414 IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 9, No.

1, January 1994
SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CAPABILITY
CURVE TESTING AND EVALUATION

by
N. E. Nilsson J. Mercurio
Senior Member

Ohio Edison Company

Akron, Ohio

Abstrucf - In the late 1980s, a variation in system characteristics 750 -

in the Upper Ohio Valley resulted in changes in system
800MVA. 3-PH. 60hz
performance. When the changes in system performance varied n
W
- 75 PSlC
20KV. 75PSIG H2
to a sufficient extent, the utilities in the upper Ohio Valley
decided to perform a voltage coordination study. Some of the
c
0
aspects of this variation in system characteristics have been x Soo-45Pnc
w
reported by others [l]. 1y:
W
>
One facet of this study consisted of conducting MVAR 0
capability range tests on all the synchronous generators
comprising the Ohio Edison System. This study produced some
interesting results relating to the validity of the synchronous
generator capability curves supplied by the manufacturers as
well as operating practices in the plants themselves. Operating
the synchronous generators within limited W A R ranges
masked other problems which were not discovered until the
synchronous generator MVAR capability range tests were
performed.

Key Words - Generator capability curve, MVAR capability

range test, rotor field shorted turns and voltage coordination
study.
-500 J
INTRODUCTION

It has been the practice of manufacturers to supply Figure 1. Typical Synchronous Generator Manufacturer's
capability curves with synchronous generators similar to that Capability Curve
shown in Figure 1. The capability curve contains one or more
boundaries for megawatt (MW) and megavolt-ampere-reactive
(SCR) in per unit on the negative y axis (the MVAR axis) and
(MVAR) limits at different rated gas pressures for hydrogen
a radius of E!,/X,, where E; is the internal or rotor field excitation
(H,) cooled synchronous gcnerators. These pressure ratings are voltage given that the synchronous generator terminal voltage is
designed to maintain the synchronous generator temperature at
one per unit. The right hand boundary is the synchronous
or below the electrical insulation temperature class limit
generator stator current limit. The center of the arc defining
described in the American National Standards Institute
this limit is the origin. The lower boundary is the end iron
requirements for synchronous generators [2]. heating limit which occurs during leading power factor,
underexcited operating conditions [5].

The limiting factors in each region of the capability curve The utility application engineer will design some additional
are well known and are described in previous works [3,4]. By limitations in the underexcited region as is illustrated in Figure
way of review, the upper boundary of the capability curve at 2. Every machine will have a steady-state stability limit which
any H,pressure level is the rotor field thermal limit specified at is a function of both the synchronous generator characteristics
a DC current rating. This boundary is often approximated by and the stiffness of the electrical system to which the machine
an arc with a center at a value equal to the short circuit ratio is paralleled. A loss-of-field relay can be set to trip the machine
differential auxiliary relay (G-DRX)before this limit is
93 WM 042-2 PWRD A paper recommended and approved exceeded. An acceptable margin is computed in order to make
by the IEEE Power System Relaying Committee of the an underexcitation alarm relay setting and additional margin is
IEEE Power Engineering Society for presentation at provided in order to set either a minimum excitation limiter
the IEEE/PES 1993 Winter Meeting, Columbus, OH,
-
January 31 February 5, 1993. Manuscript submitted (MEL) or underexcitation reactive ampere limiter (URAL) in the
automatic vcdtage regulator [6].
Augsut 21, 1992; made available for printing
November 3. 1992.

0885-8977/94/$04.00 0 1993 IEEE

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 415

Shorted Turns in the Rotor Field

800MVA. 3-PH. 60hz
a ZOKV, 75PSIG H2 The effects of a rotor field shorted turn condition has been
W
k reported previously by the authors [7]. The rotor field electrical
0 circuit is designed to carry high DC currents in many turns
X connected in series at relatively low DC voltages. Rotor fields
W
[r often are rated for 125V, 250V, 375V, 5OOV or 650V DC.
W
Accordingly, the rotor field conductor windings are usually
b separated by sheets of electrical insulation rather than having a
fully developed electrical insulation system (multiple layers of
E mica tape) as is the case for,a stator winding electrical insulation
sI system.

a The rotor field conductor winding electrical sheet

W insulation presents the disadvantage of permitting shorted turns
k to occur more easily than is the case in a taped electrical
0
X insulation system. These shorted turns can occur if conducting
LJ -250
E material bridges the electrical sheet insulation between the
W conductors, the sheets slip or the conductors become deformed,
a especially in the end-turn or saddle region.
Z
z)
-500-1 I I Shorted rotor field turns do not result in immediate failure
of the rotor field. Many synchronous generators are shipped
from the factory with one or more shorted turns. Furthermore,
Figure 2. Capability Curve with System Protection Limits it has been the authors' experience that serious rotor field turn
shorting develops slowly over the life of the unit. If the
condition does not create a severe thermally induced rotor field
The significant contributions of this paper are the vibration problem, the synchronous generator can be operated
description of problems that can be encountered when testing the up to the point that the exciter becomes overloaded because of
MVAR capability range predicted by the machine capability the large number of shorted turns in the rotor field. One unit
curves shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 and some of the errors tested during the MVAR range capability test did have a serious
that can exist in these curves themselves. shorted turn problem in the rotor field which resulted in the
reduced capability shown in Figure 3.

MVAR CAPABILITY RANGE TESTING

Testing the MVAR capability range of a synchronous

generator is not a simple task. Coordination is required between
System Control Center personnel, Production Department
personnel, power plant personnel and the General Office
80
1 -
LEGEND
- ORIGINAL
---TEST I
engineering group coordinating the testing. Test Doints have to X 0.5 PSlC
be taken at minimum load as well as rated load. This requires W
switching of electrical auxiliary equipment in the power plant. W
This activity requires sufficient system generating capacity to
accommodate the partial loss of generation due to running the

I--
0.5 PSlC
unit being tested at minimum load. This testing can be costly
as the unit under test is removed from the normal order of
economic dispatch. Tests were often performed in the evening
during "off peak" conditions to minimize the impact of the
testing.

Additional metering is required to verify that no high

voltage or low voltage limits have been exceeded on the
electrical auxiliary system as well as at the generator terminals
during the test. Since metering error (meter accuracy as well as
meter reading accuracy) can be encountered during the testing,
it is normally good engineering practice to confirm the readings
0
x
W
LT
W
n
or
-20

by performing a voltage study using a computer circuit model

-40J
subsequent to the testing. Any erroneous readings can then be 3
identified and adjusted. The following sections describe the
problems that can be expected and the problems that were
actually encountered during the MVAR capability range testing
on synchronous generators in the Ohio Edison System. Figure 3. Reduced Capability of a Synchronous Generator
with Shorted Rotor Field Turns

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 416
Voltaee Considerations
The change in system voltage as a function of synchronous
It has been a design practice on the Ohio Edison System generator reactive operating point can present other testing
to specify generators with 0.85 power factor capability. This problems. Varying the synchronous generator excitation from
requirement was established when generating system power the power factor point to the leading power factor region
plants were not electrically close to the load center. This (underexcited) can violate the system voltage schedule. This is
creates a voltage range situation wherein the synchronous particularly true for a large synchronous generator on an
generator terminal voltage at the power factor point is electrical system which is not electrically stiff. It was necessary
substantially higher than the synchronous generator terminal in some cases involving the testing performed on the Ohio
voltage at leading power factor when operating at a certain Edison System to modify the excitation on two or three units so
system condition. as not to upset the system voltage schedule. That is to say,
while one unit was operated at the power factor point, the
excitation on other units was adjusted so that these other units
It has also been a design practice to specify five 2% would take in MVARs to counteract the effects of the first
percent taps on generator step-up transformers (GSUs) and unit machine on the system voltage schedule.
auxiliary transformers (UATs), two above nominal and two
below nominal. The allowable voltage range for auxiliary Actual CaDabilitv at Rated Rotor FieId COndition s
busses is f10 percent and the allowable voltage range at the
generator terminals is I t 5 percent. Given these requirements, The synchronous generator stator limit is easy to verify at
a tap setting study is performed and the tap which best meets any particular hydrogen pressure. The synchronous generator
these requirements is selected. Figure 4 illustrates the graph of terminal parameters are simply compared against the
an optimum tap. temperatures monitored by the stator resistance temperature
devices (RTDs). There are rules for allowable spread in the
RTD readings but a discussion of these rules is beyond the
scope of this paper. The hydrogen gas cooler inlet and outlet
temperatures are also monitored to verify normal operation of
the synchronous generator cooling system. When this limit is
being tested at the highest H2pressure, it is usually necessary to
3 get a test value near the rated lagging power factor point. This
a is necessary because turbine and synchronous generator ratings
Y

w are normally coordinated by designing the generator lagging

(3
4 power factor point to equal the turbine rating.
I-
-I
0 Additional computation is required to verify the top region
>
U of the synchronous generator capability curve. The rotor field
0
I- current, which can be converted to internal voltage, must be
d. included in the data recorded during the MVAR capability range
I-
o, test. One of the traditional graphical methods [8] is used to
verify that a constant rotor field current is maintained over the
top region of the synchronous generator capability curve. In
fact, the authors have developed a computer program that
automates one of the graphical methods for the traditional
representation of the machine. Rotor field current and
MVAR (FOR MW=630) synchronous generator stator parameters are sampled and
telemeter4 to the System Control Center as ,part of an
experimental program to determine if the synchronous generator
monitored is developing rotor field shorted turns. The sampled
Figure 4. Voltage Range for the Transformer Tap Selected
data are then processed by %he computer program and the
percent excess excitation is trended daily. The reason for the
A review of Figure 4 reveals that it is difficult to maintain
automatic system is to facilitate acquiring all the data
the f5 percent generator terminal voltage requirement over the
simultaneously. Data errors due to time lapse in manual meter
full range of MVAR capability for a 0.85 power factor
readings and data logging are eliminated. Nevertheless, there
synchronous generator. A compromise solution is to permit
operation slightly below 95 percent voltage in the leading power has been some concern about the accuracy of the results being
factor range. This is acceptable because the stator current will obtained as documented by the authors in a discussion of a
be below rated in this region. recent paper [9].

One fortuitous outcome of the MVAR capability range

The real problem with off nominal voltage operation is
that the capability curve and protective relaying characteristics testing was the ability to identify the graphical method that most
change from those shown in Figure 2. For example, the accurately represents the synchronous generator’s actual or true
underexcitation relay characteristic changes as a function of capability. The most accurate method was found to be the one
voltage squared. Since the synchronous generator terminal documented by Hunt [IO] with a minor modification. This
voltage will vary at any particular point on the capability curve modification is the inclusion of the synchronous generator stator
while trying to maintain a scheduled voltage on the system bus, resistance, R,. (See the Appendix for the symbol table.)
it is not unreasonable to plot the underexcitation relay curve at
nominal voltage. Therefore, when performing the MVAR By way of review, the synchronous reactance can be
capability range test, the test data must be converted to nominal represented by Xd in a cylindrical rotor synchronous generator.
voltage in order to effectively document the test results. x d is composed of two elements. X, is the leakage reactance
which is not subject to change due to saturation and which is

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 417

approximately equal to the Potier reactance. The Potier

reactance can be obtained from the synchronous generator open
circuit and short circuit saturation curves by the triangle method.

7-o
- oK\h
The remainder of the synchronous reactance is subject to n
saturation. This saturation becomes more pronounced the lower U -I--->
the lagging power factor. Accordingly: k
0
X
X, = X, = X,+(Xd-XJ/K (1) I
d
CY
W \ \ \
Then >
0
\

-
Ep = 7 + j+(R, + jXJ (2)
CY
Q
And >
- 2
E, = K$ + j*j(X,-XJ (3)
n
Plugging equation (2) into equation (3), W
t
- 0
E, = K F + i+{ICR, + jKXp + j(Xd-XJ} (4) X
W
CL
This can be represented graphically by the phasor diagram W
shown in Figure 5. n
Z
3

Figure 6. Variation in t.he Tested Rotor Field Capability

Compared with the Manufacturer’s Capability Curve

required. The table of the test result; for this machine is shown
in Table I.

HYDROGEN PRESSURE 75 PSlG 60 P S l G 45 P S l G 30 P S l G

I /
RATED MU 913.750 860.000 785.000 710.000

RATED W A R 566.291 500.425 408.656 322.955

RATED P F 0.850 0.864 0.887 0.910

RATED KV 18.00 18.00 18.00 18.00

Figure 5. Phasor Diagram of Internal Machine Voltage RATED F I E L D I 5,671 5,266 4,789 4,253

TESTED F I E L D 1 5,801 5,418 4,932 4.47’6

It was not uncommon to discover after analyzing the test
X DIFFERENCE +2.29 +2.89 +2.99 +5.24
data that the capability curve issued by the manufacturer might
have a different curvature in the rotor field limited region than
the tested capability at rated H, pressures. Figure 6 illustrates
this result.
Chanae in Steadv-State Stabilitv Limit
A unique problem occurred with regard to one specific
synchronous generator capability curve. The region bounded by Not all the changes noted during the MVAR capability
the 30 PSIG H, limit and the 60 PSIG H, limit was defined as range testing involved reduction in published capability. Once
representing a 1 % percent increase in MVA capability with each the capability curves illustrated in Figure 2 are issued to the
one percent increase in H, PSIG. Initially, only the 30 PSIG H, Systems Operation Department and the plants, they are rarely
limit was tested as part of the MVAR capability range test modified. One synchronous generator on the Ohio Edison
program. The manufacturer’s 30 PSIG H, capability limit System has been operated for 53 years with no revision in the
turned out to be in error. This outcome called into question the published capability curve. Since electrical power systems
accuracy of the 45, 60 and 75 PSIG H, limits. Surprisingly, it generally become stiffer over time as more lines are added to
was discovered that when an expanded test was conducted that the transmission grid, the steady-state stability limit moves away
the 45, 60 and 75 PSIG H2capability curve boundaries were from real power axis in the leading power factor (PF) direction.
generally correct. This test proved an expanded test program Figure 7 illustrates the area in the underexcited region which
that would test all the published H, PSIG limits would be can be reclaimed as useful operating region in the capability

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 418

curve due to this phenomenon. There are other limits which

may tend to restrict some of this region such as the minimum *03 LOFFOUND
TRIP LOF
value to which the regulator rheostat can be adjusted.
AS RWISED LOF

20

3
-
I)
U
U
X
w
w
W
>
0

CY
-=f
>
\ \
I 1
E

n
W -20
4 k Y

-
L
U
X
W
w
W
0 'igure 8. Accidental Miscoordination Due to the Missetting of
z
7 a Loss-of-Field Relay
j---- ,-
- 60 problem. The operator might have detected that
something was amiss but for the fact that the MVAR
Figure 7. Increase in Underexcited Capability Due to Increased chart recorder was not scaled for operation down to
Stiffness in the Electrical System the level where the URAL should have been limiting
excitation. Therefore, this operator didn't know
Other Problems Observed Durine MVAR CaDability Testing how many MVARs the synchronous generator was
taking in. Since the operator was instructed to
When this testing was undertaken, it was believed that it reduce excitation until the URAL limit was reached,
would be relatively benign. That is to say, it would be ultimately the loss-of-field relay tripped. As with
transparent to the operation of the plant except for electrical the problem cited above, the URAL was reset for
auxiliary switching needed to reach the minimum MW load line. correct operation. The chart recorder range
This was not always the case as a few unexpected tripping event anomaly was added to a punchlist requiring follow-
occurred. The following unexpected problems were up actinn
encountered:
3. Maximum Excitation Limiter Malfunction. A few
of the new synchronous generator voltage regulators
1. Incorrect Relay Settings. The loss-of-field relay on
on the Ohio Edison System have maximum
one gas turbine generator was found to have a
excitation limiters. They are set to prevent
setting which did not agree with the published
operation above the rotor field lagging power factor
capability curve with protective device settings.
limit. On one synchronous generator, the voltage
When the synchronous generator was operated in the
began ramping up as soon as this limit was reached.
leading power factor region on the rated MW line,
This malfunction was repeatable and could only be
the G-DRX tripped before the MEL limit was stopped by putting the voltage regulator in manual.
reached. This miscoordination is illustrated in The problem was that the limiter attempted to
Figure 8. One of the outcomes of the MVAR increase excitation rather than decrease it when the
capability range test program was to apply the limit was reached. This resulted in the runaway
intended setting to the loss-of-field relay for this situation encountered during the testing.
machine.
4. Incorrect Voltage Metering Source. The metering
2. Incorrect URAL Setting. A related event involved for one unit at a relatively new plant was designed
the incorrect setting of a URAL. The y axis for transducer data logging in the plant computer.
intercept was set correctly but the polarity was From the initial operation of the unit, the metering
reversed on the ramp setting. Instead of sloping function in the plant computer did not provide
upward towards the MW axis with increasing MWs, accurate data. It wasn't until the MVAR capability
it sloped downward. Figure 9 illustrates this range testing was undertaken that it was discovered

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 900 - 60 PSIG
I
possible three dimensional display with the synchronous
generator terminal voltage as a parameter. MWs are displayed
on the x-axis, stator kV is on the y-axis and MVARs are on the
z-axis. In actual use, a marker would be included to indicate
the parametric values on each axis. Another option would be to
also display these three functions, two at a time, on adjacent two
dimensional graphs on the same computer screen.

In Figure 10, it can be seen that MVA capability in the

stator limited region is constant between 95 and 105 percent
voltage. Operation outside this region is open to speculation
because such operation is not addressed in the standards;
however, the authors suggest that operation between 90 and 95
percent voltage is permissible provided the stator current does
419

illustrated earlier in this paper be displayed,, but a third function

can also be added to the capability curve. Figure 10 shows a

not exceed 1.00/0.95 or 1.0526 per unit. This results in a linear

MW I I II MW derating below 95 percent voltage.

A different effect applies for the rotor field limit curve

(top of the capability curve). Since this curve is based upon a
constant value of rated rotor field current, it expands for
decreasing stator voltages and contracts for increasing stator
voltages. This accounts for the apparent slope as a function of
voltage of the upper region of Figure 10. The net effect is that
the rated power factor (intersection of the rotor and stator limits)
varies with voltage. At voltages above 100 percent, the power
factor increases, whereas the power factor decreases at lower
Figure 9. Accidental Miscoordination Due to the voltages.
Missetting of a URAL.

that the wattmeter potential source for the 4160V

auxiliary bus metering had been connected to the
synchronous generator 18kV potential transformers.
1
Not only was the metering voltage magnitude
incorrect, the phase angle was off by 30".

These problems were not discovered earlier because the

synchronous generators had not been operated over the full
range of the machine capability curves. While operating point
adjustment has not been as restricted as at some utilities where
the synchronous generators are maintained at one operating point
at all times, the range of operation within the machine capability
curve has been artificially limited to less than the full MVAR
range of these synchronous generators.

There are other factors which have also resulted in this

artificial limitation. One factor is the operation of synchronous
generators at less than the highest rated H, pressure. It is not
uncommon to operate a 75 PSIG H2machine at 60 PSIG H,.
Such operation reduces the windage losses in the synchronous
generator. Albeit there is a tradeoff in higher PR losses in the
rotor field windings and non-water cooled stator windings.
There is also less hydrogen consumption at the lower H,
pressure. H, consumption is a general term for loss of
hydrogen, generally through the bearing seal, measured in units
of cubic feet per day. Lower hydrogen consumption results in
the purchase of less hydrogen which reduces the operating cost
of the synchronous generator.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

There has been a tremendous increase in the capability of

operator displays due to the phenominal growth in available
cornpiiter memory. Not only can the two dimensional graphs Figure 10. Three Dimensional Capability Curve

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 420

CONCLUSION URAL Underexcitation reactive ampere limiter

v, Synchronous generator terminal voltage
The MVAR capability range testing on Ohio Edison X, Direct axis unsaturated synchronous reactance
System synchronous generators has been a success. With a few Xe Leakage reactance
exceptions, the synchronous generators have been shown to have X, Potier reactance
capability equivalent to what the machine capability curves
would predict. Thus these machines will also be able to
accommodate system changes which will be dictated by the BIBLIOGRAPHY
Upper Ohio Valley voltage coordination study. Specific benefits
from the MVAR capability range testing study &e as follows: 1. Johnson, P. B., R. D. Bednarz, K. G. Henry and S . L.
Ridenbaugh, "Maximizing the Reactive Capability of
1. Problems that would have been encountered in the AEP Generating Stations," presented at the American
upper region or lower region of the machine Power Conference in Chicago, Illinois in April, 1990.
capability curve, most likely during an emergency
situation, have been identified and are in the process 2. ANSI Std. (250.13-1977, Requirements for Cylin-
of being corrected. drical-Rotor Synchronous Generators.

2. Many of the synchronous generators on the Ohio 3. Sterrett, C. C. and R. A. Towne, "Operation of
Edison System, especially older machines, have Hydrogen Cooled Turbine Generators," N E E
additional underexcited capability available because Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol.
the electrical transmission system has become stiffer 74, June 1955, pp. 433-439.
since the issuance of the machine capability curves.
4. IEEE Std. 67-1990, IEEE Guide for Operation and
3. Plant Operators have gained additional confidence in Maintenance of Turbine Generators, p. 20.
their ability to operate over the full range of the
synchronous generator capability curves. 5. Kekela, J. and L. Firestone, "Underexcited Operation
Furthermore, there is a better understanding of what of Generators," IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus
the machine capability curve represents and how it and SyStemS, Vol. 83, August 1964, pp. 81 1-817.
is impacted by off-nominal voltage.
6. ANSI/IEEE Std. C37.102-1987, IEEE Guide for AC
4. While it had been known that there is a machine Generator Protection, p. 36.
with significant rotor field shorted turns, the extent
of the problem was fully defined by the MVAR 7. Nilsson, N. E. and J. Mercurio, "Evaluating the
capability range testing which will facilitate an Service Degradation of Large Hydrogen Cooled
informed decision on when to rewind the rotor field. Generator Rotor Fields, " IEEE Transactions on Power
Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-102, No. 9,
September 1983, pp. 2950-2958.
5. Although not directly related to the testing, the most
accurate graphical method for developing the rotor 8. Westinghouse Electrical Transmission and Distribution
field limit region of the machine capability curve has Reference Book, Fourth Edition, Fifth Printing, 1964,
been identified and will be used to improve the p. 151.
accuracy of synchronous generator capability curves
as they are reissued. 9. El-Serafi, A. M. And I. Wu, " A New Method for
Determining the Armature Leakage Reactance of
APPENDIX: SYMBOL TABLE Synchronous Machines, " IEEE Transactions on Energy
Conversion, Vol. 6 , No. 1, March 1991, pp. 120-125.
DC Direct Current
Ee Voltage behind leakage reactance 10. Hunt, J. P., "Capability Curves and Excitation
EP Voltage behind Potier reactance Requirements of Saturated Cylindrical Rotor
E, Unsaturated rotor field excitation voltage Synchronous Machines," IEEE Transactions on Power
EIS Saturated rotor field excitation voltage Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-86, No. 7, July
GSU Generator step-up transformer 1967, pp. 855-859.
G-DRX Generator differential auxiliary relay
H2 Hydrogen
K Saturation factor BIOGRAPHIES
I Per unit armature current per phase
MEL Minimum excitation limiter N. E. Nilsson (M-1971, SM-1982) received a BSEE degree
MVAR Megavolt-ampere reactive from the University of Cincinnati in 1971, an MSEE degree
MW Megawatt from the University of Akron in 1975, and a Juris Doctor
PF Power factor degree from the University of Akron in 1986. Since 1971 he
PSIG Pounds per square inch gauge has been employed by the Ohio Edison Company in Akron,
R, Synchronous generator stator resistance Ohio where he is the General Plant Electrical Engineer in the
RTD Resistance temperature detector Generating Plant Engineering Department. His work
SCR Short circuit ratio assignments have included preparation of major equipment
UAT Unit auxiliary transformer specifications, development of engineering computer programs

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 421
to support technical analyses, development of plant electrical
relay protection schemes, and development of specialized testing
programs to evaluate plant equipment and systems.

Mr. Nilsson is a Registered Professional Engineer in Ohio and

Pennsylvania, a member of NSPE, and a member of Eta Kappa
Nu and Tau Beta Pi. He is licensed as an attorney in Ohio and
Washington, D.C., and is a licensed Patent Attorney.

J. Mercurio received his BSEE degree from the Cleveland State

University in 1970. He is a registered Professional Engineer in
Ohio. He has been employed by Ohio Edison Company in
Akron, Ohio since 1970. His work experiences include the
design of transmission and distribution substations, the design of
SCADA installations, the development of computer
specifications, and the analyses of power plant electrical
equipment phenomena. He is currently the Senior Plant
Electrical Engineer in the Generating Plant Engineering
Department.

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 A22

DISCUSSION additional capability may not be available in

the case that the measured field current
ALEKSANDAR PROLE, General Electric Company, comes out less than calculation predicted.
Schenectady, New York: The authors ought to Such an approach would significantly change
be commended for writing an interesting paper the tested curve for 30 PSIG shown in
on a rare subject. It is generally not Figure 6 of the paper unless a reason other
appreciated that station testing of large than calculation tolerances (like shorted
generators involves numerous difficulties. turns) for the higher field current value is
This paper makes a significant contribution suspected.
to the understanding of these problems and
points towards possible ways out. The data The observation of the operating voltage's
obtained in such tests, although very effect on the upper part of the reactive
difficult to come by, are, however, very capability curve is very interesting and
valuable, not only for operation of the unit, useful for proper operation of the machine,
but for the advancement of the state of the but it must be pointed out that, dependent on
machine design art as well. the design of a particular generator, the
effect could be opposite.
In our discussion we would like to
concentrate on the upper portion of the We would like to thank the authors of the
reactive capability curve. As defined by paper for making their test data available.
standards (Reference 1) and pointed out in This information will prove very valuable in
the paper, this part of the capability curve verifying and calibrating the field current
represents the thermal limit of the field prediction methods, both the ones in present
winding. The curve is usually defined as use as well as those being developed.
constant field current line along which the
field current has the same value as at the
rated point (or capability points for lower
hydrogen pressures), although constant
current does not necessarily mean constant
temperature. Either way, the curve depends
on the accuracy with which the field current,
corresponding to a particular operating CI
point, can be determined. The initial W
evaluation of the field current and c
0
capability curves during the design stage is
based on methods calibrated on past similar X
LI
designs. If the new design is significantly [2:
different, this prediction might involve some w
uncertainty.
field current
As the machine is built and
tested in the factory the calculation of the
becomes more reliable.
s
Concurrently, as the time goes on, methods E
300 -
are upgraded and new ones developed, which Resencly Used
further increases the designers ability to
accurately predict the performance of the
9I Calculation Method

machine. This is illustrated in Figure 1. 100-

Figure 1 is Figure 6 of the paper with the Q
curves, determined for the same machine by LI
1 I I ' 1 ' I I I I I I I 1 I I 1 ~ 1
200 40 6m 1
the currently used calculation method, added. k
The improvement is obvious for the three 0 -100- MW
higher hydrogen pressures. The discrepancy X I
at 3 0 PSIG could not be explained.
effect on the difference demonstrated in
The W
CY
w
J I I 1
Table 1 of the paper is equally dramatic. n
Another point worth mentioning is the Z
definition of the field current value that is 3
maintained constant along the upper portion
of the capability curve. This should be the
best value available - from calculation or
test - of the field current that the machine Figure 1. Presently Used Calculation
needs at its rated point, even if it is Method Compared with Original and
different from the manufacturer supplied Tested Curves
value. Manufacturer's current is a value
calculated with some degree of uncertainty
typical for the design methods in use. Manuscript received February 19, 1993.
Proper operation of the generator, within
temperature limits set by industry standards,
is nevertheless guaranteed at the rated point D. 1. Silver 8nd P. 8 . Johnaon, American
even if it later turns out that the generator Electric Power Service C o r p . , Columbus, Ohio:
needs slightly more excitation than The authors are to be commended for their
predicted. This is accounted for by informative discussion on the testing and
appropriate design margins on operating evaluation of synchronous generator reactive
temperatures, so that the reactive capability capability.
does not have to be reduced just because the As documented in Reference [l] of the
measured field current is higher than the paper, AEP also has a program of generator
calculated one. On the other hand, reactive capability testing and analysis. In

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 423

our studies, we examined the factors limiting J. G . Hurley and L. W. Montgomery (Westinghouse Electric
utilization of generator reactive capability Corp.): The authors describe that for some of the generators
(as defined by the reactive capability curves which were tested in this study, the tests which required MVAR
and the MEL settings). Limits can be caused by outputs at rated lagging (overexcited) power factor could be
the auxiliary system, step-up transformer, or
the network to which the generator is accomplished only by altering excitation on other generators
connected. elsewhere in the system. Do the authors find that the full
In our studies, we found that the GSU and reactive power capability of these generators is necessary for
auxiliary transformer voltage ratings and acceptable system performance? If so, under what conditions is
impedance characteristics often significantly the full reactive power capability required?
limited the amount of generator reactive power Additionally, it would be helpful to the readers if the authors
delivered to or absorbed fromthe transmission
system. Following are highlights of some of were to elaborate upon the reasons behind the decision by the
the reactive capability limitations we utilities in the upper Ohio valley to extend the underexcited
uncovered. Have the authors encountered MVAR capability of their installed power generation capacity.
similar situations in their testing and Manuscript received February 24. lY93
evaluation?
AEP has a policy of setting the GSU
transformer Volts/Hertz relays to alarm at the
lower of 110% of the primary voltage
(generator side) rating of the GSU or 105% of
the generator rated voltage. When the primary
voltage rating is the more restrictive of the N. E. Nilsson and J. Mercurio (Ohio Edison
two settings, voltage regulating capability is Company, Akron, Ohio) : The authors are very
constrained due to the reduced operating pleased that the discussers from American
voltage range of the generator terminals. Electric Power Service Corporation (AEP),
Similar to the situation described in the General Electric (GE) and Westinghouse have
paper's discussion of Figure.4, the taken the time to prepare formal discussions
characteristics of many of our GSU of this paper. It should be pointed out that
transformers do not permit full use of the all the discussers are leaders in the field
WAR capabilities of the generators. In our and are speaking from years of practical
experience, to take full advantage of the experience.
generator~s WAR capability would often
require operation significantly above 105% or With regard to the comments of J. G.
below 95% of the generator's rating, depending Hurley and L. W. Montgomery of Westinghouse,
on the GSU's tap setting. When tradeoffs were the testing phase of the Ohio Edison Reactive
required, we generally chose the tap that Power Capability Test Program was primarily
would allow full overexcited capability to implemented to demonstrate the availability of
ensure adequate system voltages during overexcited and underexcited reactive capa-
contingencies at peak load periods. bility for a specific generator, compared with
Other limitations to generator reactive the published operating capability curves for
capability can arise in the unit's auxiliary the unit. Figure 7 was included to demon-
strate that the steady-state stability limit
power system. Am's plant auxiliary systems (and resulting stability margin) are a
are normally fed from the generator bus. function of the strength of the high voltage
Therefore, voltage swings on the generator bus system, and as such, subject to change as the
will result in voltage swings on auxiliary transmission grid is strengthened over the
buses. The voltage limits on AEP auxiliary years. It should not be inferred from this
buses are 959 to 110% of motor voltage figure that Ohio Edison, or any other utility
ratings. The 95% limit implicitly assumes no in the Upper Ohio Valley need, or desire to
more than 5 % voltage drop between bus and extend generator underexcited reactive capa-
motor. As auxiliary equipment has been
bility.
modified since the units were originally
placed in service, the voltage limitations on With regard to the comments of Aleksandar
these auxiliary buses can change and sometimes Prole of GE, the authors are pleased that the
constrain the reactive output of the tested values in the overexcited region
generators. Again, we have generally chosen closely match GE's presently used calculation
to set the auxiliary transformer taps such method. Incidentally, the authors believe
that full overexcited capability is available that there are no shorted turns in the rotor
to the system at scheduled voltage. In one field at the present time in the machine
particular case, we have allowed the maximum illustrated in Figure 7 .
bus voltage to be 115% of rated to avoid
unnecessary restrictions. It was noted that in the Ohio Edison
These are a few of the most significant
reactive capability limitations that we have Guidelines for this test program, the authors
experienced at AEP. We welcome your comments were not attempting to determine actual
on these and other limitations external to the maximum reactive capability based upon
reactive capability curves. While we have temperature measurements made during sustained
often found the reactive capability to be less overexcited test points. Indeed, the authors
than expected, we were able to restore a large had difficulty getting System Dispatching
portion of the expected capability through approval to hold test points for even twenty
optimization of the GSU and auxiliary systems. minutes. Rather, the authors set out to
We encourage other systems to undertake evaluate the current operating capability
similar investigations. Again we congratulate curves. The plant operators use predetermined
the authors. limits to maintain safe operation of the
generator. This is typically true f o r gen-
erator and auxiliary bus voltages, as well as
Manuscript received February 23, 1993. rotor f i e l d currents. In fact, it is not un-

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 424

common to see a rotor field current ammeter The outfall of the system analysis is
red-lined at the manufacturer's maximum, or that shifting industrial, commercial and
rated value of rotor field current. As such, residential loads cause changes in the
an operator would be hesitant to exceed this operating voltage profile of the electrical
value, even though the rotor temperature would system over a period of years. Furthermore,
seem to allow it. It should also be noted the stiffening of the electrical system
that the manufacturer's rated rotor field results in the ability to reclaim underexcited
current is used to base the settings of generator capability, as was pointed out by
protective relays, such as the field forcing the first discussers. These two factors
relay. combine in such fashion as to require periodic
checks to see if the transformer taps
The significance of this discusser's presently in service are still the optimum or
comments should not be underestimated. A to determine if transformer tap changes ought
constant rotor field limit might not produce a to be made.
purely circular arc, as has become the
standard in the industry, due to differences There is tremendous interest in the
in temperature from zero to rated real power industry in this subject at this time. It was
and changes in flux paths within the machine discovered that another paper on this topic
due to varying power factor (and internal) was presented at the 1993 Winter Power Meeting
angles. The authors would be interested in in Columbus, Ohio [ 13. Additionally, there
seeing more information published by the were a number of questioners at the pre-
discusser on this topic. sentation of the authors' paper who developed
some additional important issues, but who did
With respect to the comments of D. W. not follow up with formal discussions. At
Silver and P. E. Johnson, the true reactive least a handful of utilities have begun
capability of a generator as seen by the grid performing synchronous generator capability
is also dependent on the GSU and Unit curve testing and it is believed that a number
Auxiliary Transformers' (UATs') taps and of others will be doing so in the future. By
impedances. The authors included Figure 4 to now, the reader should be aware that this
demonstrate this point. Computer load flows, testing is not trivial and needs to be well
as well as other analyses can be performed to conceived. No detail should be overlooked in
optimize generator performance over as much of preparing €or such testing. Even given all
the capability area as possible. However, this, occasionally there will be an unexpected
before these studies are performed on a and surprising event during the testing.
system-wide basis, an accurate, and up-to-date
representation of generator reactive capa- Given the information disclosed in the
bility is needed. discussions, it is expected that the ground-
work has been laid for a series of derivative
The authors have also observed the papers by other authors addressing the issues
voltage limitations described by the dis- of more precisely representing synchronous
cussers. The authors have come to slightly generator capability, better graphical dis-
different conclusions. There is concern about plays of operating data as well as machine
high magnetizing and excitation currents in capability for operators and dis- patchers and
electrical equipment when operating above 110 the development of more rigorous capability
percent voltage. High volts per hertz testing techniques.
operation result in saturation which results
in distorted waveforms and high losses. To
date, the authors' company has not elected to
operate above 110 percent voltage for these ' Adibi, M.M. and D.P. Milanicz, "Reactive
reasons. On the other hand, the authors Capability Limitation of Synchronous
believe that it is acceptable to operate the Machines," paper 93WM203-0-PWRS presented on
generator below 95 percent voltage, provided February 4 , 1993, at the 1993 Winter Power
that the generator is below rated MVA (less Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.
than 100 percent current in the stator
windings) and provided that the voltage does Manuscript received March 22, 1993.
not dip too low on the auxiliary electrical
system,

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