Alternator run at zero power factor lagging

AI Thread Summary
An alternator cannot operate at zero power factor lagging purely inductively due to inherent losses and resistance in the stator winding. Shorting the leads may increase reactance, but achieving a phase shift beyond 45° is challenging. The user is measuring voltage and current phase angles using an oscilloscope and a 14 gauge wire, but increasing excitation current has not yielded the desired results. The discussion highlights the limitations of passive components in achieving a purely inductive state. Ultimately, achieving a zero power factor lagging operation in an alternator is likely impractical.
electricalguy
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Hello, I'm wondering if it's possible to make an alternator run at zero power factor lagging (purely inductive). I was researching this topic and apparently by shorting the leads of the alternator the output will become fully reactive. Yet I've attempted this on a small scale and the most I can get the phase between voltage and current to shift is 45°. I've increased the excitation current without a change in the phase angle. Is there something I'm missing? Is there a way I can make the alternator run purely inductive? I understand lagging power factor is demagnetizing, leading power factor is magnetizing and unity power factor is cross magnetized. Is the issues with the resistance of the stator winding?
 
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In reality - I doubt this is possible with passive components as there will always be real losses.

If you are shorting the output - how are you measuring the voltage in taking the PF?
 
I'm using an oscilliscope to take measurements of the line voltage and the phase current. I used a 14 gauge wire to connect the phases together. I measure the current waveform across the 14 gauge wire. I measure the difference in time between the voltage and current waveforms in milliseconds, then divide by one AC cycle in milliseconds, then multiple by 360 and this gives me the phase angle between the two in degrees.
 
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