The effect of a large load suddenly switched on to a small power installation such as a ships plant will be an instantaneous dip in the generator voltage.
This effect, due to the transient reactance on starting, cannot be
obviated either in a self regulated machine, or in a conventional generator with A.V.R.
The sluggish response of the excitation systems limits the speed of
voltage recovery.
In a self excited generator the dip is less and the recovery time greatly improved. (say 0.3s against 0.7s)
In order to maintain constant voltage, under varying conditions,