Load Equalizing

—When a number of compound dynamos of different outputs, size, or make are running together in parallel, it frequently happens that all their characteristics are not exactly similar, and therefore the load is unequally distributed among them, some being overloaded, while others do not take up their proper share of the work. If the difference be small, it may be compensated by means of the hand regulator; if large, however, other means must be taken to cause the machines to take up their due proportion of the load. If the shunt coils of the several dynamos be provided with small adjustable resistances, in the form of German silver or copper ribbon inserted in series with the coils, the distribution of the current in the latter may be altered by varying the resistance attached to the individual coils, and thus the effect of the shunt coils upon the individual armatures in raising the pre ure may be adjusted, and the load thus evenly divided among the machines.