What is a Shunt?

In electrical engineering, a shunt is a path that provides an alternative or parallel route for current to flow. It is typically used in circuits to divide or bypass the main current flow.

Shunt Field in a Generator

A shunt field in a generator is a type of field winding that is connected across the generator's output terminals. When current flows through the shunt field, it creates a magnetic field that reinforces the main magnetic field produced by the armature winding. This results in an increase in the generator's output voltage.

Shunt Breaker

A shunt breaker is a type of circuit breaker that is used to interrupt the flow of current in a circuit by creating a shunt path to ground. When a fault occurs in the circuit, the shunt breaker opens and creates a low-resistance path to ground, which diverts the current away from the protected equipment.

How Shunt Breakers Work

Shunt breakers operate based on the principle of creating a low-impedance path to ground. When a fault occurs, the high current flowing through the circuit causes the shunt breaker's electromagnetic coils to energize. This energization releases a latch, which opens the contacts and creates a low-impedance path to ground. The current is then diverted through this path, bypassing the protected equipment and preventing damage.

Useful Website

For a detailed explanation of shunts and their applications, you can refer to the following website:* [Electrical4U: Shunts](https://www.electrical4u.net/shunt-types-of-shunt-applications-of-shunt/) Flag for review