Generator Excitation Control Systems and Methods

Generator Excitation Control Systems and Methods
Excitation Systems
Excitation systems can be defined as the system that provides field current to the rotor winding of a
generator. Well-designed excitation systems provide reliability of operation, stability and fast
transient response.
The four common excitation methods include:
 Shunt or Self Excited
 Excitation Boost System (EBS)
 Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG)
 Auxiliary Winding (AUX).
Each method has its individual advantages. All methods use an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to
supply DC output to the exciter stator. The exciter rotor AC output is rectified to a DC input for the
main generator rotor. More advanced systems use an additional input to the AVR. This article will
explore the construction, function and application for each method and includes diagrams and
illustrations for each.
Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)
The construction of the AVR vary with the excitation used. All receive input from the stator of the
generator when it rotates. AVRs with the capability of receiving a second input to reduce or eliminate
internal harmonics caused by load feedback signals are used for non-linear load applications. The
two types commonly used are:
 Silicone Controlled Rectifier (SCR) - Senses power level from the stator and determines its
firing for the exciter voltage. Can cause troubles when used with non-linear loads.
 Field Effect Transistor (FET) - Senses power level from the stator and translates in to a Pulse
Width Modulated (PWM) signal to the exciter. This style of AVR can be used for excitation
methods. Non-linear loads do not cause feedback resulting excitation breakdowns.
Shunt or Self-excited
The shunt method is features a simple and cost effective design to provide input power to the AVR.
This method requires no additional components or wiring. When problems arise troubleshooting is
simplified with less components and wiring to validate.
As the generator is rotated, the stator supplies input voltage to the AVR. In addition the AVR has
sensors that monitor the output of the stator.
The AVR supplies power the exciter and is rectified to DC current. The current is induced onto the
stator for load output.
The biggest drawback to this system is the AVR is impacted by the load the generator is powering.
When the load increases the voltage begins to decrease and the AVR must provide more current to
the exciter to support the demand. This pushes the AVR to its limits. If the AVR is pushed beyond it's
limits the excitation field collapses. The output voltage is reduced to a small amount.
If a short circuit occurs in the supply to the AVR, the generator will not have an excitation source.
This causes a loss of generator power output.
Generators with shunt or self-excited methods can be used on linear loads (constant load).
Applications that have non-linear loads (varying load) are not recommend for generators with this
excitation method. Harmonics associated with non-linear loads can cause excitation field
breakdowns.
Excitation Boost System (EBS)
The EBS system is comprised of the same basic components supplying inputs to and receiving
outputs from the AVR. The additional components in this system are:
 Excitation Boost Control (EBC) Module
 Excitation Boost Generator (EBG).
The EBG is mounted on the driven end of the alternator. Physical appearance is the same as a
permanent magnet. The EBG supplies power to the controller as the generator shaft rotates.
The EBC control module is connected in parallel to the AVR and the exciter. The EBC receives signal
from the AVR. When needed the controller supplies varying levels of excitation current to the exciter
at levels that depend on the needs of the system.
The additional power feed to the excitation system supports load requirements. This allows the
generator to start and recover the excitation voltage.
This excitation system is not recommended for continuous power applications. It is intended for
emergency or back-up power applications. When the generator starts the EBS system is disengaged
until operating speed is reached. The EBG is still generating power but the controller does not route
it.
System allows for dynamic response, is less expensive and meets requirements for providing 300%
short circuit current. Non-linear loads such as motor starting, are improved when compared to the
Shunt or Self Excited method.
Permanent Magnetic Generator (PMG)
Generators equipped with permanent magnets are among the most well-known separately excited
methods. A permanent magnet is mounted on the driven end of the generator shaft.
PMG supplies isolated power to the AVR when the generator shaft rotates. The AVR utilizes the extra
power when supplying non-linear loads such as; starting of motors.
A clean, isolated, uninterrupted 3-phase waveform is produced when the generator shaft is turning.
Some of the benefits of using generators equipped with the PMG excitation method are:
 Excitation field does not collapse allowing for sustained short circuit faults to clear.
 Changing load does not impact excitation field.
 Voltage is created on initial startup and does not depend on remaining magnetism in the
field.
 During motor start up excitation field does not collapse because of lack of AVR supply.
The PMG System adds weight and size to the generator end. It is the most commonly used excitation
method for applications that use motors that start up and shutdown and other non-linear loads.
Auxiliary Winding (AUX)
The auxiliary winding method has been in use for years. The uses range from marine to industrial
applications and are more practical in larger installations.
This method has a separate excitation field, however it does not use a component attached to the
driven end of the shaft of the generator. These methods use shaft rotation and a permanent magnet
or generator to supply the additional excitation.
An additional single phase winding is installed into the stator. As the generator shaft rotates the
stator main windings supply voltage to the AVR as in all above mentioned methods.
The additional single phase windings supply voltage to the AVR. This creates the extra excitation
voltage needed when supplying non-linear loads.
For linear load applications shunt, EBS, PMG and AUX excitation methods can be used. Shunt
excitation is the most cost effective method.
For non-linear load applications, EBS, PMG and AUX excitation methods can be used. PMG excitation
is the most common and widely used.

Generator Excitation Control Systems and Methods

Uploaded by

Generator Excitation Control Systems and Methods

Uploaded by

Generator Excitation Control Systems and Methods

The four common excitation methods include:

 Shunt or Self Excited

 Excitation Boost System (EBS)

 Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG)

 Auxiliary Winding (AUX).

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

 Excitation Boost Control (EBC) Module

 Excitation Boost Generator (EBG).

 Changing load does not impact excitation field.

You might also like