ET 332a

Laboratory Activities and Experiments

1.)

Using Spreadsheets and MathCAD in Laboratory Calculations

(Handouts)
The Excel spreadsheet is introduced and used to produce graphs that are
commonly found in technical reports. Linear graphs are produced. Semi-log
plots are created by using a log function to reduce the range of the data and by
using the scaling abilities of the spreadsheet. Embedding the results into reports
is also demonstrated. Online video is available for reference. The Microsoft
Equation Editor is demonstrated. An online video is available for further
reference. MathCAD software combines graphics, text editing, and calculation
functions into an integrated package. A tutorial document and online software
demonstrations explain how to perform basic calculations found in electrical
measurement. A student activity uses the developed skills to make plots and
produce professional solutions to technical problems.

2.)

Power Laboratory Safety and Work Procedures/Resistance of DC machines

(Hampden Experiment 1)
Students are instructed in high voltage laboratory safety rules. Avoiding electric
shock and other safety hazards encountered in the power lab are covered. The
basic operation of the fractional-horsepower motor lab equipment will be covered
The class will perform a simple experiment to determine the dc resistance of the
field and armature coils of a typical dc motor.

3.)

Saturation Curve of a Generator

(Hampden Experiment 2)
The main object of this lab is to obtain the necessary data to plot a saturation
curve of a separately excited dc generator. The shape of this curve is a scaled
representation of a machines B-H curve. The effects of saturation on the
output of a generator are observed.

4.)

Counter EMF Force

(Hampden Experiment 16)
The counter EMF force of a dc machine will be observed. The laws of induction
and force on a conductor will be verified using a dc machine.

5.)

Load Characteristics of a Separately-Excited Shunt Generator

(Hampden Experiment 6)
The load level Vs terminal voltage characteristic of a separately-excited shunt
generator is developed. The voltage output capabilities of the machine are
examined at the rated speed and field current of the device.

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6.)

Shunt Motor Characteristics

(Hampden Experiment 18)
The speed-torque characteristic of the shunt dc motor is determined
experimentally. The speed regulation of the machine will be found. The
relationship between the load torque and the armature current is examined.

7.)

Efficiency and Losses in a Dc Shunt Motor

(Hampden Experiment 21)
The operating efficiency of a shunt dc machine will be determined by lab tests.
The sources of losses in dc machines are identified and measured. These
losses can be divided into fixed and load-variable components.

8.)

Series Motor Characteristics

(Hampden Experiment 19)
The speed-torque characteristic of the series dc motor is determined
experimentally. The speed regulation of the machine will be found. The
relationship between the load torque and the armature current is examined.

9.)

Compound Motor Characteristics

(Hampden Experiment 20)
The speed-torque characteristic of the compound dc motor is determined
experimentally. The speed regulation of the machine will be found. The
relationship between the load torque and the armature current is examined.

10.)

Shunt Generator Output Polarity and Voltage Build-up

(Hampden Experiment 3)
This experiment covers the correct procedures for preparing a shunt generator to
for operation. The voltage build-up process is examined. The proper
connections for voltage build-up are given.

11.)

Field Resistance Vs Generator Voltage Build-up/Motor Control Simulator

(Hampden Experiment 4)
This lab examines the affects of field resistance on generator voltage build-up.
The lab demonstrates the effect of excessive field resistance on terminal voltage.
The second section introduces ladder diagrams and motor control with an
animated, computer-based simulator.

12.)

Tour of SIUC Physical Plant PV array

The class will tour the SIUC physical plant 30 kW PV array. Representatives of
the physical plant will explain the operation of the array. The plant personnel will
give an overview of the interface and control circuits. They will also discuss
economic considerations of solar power under existing technologies.

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Lab Reporting Format

The laboratory procedure will be handed out approximately a week before it will be
performed. Reading the lab prior to lab makes the performance of the experiment more
efficient. All data collected in lab must be initialed and dated by the lab instructor. All
reports submitted without instructor verification will receive a zero.
The experiments for this course will be reported in an abbreviated format. The
laboratory handout has an experiment objective and procedure included. There is no
need to restate these sections in another report. To fully document the results of the
experiment, all questions, problems and graphs required by the laboratory handout
must be completed. Also, a discussion of the topics covered in the experiment and how
they relate to the lecture material should be completed. This discussion should be at
least one page type written and double-spaced.
The report should have the following sections:
1.) Cover page that is like the one attached to this document
2.) All the pages from the laboratory handout that have questions, problems,
tables, graphs.
3.) Discussion
It is permissible to answer the questions/problems on a separate sheet, but the
questions and problems must be numbered and all the answers typed. Some of the lab
handouts have places to make graph in them. It is also permissible make graphs using
software packages such as Excel instead of using this page. If a graph is made on a
separate sheet it must have:
1.) A title
2.) Labels on each axis
3.) Units on each axis
4.) A legend if more than on curve is on the same axis. This identifies each
curve on the graph.
The graphs should be scaled to show the data in the most meaningful way. Change the
graph limits so the curve covers most of the axis.

1.)
2.)

3.)
4.)

Hints for Good Reports

Follow the format. If you are not sure about how something should be done, ask
the lab or lecture instructor.
Use computer tools whenever possible. (word processors, drawing tools
spreadsheets) If you have never had any experience with some of these tools or
have a question about how to perform a function using the common software
tools ask the lab or lecture instructor.
Spell-check the document.
Proof-read the document at least once.

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Southern Illinois University at Carbondale

Department of Technology

ET 332a
Dc Motors, Generators and Energy Conversion Devices

Experiment #
Experiment Title

Reported by: your name here

Performed By: student name 1

student name 2
student name 3

Date Performed: