Synchronous Generator(Alternator)
Explain the construction of Synchronous Generator 06 Marks
The synchronous generator, also known as an alternator, is an
electrical device that transforms mechanical energy from a prime mover
into AC electrical power at a specific voltage and frequency.
A synchronous generator is a type of electrical generator that is used
widely in power generation. The term "synchronous" refers to the
synchronization between the rotational speed of the rotor and the frequency
of the alternating current (AC) output.
Synchronous generators are also referred to as alternators or AC
generators. The term "alternator" is used since it produces AC power. It is
called synchronous generator because it must be driven at synchronous speed
to produce AC power of the desired frequency.
A synchronous generator can be either single-phase or poly-phase
(generally 3phase).
A synchronous generator operates based on the principle of
electromagnetic induction, where a magnetic field induces a voltage in a
conductor.
Construction of Synchronous Generator
As alternator consists of two main parts viz
Stator – The stator is the stationary part of the alternator. It carries the
armature winding in which the voltage is generated. The output of the
alternator is taken form the stator.
Rotor – The rotor is the rotating part of the alternator. The rotor produces
the main field flux
The rotor and stator are the power generating components of the
synchronous generator. The rotor has the field pole, and the stator consists
of the armature conductor.
The stator of the alternator includes several parts, viz. the frame,
stator core, stator or armature windings, and cooling arrangement.
The stator frame may be made up of cast iron for small-size
machines and of welded steel for large-size machines.
The stator core is assembled with high-grade silicon content
steel laminations. These silicon steel laminations reduce the hysteresis and
eddy-current losses in the stator core.
The slots are cut on the inner periphery of the stator core. A 3-
phase armature winding is put in these slots.
The armature winding of the alternator is star connected. The
winding of each phase is distributed over several slots.
When current flows through the distributed armature winding,
it produces an essential sinusoidal space distribution of EMF.
The rotor of the alternator carries the field winding which is
supplied with direct current through two slip rings by a separate DC source
(also called exciter). The exciter is generally a small DC shunt generator
mounted on the shaft of the alternator.
For the alternator, there are two types of rotor constructions are
used viz. the salient-pole type and the cylindrical rotor type.
Working Principle of Synchronous Generator
The synchronous generator works on the principle of Faraday laws
of electromagnetic induction.
Electromagnetic induction states that electromotive force induced in
the armature coil if it is rotating in the uniform magnetic field.
The EMF will also be generated if the field rotates and the conductor
becomes stationary.
Thus, the relative motion between the conductor and the field
induces the EMF in the conductor.
The wave shape of the induced voltage is always a sinusoidal curve.
The direction of the generated EMF can be determined by the Fleming’s
right rule .
