Generator Basics
What basic principle explains how voltage is produced in a generator?
Electromagnetic induction
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-27
What type of generator has field windings connected in parallel with the armature?
Shunt generator
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-124; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-33
What is the primary function of a starter-generator during engine start?
Operates as an electric motor to rotate the engine
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-131; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-39
What is the primary function of a voltage regulator?
Maintains constant generator output voltage
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-134; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-47
Why are armature cores made of laminated iron instead of solid iron?
To reduce eddy current losses
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-45; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-28
What rule is used to determine the direction of induced current in a generator conductor?
Fleming’s Right-Hand Rule
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-28
What type of generator has field windings connected in series with the load?
Series generator
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-124; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-33
What is the function of a starter-generator after the engine reaches operating speed?
Supplies electrical power as a generator
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-131; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-39
What is the purpose of a current limiter in a DC generating system?
Protects the generator from excessive current
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-136; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-48
What is the function of the commutator segments?
Provide electrical connection between armature windings and brushes
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-45; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-29
What component of a DC generator converts AC produced in the armature into DC output?
Commutator
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-45; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-29
What type of generator contains both series and shunt field windings?
Compound generator
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-125; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-34
What type of current does a starter-generator produce once operating as a generator?
Direct current
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-131; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-39
What is the function of a cutout relay?
Disconnects the generator from the battery when generator voltage is too low
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-135; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-48
What is the purpose of brushes in generator construction?
Transfer current between stationary and rotating components
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-45; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-29
What is the function of brushes in a DC generator?
Provide electrical contact between the rotating commutator and the external circuit
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-45; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-29
What is armature reaction?
Distortion of the magnetic field caused by current flow in the armature
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-126; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-35
What allows a starter-generator to transition from start mode to generator mode?
Cutout relay or control circuitry
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-132; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-40
How does a voltage regulator control generator output voltage?
By varying the strength of the generator field current
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-134; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-47
Where are field windings located in a DC generator?
Around the pole shoes
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-28
What determines the polarity of voltage produced in a generator?
Direction of rotation and magnetic field polarity
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-27
What happens to output voltage when generator speed increases?
Voltage increases
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-27
What electrical characteristic allows a starter-generator to produce high torque during engine start?
High current flow through the armature windings
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-131; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-39
How does an older vibrating-contact type voltage regulator maintain constant generator output voltage?
By rapidly opening and closing contact points to vary field current strength
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-134 to 12-136; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-47 to 9-48
What is the function of the generator frame?
Supports components and completes the magnetic circuit
Reference: FAA-H-8083-30B p. 12-44; FAA-H-8083-31 p. 9-28