Alternator Basics 1
Uploaded by
Rajendrasinh PadhiyarTopics covered
- Excitation Power,
- Circuit Design,
- Technical Training,
- Energy Conversion,
- Droop CT Function,
- Rectifier,
- Voltage Recovery,
- Generator Output,
- Voltage Regulation,
- Generator Operation
Alternator Basics 1
Uploaded by
Rajendrasinh PadhiyarTopics covered
- Excitation Power,
- Circuit Design,
- Technical Training,
- Energy Conversion,
- Droop CT Function,
- Rectifier,
- Voltage Recovery,
- Generator Output,
- Voltage Regulation,
- Generator Operation
Common questions
Powered by AIThe AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) maintains the alternator output by adjusting the excitation voltage to the main field to match the set voltage level, even as load conditions vary. It uses feedback from devices like droop CTs to ensure that the generated voltage remains stable and load is appropriately shared, mitigating the effects of load changes on system performance .
Brushless excitation systems eliminate the need for carbon brushes, reducing maintenance as brushes wear out and require regular replacement. This system uses an exciter and rotating rectifiers to supply DC excitation without brushes, which inherently increases reliability and reduces mechanical wear and tear in the alternator .
Replacing a permanent magnet with an electromagnet in alternators allows the output voltage to be adjusted without changing the prime mover speed. This is achieved by regulating the DC supply to the main field, which is not possible with a fixed permanent magnet. Therefore, this capability enables greater adaptability and control over the alternator's output, enhancing its operational flexibility .
In solo mode, the use of a droop CT can lead to a voltage drop as per the droop curve, especially if not disabled. This is generally avoided because it can cause the generator output voltage to decrease unnecessarily, affecting performance adversely .
In parallel operation, the droop CT's output is used by the AVR to maintain voltage according to the droop curve, enabling effective load sharing. However, if there's a polarity change, it could lead to erratic reactive load sharing, making maintaining power factor difficult and possibly causing cascade tripping due to overcurrent from unequal KVAr load sharing .
The booster circuit enhances alternator performance by supplying additional field excitation power through rectified outputs from SCC CTs, ensuring voltage stability under variable load conditions. This system is integrated to assist the AVR by compensating voltage variations and aiding in quick voltage recovery during heavy loads, facilitating consistent performance .
During heavy motor starts, the alternator is forced to supply a large current, increasing its excitation power significantly due to a low power factor. This increased demand requires field forcing, where high secondary outputs from the short circuit backup CTs supply necessary excitation power, thus helping stabilize voltage and allowing the motor to reach its rated speed quickly .
Polarity changes in droop CT connections can severely impact power stability. In solo mode, this results in an unintended increase in voltage with load increase, which can lead to overvoltage conditions. In parallel mode, improper polarity can cause erratic reactive power sharing, unstable power factor, and possibly cascade tripping due to uneven load distribution .
Short circuit backup CTs provide additional excitation power needed to maintain terminal voltage during fault conditions, preventing protection system defeat. They enable high fault currents to sustain, allowing protection relays to function properly. By supplying this power from the high output of the CT during fault conditions, the AVR is protected against damage .
Rotating rectifiers in alternators are used to convert AC produced by the exciter armature into DC, required for the main field winding of the alternator. This configuration is integral to brushless excitation systems as it eliminates the need for mechanical brushes, thus improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements .
