Which type of generator has a no-load characteristic similar to that of a separately-excited generator?

A shunt generator has a no-load characteristic similar to that of a separately-excited generator because both systems rely on a separate excitation source for generating voltage. In a shunt generator, the field winding is connected in parallel (shunt) with the armature winding, allowing it to maintain a relatively constant voltage across varying load conditions when there are no-load situations.

This characteristic means that, under no-load conditions, the terminal voltage of a shunt generator is largely influenced by the field current, similar to how a separately-excited generator operates, where the field winding also receives constant voltage and can adjust independently from the load. As the load increases, the terminal voltage in both types of generators may quickly drop off, but this is attributed to their specific design rather than a fundamental characteristic difference.

In contrast, series generators have field windings connected in series with the load, which causes their voltage output to vary significantly based on load changes. Compound generators combine features of both shunt and series configurations, resulting in more complex voltage characteristics. Induction generators operate on different principles entirely, utilizing electromagnetic induction, hence do not share similar no-load characteristics with the other types.