Generator and
Excitation System
What is Generator
An Electrical Generator is a device that converts
mechanical energy into electrical energy. It works on
the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Generator Working Principle:
When a conductor moves through a magnetic field, it induces
a voltage across the conductor, which generates an electric
current when a circuit is connected. This process is the basis
for generating electricity in power plants and portable
generators.
Type of Generators
1. AC Generator
2. DC Generator
AC Generator
Types:
1) Synchronous Generator
2) Asynchronous Generator (Induction Generator)
Construction:
AC generators, also known as alternators, have a stationary stator and a rotating
rotor. The stator contains coils of wire that are connected to the electrical load, while the
rotor, typically an electromagnet or a set of permanent magnets, rotates within the
stator to induce an alternating current.
Application:
AC generators are commonly used in applications where alternating current is
preferred or required, such as in power plants, distribution systems, electric motors, and
most household appliances.
Efficiency and Maintenance:
AC generators generally have higher efficiency and require less maintenance compared
to DC generators, especially in large-scale power generation application
Synchronous generator
A synchronous generator operates at a constant speed
(synchronous speed) determined by the frequency of the
electrical system to which it is connected.
Synchronous generators require an external source of mechanical
power to rotate the rotor at synchronous speed.
They are often used in large power plants where precise control
of frequency and voltage is necessary, such as in hydroelectric,
thermal, or nuclear power plants.
Synchronous generators can be used in parallel with other
generators to supply power to a grid.
Generator Parts
Home -
PCBL
PMG
Power Capability Curve
Cooling System
CACW (Closed Air Circulating
Water)
EXCITATION SYSTEM
Main Components of Excitation System:
1) Exciter
2) AVR
3) PMG
4) Field Rectifier Bridge
5) Sensor and Feedback device
Exciter
Working:
The exciter is a crucial component in a generator system, responsible for providing the rotor
magnetic field necessary to induce voltage in the generator's stator windings.
Types:
1) Brushless Excitation
Operation: Brushless excitation systems use rotating rectifiers mounted on the generator shaft to
convert AC voltage from the stator into DC voltage for the rotor's field winding. The rectifiers eliminate
the need for brushes and slip rings, reducing maintenance requirements.
Advantages: Brushless excitation systems offer higher reliability and reduced maintenance compared
to systems using brushes and slip rings. They are commonly used in modern synchronous generators.
Applications: Brushless excitation systems are suitable for a wide range of applications, including
power plants, industrial generators, and marine generators.
2) Brush Excitation or static excitation
Brush excitation refers to a method of providing the necessary direct current (DC) to the field
winding of a generator using brushes and slip rings. This method is typically employed in smaller
generators where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are prioritized over more sophisticated excitation
systems.
Excitation system
AVR
The automatic voltage regulator is used to regulate the voltage. It
takes the fluctuate voltage and changes them into a constant
voltage. The fluctuation in the voltage mainly occurs due to the
variation in load on the supply system. It has 2 Channels
PMG ( Permanent magnet Generator)
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.
Rotating Rectifier:
The rotating rectifier converts the AC voltage from the exciter armature to
DC voltage. The DC voltage output from the rotating rectifier is applied to the
main field.
Sensor and Feedback device
CT : Current Transformer
Purpose: Metering and Protection
PT : Potential Transformer
Purpose: Metering and Protection
Temperature sensor:
Purpose: Bearing and Winding protection
Vibration sensor:
Purpose: Generator Bearing protection
Thank you
Rubanprabu
