Voltage Regulator Influence on Generator System Stability

by Richard C. Schaefer, Basler Electric, Highland, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '91: A New View of Hydro Resources

Abstract:

During initial startup of a generator system, it is not uncommon to witness generator voltage instability. Most of the time, the solution is reduced to returning the stability control on the automatic voltage regulator until the generator voltage has normalized. In this paper various factors that cause generator instability will be discussed. These include the field time constants of the generator as related to machine speed and size, and the characteristics of the voltage regulator whose stability network, for optimum performance, needs to be tuned to match the field time constants of the machine. Another important criteria is the definition of 'What is good voltage regulator stability?' Here guidelines will be offered providing basic steps in tuning the voltage regulator with an explanation of more elaborate methods utilizing more complex hardware. In addition, computer modeling will be used to assist in demonstrating the affect of more or less stability as it affects generator performance. Lastly an examination will be made of other types of instability as affected by the excitation system.

Subject Headings: Electric power | Computer models | Equipment and machinery | Electrical systems | Excitation (physics) | Electrical equipment | Automation and robotics

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