VOLTAGE REGULATOR SELECTION AND APPLICATION

ABSTRACT: This paper covers the function of the voltage regulator and how to select and
apply the regulator for varying applications.

INTRODUCTION

Michael Faraday has been accredited with one of the most important discoveries of our
time. He discovered that a voltage potential could be induced by passing a conductive
material through a flux field. This principle is termed electromagnetic induction and is the
basis for a wide range of technology used today, including power generation.

A synchronous generator is an electromagnetic device that uses Michael Faraday's law. It

is designed so that the three requirements of electromagnetic induction are satisfied.
These are a conductor, a flux field, and relative motion between the two. For large ma-
chines, the synchronous generator is made up of an armature and a rotating field. The
armature is located in the stationary part of the generator known as the stator. This area is
made of conductive windings, and for the above analogy of electromagnetic induction, is
viewed as the conductor. The rotating field is on the rotor of the generator and is the me-
dium by which flux is produced. The rotor, through its rotating action, causes relative
motion of the flux field to the stationary stator windings and, through this action, an output
voltage is induced from the generator.

Smaller synchronous generators in the range of 50 watts to 5 kilowatts in size and rotary
exciters that will be described later in this paper have a stationary field in the generator
stator location and a revolving armature for the rotor. The field still produces flux, but the
relative motion of the conductor to this field is induced by rotation of the conductor through
the flux field. In either case, generator action occurs and voltage is produced.

CONTROL OF GENERATOR VOLTAGE

For a synchronous generator, the flux field is the easiest parameter to use for varying the
generator output voltage. The rotor of the synchronous generator will revolve at an aver-
age constant speed, this function being performed by a speed governing system. See
Figure 1. Since the relative motion of the conductor to the flux field is held constant by the
constant speed of the rotor, a method of positive control of output voltage from the genera-
tor other than by controlling speed is required. This is the function of the voltage regulator.
The voltage regulator will sense the generator line voltage and vary the dc voltage applied
to the rotating field of the generator. By varying the dc voltage to the field, the magnitude of
the flux developed by the field will vary, controlling the output voltage from the generator.
The remainder of this paper will describe the above operation for the voltage regulator in
varying applications.

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 Figure 1: Speed Governing System

VOLTAGE REGULATOR THEORY OF OPERATION

Figure 2 shows a typical block diagram of a Basler Electric voltage regulator. To under-
stand how the regulator functions, each block of the figure will be reviewed.

Figure 2: Voltage Regulator Block Diagram

The voltage regulator senses the generator line voltage and regulates this voltage at the
point being sensed (A), terminals E1 and E3. It is imperative to understand that the regula-
tion point of the regulator is at E1 and E3 and not at some other point where generator line
voltage is present. This sensing input is reduced and converted to a dc signal that repre-
sents the generator line voltage (B). The dc signal will then feed into an error detector and
is compared to a reference signal (C). This reference signal is the regulation point of the
regulator and is directly related to the nominal generator line voltage. Another input to the
error detector is the voltage adjust rheostat (VAR). This signal (D) is combined with the
2
reference signal and enables the operator to change the regulation point of the regulator
to a new level within typically ±10% of nominal. From these signals, if the generator line
voltage at E1 and E3 exceeds or decreases below the reference signal, an error signal is
developed (E). This error signal feeds into the error amplifier and the amplified signal will
then go to the firing circuit. The firing circuit converts the amplified error signal to a train of
pulses and these pulses (F) are applied to the power control stage where the ac voltage
input into 3 and 4 is rectified and applied to the field through (G).

POWER STAGE

When viewing the power stage, Figure 3 shows the typical voltage output waveform of a
halfwave and fullwave voltage regulator that uses SCR's. This figure shows the rectification
of the sinusoidal ac input into Terminals 3 and 4 for the power input and how this waveform
is controlled by the gating of the power SCR's. When the SCR's are gated either earlier or
later in the half cycle, the regulator will vary the VDC felt across the field and maintain the
generator line voltage within the prescribed regulation band.

Another component of the power control stage is the freewheeling or flyback diode. The
flyback diode is across the field and provides a path for field current flow during the off
time of the power SCR's. The field into which the voltage regulator is working is wound
such that inductance is present. This inductance will oppose any change in the field cur-
rent level. If the flyback diode is removed from the power stage, the field current does not
have a path for flow during the off time of the SCR's and erratic control of generator line
voltage develops.

(a): Half-Wave (b): Full-Wave

Figure 3: Typical Voltage Output Waveform

STABILITY

In the previous sections, a closed loop system was described where the regulator is the
portion of the closed loop that ties the output of the generator to the generator's field. Due
to the varying system time constants involved, a stability network for the voltage regulator
is required for stable generator line voltage control.
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Since the field of the exciter is a coil of wire wrapped on an iron core that has a very high
value of inductance, the application of voltage to the field results in an exponential rise in
field current. The generator output voltage changes in response to field current. The result
is a time lag from the time of regulator field voltage change until the generator voltage is
restored to the regulated value. Because of this time lag and the high sensitivity of the
regulator, a stability circuit is included in the voltage regulator.

Figure 4: Regulator Transient Response

Figure 4 shows the effect of the stability circuit. At the point of load application, the genera-
tor voltage drops due to internal generator reactance. Within one cycle, the regulator
recognizes the error and reacts to put full voltage across the field. The amount of voltage
available during this forcing period is directly proportional to generator voltage. Notice that
the field voltage begins to decrease before the voltage is restored to rated value. This
effect is caused by the stability circuit. Without the circuit, the regulator would continue to
force the field until rated voltage was restored. Because the field current is lagging behind
the field voltage, the generator output voltage would overshoot the rated value. Figure 5
illustrates the effect of removing the stability circuit of the regulator.

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 Figure 5: Unstable Regulator

Generally, regulators are provided with some means of stability adjustment which allows
tailoring of the stability circuit for generator response time. Figure 6 shows the type of
voltage transient response on load rejection which might be found at various settings of
the stability control, as in "A". The voltage is "hunting", typical of an unstable system. By
increasing the stability signal, the hunting ceases after just one voltage undershoot and
one overshoot as in "B". Further increase in the stability signal in "C" results in one under-
shoot. Further increases in the stability level will slow the response of the system as in D
and E.

When a regulator is initially installed, the stability circuit is adjusted for the desired system
response and normally requires no further adjustment during the life of the system. Of the
five types of response shown in Figure 6, only "A" would be incorrect. The other four
curves are all acceptable. For many applications, the stability adjust is set for maximum,
and the performance "E" is obtained. If fast voltage recovery is required by the application,
the stability control may be decreased to achieve faster response. Note that the magnitude
of voltage rise on load rejection or voltage dip on load application does not change appre-
ciably at different settings. The time to recover to rated voltage is affected.

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 Figure 6: Stability Adjustment

FORCING

Another characteristic of a voltage regulator, as mentioned in the last section, is an aspect

known as forcing. The forcing characteristic for a typical voltage regulator is shown in
Figures 7 and 8. A voltage regulator has a maximum continuous dc voltage rating at which
it can operate without damage. The regulator is also rated at what is known as forcing
voltage level. This voltage is the maximum dc voltage that the voltage regulator can pro-
duce on its output for one minute or less without damage. The forcing function assists in
generator line voltage recovery during system load changes and generator line voltage
buildup upon system start. This is accomplished since the regulator is supplying maximum
voltage (forcing) to the field of the generator with an approximate 2 percent drop in the
regulation point of the generator line. The regulator's forcing level is proportional to the
voltage regulator's power input into Terminals 3 and 4, and with a nominal power input the
forcing is approximately 140 percent of the maximum continuous voltage rating for the
regulator. If the power input is from the generator line and decreases due to a block load
being applied to the generator, the amount of available forcing also decreases. Figure 7
shows an excitation system where the power input is from a separate source.

NOTE:
CONSTANT
POWER INPUT
TO REGULATOR
FROM
SEPARATE
SOURCE.

Figure 7: Power Input from Separate Source

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With this constant power input, the voltage regulator has maximum rated forcing to assist
in the transient response of the generator's line voltage during load changes. Figure 8
demonstrates the case where the power input for the voltage regulator is from the genera-
tor line. Notice the slower response in line voltage recovery for the same amount of load
being applied to the system.

NOTE:
POWER INPUT
TO
REGULATOR
FROM
GENERATOR
LINE.

Figure 8: Power Input from Generator Line

If the available forcing voltage is low, it is possible that the generator line voltage will not
recover for the system. In this case some type of excitation support system is required to
assist the voltage regulator in maintaining field forcing for the varying load demands
placed on the system. These support devices are described in a Regulator Accessories
paper. If the generator is paralleled to an infinite voltage source, the line voltage does not
change with varying loads placed on the system. In this case, full forcing is available from
the voltage regulator, but is not as critical since the voltage regulator is now controlling the
vars of the generating system and not the generator line voltage.

SELECTING THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR

Voltage regulators come in varying models with different characteristics and output capa-
bilities. This enables one regulator to give improved performance over another for a par-
ticular application. The selection of a voltage regulator for an application can be broken
down into four basic steps. From these four steps, the field of selection for the voltage
regulator required is narrowed, and specific system requirements can then be reviewed to
select the proper regulator for the application.

STEP 1: DETERMINING GENERATOR TYPE

When selecting a voltage regulator for synchronous generator applications, a prime con-
sideration is the type of generator into which the regulator will work. For voltage regulator
selection, the synchronous generator falls into one of three categories. These are genera-
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tors that have the regulator supplying power directly into their main field, called static or
slip ring excitation, and regulators supplying power into either a brush or brushless type
rotary exciter. These three applications are listed below.

A. Static excitation (slip ring)

B. Rotary brush type excitation
C. Rotary brushless excitation

A rotary exciter, if used, is really a small generator that contains a stationary field and
revolving stator. Since this system is in line to the main generator field, the time constants
of this device are taken into consideration with the other factors when sizing a voltage
regulator.

The type of excitation for a specific generating system is of prime importance for voltage
regulator selection, since a voltage regulator requires selection with a proper stability
network for the application. When reviewing the stability network of the voltage regulator
and its selection, other considerations become important and are discussed more fully in
the paper titled "Voltage Regulator and Generator Instability". These are as follows:

1. Rated generator kilowatts

2. Rated generator power factor
3. RPM of the prime mover
4. Generator line voltage
5. Field requirements

STATIC EXCITATION

Figure 9: Slip Ring Generator

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Figure 9 shows a static excitation application. In this case the excitation system works
directly into the main field of the synchronous generator. Typically all present day voltage
regulators are considered to be static devices. This implies that solid state components are
used to enable the voltage regulator to perform its function, and moving parts are gener-
ally not involved. This term should not be confused with the term "static excitation" used in
this paragraph. Static excitation in this case is where the voltage regulator supplies power
directly into the main field of the generator and not the field of a rotary exciter. With this
type of application, the power supplied by the voltage regulator feeds directly into the
rotating field of the generator through the use of brushes and slip rings.

This type of system has positive aspects, since the transient response for generator line
voltage recovery is quicker than if rotary type excitation is used. The quicker voltage recov-
ery is induced since the generating system is not seeing the additional transient response
delay of the generator line voltage by the time constants of the rotary exciter. Another
advantage of shunt static excitation over the use of a rotary exciter is the lower system
efficiency of the generating system. Static applications bypass the use of the rotary exciter,
creating a more efficient system. A disadvantage of static excitation, however, is the brush
and slip ring maintenance required to deliver VDC to the rotating main field.

BRUSH TYPE ROTARY EXCITER

Figure 10: Rotary Excited, Brush-Type Generator

Figure 10 shows the voltage regulator supplying its power output into the field of a rotary
brush type exciter. This type of excitation is termed "brush type" since the voltage regulator
is supplying power into the rotary exciter's field and the ac produced by the rotary exciter is
mechanically rectified through the use of a commutator and brushes. The dc is then sup-
plied to the main field through the slip rings and brushes of the synchronous generator.
The voltage regulator thus performs its regulation function through the rotary exciter. This
type of system is deficient in several ways. The first was previously covered and is the
slower response in generator line voltage due to the added inductance supplied to the
system by the rotary exciter. The other deficiencies are energy losses causing a less
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efficient generating system and the need for increased system maintenance. The brushes
require periodic checking for tension and wear, along with replacement and reseating. The
surface of the commutator must also be maintained. Due to the increased maintenance, if
a rotary exciter is specified for an application today, a brushless type rotary exciter is typi-
cally used.

BRUSHLESS ROTARY EXCITER

Figure 11: Brushless Rotary Exciter

A brushless rotary exciter as shown in Figure 11 is similar to the brush type rotary exciter,
but instead of using a commutator and brushes to convert the ac voltage from the rotating
stator to dc, the brushless type rotary exciter uses a diode bridge network. These semicon-
ductors rotate with the stator and are used to convert the ac voltage to dc and apply this
voltage directly to the rotating field of the main generator. This is accomplished through
cabling run along the coupling shaft for the two systems. Thus the term "brushless excita-
tion". Since brushes are not used, the maintenance of this type of system dramatically
decreases. However, the deficiency of a slower responding system due to the added
system inductance, along with decreased system efficiency, is still present.

The next step in voltage regulator selection is ensuring that the voltage regulator's output
capability is matched to the power requirement of the field into which it is working.

STEP 2: SELECTING A PROPERLY SIZED REGULATOR

A voltage regulator must be sized for the power requirements of the field to which it is
supplying power. As an example, if the regulator is used to supply power into the main
generator field, the data of the main field is of interest for voltage regulator sizing. If the
regulator is supplying power to a rotary exciter, the field data of the exciter is now used.
This data for regulator selection consists of the field resistance at ambient room tempera-
ture and the voltage and current requirement with the generator at rated load, rated power
10
factor, and nominal generator line voltage. These three requirements are listed below. If the
requirements are satisfied, the regulator's power stage will be rated above the power
required by the field to maintain the nominal generator line voltage at full load and the
regulator will function without damage by being undersized.

Generator Rating Regulator Rating

Field Voltage Less than Continuous voltage

Field Current Less than Continuous current

Field Resistance Greater than Minimum resistance

Table 1

The field data for regulators can be found by several methods. The easiest is to use the
generator's data or, when given, the rotary exciter's nameplate data. However, caution must
be employed when using the brush or brushless rotary exciter nameplate, since the name-
plate often gives the output rating of the rotary exciter and not the power requirement of its
field. In this case, the generator manufacturer is another source of information. If the field
data is not available from the above two sources, testing must be accomplished to find
these values. Testing is required since no real relationship exists between generator size
and field requirements to precisely select a voltage regulator. An important tool for this
testing is Ohm's law. The voltage across the field is equal to the current through the field
multiplied by the field resistance. If any two of the values for the equation are known, the
third can be readily found. Figure 12 shows the relationship among the three parameters.

Figure 12: Ohm's Law

If the field voltage and current are known with the regulator at rated load and power factor,
the field resistance can be found by dividing the voltage by the current. It should be noted,
however, that during startup the field will be at its minimum resistance value. The field will
increase in resistance as its temperature increases. For this reason it is best to determine
the field resistance with the field at room temperature. To obtain the field resistance, an

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ohmmeter can be used to measure the field across the F1 and F2 terminals. This is shown
in Figure 13. Figure 14 shows the use of a manual voltage control to determine the field
voltage requirement by manualy controlling the VDC to the field and inducing a nominal
generator line voltage at rated load. By using a dc voltmeter across the field, the voltage
level can be obtained. By determining the field resistance and dividing this resistance into
the dc field voltage required, the maximum continuous current can be found. Table 1 can
then be used to select a regulator that will support the power demand of the field. If a
different combination of unknowns is found, Ohm's law can be used to find the third.

Figure 13: Ohmmeter

Figure 14: Manual Voltage Control

With the newer Basler Electric regulators, the regulator's model number incorporates the
maximum continuous output voltage and current rating for the regulator. As an example,
the SSR63-12 has a maximum continuous voltage of 63 volts dc and a maximum
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continuous current of 12 amps. The minimum field resistance required for the regulator
can be determined by dividing the 63 volts dc by the 12 amps. See Figure 11. This will give
a minimum resistance requirement of 5.25 ohms. This information can also be found in the
documentation for any Basler Electric voltage regulator. If the field that the regulator is
working into is below 5.25 ohms, a series field resistor is necessary to make the total
resistance equal to or above the 5.25 ohms required. Figure 15 shows an example of how
to select this series resistance value by subtracting the low field resistance from the mini-
mum field requirement and finding the difference. This difference can be added in series
with the field to satisfy the total resistance required on the output of the regulator so that
the maximum continuous current rating is not exceeded. If exceeded, regulator damage
will occur. Another consideration when selecting a series resistor is the resistor's wattage
rating. By taking the current flow through this resistor with the regulator at forcing, the
resistor wattage requirement can be found by using the formula in Figure 15. Caution must
be used when selecting a series resistor due to the effect on forcing. The greater the series
resistance value becomes, the less amount of forcing voltage will be available to the field.
The limiting of forcing will decrease the transient response performance of the generator
line voltage and, if great enough, will induce generator line voltage collapse during load
on. If the voltage does recover, it is possible that the field voltage will be limited so that
nominal generator line voltage cannot be obtained at certain loads. This will be seen as
poor system regulation.

For these reasons, if a series field resistor is required, it must be of a value that will cause
the total resistance across F+ and F- of the regulator not to be less than the minimum
resistance requirement of the regulator, but not so large that forcing is limited at a level that
will cause improper operation of the generating system.

5.25 OHMS - 3 OHMS = 2.25 OHMS

R = 2.25 OHMS
(1.4 x 63 VDC) / 5.25 OHMS = 16.8 AMPS
RESISTOR MAX. WATTS = (16.8)(16.8) x 2.25 = 635 W

Figure 15: Selecting a Series Resistance Value

With the power output requirement of the regulator determined, the final two steps in
regulator selection can be made.
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STEP 3: POWER INPUT

The power supply into the voltage regulator plays an important role in regulator selection.
This input can come from several sources, such as the generator line as shown in Figure
16, or from a separate source such as a permanent magnet generator or isolated bus.
These inputs must match the power input requirement of the regulator's voltage magnitude
and frequency range. Also consideration is given to the number of phases used to supply
power to the voltage regulator. As an example, a PMG can supply either a single or three
phase power input depending on design. A regulator with either single or three phase
capability for the power input voltage will be selected dependent on the rating of the PMG.
If a voltage regulator has the capability of a single phase power input and a three phase
PMG is used, the PMG will require reconnection for single phase and derated. This derat-
ing is typically 33% or more. If the voltage level for the power input is above the operating
range of the voltage regulator, a power stepdown transformer will be required.

When the frequency of the power input voltage is above or below the operation range of
the regulator, the voltage regulator will require modification for the higher frequency, or
selection of a compatible voltage regulator.

When the power input for a voltage regulator is from a separate bus, caution should be
taken to ensure that this input is removed during the stop sequence of the prime mover.
This can be accomplished by use of speed contacts that change state during the prime
mover's start and stop sequence. The contacts will apply and remove power to the regula-
tor respectively; see Figure 17. If speed contacts are not used and the prime mover ceases
its rotation, the voltage regulator will sense a low voltage condition and, with the available
power input, will supply maximum power to the field. This condition will induce forcing
voltage from the regulator and cause damage to the regulator and the field into which the
regulator is supplying power. If the power input is coming from a PMG, the PMG will have a
VAC output proportional to its speed, with the regulator receiving zero power from the
PMG, when the PMG is at rest. Thus, with a PMG, speed contacts are normally not re-
quired.

Figure 16: Power Input from Generator Line

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 Figure 17: Use of Speed Contacts

If the voltage regulator's output can be discontinued by the removal of the regulator's
power input, then the approved method of turning the voltage regulator on and off is by the
application or removal of the power input. The regulator's output to the field should never
by removed by opening the field connection for this function. By causing an open in the
field, a high inductive kickback current will result, damaging the voltage regulator.

Since the regulator is safely shutdown by removal of its power input, then fuse protection
for the excitation system can be placed in the power input line as shown in Figure 18. If a
fault occurs downstream of the power input for the voltage regulator, excessive current will
be drawn through the fuse. This excessive current flow can be induced by a fault in the
field or internally in the voltage regulator itself. Thus fuse protection will limit the damage to
the voltage regulator or generating system by removal of the power input upon sensing of
a fault condition.

Figure 18: Fuse Protection

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 Figure 19: Fuse Protection for the Sensing Input of the Voltage Regulator

It should be noted that some specifications require fuse protection for the sensing input of
the voltage regulator. This presents a problem in the operation of the generating system. If
the sensing fuse opens, the voltage regulator will sense a low voltage condition and sup-
ply maximum power on its field output terminals to correct for the loss of sensing. This
maximum voltage to the field of the generator will cause the machine to become overex-
cited, damaging the voltage regulator and possibly the generator itself. For this reason the
power input of the voltage regulator is required to be removed before or at the same time
as the loss of the regulator's sensing input. To use the voltage regulator in this scheme, the
power sensing input can be connected as shown in Figure 19. Under this condition, if the
input fuse is open, the sensing and power input of the regulator is removed simulta-
neously, resulting in loss of field excitation with the loss of the sensing input.

Again, special consideration is required with this type of application. If a transformer is

used to step down the generator line and the sensing input is common to the power input,
the percent regulation of the voltage regulator can be exceeded due to the burden de-
mand on the secondary of the transformer. This burden is induced by the volt-amp de-
mand on the secondary of the transformer to support the necessary excitation current to
the field of the generator. By the burden being induced on the transformer, the
transformer's secondary voltage will no longer be proportional to the voltage on the gen-
erator line. This nonproportional voltage will be seen by the sensing input of the regulator,
causing the regulator to maintain a greater voltage level that is out of the regulator's proper
regulation band. With a greater volt-amp rated transformer, or by receiving the common
power and sensing input directly from the generator line, better regulation will be achieved.
In most cases, however, poor regulation by a closely sized secondary of a power trans-
former to the power input of the regulator will cause less than a two percent error in regula-
tion.

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STEP 4: SENSING INPUT

The selection of a voltage regulator with a proper sensing input depends on the sense
voltage available and regulation requirement for varying loads. Basler Electric voltage
regulators have different sense voltage characteristics for varying applications. For ex-
ample, the APR model regulator has the capability of single phase sensing with a select-
able sense voltage input of 240 or 48 VAC, 50/60Hz. The SR4A and SR8A model regula-
tors can have either single or three phase sensing with a voltage input range for this sens-
ing input of 120 or 600 VAC, 50/60 Hz. The regulator, however, must be factory built for the
number of phases and magnitude of the sense voltage required. If the frequency of the
sensing voltage is beyond the range of 50 and 60 Hz, the regulator will require modifica-
tion. The SSR voltage regulator has the capabilities of field selectable single or three
phase sensing input and voltage range of 120 to 600 VAC, with the added enhancement of
working with a sense voltage frequency range of between 50 and 400 Hz without modifica-
tion. See Figure 20. The voltage regulators also have different percent regulation capabili-
ties for the type of applications that might be used. For example, if a regulation characteris-
tic of ±.25 percent is required, an SR voltage regulator could be selected for an applica-
tion. If only ±.5 percent regulation is required, an SRA could be used as long as the SRA
satisfies all the other requirements for the application. A wide range of Basler regulators is
available with different percent regulation characteristics and sensing input capabilities for
varying applications.

Figure 20: SSR63-12 Voltage Regulator

When selecting the voltage regulator for a specific sensing application, other factors in
addition to the available sense voltage and percent regulation affect this process. The
sensing input for the voltage regulator is always from the generator line. If this voltage is
above 600 VAC, a voltage transformer will be required to step down the line voltage to the
proper sensing input range for the voltage regulator. Figure 21 exhibits typical wye con-
nections for stator windings of a synchronous generator. Each winding shows the relation-
ship of the voltage that can be induced across each phase for a low voltage generator
17
application. It is important to remember that the voltage regulator will only regulate the
generator line voltage at the point being sensed. The regulator will not regulate the voltage
at some other point monitored by a system voltmeter. A similar case happens with the
windings of a generator. If a single stator winding is used for the sensing input to the volt-
age regulator, the regulator will only regulate that winding voltage. If the regulator is sens-
ing several windings across two phases, then the regulator will maintain the voltage across
these phases. This is termed "single phase sensing", where the regulator will only sense
one phase of the generator line. When the synchronous generator is supplying power to
balanced loads across all three phases of the stator, then a single phase sensing regulator
can be used to maintain the generator line voltage within the regulator's prescribed regula-
tion band, the percent regulation being controlled by the voltage regulator.

Figure 21: Typical Wye Connections for Stator Windings of Synchronous Generator

If an unbalanced load is placed on the stator windings of a synchronous generator and

single phase sensing is used, the regulator will only regulate the voltage coming into the
single phase sensing terminals of the voltage regulator, terminals E1 and E3. The other
phase of the stator can fluctuate from the unequal load, with the result being poor voltage
regulation. When an unbalanced loaded condition is suspected for a system, a voltage
regulator with three phase sensing should be used. The three phase sensing will not
compensate for the generator line voltage unbalance induced by unequal loading, but by
monitoring all three phases, the regulator will take the average of the three phases and
regulate this average within the voltage regulator's regulation capability. See Figure 22.

18
 Figure 22: Reconnectable Generator Series - Wye Connection

OTHER SELECTION CRITERIA

The four basic steps for the selection of the voltage regulator have been identified.
These are:

1) Generator type
2) Exciter ratings
3) Power input
4) Sensing input

Additional selection criteria may now be reviewed since the selection range of the voltage
regulators for a specific application has been reduced. Some added considerations for
voltage regulator selection are:

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1) Overexcitation
2) Underfrequency
3) Temperature range
4) Vibration and shock
5) Regulation accuracy
6) Thermal drift
7) Non-linear generator loads
8) Minimum voltage for build-up from residual
19
The additional considerations for the application of the voltage regulator are part of the
design of the regulator itself. These characteristics will depend on the components used to
produce the particular regulator model and the mechanical design of the model. By re-
viewing regulator data, a regulator can be selected to satisfy a specific performance crite-
rion. If an enhanced performance feature is required from the voltage regulator and this
characteristic is not a standard function for the unit, an accessory device is usually avail-
able to help match the excitation system to the generating system requirements.
Some of these considerations follow.

OVEREXCITATION PROTECTION

Today, most newer voltage regulators incorporate some sort of overexcitation protection to
prevent damage to the regulator itself, the exciter and also the generator.

1. Excitation limiting is one form of protection. This feature can be set to limit how
much field current may be delivered to the exciter field. Once the field current
exceeds the pickup setting, and any preprogrammed time delays have expired,
then the field current will be driven to a safer predetermined level. Also, this feature
may be built into the voltage regulator or may be an additional external device that
interfaces with the voltage regulator.

2. An overexcitation relay will also monitor the excitation current in the field; however,
instead of limiting the field current, this unit will close a set of contacts when
excessive field current is sensed. These contacts may be used to trip the unit off-
line or may be used to transfer control of the automatic voltage regulator to a
manual voltage controller. More details concerning this particular transfer scheme
are discussed in the “Designing an Excitation System” paper.

3. Figure 23 represents an overexcitation shutdown curve for a typical voltage

regulator. Voltage regulators that incorporate this function will shut themselves
down after an overexcitation condition exceeds the shutdown zone’s limit. This
type of curve will usually lie just outside its forcing limits. Once the unit has tripped,
the voltage regulator will require the input power to fall below a certain level to
allow the unit to reset.

20
 Figure 23: Overexcitation Shutdown Curve

UNDERFREQUENCY

On most Basler Electric voltage regulators, underfrequency provisions are standard. For
those that do not have this provision, an external accessory item can be used. Why is the
underfrequency characteristic a desired feature for a voltage regulator? There are several
reasons.

A voltage regulator without the underfrequency provision will function as needed to main-
tain its sense voltage input. During operation of the prime mover at lower than rated speed,
a greater amount of current is required by the field to maintain the regulator’s nominal
sense voltage level. If the speed is excessively low, the regulator can exceed its maximum
continuous rating over the acceptable time frame. During this underfrequency condition,
the generating system is running at a lower than rated speed such that cooling internal to
the generator becomes less. The field of the synchronous generator is operating at a
higher than normal current when cooling is at a minimum. Generator damage will occur.
Another part of the generating system that can become damaged is the loads on the
output of the generator. If the voltage regulator is maintaining the nominal generator line
voltage at a lower frequency, the inductive type loads receiving power from this lower
frequency at rated line voltage can become damaged. An example of this type of load is a
motor or transformer. With the underfrequency circuit, as the speed of the prime mover
decreases, the voltage regulator will sense this as a decrease in sense voltage frequency.
The underfrequency circuit of the voltage regulator will sense this condition and act to
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induce a signal into the sensing circuit of the voltage regulator to maintain or even
slightly decrease the output voltage seen by the field. This control of field excitation
induces the respective underfrequency curves of the voltage regulators. See Figure 24.
Figure 25 demonstrates the typical curves for the SSR voltage regulator.

Figure 24: Voltage Regulator Underfrequency Curves

Figure 25: SSR Voltage Regulator Curves

The underfrequency curve of the voltage regulator can be a volts per hertz function, or
what is known as limited volts per hertz function. This will depend on regulator design,
with a specific regulator sometimes having selectability of either function. A limited volts
per hertz function will enable the rolloff threshold of the underfrequency circuit to be
below the rated frequency of the system. In this case, a minor instability of prime mover

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speed will not cause a voltage instability problem by the underfrequency curcuit being
activated by speed swings. As shown in the previous figure, specific regulators also
have the option of varying the slope of the frequency rolloff curve. If the underfrequency
circuit causes a volts per hertz rolloff, for every per unit drop of rated frequency a per
unit drop in rated line voltage is experienced. With the two times volts per hertz, a two
times per unit drop will be seen in the rated line voltage for every per unit drop in rated
frequency. The advantage of two times volts per hertz over a volts per hertz function
deals with system transient response of the prime mover speed during load changes
and is directly related to the slope of the frequency rolloff curve. Figure 26 shows three
different underfrequency slope characteristics.

Figure 26: Underfrequency Slope Characteristics

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 Figure 27: Generator Line Voltage Response - 3 Different Slopes

Figure 27 shows the graphic representation of system frequency with the generator line
voltage response for the three different slopes on the same application.

With the steeper slope, the drop in generator line voltage will increase with each per
unit drop in system frequency. This increased drop in voltage is seen by the prime
mover as a proportional drop in the kilowatt load and, thus, prime mover speed recov-
ers more quickly. Notice that the voltage recovery period is also quicker since this
recovery is affected by the speed of the prime mover.

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CONCLUSION

Various considerations are involved in voltage regulator selection for specific system re-
quirements and are covered in other papers. These include topics on: parallel operation
between voltage regulators, excitation support, and backup excitation for the system. If the
four steps for voltage regulator selection are followed, the range of selection between
regulators that might be used for a specific application can be reduced.

1) Determine generator type.

2) Determine exciter field parameters.
3) Select regulator that satisfies power input requirements.
4) Match voltage regulator to type of sensing required.

The next considerations occur after the range of possible regulators for use is narrowed.
These special requirements are:

1) Temperature range
2) Vibration and shock
3) Regulation accuracy
4) Thermal drift
5) Non-linear generator loads

After review, one can select a voltage regulator that will give long life and enhanced perfor-
mance for a specific system.

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