GATE EE 2027 · SUBJECT 05 / 10

Electrical Machines: Syllabus, Topics & Reference Books

Transformers, DC machines, induction machines, synchronous machines, losses and efficiency.

Electrical Machines syllabus topics

The following topic groups come from the syllabus content included in this study hub. Consult the official GATE 2027 website for examination updates.

  1. Single phase transformer: equivalent circuit, phasor diagram, open circuit and short circuit tests, regulation and efficiency;
  2. Three-phase transformers: connections, vector groups, parallel operation;
  3. Auto-transformer,
  4. Electromechanical energy conversion principles;
  5. DC machines: separately excited, series and shunt, motoring and generating mode of operation and their characteristics, speed control of dc motors;
  6. Three-phase induction machines: principle of operation, types, performance, torque-speed characteristics, no-load and blocked-rotor tests, equivalent circuit, starting and speed control;
  7. Operating principle of single-phase induction motors;
  8. Synchronous machines: cylindrical and salient pole machines, performance and characteristics, regulation and parallel operation of generators, starting of synchronous motors;
  9. Types of losses and efficiency calculations of electric machines.

How to prepare this subject

  1. Check topic coverage. Work through the groups above and mark unfamiliar concepts.
  2. Learn and practise. Study one relevant reference book, then solve worked examples without looking at the solutions.
  3. Apply concepts. Use GATE EE previous-year questions to assess where you need additional practice.
  4. Revise and test. Create a short formula or concept sheet and reattempt questions you initially missed.

Recommended reference books

These are textbook suggestions for studying this subject, not a mandatory purchase list.

  • Electrical Machinery — P. S. Bimbhra
  • Electrical Machines — I. J. Nagrath & D. P. Kothari

Free resources for practice

Use the downloadable question-paper collection and year-wise weightage report as supporting study materials.

GATE EE Study Hub is an independent educational initiative by Manoranjan Kumar. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GATE organizers.

STEP-BY-STEP LEARNING

Induction motor slip, rotor frequency and power

Turn speed and air-gap power information into rotor copper loss and converted mechanical power.

Key learning goal: Calculate synchronous speed, slip, rotor current frequency and the air-gap power split for a three-phase induction motor.

Read the detailed worked example and self-check question →

Quick concept check: If the rotor runs at 1470 rpm with the same four-pole 50 Hz supply, find slip and rotor frequency.

Check the answer

The synchronous speed is still 1500 rpm. Slip = (1500 − 1470)/1500 = 0.02, or 2%. Rotor frequency = 0.02 × 50 = 1 Hz.

Common pitfalls: Using P = 2 instead of P = 4 when there are four poles. Using the slip speed in rpm directly as the decimal slip.