Generators are mainly divided into two types.
- Separately excited
- Self-excited generator
If the emf is applied externally then it is separately excited generators. If field winding is energized by the current produced by generators itself, this is known as a self-excited generator.
The self-excited generator is further subdivided into three types.
- Series generator
In a series wound generator, the field winding is connected in series with armature winding so that whole armature current flows through the field winding as well as the load.
- Shunt generator
In a series wound generator, the field winding is connected in series with armature winding so that whole armature current flows through the field winding as well as the load.
- Compound generator
In a compound-wound generator, there are two sets of field windings on each pole – one is in series and the other in parallel with the armature.
The compound generator is again subdivided into
- Long shunt generator
- Short shunt generator