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3wwinstruction Manual FOR Hopkinson S Test

Hopkinson's test is used to test the efficiency of a DC machine. It requires two identical machines coupled together, with one operating as a generator to power the other operating as a motor. The voltages of the generator and supply are equalized using field resistances. Efficiency is calculated based on the input and output of each machine while accounting for losses. The test is economical as it requires small power compared to full load, and allows temperature and commutation to be monitored under full load conditions. However, it is difficult to find identical machines and operate them at exactly the same load and speed.

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268 views4 pages

3wwinstruction Manual FOR Hopkinson S Test

Hopkinson's test is used to test the efficiency of a DC machine. It requires two identical machines coupled together, with one operating as a generator to power the other operating as a motor. The voltages of the generator and supply are equalized using field resistances. Efficiency is calculated based on the input and output of each machine while accounting for losses. The test is economical as it requires small power compared to full load, and allows temperature and commutation to be monitored under full load conditions. However, it is difficult to find identical machines and operate them at exactly the same load and speed.

Uploaded by

ramniwas123
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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3WWINSTRUCTION MANUAL

FOR
HOPKINSON S TEST

Hopkinson’s test is another useful method of testing the efficiency of a dc machine. It is a full
load test and it requires two identical machines which are coupled to each other. One of these
two machines is operated as a generator to supply the mechanical power to the motor and the
other is operated as a motor to drive the generator. For this process of back to back driving the
motor and the generator, Hopkinson’s test is also called back-to-back test or regenerative test.

Here is circuit connection for the Hopkinson’s test shown in figure below. A motor and a
generator, both identical, are coupled together. When the machine is started it is started as
motor. The shunt field resistance of the machine is adjusted so that the motor can run at its
rated speed. The generator voltage is now made equal to the supply voltage by adjusting the
shunt field resistance connected across the generator. This equality of these two voltages of
generator and supply is indicated by the voltmeter as it gives a zero reading at this point
connected across the switch. The machine can run at rated speed and at desired load by
varying the field currents of the motor and the generator.
Calculation of Efficiency by Hopkinson’s Test

Let, V = supply voltage of the machines.

Then, Motor input = V(I1 + I2)

I1 = The current from the generator

I2 = The current from the external source

And, Generator output = VI1………………(1)

Let, both machines are operating at the same efficiency ‘η’.

Then, Output of motor = η x input = η x V(I1 + I2)

Input to generator = Output of the motor = η X V(I1 + I2)

Output of generator = η x input = η x [η x V(I1 + I2)] = η2

V(I1 + I2)………………(2)

From equation 1 an 2 we get,

VI1 = η2 V(I1 + I2) or I1 = η2 (I1 + I2)

Now, in case of motor, armature copper loss in the motor = (I1 + I2 – I4)2 Ra.

Ra is the armature resistance of both motor and generator.

I4 is the shunt field current of the motor.


Shunt field copper loss in the motor will be = VI4

Next, in case of generator armature copper loss in generator = (I1 + I3)2Ra


I3 is the shunt field current of the generator.

Shunt field copper loss in the generator = VI3

Now, Power drawn from the external supply = VI2

Therefore, the stray losses in both machines will be

W = VI2 – (I1 + I2 – I4)2 Ra + VI4 + (I1 + I3)2 Ra + VI3

Let us assume that the stray losses will be same for both the machines. Then,
Stray loss / machine = W/2

Efficiency of Generator

Total losses in the generator, WG = (I1 + I3)2 Ra + VI3 + W/2

Generator output = VI1

Then, efficiency of the generator,

Efficiency of Motor

Total losses in the motor, WM = (I1 + I2 – I4)2 Ra + VI4 + W/2

Motor input = V(I1 + I2)

Then, efficiency of the motor,


Advantages of Hopkinson’s Test

The merits of this test are…


1. This test requires very small power compared to full-load power of the motor-
generator coupled system. That is why it is economical.

2. Temperature rise and commutation can be observed and maintained in the limit
because this test is done under full load condition.

3. Change in iron loss due to flux distortion can be taken into account due to the
advantage of its full load condition

Disadvantages of Hopkinson’s Test

The demerits of this test are

1. It is difficult to find two identical machines needed for Hopkinson’s test.

2. Both machines cannot be loaded equally all the time.

3. It is not possible to get separate iron losses for the two machines though they are
different because of their excitations.

4. It is difficult to operate the machines at rated speed because field currents vary
widely.

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