The compound winding (Fig. 51), which was first used by Edison, is a combination of the series and shunt windings.
FIG. 51–A COMPOUND-WOUND DYNAMO
The current is divided into two branches. One branch goes only through the field-coils. The other branch goes through additional coils which are wound on the field-magnet, and also through the external circuit. Such a dynamo can be made self-regulating, so that it will give always the same electrical pressure whatever the number of lamps or motors thrown into the circuit. In maintaining always the same pressure it of course supplies more or less current, according to the amount of current that is needed. This is clear if we compare the flow of electric current with the flow of water. Open a water-faucet and notice how fast the water flows. Then open several other faucets connected with the same water-pipe. Probably the water will not flow so fast from the first faucet. That is because the pressure has been lowered by the flow of water from the other faucets. If we could make the water adjust its own pressure and keep the pressure always the same, then the water would always flow at the same rate through a faucet, no matter how many other faucets were opened. This is what happens in the Edison compound-wound dynamo. Turn on one 16-candle-power carbon lamp. It takes about half an ampere of current. Turn on a hundred lamps connected to the same wires, and the dynamo of its own accord keeps the pressure the same, and supplies fifty amperes, or half an ampere for each lamp. With this invention of Edison the dynamo was practically complete, and ready to furnish current for any purpose for which current might be needed. Fig. 52 shows one of Edison's first dynamos. Fig. 53 shows a dynamo used for lighting a railway coach.
FIG. 52–ONE OF EDISON'S FIRST DYNAMOS
Permission of Association of Edison Illuminating Companies.