Table of Contents
Book at a Glance
| Full Title | Electrical Machinery |
| Author | Dr. P. S. Bimbhra |
| Publisher / Year | Khanna Publishing House / 7th Ed. 2011; fully revised reprint 2021 |
| Print ISBN | 978-8174091734 (7 E) |
| Length | 1 060 pages |
| Customer Rating | 4.4 / 5 (150+ Amazon reviews) |
| Typical Price | USD 20–25 |
| Audience | Undergraduate & graduate EE students, GATE/IES aspirants, practicing motor-drive engineers |
Why Electrical Machinery Still Matters in 2025
- Syllabus synchronicity – The book shadows AICTE & IEEE curriculum outcomes chapter-for-chapter, making it the default text for Indian sub-continent universities.
- Breadth with balanced depth – You get elementary phasor diagrams and per-unit Salient Pole models, so both newcomers and design pros find value.
- Exam-centric clarity – End-of-chapter examples pair derivations with numericals that mirror past GATE and university papers.
- Latest spec refresh – The 2021 revision folds in IS:2020 transformer standards and up-to-date efficiency regs, keeping tables more than mere history notes.
Inside Electrical Machinery: Chapter Highlights
| Ch. | What It Covers | Why It’s Useful |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Electromagnetic Fundamentals | Maxwell’s equations recap, MMF, energy conversion | Quick refresher for mech-minded readers |
| 2–3. DC Generators & Motors | EMF equation, armature reaction, speed-control methods | Classic Bimbhra solved problems appear in many exams |
| 4. Single-Phase Transformers | Equivalent circuit, OC/SC tests, voltage regulation graphs | Lab-ready test procedures save you Googling |
| 5. Three-Phase Transformers | Vector groups, Scott & open-delta connections | Crucial for power-system internships |
| 6–7. Synchronous Machines | Alternator design, EMF methods, V-curves, hunting | Links steady-state theory to AVR projects |
| 8–9. Induction Motors | Slip-torque curves, circle diagram, speed control (V/f, rotor-resistance) | Must-know for VFD and HVAC engineers |
| 10. Special Machines | BLDC, stepper, reluctance motors | Newer edition’s highlight; aligns with EV drivetrain trends |
| 11. AC Commutator & Universal Motors | High-speed appliance motors | Often skipped elsewhere, helpful for product engineers |
| Appendices | Objective quiz, IS/IEC standards excerpts, worked GATE solutions | Speeds up competitive-exam prep |
Key Strengths That Keep Engineers Loyal
- Explain-first philosophy – Derivations precede formulas, so you seldom plug into black-box equations.
- Data-rich solved problems – Over 1 200 numericals with step-by-step solutions build computational muscle memory.
- Graphical intuition – Circle diagrams, V-curves and speed-torque plots are plotted to scale, reinforcing mental models.
- Standard alignment – IS and IEC ratings, temperature-rise limits, and efficiency classes appear in tables, useful for spec sheets.
Limitations to Consider
- Old-school typesetting – Even the 2021 reprint uses two-color static diagrams; CAD novices may crave 3-D visuals.
- Sparse power-electronics integration – Motor-drive interactions with modern SiC-based inverters get only cursory treatment; you’ll need a separate book for PWM control design.
- Bulky physical copy – At ~2 kg, this is a desk text, not a commuter read; grab the Kindle or PDF if portability matters.
Who Should Buy Electrical Machinery?
| Reader | Payoff |
|---|---|
| 2nd–4th-year B-Tech / B.E. students | Clears theory, lab-viva & university long-answer questions |
| GATE / IES / PSU aspirants | Repository of past questions and objective quizzes |
| Maintenance & commissioning engineers | Quick reference for test formulas and nameplate parameter conversion |
| Faculty & tutors | Bank of assignment problems + straightforward narrative for lecturing |
How It Stacks Up Against Competing Titles
| Feature | Electrical Machinery (Bimbhra) | Electrical Machines (Fitzgerald & Kingsley) | Theory of Machines (Nagrath & Kothari) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pages | 1 060 | ~720 | ~800 |
| Exam-oriented numericals | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Global standards focus | IS + IEC | NEMA + IEEE | Mixed |
| Modern drives / EV angle | Limited | Moderate | Limited |
| Ease for non-EE majors | High | Moderate | High |
SEO-Friendly FAQ
Is Electrical Machinery good for beginners?
Yes. Each chapter starts with plain-language theory before diving into math, making it accessible to first-year EE students.
Does the book include objective-type questions?
Absolutely—each chapter ends with short MCQs and numerical quizzes patterned after GATE and PSU exams.
Where can I buy the latest edition of Electrical Machinery?
Paperback and Kindle versions are available via Amazon India, Flipkart and most campus bookstores. Prices range 250–1 060 depending on binding and stock.
Is there content on brushless DC or stepper motors?
Yes—Chapter 10 (Special Machines) was expanded in the fully revised 2021 edition to cover BLDC, stepper and switched-reluctance motors with basic control notes.
