Under-compounded generators also operate satisfactorily in parallel but overcompounded generators will not operate satisfactorily unless their series fields are paralleled. This is achieved by connecting two negative brushes together as shown in Fig. (3.16) (i). The conductor used to connect these brushes is generally called equalizer bar. Suppose that an attempt is made to operate the two generators in Fig. (3.16) (ii) in parallel without an equalizer bar. If, for any reason, the current supplied by generator 1 increases slightly, the current in its series field will increase and raise the generated voltage. This will cause generator 1 to take more load. Since total load supplied to the system is constant, the current in generator 2 must decrease and as a result its series field is weakened. Since this effect is cumulative, the generator 1 will take the entire load and drive generator 2 as a motor. Under such conditions, the current in the two machines will be in the direction shown in Fig. (3.16) (ii). After machine 2 changes from a generator to a motor, the current in the shunt field will remain in the same direction, but the current in the armature and series field will reverse. Thus the magnetizing action, of the series field opposes that of the shunt field. As the current taken by the machine 2 increases, the demagnetizing action of series field becomes greater and the resultant field becomes weaker. The resultant field will finally become zero and at that time machine 2 will shortcircuit machine 1, opening the breaker of either or both machines.

When the equalizer bar is used, a stabilizing action exist? and neither machine tends to take all the load. To consider this, suppose that current delivered by generator 1 increases [See Fig. 3.16 (i)]. The increased current will not only pass through the series field of generator 1 but also through the equalizer bar and series field of generator 2. Therefore, the voltage of both the machines increases and the generator 2 will take a part of the load.

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