What is the power factor of an alternator?

Power factor is actually determined by the nature of load connected to the alternator. Normally, the power factor is around 0.8 lagging. Ideally, power factor should be equal to unity (purely resistive load) which results in maximum efficiency and maximum capacity utilization.

What determines the power factor of an alternator when it is connected singularly to the switch board?

The power factor of an alternator depends on: Speed of rotor. Core losses. Armature losses.

How can an alternator be used to control power factor?

We can control it by varying either active or reactive power. To control power factor In a power plant the active and reactive power is adjusted by the prime mover and alternator set. As Power=active power + reactive power.

On what does the generated alternator voltage depend?

Voltage is determined by speed and field current. An increase in either of the two, will increase alternator voltage. Current delivered by the alternator is determined by load. Both the magnitude and phase angle of the load impedance is important.

What is the power factor of an alternator at no load?

Answer: Power factor is the cosine of the phase angle between current and voltage. At no load current is zero, so the phase angle is 0°. The cosine of 0° is 1.

What determines the maximum current that can be supplied by an alternator?

The power that can be produced by an alternator is determined by the alternator rating. The output of the alternator ranges from 40 Amp up to 120 Amp. For high-amp alternator, it can generate up to 300 Amp. It means that, the higher the speed of rotation of the alternator shaft, the more power the alternator produce.

Which component of the alternator determines the output of the alternator?

alternator regulator
The current flowing through the rotating solenoid (rotor) is the decisive factor for regulating the output generated by the alternator. This current is used to alter the magnetic field. It is controlled by the alternator regulator based on the battery voltage, which has been measured in advance.

What should power factor?

The ideal power factor is unity, or one. Anything less than one means that extra power is required to achieve the actual task at hand. All current flow causes losses both in the supply and distribution system. A load with a power factor of 1.0 results in the most efficient loading of the supply.

When the power factor of an alternator is unity then the armature flux will be?

22. In an alternator, when the load power factor is unity. Answer: (b) the armature flux will be cross-magnetizing.