Damper windings are used in synchronous generator to:

Damper Winding:
The damper winding consists of short-circuited copper bars embedded in the face of the rotor poles and short-circuited at both ends by a heavy copper ring.

The function of damper winding in synchronous motor:

• A synchronous motor has no self-starting torque. Therefore, damper winding provides starting torque necessary for starting the synchronous motor.
• It also prevents hunting of synchronous motor, that is it reduces oscillations of the rotor when the motor deviates from synchronism.

The function of damper winding in the synchronous generator:

• It is known that a synchronous generator is rotated by a prime mover providing it the necessary starting torque.
• Damper windings in synchronous generators are used to maintain balanced 3-phase voltage under unbalanced conditions.
• To prevent hunting of synchronous generator or to reduces oscillations of the rotor when the motor deviates from synchronism.
• They increase the stability of large synchronous generators.