How does a regulator 'limit current' in a DC generator system?

How does a regulator 'limit current' in a DC generator system?

• A. By increasing the generator’s field current as voltage rises.
• B. By decreasing the generator’s field current as voltage rises, thereby limiting output to maintain the target system voltage.
• C. By shorting the output to stop current.
• D. By disconnecting the load.

Answer: (B)

A DC generator’s current is limited by controlling the magnetic field that creates the EMF. The regulator continuously samples the system voltage and adjusts the field current to keep the output at the target value. When the voltage tendency rises, the regulator reduces the field current, which lowers the generator’s EMF and caps the current delivered to the load. If the load pulls the voltage down, the regulator increases the field current to raise EMF and restore voltage. This feedback keeps the system voltage stable and prevents excessive current. Increasing field current would boost the output, not limit it. Shorting the output would stop current but is not how the regulator operates in normal regulation. Disconnecting the load changes the current passively rather than regulating the generator’s EMF.

A DC generator’s current is limited by controlling the magnetic field that creates the EMF. The regulator continuously samples the system voltage and adjusts the field current to keep the output at the target value. When the voltage tendency rises, the regulator reduces the field current, which lowers the generator’s EMF and caps the current delivered to the load. If the load pulls the voltage down, the regulator increases the field current to raise EMF and restore voltage. This feedback keeps the system voltage stable and prevents excessive current.

Increasing field current would boost the output, not limit it. Shorting the output would stop current but is not how the regulator operates in normal regulation. Disconnecting the load changes the current passively rather than regulating the generator’s EMF.