ELECTRICAL MACHINE

(a) D.C. Machines

  • Construction: Yoke, Pole core, Armature, Commutator, Brushes.
  • Principle: Generator – Electromagnetic induction; Motor – Lorentz force.
  • Motor Types: Series, Shunt, Compound.
  • Speed Control:
    • Armature control
    • Field flux control
    • Voltage control method
  • Starting: 3-point and 4-point starters used for safety and controlled current.
  • Braking Methods: Regenerative, Plugging, and Dynamic braking.
  • Losses: Copper, Iron (hysteresis & eddy), Mechanical losses.
  • Efficiency: η = Output / Input × 100
EMF Equation: E = (P × ϕ × Z × N) / (60 × A)

(b) Transformers (1-Phase & 3-Phase)

  • Construction: Core (laminated), Windings (Primary & Secondary).
  • Principle: Mutual Induction – E ∝ dϕ/dt
  • Equivalent Circuit: Referred to primary or secondary side.
  • Voltage Regulation: VR = (No-load V – Full-load V) / Full-load V × 100
  • Tests:
    • Open Circuit Test – to determine core losses
    • Short Circuit Test – to determine copper losses
  • Losses: Copper and Iron losses.
  • Effect of Voltage/Frequency: High voltage or frequency increases core losses.
  • Parallel Operation: Required for load sharing, must match voltage ratio, impedance, phase.
  • Auto Transformer: Uses part of the winding for both primary and secondary.
EMF Equation: E = 4.44 × f × N × ϕ

(c) 3-Phase Induction Motors

  • Working Principle: Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) produces torque.
  • Slip: s = (Ns - Nr) / Ns
  • Starting Methods: Direct-on-line (DOL), Star-delta, Auto-transformer starter.
  • Speed Control: Frequency variation, Pole changing, Rotor resistance.
  • Torque-Speed Characteristics:
    • High starting torque, stable operation near synchronous speed.
  • Braking: Regenerative, Plugging, Dynamic.
  • Effect of Voltage & Frequency: Affects torque and speed stability.
Torque ∝ sE² / R² + (sX)²

Previous Year Questions (SSC JE / RRB / HSSC)

  • Q. In a DC motor, which part commutates current?
    Ans: Commutator
  • Q. Which test is performed to calculate no-load loss of transformer?
    Ans: Open Circuit Test
  • Q. In a 3-phase induction motor, what is the value of slip at synchronous speed?
    Ans: 0%
  • Q. What is the main advantage of auto transformer over two winding transformer?
    Ans: Higher efficiency and lower copper usage
  • Q. Which method is used for speed control of DC shunt motor?
    Ans: Field flux control