Synchronous Generator Capacity Curve
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ScribdTranslationsSynchronous Generator Capacity Curve
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ScribdTranslationsCapacity curve of the synchronous generator
Operating limits of synchronous generators
The operation of a synchronous generator is mainly limited by the
heating of the stator and rotor windings, overheating of
these windings affect the life of the machine, it is said that for every 10ºC
that exceeds the nominal temperature of the winding, the average time of the
the machine shortens to half. For this reason, a synchronous machine cannot be
overloaded unless absolutely necessary.
Other limitations for the operation of the generator are the static stability of the
machine given by the maximum torque angle, the minimum permissible excitation and the
maximum power delivered by the prime mover.
Maximum armature current
It is the maximum permissible current in the stator imposed by the heating of the
stator and the consequent useful life of the insulation. Figure 1 shows this.
geometric place like a semicircle of equal radius to the power of
apparent maximum (kVA), this value is given by the product of the tension
nominal and the maximum permissible armature current. The maximum power is
given by the value of the nominal voltage and the maximum armature current,
according to the following formula:
S = V * Ia max
Figure 1 - semicircle with a radius equal to the maximum apparent power
To determine the operating limits of the generator, we will start from the
specific power equations for the synchronous generator with pole rotor
Matrices; these equations are as follows:
S² = P² + Q²……………………………. (1)
P = V * Ef * Sinθ ………………………… (2)
Xs
Q = V*Ef*Cosθ - V² ………………….. (3)
Xs Xs
Then operating these equations we find:
P² + (Q + V²)² = (V*Ef)²……………..(4)
Xs Xs
This equation represents a circle with center at:
Q = - V²/Xs……………………………….(5)
and radio:
r = V*Ef/Xs.............................(6)
Where:
Active power (W)
Reactive power (VAR)
Ef: Induced electromotive force (V)
θ: Torque angle
Xs: Synchronous Reactance (Ω)
2. Maximum power of the driving machine (turbine)
This limit is determined by the capacity of the driving machine due to
manufacturing limitations, this restriction prevents delivering more than a certain amount
maximum power amount.
According to the capacity of the driving machine (turbine), we can determine
this limit tracing a line parallel to the Q axis at a distance equal to the
maximum active power imposed by the turbine, see figure 2.
The geometric locus of this limit is represented by a line parallel to the axis.
Q, at a distance of magnitude equal to the maximum power of the turbine. In the
Figure 2 shows how this geometric place limits the active power that
you can deliver to the generator.
Figure 2 - Maximum power, line parallel to the Q axis.
3. Maximum excitation current
There is a maximum permissible excitation current value imposed on one side.
due to the heating of the rotor, or due to the characteristics of the exciter. This
the excitation current value induces a maximum EMF in the stator which generates
a limit of apparent power delivered by the generator (for the case of poles
lisis is represented by a circle and in the case of protruding poles.
through the polar form of a Pascal Legamon.
The maximum excitation current brings with it a maximum value of the force.
induced electromotive force. The geometric locus of this limit is represented as a
semicircle in the positive half-plane P centered at the point (-V²/Xs, 0) of
According to equation 4, let's see the following figure:
Figure 4 - Maximum excitation current
To determine the radius of the semicircle, measure the distance involved.
between the point (-V²/Xs, 0) and the origin of coordinates. This distance corresponds
to the excitation where the induced EMF is equal to the nominal voltage (Ef = Vn) for
(θ=0). The value of the distance obtained in centimeters from the previous step.
corresponds to the equivalent of the excitation current that induces that EMF. A
From the vacuum curve, the excitation current that induces in the
armor a FEM equal to the value of the nominal tension.
4. Minimum excitation current
The generator's excitator is a direct current machine, which is why it is
it is impossible to cancel the residual flows (remanent magnetism); therefore, although we
Cancel the excitement there will always be a minimum induced EMF to counteract
those residual flows. In practice, when the value of the current is not known
minimum excitation, an estimated 5 to 10% of the required excitation with load
nominal. The geometric location of this limit is a curve similar to the current
at maximum excitation, the limit for a minimum excitation current is
shown in figure 1.
5. Maximum torque angle (permanent stability limit)
The power produced by a synchronous generator depends on the angle defined
between the terminal voltage of the generator and the induced EMF, see the diagram
fascicular in which the armature resistance has not been considered, see the figure
5, The angle it is known as the torque angle and the maximum power that
It can supply the generator according to figure 3 corresponds to a =
90º, the maximum power expressed by this equation determines the limit of
static stability of the generator. Normally, generators do not get close to
this limit, with typical torque angles between 15º and 20º at full load.
Any attempt to transmit power increases the angle. in more than
90º, which decreases the power causing instability and loss of
synchronism.
Figure 5
Operating letter of a smooth pole generator
Source of the images: Ing. Ronal Antara. National University of
Engineering of Peru. Testing protocol for the synchronous generator.
You create in Autocad
Bibliography
1. Antara Ronal. Predictive maintenance of synchronous generators.
National University of Engineering of Peru. December 2000.
2. Manuel Eduardo Martínez Marroquín. Guide for the determination of limits
operation, capacity curve, predictive testing and maintenance of
synchronous generators. October 2003
Conclusions
1. Due to the importance of synchronous generators in systems of
Electric power generation, it is essential to know the parameters
of the generator's operation, as well as its capacity curve,
to avoid putting the generator in an inappropriate operating point.
