2
\$\begingroup\$

When the generator is rotating at rated speed and let us say that the load decreases then the mechanical torque will be more than​ the electrical torque which will lead to increase in the speed of generator. I understand this. What I'm having problem understanding is how this happens physically, i.e., what is going on with armature and field current during such transient period and how they affect the speed.

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ A half decent generator set will run at constant speed. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    May 29, 2017 at 13:24
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Yes it will, although instantaneously the speed will change for change in load \$\endgroup\$ May 29, 2017 at 13:26
  • \$\begingroup\$ The speed is constant, except if the torque is higher than max. available torque, then it stalls rips off the bearings, possibility tears the rotor apart. \$\endgroup\$ May 29, 2017 at 13:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ This can help ? (external & load regulation characteristics) : google.be/… \$\endgroup\$
    – Antonio51
    Sep 3, 2021 at 7:41

1 Answer 1

2
\$\begingroup\$

Here is a description of the overall picture based on the assumptions mentioned below.

Assume the generator is a 3-phase generator driven by a prime mover. It supplies a load but is not connected to a grid with other power sources. The connected load determines the armature current and power factor. Let us assume that the generator’s automatic voltage regulator (AVR) adjusts the field current to keep the generator’s terminal voltage at the rated value. Let us assume that the prime motor is an internal combustion engine. Let us assume that the engine’s speed regulator adjusts the throttle to keep the engine at the rated generator speed.

The electrical power delivered by the generator is given by Pe (watts) = V (volts) X I (amps) X pf (power factor) X 1.732 (square root of 3). The mechanical power provided by the engine Pm = Pe + losses. Pm = Torque X Speed X a units of measurement constant. The torque required to drive the generator at the rated speed is determined by Pe + losses.

If the load changes, current will decrease and the power factor may either increase or decrease. The terminal voltage will increase because of the change in voltage drop across the generator’s internal impedance. The AVR will change the field current to maintain the rated terminal voltage. The torque required to maintain the generator speed will decrease because the power will have decreased with very little voltage change. The speed will tend to increase, but the speed regulator will change the engine throttle setting to maintain the speed.

At the new operating point, the speed and voltage will not have changed. The current, power, torque, torque angle and fuel flow rate will have decreased. The power factor and field current could either increase or decrease.

Summary of the essential points

A change in load is by definition a change in armature current. Since nothing happens instantaneously that would change voltage very much, a change in load must be a change in electrical power drawn. By conservation of energy, a change in power drawn must cause a change in torque produced by the generator as a load on the prime mover. That could be illustrated by examining the current, magnetic flux and force interactions. A change in torque presented to the prime mover will result in a speed change. Regulating systems react to the change. The magnitude and duration of the change can be determined by detailed dynamic mathematical analysis analysis of the entire system.

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • \$\begingroup\$ What if there is no AVR and the field excitation is constant. Now when the load increases the rotor will slow down and a portion of its kinetic energy will go to provide the increased load. All this will happen only for a short period of time and then everything will go back to normal when the inlet valves will open to provide the additional torque. What I wish to understand is how physically the rotor speed changes with load, how with change in load the armature current will change and then how is that translated to change in rotor speed. \$\endgroup\$ May 30, 2017 at 2:15
  • \$\begingroup\$ If you wanted an analysis of a more specific situation the conditions should have been stated in the question. I am not going to answer the same question again for a different situation described in a comment. \$\endgroup\$
    – user80875
    May 30, 2017 at 3:32
  • \$\begingroup\$ I'm sorry as I couldn't explain my question properly but this is what I actually wanted to ask. Still thank you for the help. \$\endgroup\$ May 30, 2017 at 4:03
  • \$\begingroup\$ I added a summary of the essential points. You might want to review current magnetic flux and force at the elementary machine level. \$\endgroup\$
    – user80875
    May 30, 2017 at 11:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.