Compound Wound Generator

Compound Wound Generator Fundamentals

A compound wound generator features two field windings per pole: one series-connected with few turns of thick wire, and the other shunt-connected with many turns of fine wire parallel to the armature windings.

In essence, a compound generator integrates both shunt and series field windings. It is classified as:

• Cumulative compounded: Series winding flux reinforces shunt winding flux.

• Differentially compounded: Series winding flux opposes shunt winding flux.

Two connection configurations exist:

• Long shunt compound generator

• Short shunt compound generator

Long Shunt Compound Wound Generator

In a long shunt configuration, the shunt field winding is paralleled with both the armature and series field winding. The connection diagram for a long shunt compound generator is shown below:

Short Shunt Compound Wound Generator

In a short shunt compound generator, the shunt field winding is connected in parallel exclusively with the armature winding. The connection diagram for a short shunt compound generator is illustrated below:

Compound DC Generator Flux Characteristics

In this type of DC generator, the magnetic field is established by both shunt and series windings, with the shunt field typically stronger than the series field. It is classified as:

• Cumulatively compounded: When the magnetic flux from the series winding reinforces the shunt field flux.

• Differentially compounded: When the series field flux opposes the shunt field flux.