ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some guidelines in the selection and application of a generator and excitation system and related subjects that are important for the overall system operation. The selection of a generator in a process plant shall therefore be based on the following basic requirements: producing power and energy required for the process and plant services; and producing power and energy to reduce power cost. The function of a voltage regulator is to maintain the output voltage of the generator within a given operating range. The excitation system consists of an exciter, voltage regulator, and power supply. The system plays an important role in recovery and voltage support during system disturbances. Two types of exciters are available: brushless and static exciters. Brushless exciters are standard with two-pole and four-pole machines rated up to several hundred megawatts. The static excitation system is used for large turbogenerators, hydrogenerators, and where fast transient response is required.
