INTRODUCTION

Three-phase synchronous generators are the primary source of all the electrical energy we consume. These machines are the largest energy converters in the world. They convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, in powers ranging up to 1500MW. Commercial synchronous generators are built with either a stationary or a rotating dc magnetic field. A stationary-field synchronous generator has the same outward appearance as a dc generator. The salient poles create the dc field which is cut by a revolving armature. The armature possesses a 3-phase winding whose terminals are connected to 3 slip-rings mounted on the shaft. A set of brushes, sliding on the slip-rings, enables the armature to be connected to an external 3-phase load. The armature is driven by an engine, or some other source of motive power. As it rotates, a 3-phase voltage Is induced, whose value depends upon the speed of rotation and upon the dc exciting current in the stationary poles. The frequency depends of the voltage depends on the speed and number of poles on the field. A revolving-field synchronous generator has a stationary armature called a stator. The 3-phase stator winding is directly connected to the load, without going through a large, unreliable slip rings and brushes. A stationary stator also makes it easier to insulate the windings because there arent subjected to centrifugal forces. The field is excited by a dc generator, usually mounted on the same shaft. The number of poles on a synchronous generator depends upon the speed of rotation and the frequency that is to be produced. A simple example is a stator that conductor that is successively swept by N and S poles of the rotor. If a positive voltage is induced when then an N pole sweeps across the conductor, a similar negative voltage is induced when the S pole sweeps by. As such, every time a complete pair of poles crosses the conductor, the voltage goes through a full cycle. The same is true for every other conductor on the stator. The formula for the frequency of the induced voltage is therefor given by equation (1). =
120

Where

. (1)

f = frequency of the induced voltage [Hz] p = number of poles on the rotor n = speed of the rotor [r/min]

FIELD EXCITATION AND EXCITERS

The dc field excitation of a large synchronous generator is an important part of its overall design.

Figure 1 Typical brushless excitor system

The reason is that the field must ensure not only a stable ac terminal voltage, but must also respond to sudden changes in the load in order to maintain system stability. Quickness of response is one of the important features of the field excitation. In order to attain it, two dc generators are used; a main exciter and a pilot exciter. Static exciters that involve no rotating parts at all are also employed. The main exciter feeds the exciting current to the field of the synchronous generator by way of brushes and slip-rings. Under normal conditions the exciter voltages varies between 125-600v. it is regulated manually or automatically by control signals that vary the current Ic, produced by the pilot exciter.

BRUSHLESS EXCITATION
Due to brush wear and carbon dust, constant cleaning, repairs and brush/slip-ring replacement is needed on the conventional dc excitation system. Following which, the brushless excitation system has been developed. This system consists of a 3-phase stationary field generator whose ac output is rectified by a group of rectifiers. The dc output from the rectifiers is fed directly into the field of the synchronous generator. The armature of the ac exciter and the rectifiers are mounted on the main shaft and turn together with the synchronous generator. In essence, the 3-phase rectifier replaces the commutator, slip-rings and brushes. The dc control current Ic from the pilot exciter regulates the main exciter output Is as in the case of a conventional dc exciter. The frequency of the main exciter is generally 2 or 3 times that of the synchronous generator. The increase in frequency is obtained by using more poles on the exciter than on the generator. Again, static exciters that involve no rotating parts at all are also employed.

SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CHARACTERISTICS

Open Circuit Test When conducting the open circuit test, the synchronous machine is driven at the synchronous speed using a prime mover when the stator windings are open circuited. The rotor winding current is varied while the stator winding terminal voltage measured. The relationship obtained between the stator winding terminal voltage and the rotor field current obtained by the open circuit test is known as the open circuit characteristic of the synchronous machine. Short Circuit Test When conducting the short circuit test, the field current is reduced to a minimum. This is done by using the field rheostat. After which, the field supply circuit breaker is then opened. The stator terminals of the machine are then shorted together through three ammeters. The field circuit breaker is then closed and the field current is then raised to the value noted in the open circuit test at which the open circuit terminal voltage equals the rated voltage, while maintain the synchronous speed. Record the three stator currents. Caution should be taken at this stage as the stator currents may be greater than the rated value.The synchronous can be found using equation (2), assuming that the synchronous reactance Xs and the induced emf Ea have the same values in both the open and short circuit tests. = (2)

Generator Voltage-Regulation The voltage-regulation of a synchronous generator is the voltage rise at the terminals when a given load is thrown off, the excitation and speed remaining constant. The voltage rise is clearly the numerical difference between E and V, where V is the terminal voltage for a given load and Et is the open-circuit voltage for the same field excitation.