Permanent Magnet Excitation

Block Diagram of Diesel Generator set using Permanent

Magnet Generator (PMG) excitation system

Exciter Rotating Generator

PMG Rotor Rectifier Field

ENGINE

PMG Exciter Generator

Stator Stator Stator

Voltage Sensing

Voltage
Regulator

LOAD

In Diesel generator sets employing PMG excitation system a small permanent magnet generator (PMG) is attached
to the same shaft as the main generator at the non-drive end. The PMG stator produces clean power source for the
voltage regulator.

The PMG excitation system can be retrofittable on most alternators. It has the following benefits over a self-excitation
system.

1. Provides reliable, isolated power which is independent of the generator output

2. Ability to provide sustained short circuit current (up to 3 times the rated current) during fault conditions and
allows breaker discrimination.
3. Provides clean and uninterrupted power to the voltage regulator even when the diesel generator set is
supplying non-linear or harmonic loads.
4. Can provide reduced transient voltage dip on motor starting compared to a self-excited diesel generator set.

The PMG excitation system is offered as an option on Caterpillar C3.3 to C18 gensets as shown in the table below.
The use of PMG excitation system may require an upgrade to the voltage regulator and alternator.

Alternator Frame Engine Model

LC Frame C3.3 – C18
A Frame C9 – C18

CEPR0008-00

1
 Genset Model Alternator Model PMG Kit Part Number

C3.3 LC1500 Frame Alternator 424-7522

C3.3, C4.4 LC3100 Frame Alternator 452-9220

C7.1, C9 LC 5100 Frame Alternator 478-8012

C9 A2600 Frame Alternator 547-6952

C13, C15 A2900 Frame Alternator 505-3287

C18 A3300 Frame Alternator 505-3286

C18 A3800 Frame Alternator 567-1847

C13, C15 LC 6100 Frame Alternator 505-3245

C18 LC 7000 Frame Alternator 505-3244

C18 LC 7200 Frame Alternator 505-3284

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Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, ADEM, S•O•S, “BUILT FOR IT”, “Caterpillar Yellow”,
the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

CEPR0008-00 ©2018 Caterpillar

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