Hello,

I'm trying to understand the role of excitation in synchronous generator. Le't assume that prime mover is a steam turbine. In that case,more steam will produce more torque and more torque will produce more amps and hence, power output will be greater.

Now, I'm not sure what is the actual role of excitation system. At first I thought that excitation system is responsible for maintaining the constant generator voltage. For example, if generator voltage is rated at 15 kV, then this voltage must be controlled by something and that is excitation. Next, I have found that excitation is also responsible for magnetizing the generator at startup, but not really sure.

Can someone clarify the purpose of excitation system of sync generator?

Thank you

 

Mik,

Try this link:

http://www.whitbyhydro.on.ca/pdf/5.2.C_GenBasics.pdf