AVR Performance Criteria

Response Time
The AVR shall respond to any line voltage variation in 1/2 cycle while operating linear or non-linear
loads, with a load power factor of 0.60 to unity.
[Complied]
Operating Frequency
The AVR shall be capable of operating at +10% to -15% of the nominal frequency, 50Hz, [This is OK]
with programmable high and low limits to alarm and electronically shut down the AVR. [AVR cannot
limit the frequency] Limits shall be set to +/-2Hz from nominal and electronic shutdown shall occur
if limits are exceeded for 10 seconds [AVR cannot limit the frequency]. Once back within limits for a
programmable time period of 60 seconds, the AVR shall automatically restart.
Voltage Regulation and Correction Time
The time needed to reach 95% of the difference between the specified ceiling voltage and the
nominal field voltage with load, which should not exceed 25ms for a sustained decrease in voltage
on a specified time (IEEE Std. 421.2.1-1990).
[Complied]
Ceiling Current
Low ceiling voltage exciters, normally less than 150% of rated value, can usually be allowed to attain
their ultimate ceiling current. Where high ceiling voltages are employed for improved transient
performance, the ceiling current, if unrestricted, may reach high values and require excessive exciter
capacity. Inclusion of a fast excitation limiter should be considered to limit the ceiling current to a
specified value. Ceiling voltage would then still be available to force the rapid change in current. The
ceiling current of the excitation system should have a transient time capability equal to or greater
than the short-time overload capability of the synchronous machine to which it is connected. (IEEE
Std. 421 4-2004, 5.3.1)
[The proposed system has sufficient transient time capability. It is however to be checked if this
capability is equal or greater than the short-time overload capability of the synchronous machine,
as the generator can be excessive overloaded]

Ceiling Voltage

The ceiling voltage should be determined at a specified percentage of rated supply voltage. This
determination is done assuming that 100% of the rated supply voltage is available. The actual value
to be used is best determined from power system simulation studies. In those cases where such
studies are not feasible, a ceiling voltage of 150% of the synchronous machine rated field voltage is
considered to be a minimum requirement. (IEEE Std. 421 4-2004, 6.6.1)
[Complied]
Rated Load
The AVR shall be capable of operating at 100% rated load capacity continuously, 200% rated load for
10 seconds, 500% rated load for 1 second and 1000% rated load for 1 cycle. Operating efficiency
shall be a minimum of 96%, typical at full load.
[The proposed system is capable to withstand the above duty cycles. However, the conditions
500% of rated load for 1 second and 1000% of rated load for 1 cycle is theoretically not possible in
transient operating conditions of generator and not the AVR itself]

Rated Field Voltage
The continuous voltage rating of an excitation system should be such that the voltage is sufficient to
supply the necessary continuous current to the synchronous machine field, with the field at its
maximum temperature under rated load conditions. In addition, ANSI C50.12-1982, and ANSI
C50.13-1989, allows all machines to operate at rated megavolt ampere and within 5% of rated
terminal voltage. (IEEE Std. 421 4-2004, 5.2)

[Complied]

Input Transient Voltage Suppressor
An Input Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor (TVSS) shall be provided external to the AVR to divert
high-energy voltage spikes and increase system reliability and life. The input transient suppression
(TVSS) shall remain in the circuit when the AVR is in maintenance bypass.
[Info: We include such transient voltage suppressor via a so-called AC Clipper circuit. It is designed
to reduce over voltage spikes during commutation of the thyristors like the RC-Snubbers but
additional they reduce the spikes caused by switching activities at the AC input by passing all this
energy to a capacitor and further discharge via resistor. We normally will include this when the
excitation transformer secondary voltage is more than 700V]
For more than 700 V on AC side, for less than 700 V should be across thyristor.
Output Transient Suppression Network
Three phases, using high-energy solid state components with 5-nanosecond maximum response
time and a coordinated RC filter network. Connections shall be made at AVR output terminals. The
specified common mode noise attenuation shall be accomplished in front of the transient
suppression network via the shielded isolation transformer.
[Info: This kind of output transient suppression circuit (so called rotor shaft voltage filter) is
typically used in large excitation systems (more than 700V secondary voltage of excitation
transformer and more 3500A). In Alstom the standard of capacitor and resistor of shaft filter used
were specified as 2F and 0.92 Ohms for all types and sizes of]


Access Requirement
The AVR shall have removable panels for ease of maintenance and/or repair.
[Complied]

Reactive Compensator
It must be adjustable to compensate for any value between 12% and +12% in steps of 1% from the
generators synchronous reactance (Xd).

[Complied]

Environmental Conditions

The boards and cabinets of the excitation system and the equipment contained shall be designed to
operate at an environment temperature in the interior of 15 to 65C and relative humidity of 0 to
95% without condensation.

[The temperature requirements seems not for tropical country like Malaysia especially -15
o
C and
the higher limit 65
o
C seems to apply to thermal power plant and not hydro plant environment].
Our system temperature is specified up to 50
o
C for normal fan-forced cooling.

Maximum Field Current Limit Switch

In the region of over excitation it must prevent the overheating of the rotor winding according to the
operation interval allowed by the capability curve of the generator. It shall operate with a
characteristic of inverse time and when it approaches the damage region it shall reduce the
excitation to place the generator in a secure operation zone.

[Complied]

Excitation System Characteristics

The excitation system should operate during fault conditions down to a specified percentage of
rated terminal voltage (25% of rated synchronous machine voltage is suggested). After restoration of
the supply voltage, the excitation system should be capable of immediate recovery and should be
able to provide maximum available voltage to restore the system voltage. (IEEE Std. 421 4-2004,
6.6.2)

[Basically, ALSTOM comply with this requirement provided the restoration of the supply voltage
happens within approximately 200 ms. IEE Std. 421 4-2004 in Clause 6.6.2 does not specify the
time of restoration.]