CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1 AIM & OBJECTIVES:
The main aim of this project is to discuss about the classification and functions of excitation
system and study of brushless excitation system adopted in JPL 600MW unit. The main topics
focused in this project are components of brushless excitation system, monitoring and
supervisory of excitation system, excitation cooling arrangement and automatic voltage
regulator.
1.2 SCOPE & LIMITATIONS:
There are different types of excitation system (as per above classification) and ratings of
excitation system also varies according to capacity of unit. The MW rating of excitation system
is generally 0.5 to 1% of alternator MW rating (for 600MW unit it is 3 to 4 MW). In this project
the discussion is limited to brushless excitation system of 600MW BHEL unit and ratings are
also related to that unit.
1.3 FUTURE LINKAGES:
The advances in excitation control systems over the last 20 years have been influenced by
developments in solid state electronics. The latest development in excitation systems have been
the introduction of digital technology. The control, protection and logic functions have been
implemented digitally, essentially duplicating the functions previously provided by analog
circuitry.
The digital controls have become cheaper and possibly more reliable alternative to analog
circuitry. They have the added advantage of being more flexible, allowing easy implementation
of more complex control strategies and interfacing with other generator control and protective
functions.

1.4 CONCLUSION:
From the power system view point, the excitation system should contribute to effective control
of voltage and enhancement of system stability. It should be capable of responding rapidly to a
disturbance so as to enhance transient stability of the power system.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 INTRODUCTION:
In literature survey the functions and classification of excitation systems will be discussed. The
dynamic performance measures of excitation control system (i.e. large signal and small signal
performance parameters) are also described in this chapter. The small signal performance indices
associated with time response and frequency response are considered for open circuit generator
system only (i.e. generator supplying an isolated load).
2.2 EXCITATION SYSTEM:
The Equipment for supply, control and monitoring of D.C supply to the field winding of
alternator is called as Excitation System. Flux in the alternator rotor is produced by feeding
D.C Supply in the field coils, thus forming required number of poles on the rotor (2 or 4 for
Turbo Alternator).
Excitation system performance is controlled by excitation control system which consists of
automatic voltage regulator (AVR). AVR will control the excitation system output such that it
will supply sufficient field current to alternator rotor to have constant terminal voltage. The AVR
will generate control signal by considering other generator and exciter parameters along with
alternator terminal voltage such that the operation of alternator is within its capability limits.
2.3 FUNCTIONS OF EXCITATION SYSTEM:
Provide stable reactive load sharing between generators running in parallel.
Automatically regulate the output voltage of synchronous generator by providing rotor with a
controlled field supply over the entire load range.
Improve Dynamic and Transient Stability, thereby increasing Availability.
Ensure safe operation of generator within its capability limits.

2.4 TYPES OF EXCITATION SYSTEM:

EXCITATION SYSTEM

ROTATING EXCITATION

Conventional
D.C Excitation

High Frequency
Excitation

STATIC EXCITATION

Brushless
Excitation

Fig 2.1 Classification of Excitation system

2.5 DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
The performance of the excitation control system depends on the characteristics of excitation
system, the generator and the power system. Since the system is nonlinear, it is convenient to
classify its dynamic performance into large signal performance and small signal performance.
For large signal performance the nonlinearities are significant, for small signal performance the
response is effectively linear.
2.5.1 LARGE SIGNAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
Large signal performance measures provide a means of assessing the excitation system
performance for severe transients such as those encountered in the consideration of transient,
mid-term and long term stability of the power system. Such measures are based on the quantities
define below. Some of the performance measures are defined under specified conditions, these
conditions may be specified as appropriate for the specific situation.

a) Ceiling Voltage: The maximum direct voltage that the excitation system is able to supply from
its terminals under specified conditions. Ceiling voltage is indicative of field forcing capability
of the excitation system. Higher ceiling voltages tend to improve transient stability.
For excitation systems whose supply depends on the generator voltage and current (static
excitation), the ceiling voltage is defined at specified supply voltage and current. For excitation
systems with rotating exciters (brushless excitation), the ceiling voltage is determined at rated
speed.
b) Ceiling Current: The maximum direct current that the excitation system is able to supply from
its terminals for a specified time. When prolonged disturbances are a concern the ceiling current
may be based on the excitation system thermal duty.
c) Voltage Time Response: The excitation system output voltage expressed as a function of time
under specified conditions.
d) Voltage Response Time: The time in seconds for the excitation voltage to attain 95% of the
difference between the ceiling voltage and rated load field voltage under specified conditions.
The rated load field voltage is the generator field voltage under rated continuous load conditions
with the field winding at (i) 75oc for windings designed to operate at rating with temperature rise
60oc or less, or (ii) 100oc for windings designed to operate at rating with a temperature rise
greater than 60oc.
e) High initial response Excitation system: An excitation system having a voltage response time
of 0.1 sec or less. It represents a high response and fast acting system.
f) Excitation system Nominal response: The rate of increase of the excitation system output
voltage determined from the excitation system voltage response curve, divided by the rated field
voltage. This rate, if maintained constant, would develop the same voltage time area as obtained
from the actual curve over the first half second interval (unless a different time interval is
specified).
The nominal response is determined by initially operating the excitation system at the rated load
field voltage (and field current) and then suddenly creating the three phase terminal voltage input
5

signal conditions necessary to drive the excitation system voltage to ceiling. It should include
any delay time that may be present before the excitation system responds to the initiating
disturbance.

Fig 2.2 Excitation system nominal response

Referring to Fig 2.2, the excitation response is illustrated by line ac. This line is determined by
establishing area acd equal to area abd.

Where, oe = 0.5 sec

ao = rated load field voltage
The basis for considering a nominal time span of 0.5 sec in the above definition is that, following
a severe disturbance the generator rotor angle swing normally peaks between 0.4 sec to 0.7 sec.
The excitation system must act within this time period to be effective in enhancing transient
stability.
It is not a good figure of merit for excitation systems supplied from the generator or the power
system, due to reduced capability of such systems during a system fault. For high initial response
6

systems, the nominal response merely establishes the required ceiling voltage. The ceiling
voltage and voltage response time are more meaningful parameters for such systems.
2.5.2 SMALL SIGNAL PERFORMANCEMEASURES:
Small signal performance measures provide a means of evaluating the response of the closed
loop excitation control systems to incremental changes in system conditions. Small signal
performance may be expressed in terms of performance indices used in feedback control system
theory:

Indices associated with time response and

Indices associated with frequency response.

The typical time response of a feedback control system to a step change in input is shown in Fig
2.3. The associated indices are rise time, over shoot and settling time.

Fig 2.3 Typical time response to step input

7

A typical open loop frequency response characteristic of an excitation control system with the
generator open circuited is shown in Fig 2.4

Fig 2.4 Open loop frequency response of an excitation control system with generator open
circuited
The performance indices associated with the open loop frequency response are the low frequency
gain G, cross over frequency c, phase margin m and gain margin Gm. Large values of G
provide better steady state voltage regulation, and large cross over frequency c indicates faster
response. Large values of phase margin m and gain margin Gm provide a more stable excitation
control loop.
The typical closed loop frequency response of an excitation control system with generator open
circuited is shown in Fig 2.5

Fig 2.5 Closed loop frequency response of an excitation control system with generator open
circuited
The indices of interest associated with the closed loop frequency response are the bandwidth B
and peak value Mp. A high value of Mp (>1.6) is indicative of an oscillatory system exhibiting
large over shoot in its transient response. In general, a value of Mp between 1.1 and 1.5 is
considered as a good design practice. Large values of bandwidth indicate faster response. It
approximately describes filtering or noise rejection characteristics of the system.
The performance indices mentioned above are applicable to any feedback control system having
a single major feedback loop, i.e., a single controlled output variable. Therefore they are
applicable to an excitation control system with the synchronous machine on open circuit are
feeding an isolated load. Stable operation of the excitation control system with the generator
offline is ensured based on these performance indices and associated analytical techniques.

On the other hand, synchronous machines connected to a power system form a complex multi
loop, multi variable, and high order control system. For such a system, the performance indices
mentioned above are not applicable. The state space approach using eigenvalue techniques is an
effective method of assessing the performance of such complex systems.
2.6 CONCLUSION:
Classification of excitation system and its performance measures was discussed in this chapter.
Large signal and small signal performance measures are also defined along with their importance
in design of excitation system. Modern excitation systems are designed to have high initial
response such that they are able to respond to transient faults quickly and the system stability is
maintained.

10

CHAPTER - 3
BRUSHLESS EXCITATION SYSTEM
3.1 INTRODUCTION:
As the name suggests in this excitation system there are no brushes for supply of power from
exciter output to alternator field winding. The main components of brushless excitation system
are:
Permanent Magnet Pilot Exciter (ELP 50/42 30/16)
Three phase Main Exciter (ELR 70/90 30/6 20N)
Rotating Diode Wheel
Multi Contactors
Automatic Voltage Regulator
Exciter Cooling Arrangement
Metering and Supervisory System
Exciter Bearings

Coupling to Alternator

Diode Wheels

Main Exciter Rotor

Sliprings

Pilot Exciter

Cooling Fan

Fig 3.1 Excitation System Rotor

11

3.2 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF EXCITATION SYSTEM:

Pilot Exciter
Slip Rings
Main Exciter
AVR
Quadrature Coil

Diode Wheel Set

Feedback to AVR

Multi Contactors
Field Winding

Generator Stator

Fig 3.2 Line diagram of Excitation system

12

3.3 PERMANENT MAGNET PILOT EXCITER:

Pilot Exciter is a 16 pole revolving field unit. The rotor is salient pole type with 16 numbers of
poles and its stator frame consists of laminated core with three phase winding. Each pole of rotor
consists of 12 separate permanent magnets housed in a non-magnetic metallic enclosure. The
output frequency of pilot exciter is 400Hz in rated speed condition.

Armature Winding

Permanent Magnets

Fig 3.3 Pilot Exciter Stator

Balance Weights

Fig 3.4 Pilot Exciter Rotor

Rated Voltage

220 Volts

Rated Current

195 Amps

Rated Speed

3000 RPM

No. of Phases & Frequency

3 & 400 Hz

Insulation Class & Type

Class F & Enamelled Glass

Table 3.1 Ratings of Pilot exciter
13

3.3.1 TYPE OF PILOT EXCITER:

E L P 50 / 42 30 / 16
E = Exciter

50 = Diameter of Rotor Body in cm

L = Air Cooling

42 = Length of Core in cm

P = 3 Phase Pilot Exciter

30/16 = 3000 rpm & No. of Poles

3.4 MAIN EXCITER:

The three phase main exciter is a 6 pole revolving armature unit. The poles are arranged in stator
frame with field and damper winding to reduce diode commutation reactance. The three phase
winding is inserted in the slots of the laminated armature rotor. The winding conductors are
transposed with in the core length and the end turns are secured with steel bands. The winding
ends are run to a bus ring system to which the three phase leads to the rectifier wheels are
connected. The output frequency of main exciter is 150Hz in rated speed condition.

Damper Winding

Field Winding

Fig 3.5 Main Exciter Stator

Fig 3.6 Main Exciter Rotor

14

Rated Voltage

413 Volts

Rated Current

5192 Amps

Rated Field Current

110 Amps

No. of Phases & Frequency

3 & 150 Hz

Insulation Class & Type for armature

Class F & Epoxy Glass Lapped

Table 3.2 Ratings of Main exciter

3.4.1 TYPE OF MAIN EXCITER:
E L R 70/90 30/6 20N
E = Exciter

70/90 = Rotor Diameter / Core Length in cm

L = Air Cooling

30/6 = 3000 rpm / Six Poles

R = Main Exciter with Rotating Rectifier

20N = 20 Diodes connected in Parallel

3.5 DIODE WHEELS:

The main components of the rectifier wheels are the silicon diodes which are arranged in the
rectifier wheels in a three phase bridge circuit. Two diodes are connected in parallel and mounted
in each aluminum alloy heat sink. Associated with each heat sink there is a fuse in series with
diodes which serves to switch off the two diodes if one diode fails (i.e. Loss of Reverse Blocking
Capability). For suppression of the momentary voltage peaks arising from commutation, each
wheel is provided with six RC networks consisting of a capacitor and a damping resistor each,
which are combined in a single resin encapsulated unit.
The insulated and shrunken rectifier wheels serve as DC buses for negative and positive side of
Rectifier Bridge. The two wheels are identical in mechanical design and differ only in forward
direction of diodes (i.e. Positive group and Negative group). The direct current from the rectifier
wheels is fed to DC leads arranged in the center bore of the shaft via radial bolts. The three phase
AC power is supplied to diode rectifier from the main exciter by the conductors taken axially
along the surface of the shaft.

15

Fuses

Power Diode

Hot air outlet holes

Diode Wheel Negative

Diode Wheel Positive

Fig 3.7 Diode Wheels

The three phase bridge circuit consists of six bridge arms (Three arms for each diode wheel)
Number of parallel paths for each bridge arm is 10 and each parallel path consists of two diodes
in parallel. Number of fuses and heat sinks for each diode wheel is 30.
16

Diode Rating
Rated average forward current *
Maximum repetitive peak inverse voltage

690 Amps
**

2600 Volts

Maximum junction temperature

90

Fuse Rating
Voltage Rating

800 Volts

Current Rating

800 Amps

Fuse failure indicator

Stroboscope
Table 3.3 Ratings of Fuse and Diode

Fig 3.8 Schematic Diagram of Rectifier Wheels

1) A.C Lead

4) Diode

7) Tension Bolt

2) Fuse

5) Diode Wheel (+ ve)

8) Terminal Bolt

3) Heat Sink

6) Hot air Outlet

9) Diode Wheel (- ve)

10) DC Lead

* Average forward current is the average value of current flowing through the diode in forward bias condition of diode in rectifier.
** Repetitive Peak inverse voltage is the Maximum voltage a diode can withstand in the reverse biased direction before
breakdown repetitively.

17

3.6 MULTI CONTACTORS:

Mechanical coupling of generator and exciter shaft assemblies results in simultaneous coupling
of D.C leads in the central shaft bore through the Multicontanct electrical system consisting of
plug in bolts and sockets. The DC leads are connected to the diodes via radial bolts. This contact
system is also designed to compensate for length variations of the leads due to thermal
expansion. The DC supply is connected to main field winding through the radial bolts connection
at alternator end.

Diode Wheel +ve

Tension Bolt

Diode Wheel -ve

Fig 3.9 Diode wheels and Tension Bolt

Fig 3.10 Multicontact Pins

18

Coupling to Alternator

3.7 EXCITER BEARING:

Exciter rotor is mounted on generator bearing and another journal bearing located between main
exciter and cooling fan. The bearing temperatures are measured with thermocouples located in
the bearing lower halves. The actual measuring point is located at the babbitt / sleeve interface.
Generator rotor and exciter rotors are manufactured with high precision and carefully balanced.
However some unavoidable residual balance will result in vibrations during operation, which are
transmitted to stator frame and foundation via the bearings. To permit a reliable assessment of
the running condition, vibration pickups are located at the bearings.
Measurement and recording of temperature and vibration are performed in conjunction with the
turbine supervision. The overall turbine protection is tripped when the maximum permissible
temperature or vibration is exceeded.

Fig 3.11 Bearing temperature measurement

3.8 CONCLUSION:
In this chapter the main parts of excitation system are explained along with the ratings related to
600MW BHEL unit. In next chapters the cooling arrangement of brushless excitation system
components will be discussed.
19

CHAPTER - 4
EXCITER COOLING SYSTEM
4.1 INTRODUCTION:
In any electrical system heat will be dissipated due to the its copper losses and other losses.
There should be proper cooling arrangement to remove heat from system to avoid its damage.
Air is the cooling media for excitation system. The complete exciter is housed in an enclosure
through which the cooling air circulates and cooled in two cooler sections arranged alongside the
exciter. The main exciter receives the air from the fan which draws the cold air through the pilot
exciter.
The air enters the main exciter from both ends and is passed into ducts below the rotor body and
discharged through radial slots in the rotor core to the lower compartment. The rectifier wheels
draw the cold air in at both ends and expel the hot air to the compartment beneath the base plate.
The warm air is cooled in cooler sections and then returns to the main enclosure
4.2 REPLACEMENT OF AIR INSIDE EXCITER ENCLOSURE:
While the generator is running, the air leaving the exciter enclosure via the bearing vapor exhaust
system and the leakage air outlet in the foundation provides for a pull through system. The
volume of extracted from the cooling air circuit is replaced via the filters located at the top of the
enclosure.
When the generator is at rest the air drier of the exciter unit discharges dry air inside the exciter
enclosure. The air leaves the exciter enclosure via the leakage air filter and the leakage air outlet
at the shafts as well as via the bearing vapor exhaust system (if the system is in service). The air
volume inside the exciter enclosure requires an air change rate of 125m3/hr.
4.3 EMERGENCY COOLING:
In the event of cooler failure three flaps are provided on the exciter for emergency cooling. One
flap is provided on the main housing for admitting cold air. Two flaps are provided below the
coolers for discharging the hot air through the openings in the base frame. These flaps open

20

when cold air temperature in exciter housing raises above 48oC and an open circuit cooling is
maintained in the exciter.

Fig 4.1 Exciter Cooling Air Circuit during Operation

1. Exciter Coolers

5. Exciter Cooling Fan

2. Rotating Rectifier

6. Pilot Exciter

3. Main Exciter

7. Air leakage air at Shaft ends

4. Exciter Bearing

8. Air inlet through Filters

4.4 EXCITER AIR DRYING SYSTEM:

A dryer (dehumidifier) and an anti-condensation heating system are provided to avoid the
formation of moisture condensate inside the exciter with the alternator at rest or on turning gear.
The dehumidification takes place in a slowly rotating dryer wheel (approximately 7 revolutions
per hour). The dryer wheel consists of a magnesium silica alloy containing crystalline lithium
chloride (hygroscopic material) as adsorbent material. The inlet side of dryer wheel is subdivided
so that 1/4th is available for regeneration and 3/4th for adsorption section.
When air passes through the adsorption section of dryer wheel, the moisture is removed by
adsorbent material by the result of partial pressure drop existing between the air and adsorbent
21

material. In regeneration section of the dryer wheel, the accumulated moisture is removed from
the dryer wheel by the heated regenerated air. The tubular ducts on the inlet side of dryer wheel
are dimensioned so that a laminar flow with low pressure loss is obtained even at higher air
velocity.
An Anti-condensation heating system to support the dryer is installed in the exciter base frame.
The heaters are rated and arranged so that the temperature of air in the exciter interior is within
limits. There are 5 heaters and the on/off of these heaters is based on the output of Duplex RTD
(MKC80CT012) at exciter fan inlet.

Fig 4.2 Schematic Diagram of Dryer

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Regeneration air Outlet

Dryer Wheel
Heater
Ventilator
Filter
Shutoff Valve
Dry air Outlet

4.5 CONCLUSION:
In this chapter the cooling system of brushless excitation system is described along with the flow
path of cooling air in the enclosure. The working of air drying system is also discussed.
22

CHAPTER - 5
EXCITER SUPERVISORY SYSTEM

5.1 INTRODUCTION:
The most essential measuring and supervisory devices in the excitation system are:
1. Temperature monitoring system
2. Excitation current measuring device
3. Fuse monitoring system
4. Ground fault detection system
5.2 TEMPERATURE MONITORING SYSTEM:
The exciter is provided with devices for monitoring the temperatures of the cold air after the
exciter cooler and the hot air leaving the rectifier wheels and hot air leaving the rectifier wheels
and main exciter. There are1 total 6 RTDs for exciter air temperature measurement and 2 RTDs
and 2 Dial type thermometers for cooling water temperature measurement. They are:

RTD CODE

RTD POSITION

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT

MKC82 CT001

Hot air inlet to Coolers

Hot air from Diode wheel and Main Exciter

MKC82 CT002

Hot air inlet to Coolers

Hot air from Diode wheel and Main Exciter

MKC82 CT003

Hot air inlet to Coolers

Hot air from Diode wheel and Main Exciter

MKC84 CT002

Hot air inlet to Coolers

Hot air from Rotating Diode wheel

MKC80 CT014

At Exciter Fan inlet

Cold air inlet to Main exciter

MKC80 CT012

At Exciter Fan inlet

For switching on/off heaters

PGB42 CT001

Cooling water outlet

For Hot cooling water at cooler 1 outlet

PGB42 CT002

Cooling water outlet

For Hot cooling water at cooler 2 outlet

Table 5.1 RTDs in Excitation system

23

5.3 EXCITATION CURRENT MEASURING DEVICE:

Main Exciter Damper Winding

Quadrature Coils

Main Exciter Poles

Fig 5.1 Quadrature coil in Main exciter

The exciter armature winding is placed on the shaft, so it is not possible for direct measurement
of exciter outlet current. So, the exciter current is measured indirectly through a coil (quadrature
coil) arranged between two poles of the main exciter (i.e. along the quadrature axis). The voltage
induced in this coil is proportional to the exciter current thus enabling a determination of the
excitation current. There 2 quadrature coils which are placed in the bottom half of the main
exciter stator.
5.4 FUSE MONITORING SYSTEM:
During operation of exciter set the fuses on the rotating rectifier wheel are monitored with the
help of stroboscope. On each of the two wheels A and B, separate flash tubes are provided. A
common control unit is provided to control these flashing tubes. The control unit is mounted on
the exciter enclosure whereas the tubes are permanently installed in the rectifier wheel enclosure.

24

The capacitor and high voltage transformer required to produce the firing pulses for the flash
tubes are located on a printed circuit board which is accommodated in the handle of flash lamp.
To synchronize the sequence of flashes with the generator rotation the system frequency is
utilized to activate the flashes, so that a slow motion observation of the fuse becomes possible.
The observation period for one full revolution of the rectifier wheel (3600) is approximately 25
seconds. After approximately 2 minutes the stroboscope is automatically switched off. If this
period should not be sufficient for fuse checking switching on the stroboscope for another two
minutes without delay can be repeated for any desired number of times.

Observation point of Fuse

Bolt to connect to the Diode wheel

Diode Wheel
Enclosure

Fig 5.2 Rectifier wheel Fuse

Flash tube to
control unit

Stroboscope

Fig 5.3 Fuse monitoring system

5.5 GROUND FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM:

Any Single ground fault occurring on field winding or exciter circuit is not a big problem for
machine. But more than one earth fault will leads to magnetic unbalances with very high currents
flowing through the faulted part, resulting in its destruction within a very short time. Two
sliprings are installed on the shaft between main exciter and bearing. One is connected to the star
25

point of the three phase winding of main exciter and the other to the frame. These sliprings
permit ground fault detection.
If the field ground fault detection system detects a ground fault, an alarm is activated at value of
resistance to earth (RE) falls below 80k (1st stage). If the insulation resistance between exciter
field circuit and ground either suddenly or slowly drops to RE < 5k the generator electrical
protection is tripped (2nd stage).

1. Measuring Slipring
2. Measuring Brush
3. Mounting Plate
4. Brush carrier segment
5. Plug in brush holder
6. Measuring rod
7. Measuring Leads

Fig 5.4 Brushes for Ground fault detection

The location of various measuring points on the excitation system is pointed in Fig 5.5 along
with the KKR codes of measuring instruments.

26

Fig 5.5 Exciter Measuring Points

27

CHAPTER 6
AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR
6.1 INTRODUCTION:
Excitation system performance is controlled by excitation control system which consists of
automatic voltage regulator (AVR). AVR will control the excitation system output such that it
will supply sufficient field current to alternator rotor to have constant terminal voltage for
alternator. The AVR will generate control signal by considering other generator and exciter
parameters along with alternator terminal voltage such that the operation of alternator is within
its capability limits. Alternator terminal voltage and output current are taken as feedback to AVR
with help of instrument transformers for continuous monitoring and controlling.
6.2 TYPES OF AVR:
Based on the type of control circuits designed AVR is of two types. They are,
i) Analog type AVR
ii) Digital type AVR
Now days most of the AVRs are of digital type due to their advantages over analog type in terms
of response time, configuration and control etc. In JPL 600MW unit the AVR used is of Digital
AVR type.
6.3 ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL AVR:

Lesser number of electronic cards

Better configuration and control

Fast reaction to network disturbances

Self-monitoring and fault diagnosis features

User friendly software can be used for setting parameters and measuring variables

Troubleshooting easier

28

6.4 COMPONENTS OF AVR:

Automatic voltage regulator consists of,
a) Automatic generator voltage regulator Auto
b) Exciter current regulator Manual
c) Gate control unit Auto/ Manual channel
d) Thyristor sets Auto/ Manual channel
e) De excitation Equipment
f) Follow up control unit
g) Open loop system for exchange of signals between regulator and control room
The basic block diagram of AVR system is as shown in Fig 6.1

Fig 6.1 Block diagram of AVR

29

6.5 LIMIT CONTROLLERS:

With increase in size of generating units, the requirements to be met by excitation systems are
also increased. Generators running in parallel with the power network even under extreme
conditions must remain in synchronism with the maximum load limit on it being not exceeded.
Optimum utilization of the generator can be ensured only if the basic AVR is influenced by
additional limiting signals along with generator terminal voltage. Various types of limit
controllers are as discussed below.
a) Rotor current limiter: The field current is measured on the AC input side of rotating rectifier
and it is converted into proportional DC voltages. The signal is compared with an reference
value, amplified and with necessary time lapse fed to the voltage regulator input. Rotor current
limiter avoids thermal overloading of rotor winding. The ceiling excitation is limited to a
predetermined limit and is allowed to flow for a time which is dependent upon the rate of rise of
field current before being limited to the thermal limit vlue.

Fig 6.2 Rotor current limiter block diagram

30

b) Stator current limiter: The stator current limiter has to influence the AVR differently
depending on whether the machine is over excited or under excited. The excitation current is to
be suitably reduced to limit the inductive stator current and is to be increased to limit the
capacitive current.

Fig 6.3 Stator current limiter block diagram

The generator stator current is converted into polarized DC signal positive or negative,
depending upon whether the machine is over excited or under excited. This voltage forms the
actual value for the controllers which process each of bipolar signals independently. One of these
controllers compare the capacitive stator current against its reference and acts directly on the
regulator via a decoupling diode to increase excitation.
The action of second controller which limits the inductive stator current is delayed by means of
an integrator before it influences the control input of the AVR so as to reduce the excitation. The
time lag offered is acceptable as far as stator overheating is concerned. The integrator time
constant is set one order less than the stator thermal time constant.

31

c) Rotor angle limiter: The load angle is the electrical angle between the voltage vector of the
system and the vector of the machine voltage. In the event of a short circuit in the system the
generators may accelerate owing to the abrupt partial removal of the electrical load. Due to this
the rotor angle increases and the angle can become so large relative to the system vector that the
machine may fall out of step. The rotor angle limiter limits the load angle of the machine to an
acceptable present value and provides a more definite protection in preventing the machine from
falling out of step.

Fig 6.4 Rotor angle limiter block diagram

d) Minimum excitation limiter: Minimum excitation limiter measures the reactive power and
compares it with the set reactive power in the leading side. It gives positive output to increase the
voltage regulator reference. This limiter assures to feed the generator the minimum excitation
that is necessary to keep the synchronization defined by the capability curve.
e) Power system stabilizing unit: In large power system network sudden change in load steps all
kinds of oscillatory responses. These oscillations are essentially exchange of power or energy
between rotors of machines. The power system stabilizing unit is used for the suppression of
rotor oscillations of the machines through the additional influence of excitation. The power as
well as acceleration signals needed for the stabilization are derived from active power delivered
by the alternator. Both the signals will be correspondingly amplified and summed up to influence

32

the excitation of the synchronous machine through AVR in a manner as to suppress the rotor
oscillations.
6.6 CAPABILITY DIAGAM OF GENERATOR:
Capability diagram of generator gives the safe operating regimes and limitations etc. This is of
great help to the operating engineers to ensure operations of the machines accordingly. Their
information particularly for limiting zones of operations are useful in setting the various limiters
of AVR. MW values are marked on Y- axis and MVAR values on X-axis on per unit basis rated
MVA. The typical capability diagram of a generator will be as shown below.

Fig 6.5 Generator capability diagram

Safety factor a 12.5 percent (1.125 p.u) power margin to increase in power demand with no
corresponding increase in excitation gives Practical stability limit line. From the point A the
dotted line AS denotes the theoretical stability line. The diagram FBED is the Capability
Diagram of the machine (i.e. the safe operating region of the machine).

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Fig 6.6 Power circle diagram of generator

I - Under Excitation

ABl = Steady state stability limit

II - Over Excitation

AB = Practical stability limit

q - Reactive Power

BC = Stator temperature rise limit

P - Active Power

CD = Rotor temperature rise limit

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