Q2Electrical Machines II
Question
Explain the following : (a) Distributed winding (b) Winding axis
Answer
Distributed winding spreads coils across slots to reduce harmonics. Winding axis is the line of maximum MMF.
In a distributed winding, all the conductors belonging to a single phase under one magnetic pole are not placed in a single slot (which would be a concentrated winding). Instead, they are distributed across several adjacent slots.
This distribution prevents localized heating, utilizes the core perimeter efficiently, and most importantly, smooths out the stepped MMF waveform to closely approximate a sine wave, severely reducing harmonic distortion in the machine.
The winding axis (or magnetic axis) is the specific spatial line or orientation along which the magnetic field (or Magnetomotive Force) produced by the winding is at its maximum peak value when current flows through it. For a concentrated coil, this axis is exactly perpendicular to the plane of the coil.