simplified view of excitation control

Fig 1-Principle controls of a generating unit

Referring again to Figure 1, let us examine briefly the function of each control element. Assume that the generating unit is lossless. Under this assumption all power received as steam must leave the generator terminals as electric power. Thus the unit pictured in Figure 1 is nothing more than energy conversion device that changes heat energy of steam into electrical energy at the machine terminals. The amount of steam power admitted to the turbine is controlled by the governor. The excitation system controls the generated EMF of the generator and therefore controls not only the output voltage but' the power factor and current magnitude as well.

Control configurations

Arrangement of excitation component

Refer to the schematic representation of a synchronous machine shown in Figure 2 where, for convenience, the stator is represented in its simplest form, namely, by an EM F behind a synchronous reactance as for round rotor machines at steady state. Here the governor controls the torque or the shaft power input and the excitation system controls Eg , the internally generated EMF.

Effect of excitation The transient (short-term) problem and the dynamic (long-term) problem. In transient stability the machine is subjected to a large impact, usually a fault, Which is maintained for a short time and causes a significant reduction in the machine Terminal voltage and the ability to transfer synchronizing power. By dynamic stability we mean the ability of all machines in the system to adjust to small load Changes or impacts.
Area control