shuntgenerator

A shunt generator is a type of DC electric generator where the field winding is connected in parallel with the armature winding. This parallel connection is also known as a "shunt" connection. The field winding, consisting of many turns of fine wire, is connected across the terminals of the armature. This configuration results in the field winding receiving a nearly constant voltage, which is the terminal voltage of the generator.

The excitation current in the field winding is therefore relatively independent of the armature current, and consequently, the magnetic flux produced by the field winding is largely constant. As the load on the generator increases, the armature current rises. This increased armature current leads to a slight drop in the terminal voltage due to the internal resistance of the armature winding and armature reaction. However, because the field current is supplied by the terminal voltage, the magnetic flux remains relatively stable compared to other DC generator types like series generators.

Shunt generators are characterized by their relatively good voltage regulation, meaning their output voltage does not fluctuate drastically with changes in load. They find applications in situations where a stable voltage is required, such as battery charging, powering small loads, and in some older industrial power systems. The self-excitation capability of shunt generators, where residual magnetism in the field poles is sufficient to initiate the generation process, is a key characteristic.