Lumbao, Jeerois G.

BSEE-4

19. A collection of wire coils twisted around the armature core of an electric motor or generator
is referred to as a group of armature coils. When current passes through these coils, which are
usually made of insulated copper wire and organized in particular patterns, electromagnetic fields
are produced. Because they provide the magnetic forces required for rotation or electricity
generation, the armature coils are essential to the motor or generator's operation.
Multiple separate coils twisted around the armature core of an electric motor or generator are
referred to as a group of armature coils. One of two common connections for these coils is made:
1. **Series Connection**: In this arrangement, the coils are linked end to end, with the
beginning and ending of one coil being connected to the coil after it. As a result, the
current can flow continuously through each coil in the group.
2. **Parallel Connection**: In this case, the coils’ beginning and finishing ends are joined
together. Higher current capacity can be achieved by applying the same voltage across all
coils at the same time thanks to this configuration.
The motor or generator's voltage and current needs, as well as the intended performance
characteristics, determine whether a series or parallel connection is best.

20. To determine the number of coils in a group for the whole-coiled winding and the half-coiled
winding, you would typically consider the design requirements of the motor or generator, as well
as the winding configuration.
For a whole-coiled winding:
1. **Whole-Coiled Winding**: In this winding configuration, each coil spans the entire
circumference of the armature. To calculate the number of coils in a group, you would
divide the total number of coils by the number of groups desired. For example, if you
have 36 coils and want 4 groups, each group would consist of 9 coils (36 coils ÷ 4 groups
= 9 coils per group).
For a half-coiled winding:
2. **Half-Coiled Winding**: In this configuration, each coil spans half the circumference
of the armature. The calculation is a bit more complex because you need to account for
the pitch factor, which is typically less than one. To calculate the number of coils in a
group for a half-coiled winding, you would use the formula:
Number of coils per group = (Total number of coils) / (Number of groups × Pitch factor)
 For example, if you have 36 coils, want 4 groups, and the pitch factor is 0.8, the calculation
would be:
Number of coils per group = 36 / (4 × 0.8) = 11.25 coils per group
Since you can’t have a fraction of a coil, you would round up or down based on practical
considerations or design specifications.
These calculations provide a starting point for determining the number of coils in a group for
both whole-coiled and half-coiled windings, but actual design considerations may lead to
adjustments.

21. In both whole-coiled and half-coiled windings, successive groups of coils are connected in
specific ways to achieve the desired electrical characteristics.
For a whole-coiled winding:
1. **Whole-Coiled Winding**: In this configuration, successive groups of coils are
typically connected in series. This means that the starting end of one group of coils is
connected to the finishing end of the previous group. This series connection ensures that
the electrical current flows continuously through all the coils in the winding.
For a half-coiled winding:
2. **Half-Coiled Winding**: In a half-coiled winding, successive groups of coils can be
connected in series or parallel, depending on the design requirements. However, it’s more
common to connect them in series. Similar to the whole-coiled winding, the starting end
of one group of coils is connected to the finishing end of the previous group, ensuring
continuous flow of current through all the coils.
In both winding configurations, the choice of series connection ensures that the electrical current
flows through all the coils in the winding, contributing to the generation of electromagnetic
forces and facilitating the operation of the motor or generator.

22. The three phases of a three-phase alternator can be connected in two primary ways:
1. **Star (Wye) Connection**: In this configuration, one end of each phase winding is
connected together at a common point, forming the neutral point. The other ends of the
windings are connected to the three output terminals. This configuration is commonly
used in electrical distribution systems and provides a neutral connection for single-phase
loads.
2. **Delta Connection**: In a delta configuration, the end of each phase winding is
connected to the start of the next phase winding in a cyclical manner. There is no neutral
 connection in this configuration. Delta connections are often used in high-power
industrial applications where a neutral connection is not required, or where balanced
loads are expected.
Both star and delta connections have their advantages and are used in different applications
based on factors such as load requirements, system design, and operational considerations.

23. In electrical engineering, particularly in the context of motor and generator windings, the
terms “full-pitch winding” and “fractional-pitch winding” refer to how the coils are positioned
relative to each other within the winding.
1. **Full-Pitch Winding**: In a full-pitch winding, the coils are wound in such a way that
each coil’s starting and ending positions are separated by the full pitch or distance
between coil sides along the armature core. This means that each coil spans the entire
distance of one pole pitch. Full-pitch windings are commonly used in motors and
generators to achieve higher efficiency and smoother operation.
2. **Fractional-Pitch Winding**: In a fractional-pitch winding, the coils are wound so that
the starting and ending positions of each coil are not separated by the full pitch. Instead,
they are separated by a fraction of the pole pitch. Fractional-pitch windings are often used
to reduce harmonic content, torque ripple, and noise in motors and generators. They can
also allow for more precise control of motor characteristics in certain applications.
The choice between full-pitch and fractional-pitch winding depends on various factors such as
the desired performance characteristics, operating conditions, and specific application
requirements.

24. Fractional-pitch windings are generally used in alternators for several reasons:
1. **Reduced Harmonics**: Fractional-pitch windings help to reduce harmonic content in
the generated voltage waveform. By distributing the coil positions differently, fractional-
pitch windings can minimize the amplitude of certain harmonics, resulting in a cleaner
and more sinusoidal output voltage.
2. **Improved Voltage Regulation**: Fractional-pitch windings can improve the voltage
regulation of the alternator. By adjusting the pitch factor, it’s possible to fine-tune the
alternator’s performance to better match the desired voltage output under varying load
conditions.
3. **Lower Torque Ripple**: Fractional-pitch windings can also reduce torque ripple in the
alternator. This leads to smoother operation and less mechanical stress on the system
components, resulting in improved reliability and longevity.
 4. **Reduced Audible Noise**: The use of fractional-pitch windings can help reduce
audible noise produced by the alternator during operation. By minimizing the effects of
magnetic pulsations and vibrations associated with certain harmonics, fractional-pitch
windings contribute to quieter operation.
Overall, fractional-pitch windings offer advantages in terms of electrical performance,
mechanical stability, and noise reduction, making them a preferred choice for alternators where
smooth, reliable operation and high-quality electrical output are important considerations.

25. The pitch factor, also known as the coil pitch or winding pitch factor, is a dimensionless
parameter used to describe the positioning of coil sides in electrical windings, such as those
found in motors, generators, and transformers.
It is defined as the ratio of the linear distance between the starting and ending positions of
adjacent coils to the pole pitch, which is the distance between the centers of two consecutive
poles in the magnetic circuit.
The pitch factor can take values between 0 and 1. A pitch factor of 1 indicates a full-pitch
winding, where the coils span the entire pole pitch, while a pitch factor less than 1 indicates a
fractional-pitch winding, where the coils span only a fraction of the pole pitch.
The choice of pitch factor affects various electrical and mechanical characteristics of the
winding, including voltage waveform quality, torque ripple, harmonic content, and
electromagnetic interference. Adjusting the pitch factor allows designers to optimize the
performance of the winding for specific application requirements.

26. The pitch factor of an alternator winding affects the shape and harmonic content of the
generated voltage waveform. Here’s how the pitch factor influences the generated voltage:
1. **Waveform Quality**: A higher pitch factor, closer to 1, generally results in a smoother
and more sinusoidal voltage waveform. This is because in a full-pitch winding, each coil
spans the entire pole pitch, leading to better overlap between the magnetic fields
produced by adjacent coils. As a result, the waveform distortion, including higher-order
harmonics, is reduced, leading to a cleaner output voltage.
2. **Harmonic Content**: Lower pitch factors, typical of fractional-pitch windings, can
introduce certain harmonics into the generated voltage waveform. These harmonics can
distort the shape of the voltage waveform and increase its total harmonic distortion
(THD). However, the specific harmonic content introduced by fractional-pitch windings
can be controlled and optimized based on design requirements.
3. **Voltage Regulation**: The pitch factor also affects the voltage regulation
characteristics of the alternator. By adjusting the pitch factor, it’s possible to fine-tune the
 alternator’s performance to achieve better voltage regulation under varying load
conditions. This can help maintain a more stable output voltage over a range of operating
conditions.
In summary, the pitch factor plays a crucial role in determining the quality, harmonic content,
and voltage regulation characteristics of the generated voltage waveform in an alternator.
Designers carefully select the pitch factor based on the desired electrical performance and
application requirements.

27. Distributed windings are generally preferred in alternators for several reasons:
1. **Reduced Harmonics**: Distributed windings help to reduce harmonic content in the
generated voltage waveform. By spreading the winding coils across the entire
circumference of the armature, distributed windings minimize the effects of localized
magnetic field variations and associated harmonics, resulting in a cleaner and more
sinusoidal output voltage.
2. **Improved Cooling**: Distributed windings allow for better heat dissipation and
cooling. The distributed nature of the winding helps to distribute heat more evenly
throughout the winding, reducing the risk of localized hot spots and improving overall
thermal performance.
3. **Reduced Torque Ripple**: Distributed windings can help reduce torque ripple in the
alternator. By distributing the winding coils evenly around the armature, distributed
windings contribute to smoother operation and less mechanical stress on the system
components, leading to improved reliability and longevity.
4. **Improved Voltage Regulation**: Distributed windings can improve the voltage
regulation of the alternator. The distributed nature of the winding helps to minimize
voltage fluctuations caused by variations in load and operating conditions, resulting in a
more stable output voltage.
5. **Higher Efficiency**: Distributed windings can contribute to higher efficiency in the
alternator. By reducing losses associated with harmonic content, improving cooling, and
reducing torque ripple, distributed windings help to optimize the overall performance of
the alternator, leading to higher efficiency and lower operating costs.
Overall, distributed windings offer advantages in terms of electrical performance, thermal
management, mechanical stability, and efficiency, making them a preferred choice for alternators
in various applications.