An Overview of Armature Reaction

The DC generator, there are two windings namely field winding and armature winding. The
field winding can be used for generating main flux which is known as the magnetic field.
The armature winding can be used for generating armature current. This winding can also
generate magnetic flux which is known as armature flux. This armature flux twists and
declaims the major flux posing troubles for the good DC generator operation. The act of
armature flux over the major flux is known as armature reaction. This article discusses an
overview of armature-reaction in dc generator, alternator and dc machine.
What is Armature Reaction?
In a DC machine, two kinds of magnetic fluxes are present; ‘armature flux’ and ‘main field
flux’. The effect of armature flux on the main field flux is called an armature-reaction
The EMF can be induced within the armature conductors whenever they slash the lines
of the magnetic field. There is a plane or an axis with armature conductors which can be
moved parallel toward the lines of flux & therefore, they do not slash the lines of flux
through the axis.

armature
The Magnetic Neutral Axis (MNA) can be defined as the plane along which no EMF can
be generated within the armature conductors because they flow parallel toward the lines
of flux. Brushes are constantly arranged with MNA due to reverse of current within the
armature conductor’s takes place along this plane. The Geometrical Neutral Axis (GNA)
can be defined as the plane which is perpendicular toward the stator field plane.

Types of Armature-Reaction
The armature-reaction is one kind of magnetic field effect which is occurred by the flow
of current throughout the armature conductors over the stator magnetic field. Generally,
these are classified into two types which include the following.

 Demagnetization of the stator field

 The cross magnetization of the stator field
The Demagnetization reduces otherwise weakens the main flux, whereas the cross
magnetization distorts the main flux.

Armature Reaction in DC Machines

Consider when there is no flow of current within the armature conductors & only the field
winding is strengthened. So, the field pole’s magnetic flux lines are consistent as well as
balanced to the polar plane. The MNA (Magnetic Neutral Axis) corresponds with the GNA
(Geometric Neutral Axis).

In the armature flux lines, field poles are not strengthened because of the armature
current. At present, as a DC machine is in operation; both the fluxes like flux can be
occurred because of the armature conductors & flux can be occurred because of the field
winding will be there at a time.

The armature flux overlay with the major field flux & therefore interrupts the major field
flux, which is known as armature reaction in DC machines.

The armature-reactions can be reduced in DC machines like the following.

 By offering inter poles among major poles otherwise reimbursing winding if necessary.
 By decreasing the slice of the pole pieces then it becomes extremely saturated as well as
provides huge reluctance toward the cross field.
 By utilizing the equalizer ring to reduce the armature winding flux to reduce the armature-
reaction
Armature Reaction in Alternator
The armature reaction in an alternator is, a 3-phase voltage can be induced by the stator
winding, because of the revolving magnetic field from the rotor. Here the circuit of the
stator is called an armature circuit.

When the stator doesn’t have any load across it, then the total voltage can be induced at
the winding of the stator which comes out like the terminal voltage. But, when we fix a
load across the stator, current flows across it, which produces its own flux known as stator
flux.

The produced stator flux distorts the main flux as a result of which the terminal voltage
across the machine is not equal to the voltage initially induced. This effect of the stator
(armature) is known as armature-reaction.

The effect of the armature reaction on the terminal voltage of the alternator is not the
same for all conditions.

Effect of Armature-Reaction
The armature-reaction effects due to the following reasons.

Because of the armature-reaction, the flux density of above one-half of the pole enhances
as well as the remaining half will be decreases. The whole flux which can be generated
by every pole is somewhat less because of reducing the terminal voltage of the
magnitude. The effect because of the reduction in total flux by the armature-reaction is
called as the demagnetizing effect.

The resulting flux can be distorted, and the magnetic neutral axis direction can be moved
with the resultant flux direction in the generator, & it is reverse toward the resultant flux
direction in the motor.
The armature-reaction provokes flux during the neutral region, & this flux produces the
voltage that reasons for the commutation problem. The MNA plane is the axis where the
induced EMF value becomes zero, & the GNA separates the armature core into two
equivalent parts.
Armature Reaction in DC Generator
There are two types of magnetic fluxes working in DC generator like the main flux &
armature flux. Here the primary flux will occur due to the stator poles whereas the second
flux will occur due to the flow of current within the armature. Here the armature flux
declines and changes the major flux, therefore the total effective flux within DC Generator
will be reduced.
The armature flux’s mutual action over the major field is named as armature-reaction in
DC generator.

Armature-Reaction Nature
The nature of the armature-reaction includes the following.

 The flux of this can be stable within magnitude as well as it turns at synchronous speed.
 It is cross magnetizing whenever the generator offers a load on power factor ‘1’.
 Whenever the generator offers a load on leading power factor then the armature-reaction can
be partially demagnetizing & cross-magnetizing.
 Armature flux can be performed as separately of main field flux.
Thus, this is all about armature reaction. Generally, for small machines there is no particular
effort is required to decrease the armature-reaction. However, for huge DC machines,
inter poles as well as compensating winding are mandatory to reduce the effects of
armature-reaction. Here is a question for you, what are leading pole tips in armature-
reaction?

Armature Reaction in a DC Generator

Definition: The armature reaction simply shows the effect of armature field on the main field. In
other words, the armature reaction represents the impact of the armature flux on the main field
flux. The armature field is produced by the armature conductors when current flows through
them. And the main field is produced by the magnetic poles.

The armature flux causes two effects on the main field flux.

 The armature reaction distorted the main field flux

 It reduces the magnitude of the main field flux.
Consider the figure below shows the two poles dc generator. When no load connected to the
generator, the armature current becomes zero. In this condition, only the MMF of the main poles
exists in the generator. The MMF flux is uniformly distributed along the magnetic axis. The
magnetic axis means the centre line between the north and south pole. The arrow in the below-
given image shows the direction of the magnetic flux ΦM. The magnetic neutral axis or plane is
perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic flux.

The MNA coincides with the geometrical neutral axis (GNA). The brushes of the DC machines
are always placed in this axis, and hence this axis is called the axis of commutation.
Consider the condition in which only the armature conductors carrying current and no current
flows through their main poles. The direction of current remains same in all the conductors
which lying under one pole. The direction of current induces in the conductor is given by the
Fleming right-hand rule. And the direction of flux generates in the conductors is given by the
cork-screw rule.

The direction of current on the left sides of the armature conductor goes into the paper
(represented by the cross inside the circle). The armature conductors combine their MMF for
generating the fluxes through the armature in the downward direction.

Similarly, the right-hand side conductors carry current, and their direction goes out of the paper
(shown by dots inside the circle). The conductor on the right-hand sides is also combining their
MMF for producing the flux in the downwards direction. Hence, the conductor on both the sides
combines their MMF in such a way so that their flux goes downward direction. The flux induces
in the armature conductor ΦA is given by the arrow shown above.

The figure below shows the condition in which the field current and the armature current are
simultaneously acting on the conductor.
This happens when machines running at no load condition. Now the machine has two fluxes, i.e.,
the armature flux and the field pole flux. The armature flux is produced by the current induces in
the armature conductors while the field pole flux is induced because of the main field poles.
These two flux combines and gives the resultant flux ΦR as shown in the figure above.

When the field flux enters into the armature, they may get distorted. The distortion increases the
density of the flux in the upper pole tip of N-pole and the lower pole tip of the south pole.
Similarly, the density of flux decreases in the lower pole tip of the north pole and the upper pole
tip of the south pole.

The resultant flux induces in the generator are shifted towards the direction of the rotation of
generator. The magnetic neutral axis of poles is always perpendicular to the axis of the resultant
flux. The MNA is continuously shifted with the resultant flux.

Effect of Armature Reaction

The effects of Armature Reaction are as follows:-

 Because of the armature reaction the flux density of over one-half of the pole increases and over
the other half decreases. The total flux produces by each pole is slightly less due to which the
magnitude of the terminal voltage reduces. The effect due to which the armature reaction reduces
the total flux is known as the demagnetising effect.
 The resultant flux is distorted. The direction of the magnetic neutral axis is shifted with the
direction of resultant flux in case of the generator, and it is opposite to the direction of the
resultant flux in case of the motor.
 The armature reaction induces flux in the neutral zone, and this flux generates the voltage that
causes the commutation problem.

The MNA axis is the axis in which the value of induced MEF becomes zero. And the GNA
divides the armature core into two equal parts.
Armature Reaction In DC Machines
By Kiran Daware DC Machines

In a DC machine, two kinds of magnetic fluxes are present; 'armature flux' and 'main field
flux'. The effect of armature flux on the main field flux is called as armature reaction.

MNA and GNA

EMF is induced in the armature conductors when they cut the magnetic field lines. There
is an axis (or, you may say, a plane) along which armature conductors move parallel to
the flux lines and, hence, they do not cut the flux lines while on that plane. MNA (Magnetic
Neutral Axis) may be defined as the axis along which no emf is generated in the armature
conductors as they move parallel to the flux lines. Brushes are always placed along the
MNA because reversal of current in the armature conductors takes place along this axis.
GNA (Geometrical Neutral Axis) may be defined as the axis which is perpendicular to the
stator field axis.

Armature Reaction
The effect of armature reaction is well illustrated in the figure below.

Consider, no current is flowing in the armature conductors and only the field winding is
energized (as shown in the first figure of the above image). In this case, magnetic flux
lines of the field poles are uniform and symmetrical to the polar axis. The 'Magnetic
Neutral Axis' (M.N.A.) coincides with the 'Geometric Neutral Axis' (G.N.A.).

The second figure in the above image shows armature flux lines due to the armature
current. Field poles are de-energised.
Now, when a DC machine is running, both the fluxes (flux due to the armature conductors
and flux due to the field winding) will be present at a time. The armature flux superimposes
with the main field flux and, hence, disturbs the main field flux (as shown in third figure
the of above image). This effect is called as armature reaction in DC machines.
The Adverse Effects Of Armature Reaction:
1. Armature reaction weakens the main flux. In case of a dc generator, weakening of
the main flux reduces the generated voltage.
2. Armature reaction distorts the main flux, hence the position of M.N.A. gets shifted
(M.N.A. is perpendicular to the flux lines of main field flux). Brushes should be placed
on the M.N.A., otherwise, it will lead to sparking at the surface of brushes. So, due
to armature reaction, it is hard to determine the exact position of the MNA
For a loaded dc generator, MNA will be shifted in the direction of the rotation. On the other
hand, for a loaded dc motor, MNA will be shifted in the direction opposite to that of the
rotation.

How To Reduce Armature Reaction?

Usually, no special efforts are taken for small machines (up to few kilowatts) to reduce
the armature reaction. But for large DC machines, compensating winding and inter-
poles are used to get rid of the ill effects of armature reaction.

Compensating winding: Now we know that the armature reaction is due to the
presence of armature flux. Armature flux is produced due to the current flowing in
armature conductors. Now, if we place another winding in close proximity of the
armature winding and if it carries the same current but in the opposite direction as that
of the armature current, then this will nullify the armature field. Such an additional
winding is called as compensating winding and it is placed on the pole faces.
Compensating winding is connected in series with the armature winding in such a way
that it carries the current in opposite direction.

Inter-poles: Inter-poles are the small auxiliary poles placed between the main field
poles. Winding on the inter-poles is connected in series with the armature. Each inter-
pole is wound in such a way that its magnetic polarity is same as that of the main pole
ahead of it. Inter-poles nullify the quadrature axis armature flux.
What is an Armature? Working with Diagram and Applications

The first armature was used by the magnet keepers in the 19th century. The related
equipment parts are expressed in terms of an electrical as well as mechanical. Though
definitely separate these two sets of terms are regularly used similarly which includes one
electrical term as well as one mechanical term. This may be the reason for confusion
whenever working with complex machines such as brushless alternators. In most of
the generators, part of the rotor is the field magnet that will be active that means rotates,
whereas part of the stator is armature that will be inactive. Both the generators as well as
motors can be designed with an inactive armature & an active (rotating) field otherwise
an active armature as the inactive field. The shaft piece of a stable magnet otherwise
electromagnet, as well as the moving iron piece of a solenoid, particularly if the latter
performs as a switch or else relay, can be referred to as armatures. This article discusses
an overview of the armature and its working with applications.
What is an Armature?
An armature can be defined as an power generating component in an electric machine
where the armature can be a rotating part otherwise a stationary part in the machine. The
interaction of the armature with the magnetic flux can be done in the gap of air, the field
element can include any stable magnets otherwise, electromagnets which are shaped
with a conducting coil like another armature which is known as a doubly-fed electric
machine. the armature always works like a conductor, sloping normal toward both the
field as well as toward the motion direction, torque otherwise force. The armature
diagram is shown below.

Armature
The main role of an armature is multi purposed. The primary role is to transmit current
across the field, therefore generating shaft torque within an active machine otherwise
strength in a linear machine. The second role of an armature is to produce an EMF
(electromotive force). In this, an EMF can occur with the armature’s relative motion as well
as the field. As the machine is employed as a motor, then the EMF will oppose the current
of an armature and converts the electric power into mechanical which is in the form of
torque, and finally transmits through the shaft.
Whenever the machine is utilized like a generator, then the armature electromotive force
drives the current of an armature, as well as the movement of the shaft will be changed
to electrical power. In the generator, the power which is produced will be drawn from the
stator. A growler is mainly used to ensure the armature intended for opens, grounds, as
well as shorts.

Armature Components
An armature can be designed with the number of components namely the core, the
winding, the commutator, & the shaft.

Armature Parts
The Core
The armature core can be designed with many thin metal plates which are named as
laminations. The thickness of laminations are approximate 0.5mm and it depends on the
frequency by which the armature will be designed to work. The metal plates are stamped-
out on a push.
They are in the circular form by a hole stamped-out of the core, while the shaft is pressed,
as well as the slots which are stamped in the region of the edge wherever the coils will
finally sit. Metal plates are associated together to generate the core. The core can be built
with stacked metal plates instead of using a steel piece to produce the sum of lost energy
while heat in the core.

The loss of energies is known as iron losses which are occurred by eddy currents. These
are minute turning magnetic fields forms in the metal because of the revolving magnetic
fields which can be found whenever the unit is running. If the metal plates use the eddy
currents then they can form in one plane as well as significantly reduces the losses.

The Winding
Before the process of winding starts then the core slots will be protected from the copper
wire within the slots approaching into contact by the laminated core. Coils are placed into
the armature slots as well as attached to the commutator in revolving. This can be done
in many ways based on the armature design.

Armatures are classified into two types namely lap wound armature as well as wave wound
armature. In a lap wound, the final end of one coil is attached toward the segment of a
commutator as well as the primary end of the nearby coil. In a wave wound, the coils two
ends will be associated with the segments of the commutator which are divided by some
distance among the poles.
This permits the sequence adding of the voltages within the windings among brushes.
this kind of winding needs only one couple of brushes. In the first armature, the number
of lanes equals the number of poles as well as brushes. In some of the armature designs,
they will have two or more different coils in a similar slot, attached to nearby commutator
segments. This can be done if the required voltage across the coil will be considered to
be high.

By distributing the voltage over three separate segments as well as coils will be in the
same slot, the strength of the field in the slot will be high, however, it will decrease arcing
over the commutator, as well as make the device more competent. In several armatures
the slots are also twisted, this can be attained with every lamination being somewhat out
of line up. This can be done to decrease cogging, as well as provide a level revolution
from one to another pole.

The Commutator
The commutator is pushed on top of the shaft as well as it is held on by a coarse knurl
similar to the core. the designing of commutator can be done using copper bars, and an
insulating material will separate the bars. Normally, this material is a thermoset plastic
however in older armatures sheet mica has been used.
The commutator has to be accurately associated by the core slots whenever pushed on
top of the shaft because the wires from every coil will appear from the slots as well as
attach with the commutator bars. To work the magnetic circuit efficiently, it is essential
that the armature coil has a precise angular displacement from the commutator bar
toward which it is attached.
The Shaft
The shaft of an armature is one kind of hard rod mounted among two bearings that
describe the axis of components placed onto it. It should be broad sufficient to send out
the torque necessary with the engine & rigid adequate to control some of the forces which
are out of balance. For harmonic distortion, the length, speed, and bearing points are
selected An armature can be designed with a number of major components namely the
core, the winding, the shaft, and the commutator.
Armature Function or Armature Working
The armature rotation can be caused by the communication of two magnetic fields. One
magnetic field can be generated by the field winding, whereas the second can be
produced with the armature while voltage is applied toward the brushes to get in touch
with the commutator. Whenever the current supplies through the winding of an armature,
then it creates a magnetic field. This is out of line by the field created with the field coil.
This will cause the power of attraction toward a single pole as well as revulsion from the
other. When the commutator is connected to the shaft then it will also move with a similar
degree as well as activates the pole. The armature will continue to chase the pole to spin.

If the voltage is not given to the brushes then the field will get excited as well as the
armature will be driven mechanically The voltage which is applied is AC because it
approaches, and flows away from the pole. However, the commutator being associated
with the shaft and frequently activates the polarity because it revolves, like that the real
output can observe across the brushes in DC.

Armature Winding and Armature Reaction

The armature winding is the winding where the voltage can be induced. Similarly, the field
winding is the winding where the main field flux can be generated whenever the current
flows through the winding. The armature winding has some of the basic terms namely
turn, coil and winding.
Armature reaction is the result of the armature flux on top of main field flux. Generally,
the DC motor includes two windings such as Armature winding as well as field winding.
Whenever we stimulate the field winding, then it generates a flux which connects by the
armature, and this will cause an emf & therefore a flow of current in the armature.
Applications of Armature
The applications of an armature include the following.

 The armature is used in an electric machine for generating power.

 The armature can be used as rotor otherwise stator.
 This is used to monitor the current for the applications of DC motor.
Thus, this is all about an overview of an armature which includes what is an armature,
components, working, and applications. From the above information finally, we can
conclude that an armature is an essential component used in an electric machine for
generating power. It can be on either the rotating part otherwise stationary part of the
machine. Here is a question for you, how armature works?
Synchronous Generator Working Principle
The electrical machine can be defined as a device that converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electrical generator can
be defined as an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical
energy. An electrical generator typically consists of two parts; stator and rotor. There are
various types of electrical generators such as direct current generators, alternating
current generators, vehicular generators, human powered electrical generators, and so
on. In this article, let us discuss about synchronous generator working principle.
Synchronous Generator
The rotating and stationary parts of an electrical machine can be called as rotor and stator
respectively. The rotor or stator of electrical machines acts as a power-producing
component and is called as an armature. The electromagnets or permanent magnets
mounted on the stator or rotor are used to provide magnetic field of an electrical machine.
The generator in which permanent magnet is used instead of coil to provide excitation
field is termed as permanent magnet synchronous generator or also simply called as
synchronous generator.
Construction of Synchronous Generator

In general, synchronous generator consists of two parts rotor and stator. The rotor part
consists of field poles and stator part consists of armature conductors. The rotation of
field poles in the presence of armature conductors induces an alternating voltage which
results in electrical power generation.

Construction of Synchronous Generator

The speed of field poles is synchronous speed and is given by
Where, ‘f’ indicates alternating current frequency and ‘P’ indicates number of poles.

Synchronous Generator Working Principle

The principle of operation of synchronous generator is electromagnetic induction. If there
exits a relative motion between the flux and conductors, then an emf is induced in the
conductors. To understand the synchronous generator working principle, let us consider
two opposite magnetic poles in between them a rectangular coil or turn is placed as shown
in the below figure.

Rectangular Conductor placed in between two opposite Magnetic Poles

If the rectangular turn rotates in clockwise direction against axis a-b as shown in the below
figure, then after completing 90 degrees rotation the conductor sides AB and CD comes
in front of the S-pole and N-pole respectively. Thus, now we can say that the conductor
tangential motion is perpendicular to magnetic flux lines from north to south pole.

Direction of Rotation of Conductor perpendicular to Magnetic Flux

So, here rate of flux cutting by the conductor is maximum and induces current in the
conductor, the direction of the induced current can be determined using Fleming’s right
hand rule. Thus, we can say that current will pass from A to B and from C to D. If the
conductor is rotated in a clockwise direction for another 90 degrees, then it will come to
a vertical position as shown in the below figure.

Direction of Rotation of Conductor parallel to Magnetic Flux

Now, the position of conductor and magnetic flux lines are parallel to each other and thus,
no flux is cutting and no current will be induced in the conductor. Then, while the
conductor rotates from clockwise for another 90 degrees, then rectangular turn comes to
a horizontal position as shown in the below figure. Such that, the conductors AB and CD
are under the N-pole and S-pole respectively. By applying Fleming’s right hand rule,
current induces in conductor AB from point B to A and current induces in a conductor CD
from point D to C.

So, the direction of current can be indicated as A – D – C – B and direction of current for
the previous horizontal position of rectangular turn is A – B – C – D. If the turn is again
rotated towards vertical position, then the induced current again reduces to zero. Thus,
for one complete revolution of rectangular turn the current in the conductor reaches to
maximum & reduces to zero and then in the opposite direction it reaches to maximum &
again reaches to zero. Hence, one complete revolution of rectangular turn produces one
full sine wave of current induced in the conductor which can be termed as the generation of
alternating current by rotating a turn inside a magnetic field.
Now, if we consider a practical synchronous generator, then field magnets rotate between
the stationary armature conductors. The synchronous generator rotor and shaft or turbine
blades are mechanically coupled to each other and rotates at synchronous speed. Thus,
the magnetic flux cutting produces an induced emf which causes the current flow in
armature conductors. Thus, for each winding the current flows in one direction for the first
half cycle and current flows in the other direction for the second half cycle with a time lag
of 120 degrees (as they displaced by 120 degrees). Hence, the output power of
synchronous generator can be shown as below figure.

Do you want to know more about synchronous generators and are you interested in
designing electronics projects? Feel free to share your views, ideas, suggestions, queries,
and comments in the comment section below.