3wwinstruction Manual FOR Hopkinson S Test
3wwinstruction Manual FOR Hopkinson S Test
3wwinstruction Manual FOR Hopkinson S Test
FOR
HOPKINSON S TEST
Hopkinson’s test is another useful method of testing the efficiency of a dc machine. It is a full
load test and it requires two identical machines which are coupled to each other. One of these
two machines is operated as a generator to supply the mechanical power to the motor and the
other is operated as a motor to drive the generator. For this process of back to back driving the
motor and the generator, Hopkinson’s test is also called back-to-back test or regenerative test.
Here is circuit connection for the Hopkinson’s test shown in figure below. A motor and a
generator, both identical, are coupled together. When the machine is started it is started as
motor. The shunt field resistance of the machine is adjusted so that the motor can run at its
rated speed. The generator voltage is now made equal to the supply voltage by adjusting the
shunt field resistance connected across the generator. This equality of these two voltages of
generator and supply is indicated by the voltmeter as it gives a zero reading at this point
connected across the switch. The machine can run at rated speed and at desired load by
varying the field currents of the motor and the generator.
Calculation of Efficiency by Hopkinson’s Test
V(I1 + I2)………………(2)
Now, in case of motor, armature copper loss in the motor = (I1 + I2 – I4)2 Ra.
Let us assume that the stray losses will be same for both the machines. Then,
Stray loss / machine = W/2
Efficiency of Generator
Efficiency of Motor
Total losses in the motor, WM = (I1 + I2 – I4)2 Ra + VI4 + W/2
2. Temperature rise and commutation can be observed and maintained in the limit
because this test is done under full load condition.
3. Change in iron loss due to flux distortion can be taken into account due to the
advantage of its full load condition
3. It is not possible to get separate iron losses for the two machines though they are
different because of their excitations.
4. It is difficult to operate the machines at rated speed because field currents vary
widely.