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Methods of Improving Commutation | Electrical4u
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Methods of Improving Commutation
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Methods of Improving Commutation
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Characteristic of Separately Excited DC Gen
Characteristic of DC Shunt Generator
Characteristics of DC Series Generator
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Armature Reaction in DC Machine
DC Generators Performance Curves
Applications of DC Generators
Testing of DC Machine
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Resistance Commutation
E.M.F.
Brush Shifting Method
Method Of Using Inter-Pole
To make the commutation satisfactory we have to make sure that the current flowing through the coil completely reversed during the
commutation period attains its full value.
There are two main methods of improving commutation. These are
1. Resistance commutation
2. E.M.F. commutation
Resistance Commutation
In this method of commutation we use high electrical resistance brushes for getting spark less commutation. This can be obtained by
replacing low resistance copper brushes with high resistance carbon brushes.
We can clearly see from the picture that the current IC from the coil C may reach to the brush in two ways in the commutation period.
One path is direct through the commutator segment b and to the brush and the 2nd path is first through the short-circuit coil B and then
through the commutator segment a and to the brush. When the brush resistance is low, then the current IC from coil C will follow the
shortest path, i.e. the 1st path as its electrical resistance is comparatively low because it is shorter than the 2nd path.
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When high resistance brushes are used, then as the brush moves towards the commutator segments, the contact area of the brush
and the segment b decreases and contact area with the segment a increases. Now, as the electrical resistance is inversely
proportional to the contact area of then resistance Rb will increase and Ra will decrease as the brush moves. Then the current will
prefer the 2nd path to reach to the brush. Thus by this method of improving commutation, the quick reversal of current will occur in
the desired direction.
Insulation Resistance
With PI and Absorption ratio
Rechargeable battery,automatic type
is the resistivity of the conductor.
l is the length of the conductor.
A is the cross-section of the conductor (here is this description it is used as contact area).
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Resistance Commutation
E.M.F. Commutation
The main reason of the delay of the current reversing time in the short circuit coil during commutation period is the inductive property
of the coil. In this type of commutation, the reactance voltage produced by the coil due to its inductive property, is neutralized by
producing a reversing emf in the short circuit coil during commutation period.
Reactance voltage: The voltage rise in the short circuit coil due to inductive property of the coil, which opposes the current reversal in
it during the commutation period, is called the reactance voltage.
We can produce reversing emf in two ways
1.By brush shifting.
2.By using inter-poles or commutating poles.
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Brush Shifting Method of Commutation
In this method of improving commutation the brushes are shifted forward direction for the DC generator and in backward direction for
the motor for producing the sufficient reversing emf for eliminating the reactance voltage. When the brushes are given the forward or
backward lead then it brings the short circuit coil under the influence of the next pole which is of the opposite polarity. Then the sides
of the coil will cut the necessary flux form the main poles of opposite polarity for producing the sufficient reversing emf. This method is
rarely used because for best result, with every variation of load, the brushes have to be shifted.
Brush Shifting Method of Commutation
Method Of Using Inter-Pole
In this method of commutation some small poles are fixed to the yoke and placed between the main poles. These poles are called
inter-poles. Their polarity is same as the main poles situated next to it for the generator and for the motor the polarity is same as the
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main pole situated before it. The inter-poles induce an emf in the short circuit coil during the commutation period which opposes
reactance voltage and give spark-less commutation.
Method of Using Inter-pole
Objective Questions on DC Generator (MCQs)
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