to pole pitch. in other words, for a full pitch
winding the pitch factor is equal to unity and the winding is known as “full pitch winding”.

Ques 77. In case of Zero Power factor leading load on the alternator, the effect of armature reaction
is
1. To decrease the induced EMF
2. To cross-Magnetize
3. To increase Induced EMF
4. To de-magnetize
Answer 3. To increase the Induced EMF
Armature Reaction
When the load is connected to the alternator, the armature winding of the alternator carries a
current. Every current carrying conductor produces its own flux so armature of the alternator also
produces its own flux when carrying a current. So there are two fluxes present in the air gap, one
due to armature current while second is produced by the field winding called main flux. The flux
produced by the armature is called armature flux
So the effect of the armature flux on the main flux affecting its value and the distribution called
armature reaction.
The effect of the armature flux not only depends on the magnitude of the current flowing through the
armature winding but also depends on the nature of the power factor of the load connected to the
alternator
Unity Power Factor Load (Cross-Magnetizing)
Consider a purely resistive load connected to the alternator, having unity power factor. As induced
e.m.f E ph drives a current I ph and load power factor is unity, E p h and I p h are in phase with each other.
If φ f is the main flux produced by the field winding responsible for producing E p h then E p h lags φ f by
90°.
Now current through armature I a produces the armature flux say to,, So flux φ a , and la are always in
the same direction.
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AC Machinery

It can be seen from the phasor diagram that there exists a phase difference of 90°between the
armature flux and the main flux. From the waveforms, it can be seen that the two fluxes oppose
each other on the left half of each pole while assisting each other on the right half of each pole.
Hence average flux in the air gap remains constant but its distribution gets distorted. Hence such
distorting effect of armature reaction under unity p.f. the condition of the load is called the cross
magnetizing effect of armature reaction. Due to such distortion of the flux, there is the small drop in
the terminal.
Zero Lagging Power Factor Load (Demagnetizing)(Over-excited)
Consider a purely inductive load connected to the alternator having zero lagging power factor. This
indicates that I p h driven by E p h lags E ph by 90° which is the power factor angled.
Induced e.m.f. E ph lags main fluxes φ f by 90° while φ a is in the same direction as that of I a.
It can be seen from the phasor diagram that the armature flux and the main flux art exactly in
opposite direction to each other. So armature flux tries to cancel the main flux Such an effect of
armature reaction is called the demagnetizing effect of the armature reaction.

As this effect causes the reduction in the main flux, the terminal voltage drops. This drop in the
terminal voltage is more Man the drop corresponding to the unity p.f. load.
Zero Leading Power Factor Load (Magnetizing) Under-excited
Consider a purely capacitive load connected to the alternator having zero leading power factor. This
means that armature current I ap h driven by E p h leads Eph by 90° which is the power factor angle φ.
Induced e.m.f. E ph lags φ f by 90° while I a p h and φ a , are always in the same direction.
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AC Machinery

The armature flux and the main field flux are in the same direction i.e. they are helping each other.
This results into the addition in main flux. Such an effect each armature reaction due to which
armature flux assists field flux is called the magnetizing effect of the armature reaction
As this effect adds the flux to the main flux, greater e.m.f. gets induced in the armature Hence there
is an increase in the terminal voltage for leading power factor loads.
For intermediate power factor loads i.e. between zero lagging and zero leading the armature
reaction is partly cross magnetizing and partly demagnetizing for lagging power factor loads or
partly magnetizing for leading power factor loads.

Ques 78. In a synchronous motor rotor, copper losses are met by

1. Supply Mains
2. DC Source
3. AC Input
4. Armature Input
Answer. 2. DC source
The synchronous motor consist of the two parts:
Stator: Stator is the armature winding. It consists of three phase star or delta connected winding
and excited by 3 phase A.C supply.
Rotor: Rotor is a field winding. The field winding is excited by the separate D.C supply through the
slip ring.
 The 3 phase Ac source feeds electrical power to the armature for following component of the
power
(i)The net mechanical output from the shaft
(ii) Copper losses in the armature winding
(iii) Friction and the armature core losses
 The power received by the DC source is used to utilized only to meet copper losses of the field
winding.

Ques 79. The phasor diagram of synchronous machine connected to an infinite bus is shown in
below. The machine is acting as a
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1. Generator and operating at leading PF

2. Generator and Operating at lagging PF
3. Motor and operating at leading PF
4. Motor and Operating at a lagging PF
Answer. 2. Generator and Operating at lagging PF
The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage when the full
load is removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, divided by the rated terminal Voltage.
Soif V ph = Rated terminal voltage
Eph = No load induced e.m.f
Regulation = (E p h -V p h )/V ph
The value of the regulation not only depends on the load current but also on the power factor of the
load.
For lagging and unity p.f. conditions there is always drop in the terminal voltage hence regulation
values are always positive.

Ques 80. In case of leading power factor, the terminal voltage of the alternator will
1. Fall on adding the full load
2. Rise on removing the full load
3. Fall on removing the full load
4. Rise on adding the full load
Answer 2. Rise on removing the full load
Under the load condition, the terminal voltage of the alternator is less than the induced e.m.f(Eph).
So if the load is disconnected, Vph(per phase rated terminal voltage) will change from Vph to Eph, if
flux and speed are maintained constant. This is because when the load is disconnected, Ia is zero
hence there are no voltage drops and no armature flux to cause armature reaction. This change in
the terminal voltage is significant in defining the voltage regulation.
The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage when the full
load is removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, divided by the rated terminal Voltage.
Soif V ph = Rated terminal voltage
Eph = No load induced e.m.f
Regulation = (E p h -V p h )/V ph
The value of the regulation not only depends on the load current but also on the power factor of the
load.
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AC Machinery
For lagging and unity p.f. conditions there is always drop in the terminal voltage hence regulation
values are always positive.
While for leading capacitive load conditions, the terminal voltage increases as load current
increases. Hence regulation is negative in such cases.Hence the terminal voltage will fall on
removing the full-load.
The relationship between the load current and the terminal voltage is called load characteristics of
an alternator. Such load characteristics for various load power factor is shown in fig.

Ques 81. A 4-pole, 50 Hz, synchronous generator has 48 slots in which a double layer winding is
housed. Each coil has 10 turns and is short pitched by an angle of 36 o to electrical. The
fundamental flux per pole is 0.25 W b. The line to line induced emf, for a three phase star connection
is approximately
1. 800 V
2. 1000 V
3. 1400 V
4. 1500 V
Answer.C. 1400 V
Given Data
The number of Poles P = 4
No of slots = 48
Flux φ = 0.25 Wb
Number of turns = 10
For double layer winding,
No of coils = No of slots = 48
Total number of Turns = 48 × 10 = 480
Hence turns per phase = 480 ⁄ 3 = 160
Pitch factor K P is
\begin{array}{l}{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{\alpha }{2}\\\\{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{{36^\circ }}{2}\\\\{K_P} = \cos
18^\circ \\\\{K_P} = 0.951\end{array}KP=cos2αKP=cos236∘KP=cos18∘KP=0.951
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AC Machinery
Now distribution factor K d is given as
\begin{array}{l}{K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (m\alpha /2)}}{{m\sin \alpha /2}}\\\\{\text{where alpha is slot angle
= }}\dfrac{{{\text{180 electrical}}}}{{{\text{No of slots/pole}}}}\\{\rm{\alpha }} = \dfrac{{180 \times
4}}{{48}} = 15^\circ \\\\{\text{m = no of slots per pole per phase}}\\\\m = \dfrac{{48}}{{4 \times 3}} =
4\\\\\therefore {K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (60^\circ /2)}}{{4\sin (15^\circ /2)}}\\\\{K_d} = 0.9576\end{array}Kd
=msinα/2sin(mα/2)where alpha is slot angle = No of slots/pole180 electricalα=48180×4
=15∘m = no of slots per pole per phasem=4×348=4∴Kd=4sin(15∘/2)sin(60∘/2)Kd=0.9576
∴ EMF per phase E p h of an alternator is
E p h = 4.44.K p .K d .φ.f.T ph
E p h = 4.44 × 0.951 × 0.9576 × 0.25 × 50 × 160
E p h = 808.68
Line to Line induced EMF
E L = √3E P H
E L = √3 × 808.68
E L = 1400.67 V

Ques 82. A 3 phase, 4-pole alternator has 48 stator slots carrying a 3 phase distributed winding.
Each coil of the winding in short chorded by one slot-pitch.The winding factor (K w ) is
1. 0.9494
2. 0.8565
3. 0.9147
4. 0.6190
Answer A. 0.9494
Given Data
The number of Poles P = 4
No of slots = 48
Phase = 3
Distribution factor K d is given as
\begin{array}{l}{K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (m\alpha /2)}}{{m\sin \alpha /2}}\\\\{\text{where alpha is slot angle
= }}\dfrac{{{\text{180 electrical}}}}{{{\text{No of slots/pole}}}}\\{\rm{\alpha }} = \dfrac{{180 \times
4}}{{48}} = 15^\circ \\\\{\text{m = no of slots per pole per phase}}\\\\m = \dfrac{{48}}{{4 \times 3}} =
4\\\\\therefore {K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (60^\circ /2)}}{{4\sin (15^\circ /2)}}\\\\{K_d} = 0.9576\end{array}Kd
=msinα/2sin(mα/2)where alpha is slot angle = No of slots/pole180 electricalα=48180×4
=15∘m = no of slots per pole per phasem=4×348=4∴Kd=4sin(15∘/2)sin(60∘/2)Kd=0.9576
Pitch factor K P is
\begin{array}{l}{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{\alpha }{2}\\\\{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{{15^\circ }}{2}\\\\{K_P} =
0.9914\end{array}KP=cos2αKP=cos215∘KP=0.9914
Sometimes distribution factor (K d ) and pitch factor (K p ) of an alternator are combined into a single
factor called winding factor (K w ). The winding factor is the product of K d and K p i.e.
Kw = Kp × Kd
K w = 0.9576 × 0.9914
K w = 0.9494
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AC Machinery

Ques 83. A 6 pole alternator with 36 slots carries a 3-phase distributed winding. Each coil is short-
pitched by one slot. The winding factor is given by
\begin{array}{l}1.{\text{ }}\dfrac{{Cot15^\circ }}{{3\sqrt 2 }}\\\\2.{\text{ }}\dfrac{{Cot15^\circ
}}{4}\\\\3.{\text{ }}\dfrac{{Cot15^\circ }}{{2\sqrt 2 }}\\\\4.{\text{ }}\dfrac{{Cot15^\circ
}}{6}\end{array}1. 32Cot15∘2. 4Cot15∘3. 22Cot15∘4. 6Cot15∘
Answer 2. Cot 15° ⁄ 4
Distribution factor K d is given as
\begin{array}{l}{K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (m\alpha /2)}}{{m\sin \alpha /2}}\\\\{\text{where alpha is slot angle
= }}\dfrac{{{\text{180 electrical}}}}{{{\text{No of slots/pole}}}}\\{\rm{\alpha }} = \dfrac{{180 \times
6}}{{36}} = 30^\circ \\\\{\rm{m = no of slots per pole per phase}}\\\\m = \dfrac{{36}}{{6 \times 3}} =
2\\\\\therefore {K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (2 \times 15^\circ /2)}}{{4\sin (30^\circ /2)}}\\\\{K_d} =
\dfrac{1}{{4\sin 15^\circ }}\end{array}Kd=msinα/2sin(mα/2)
where alpha is slot angle = No of slots/pole180 electricalα=36180×6
=30∘m=noofslotsperpoleperphasem=6×336=2∴Kd=4sin(30∘/2)sin(2×15∘/2)Kd=4sin15∘1
Also the Pitch factor K P is
\begin{array}{l}{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{\alpha }{2}\\\\{K_P} = \cos \dfrac{{30^\circ }}{2}\\\\{K_P} = \cos
15^\circ \end{array}KP=cos2αKP=cos230∘KP=cos15∘
The winding factor is the product of K d and Kp i.e.
Kw = Kp × Kd
\begin{array}{l}{K_w} = \dfrac{1}{{4\sin 15^\circ }} \times \cos 15^\circ \\\\\dfrac{{Cos\theta
}}{{Sin\theta }} = Cot\theta \\\\\therefore {K_w} = \dfrac{{Cot15^\circ }}{4}\end{array}Kw=4sin15∘1
×cos15∘SinθCosθ=Cotθ∴Kw=4Cot15∘

Ques 84. For eliminating 7th harmonic from the emf ware of an alternator, what is the fractional
pitch W inding
1. 3π/7
2. π/7
3. 2π/7
4. π/14
Answer. 2. π/7
For eliminating 7th harmonic
Kp7 = 0
\begin{array}{l}\cos \dfrac{{7\alpha }}{2} = 0\\\\ = \dfrac{{7\alpha }}{2} = \dfrac{\pi }{2}\\\\\alpha =
\dfrac{\pi }{7}\end{array}cos27α=0=27α=2πα=7π

Ques 85. A part of an alternator winding consists of 8 coils in series, each coil having an emf of 80V
(rms) induced in it. Coils are placed in successive slots and having electrical phase displacement of
30°. Then the emf of right coils in series is.
1. 250 V
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AC Machinery
2. 260 V
3. 265.7 V
4. 270.2 V
Answer C. 265.7 V
Given
Phase displacement angle α = 30°
No of slots per pole per phase (n) = Number of coil = 8
Distribution factor K d is
\begin{array}{l}\therefore {K_d} = \dfrac{{\sin (8 \times 30^\circ /2)}}{{8\sin (30^\circ /2)}}\\\\{K_d} =
0.4182\end{array}∴Kd=8sin(30∘/2)sin(8×30∘/2)Kd=0.4182
Airthmetic sum of voltage = Total Number of coils x Given voltage
= 8 x 80 = 640 V
The EMF of right coils in series is
Vector sum of voltage = Distribution factor x Airthmetic sum of voltage
= 0.4182 × 640
= 267. 6 V

Ques 86. If a 3 phase, 25 kV, 50Hz Star connected synchronous generator runs at 1000 rpm. Then
the number of poles and voltage per phase is _______ & ________ respectively
1. 6 Poles, 15080.8 V
2. 12 Poles, 15008 V
3. 6 Poles, 13334.5 V
4. 6 Poles, 14433.7 V
Answer 4. 6 Poles, 14433.7 V
Given data
Frequency f = 50 Hz
Line voltage V L = 25 kV = 25 x 10 3 V
Speed N s = 1000 RPM
The synchronous speed of an alternator is given as
N s = 120f/P
P = 120f/N
P = 120 x 50/1000
P = 6
In star connection Voltage per phase is given by
V P H = VL ⁄ √3
V P H = 25 x 10 3 ⁄ √3
V P H = 14433.7 V

Ques 87. A 3 phase Star connected synchronous generator is rated at 15 kVA, 400V, 50Hz. If rated
load at 0.8 pf lagging is supplied where resistance is 0.5Ω and synchronous reactance is 10Ω. Then
the voltage regulation of an alternator is.
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AC Machinery
1. 0.253
2. 0.568
3. 0.144
4. 0.869
Answer. C. 0.144
Given Data,
Line voltage V L = 400 V
Alternator Rating = 15 KVA = 15 x 10 3 VA
Resistance R a = 0.5 Ω
Synchronous Reactance X L = 10 Ω
Full Load current I L = VA ⁄ √3 V L
I L = 15 x 10 3 ⁄ √3 x 400
I L = 21.6 A
For star connection Voltage per phase is given by
V P H = VL ⁄ √3
V P H = 400 ⁄ √3
V P H = 230.9 V
Generated voltage per phase of an alternator is given as
EPH = VPH + ILRa + ILXL
= 230 + 21.6 × 0.5 + 21.6 × 10
= 457.7 V
The voltage regulation of an alternator is defined as the change in its terminal voltage when the full
load is removed, keeping field excitation and speed constant, divided by the rated terminal Voltage.
Soif V ph = Rated terminal voltage
Eph = No load induced e.m.f
Voltage Regulation = (E ph − V p h )/V p h
= (457.7 − 400) ⁄ 400
= 0.144

Ques 88. A 30 MVA, 15 kV alternator will have a per phase nominal impedance of ……………
1. 9 Ω
2. 15 Ω
3. 7.5 Ω
4. 10.5 Ω
Answer. C. 7.5 Ω
The Nominal impedance of a synchronous machine is also called as thebase Impedance. The
nominal impedance of an alternator is the ratio of the rated line-to-neutral voltage divided by the
rated line current. The nominal impedance is used as a base of comparison for other impedances
that the alternator possesses.
Z b a se = V ba s e ⁄ I b a s e
Apparent Power (S) = V x I
Z b a s e = V 2 b a s e ⁄ S ba s e
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AC Machinery
∴ Nominal Impedance
Z b as e = (15000) 2 ⁄ 30 × 10 6
Z b a se = 7.5Ω

Ques 89. For the same power rating, an alternator is ……………….. that of a d.c. generator.
1. Larger in size than
2. Smaller in size than
3. Of the same size as
4. None of the above
Answer. 3. Larger in size than
The efficiency of alternator increase with the increase in size because losses to heat are reduced.
The coefficient of efficiency can be increased by designing the machine to have reduced losses windings
(copper losses) and magnetic circuit (iron losses). By increasing the cross-section of conductors, the
resistance of copper conductors is decreased which leads to reduced copper losses. By increasing the cross-
section of the magnetic circuit, the magnetic induction decreases for the same flux. Consequently, the iron
losses are smaller. On the other hand, this approach to reducing the current density and magnetic induction
leads to an increased volume and mass of the machine.
The efficiency of an alternator automatically improves as the power rating increases. For example, if an
alternator of 1 kVA has an efficiency of 50%, a larger but similar model having a capacity of 10 MVA will
have an efficiency of about 90%.

Ques 90. Electrical fault between two windings of the same phase of a generator having double star winding
can be detected by the following protection in the generator
1. Short circuit fault
2. Earth fault protection
3. Inter turn fault protection
4. Overvoltage protection
Answer.3. Inter turn Fault protection
The Merz-Price protection system gives protection against phase to phase faults and earth faults. It does not
give protection against interturn faults. The interturn fault is a short circuit between the turns of the same
phase winding. Thus the current produced due to such fault is a local circuit current and it does not affect
the currents entering and leaving the winding at the two ends, where C.T.s are located. Hence Merz-Price
protection cannot give protection against interturn faults.
In single turn generator, there is no question of interturn faults but in multiturn generators, the interturn
fault protection is necessary. So such interturn protection is provided for multiturn generators such as
hydroelectric generators. These generators have double winding armatures. This means each phase winding
is divided into two halves, due to the very heavy currents which they have to carry. This splitting of the
single phase winding into two is advantageous in providing interturn fault protection to such hydroelectric
generators.
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AC Machinery

The scheme uses cross differential principle. Each phase of the generator is doubly wound and split into two
parts S 1 and S 2 as shown in the Fig. The current transformers are connected in the two parallel paths of each
phase winding.
The secondaries of the current transformers are cross-connected. The current transformers work on
circulating current principle. The relay is connected across the cross-connected secondaries of the current
transformers.
Under normal operating conditions, when the two paths are sound then currents In the two parallel paths
S 1 and S 2 are equal. Hence currents in the secondaries of the current transformers are also equal. The
secondary current flows around the loop and Is same at all the points. Hence no current flows through the
relay and the relay inoperative.
If the short circuit is developed between the adjacent turns of the part Sit of the winding say then currents
through S 1 and S 2 no longer remain same. Thus unequal currents will be induced in the secondaries of the
current transformers. The difference of these currents flows through the relay R. Relay then closes its
contacts to trip the circuit breaker which isolates the generator from the system.
Such an inter-turn fault protection system is extremely sensitive but it can be applied to the generators
having doubly wound armatures.

Ques 91. The disadvantage of a short-pitched coil is that……………

1. Harmonics are introduced
2. Waveform becomes non-sinusoidal
3. Voltage around the coil is reduced
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AC Machinery
4. None of the above.
Answer. 3. Voltage around the coil is reduced
In the case of full pitch winding the pole pitch and coil span are equal to 180 degrees.

As we can see in the figure one coil cut N pole and other coil cut S pole which results in the phase
difference of 180 degrees.
The full pitch winding offer full induced emf but it causes harmonic distortion.
Talking about Short pitch winding the pole pitch is slightly less than to pole pitch by an angle α.

For reducing 3rd harmonic from generated emf

Cos(3α/2) = 0
3α/2 = π/2 α = π/3 = 60°
Therefore the value of α should be 60 degrees.
Some advantages of short pitch winding are
1. Due to shortening span, the copper required is less.
2. Low copper losses
3. Improve waveform due to the reduction in harmonic
4. Fractional Pitch winding reduces sparking in DC machines
Disadvantages of Short Pitch Coil:
Since in a fractional pitch winding, the two sides of a given coil are not at the corresponding points under
the adjacent poles.Hence the e.m.f. induced in the two sides is slightly out of phase and the coil e.m.f. is less
than if the full pitch were used with the same number of turns. In order to compensate for this reduction in
Generated EMF, more number of turns and therefore more copper is required.
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AC Machinery

Ques 92. The per-phase D.C armature resistance of an alternator is 0.5 ohm. The effective AC armature
resistance would be about?
1. 0.25 ohms
2. 0.5 ohms
3. 1 ohms
4. 0.75 ohms
Answer. D. 0.75 ohms
Since there are harmonics generated in individual coils of the alternator windings, some high frequencies are
present. Due to skin effect, the effective a.c resistance of armature winding is greater than its d.c. resistance.
The factor of difference varies according to the base frequency and winding arrangement and is from 1.2 to
1.8. It is a usual practice to take a.c. armature resistance as 1.5 times the d.c. resistance for 50 Hz machine.
R a c = 1.5 Rdc = 1.5 x 0.5
R a c = 0.75Ω

Ques 93. The d.c. armature resistance of a Y connected alternator measured across its two terminals is 0.5
Ω. The per-phase resistance is ..
1. 10.5 Ω
2. 1Ω
3. 0.25 Ω
4. 1.5 Ω
Answer. C. 0.25 ohms
Consider the star connection. Every armature winding has its own resistance. The effective resistance of an
armature winding per phase is denoted as R a Ω/ph.

Generally, the armature resistance is measured by applying the known d.c. voltage and measuring the d.c.
current through it. The ratio of applied voltage and measured current is the armature resistance. But due to
the skin effect, the effective resistance under a.c. conditions is more than the d.c. resistance. Generally the
effective armature resistance under a.c. conditions is taken 1.25 to 1.75 times the d.c. resistance.

While measuring the armature resistance, it is necessary to consider how the armature winding is connected
whether in star or delta. Consider a star connected armature winding as shown in the Fig.
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AC Machinery
When the voltage is applied across any two terminals of an armature winding, then the equivalent resistance
is the series combination of the two resistance of two different phase windings,
... R R Y = Resistance between R-Y terminals
= R a + R a = 2R a
where R a = armature resistance per phase
... R a = R R Y /2 Ω/ph
Thus in star connected alternator, the armature resistance per phase is half of the resistance observed across
any two line terminals.
Thus per phase DC armature resistance is half of the measured value
R a = 5/2 = 0.25Ω

Ques 94. The d.c. armature resistance of a delta connected alternator measured across its two terminals is 1
Ω. The per-phase d.c. resistance is
1. 3Ω
2. 1.5 Ω
3. 0.33 Ω
4. 2Ω
Answer. B. 1.5Ω
Consider the delta connected alternator as shown in the Fig.

When the voltage is applied across any two terminals, then one phase winding appears in parallel with the
series combination of other two.
Hence the equivalent resistance across the terminals is the parallel combination of the resistance R a and 2R a .

\begin{array}{l}{R_{RY}} = {R_a}||2{R_a}{\rm{\Omega /Ph}}\\\\ = \dfrac{{{R_a} \times

2{R_a}}}{{{R_a} + 2{R_a}}}\\\\{R_a} = \dfrac{3}{2}{R_{RY}}\end{array}RRY=Ra∣∣2RaΩ/Ph=Ra+2RaRa
×2RaRa=23RRY

Therefore, per phase d.c. armature resistance is

Ra = (3 × 1) ⁄ 2 = 1.5Ω

Ques 95. Which of the following graph represents the speed-torque characteristics of a synchronous
machine.
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AC Machinery

Answer. A.
Explanation:-
The speed-torque curve is a horizontal line (constant speed) pull out (maximum) value. As we know that the
synchronous machine run at the constant speed, i.e N = N s for all value of torque. Hence option a is correct.

Ques 96. For cooling of large size generators hydrogen is used because
1. It offers reduced fire risk
2. It is light in weight
3. It is of high thermal conductivity
4. All of the above
Answer. 4. All of the above
Ques 97. The advantages of parallel operation of the alternator are:
1. Increase Efficiency
2. Maintained continuity of supply
3. Ease in the future extension
4. All of the above
Answer. 4. All of the above
The demand for power is increasing day by day. It is a challenge for power engineers to meet the power
demand of customers. A single alternator cannot meet the power demand. To meet the excess power demand,
additional alternators are connected in parallel. If a single alternator can meet the power demand, an outage
of the alternator will cause interruption of power supply. On the other hand, paralleling of alternators
ensures the supply of a part of the total demand when one alternator is out of order.
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AC Machinery

Reasons for Paralleling of Alternators

 The reasons for paralleling are
 A single alternator may not meet the local or regional power requirements.
 It is possible to shut down one or more alternators for scheduled or emergency maintenance when the
alternators are operating in parallel. The load can be supplied.
 At part load, one or more alternators are shut down and the remaining load is carried out with few
machines efficiently because alternators are inefficient at part load.
 It is possible to handle load growth by adding alternators without disturbing the original installation.
 The available machine prime movers and alternators can be matched to obtain economical cost and
reliable use.
Advantage of Parallel Operation of Synchronous Generators
The following are the advantages of connecting a large number of synchronous generators in parallel to
supply a common load:
1. Continuity of Supply and Maintenance: Repair and maintenance of individual generating units can be
done keeping the continuity of supply by properly scheduling maintenance of generators one after the
other. If only one large generator is installed, supply is to be cut off for maintenance work.
2. Efficiency: For operating an alternator on maximum efficiency it is to be run near to its full-load
capacity. It is uneconomic to operate large alternators on low loads. If several small units are used. units
can be added or put off depending upon the load requirement and thus the units can be operated at near to
their rated capacity.
3. Capital Cost: Additional sets can be connected in parallel to meet the increasing demand, thereby
reducing the initial capital cost of buying larger units in anticipation of increasing demands.
4. Size of Alternators: There is the physical and economic limit to the possible capacity of alternators that
can be built. The demand for a single power station may be as high as 1200 MVA. It may not be feasible
to build a single alternator of such a high rating due to physical and economic considerations.

Ques 98. A 50Hz synchronous generator is initially connected to a long lossless transmission line which is
open circuited at the receiving end. With the field voltage held constant, the generator is disconnected from
the transmission line. Which of the following may be said about the steady state terminal voltage and field
current of the generator?
1. The magnitude of terminal voltage decrease but field current remain same
2. The magnitude of terminal voltage decrease and field current increase
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AC Machinery
3. The magnitude of terminal voltage increase and field current decrease
4. Both magnitudes of terminal voltage as well as field current remain same
Answer. 1. The magnitude of terminal voltage decrease but field current remain same
As field voltage is held constant therefore field current does not change or remain constant.
When the generator is connected to an open-circuit transmission line, the line draws charging current,
therefore V t > E g .

But, when the generator is disconnected from the line, no charging current is delivered by the generator, i.e.,
Ic = 0 ⇒ V t = E g .
So, the terminal voltage decreases.
or
Long transmission line under no load condition behaves as the capacitive load. The effect of armature
current purely magnetization. When the alternator is disconnected, there is no magnetizing effect. So the
terminal voltage decreases with the same field current.

Ques 99. A field excitation of 20 A in a certain alternator results in an armature current of 400 A in short
circuit and a terminal voltage of 2000 V on open circuit. The magnitude of the internal voltage drop within
the machine at a load current of 200 A is
1. 1V
2. 10 V
3. 100 V
4. 1000 V
Answer D. 1000V
Given
field excitation I f = 20 A
Short circuit armature current I s c = 400 A
Open circuit terminal voltage V o c = 2000 V
Load current I L = 200 A
Generated voltage per phase of an alternator is given as
Ef = Vt + ILRa + ILXL
If the armature resistance is neglected than Generated voltage
Ef = VP H + ILXL
For a given field current, under short circuit condition
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AC Machinery
Ia = Isc; Vt = 0
∴ X L = E f ⁄ I s c ————–(1)
For open circuit
Ef = Voc ; Ia = 0
Putting the value of E f in equation 1 we get
X L = V oc ⁄ I s c
= 2000 ⁄ 400 = 5Ω
Hence Internal Voltage Drop = I a × X L
= 200 × 5
= 1000 V

Ques 100. A three-phase alternator has a negligible stator resistance. A short-circuit test is conducted on
this alternator. At a particular speed, a field current of is required to drive the rated armature current. If the
speed of the alternator is reduced half, the field current required to maintain rated armature current
1. − 8.9%
2. 14%.
3. 0%.
4. 7%.
Answer 2. − 8.9%
No Load Induced Voltage of Alternator “E” is given as