Armature Resistance

Armature Resistance

Every armature winding has its own resistance. The effective resistance of an armature winding per phase is denoted as R_aph Ω/ph or R_a Ω/ph.

Generally the armature resistance is measured by applying the known d.c. voltage and measuring the d.c. current through it. The ratio of applied voltage and measured current is the armature resistance. But due to the skin effect, the effective resistance under a.c. conditions is more than the d.c. resistance. Generally the effective armature resistance under a.c. conditions is taken 1.25 to 1.75 times the d.c. resistance. 

While measuring the armature resistance, it is necessary to consider how the armature winding is connected whether in star or delta. Consider a star connected armature winding as shown in the Fig. 2.3.1.

When the voltage is applied across any two terminals of an armature winding, then the equivalent resistance is the series combination of the two resistances of two different phase windings.

R_RY = Resistance between R-Y terminals = R_a + R_a = 2 R_a

where          R_a = Armature resistance per phase

R_a = R_RY  / 2 Ω / ph

Thus in star connected alternator, the armature resistance per phase is half of the resistance observed across any two line terminals.

Consider the delta connected alternator as shown in the Fig. 2.3.2.

When voltage is applied across any two terminals, then one phase winding appears in parallel with series combination of other two.

Hence the equivalent resistance across the terminals is parallel combination of the resistances R_a and 2R_a.

R_RY = R_a || 2R_a  Ω / ph = 2/3 R_a

R_a  = 3/2 R_RY

Thus in delta connected alternator, the armature resistance per phase is to be calculated from the equivalent resistance observed across any two line terminals.