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ENGINEERING DESIGN

SECTION - 5.2

GENERATOR AND MAIN OUTPUT SYSTEM

1.0. GENERAL

1.1. FUNCTION

The generator and main output system roles as a mean to realize the following
functions:

- Converting turbine mechanical power into electrical active power (generator)


- Converting excitation current into electrical reactive power (generator)
- Transforming generator voltage into transmission voltage (generator
transformer)
- Providing generator output lead as well as distributing bus (isophase bus duct)
- Switching (generator circuit breaker)
- Generator output metering voltage transformer
- Protecting generator and its accessories agaist external transferren surge 9surge
arrester)
- Generator zone ground fault current detection and limitation (generator neutral
grounding equipment)

Those functions must be fulfilled satisfactorily bay the generator and main output
system.

1.2. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The generator and main output system consists if generator, along with an exciter,
isolated phase bus duct, generator circuit breaker, generator transformer, voltage
transformer, surge arrester and generator neutral grounding equipment. Each
generator is connected to a single two windings generator transformer for a
connection to the 70 kV grid. A generator circuit breaker will be inserted between
the generator and generator transformer, before the unit auxiliary transformer tap.

This breaker will perform as a switch for various operational purposes. It enables
auxiliary power backfeeding from the grid to the plant electrical auxiliary supply
during unit start up by opening the breaker. The generator will be isolated from the
70 kV system accordingly. This also provide synchronizing switch whenever the
generator has been ready to be connected to the system. When the operator decide
to take the generator out from the grid, then he switches off the GCB. The switch
will be tripped if any fault occur either in the generator or outside the generator
zones.
ENGINEERING DESIGN

2.0. DESIGN CRITERIA

This section provides the criteria used to select major equipment outlined above.

2.1. CODES AND STANDARDS

ANSI C50.10.. : General Requirements for synchronous machines.

ANSI C50.13.. : Requirements for Cylindrical Rotor Synchronous Generators.

ANSI C50.14.. : Requirements for combustion gas turbine driven Cylindrical


rotor Synchronous Generators.

ANSI C57.12.. : General Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distributor


Power and Regulations Transformers.

ANSI C57.116. : Transformers Directly Connected to Generators.

IEEE C37.013. : IEEE Standard for AC High Voltage Generator Breakers Rated
on a Symmetrical Current Basis

IEEE 421.1... : IEEE Standard Definitions for Excitation Systems for


Synchronous Machines.

IEEE 421.2... : IEEE Guide for Identification, Testing and Evaluation of the
Dynamic Performance of Excitation Control System.

IEEE 493 …... : IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems.

IEC 34 - 1... : Rating and Performance.

IEC 34 - 3... : Rating and Characteristics of Three -Phase, 50 Hz Turbine


Type machines.

IEC 34 - 4... : Methods for Determining Synchronous Machine Quantities.

IEC 56....... : High Voltage Alternating Current Circuit Breakers.

IEC 71....... : Insulation Coordination.

IEC 76....... : Power Transformers.

IEC 99....... : Lightning Arresters.

IEC 137...... : Bushings for alternating voltages above 1000 V.

IEC 185...... : Current Transformers.

IEC 186...... : Voltage Transformers.


ENGINEERING DESIGN

2.2. REFERENCE DOCUMENT

2.3. SYSTEM DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

2.3.1. Generator

2.3.1.1. Normal Operating Mode Requirements

The generator system will be designed for indoor operation in a non air conditioned
hall in a tropical climate along the sea coast.

The generator and its associated system will be designed to carry the maximum
rated kVA and kW, 3 phase, 50 Hz over the power factor range of 0.80 lagging and
0.95 leading at any output voltage above or below five percent of rated voltage. The
maximum deviation of open circuit voltage not to exceed 10% from a pure sine
wave. In accordance with ANSI C50.13, C50.14, Sections 9.1 and 9.2 respectively, the
balanced Telephone Influence Factor (T.I.F) should not exceed 40 and the residual
T.I.F should not exceed 30% (T.I.F is basically designed to measure the influence of
current or voltage of a power circuit on parallel telephone circuits).

The generator system is suitable in every respect for continuous operation and
cycling operation for a maximum of two shifts on the PLN network.

For system operation during startup, normal, emergency and island operation see
section 5.1, subsection 5.1.2.

2.3.1.2. Abnormal Operating Mode Requirements

Underfrequency Requirements

The purpose of underfrequency operation is to gain time for units having spinning
reserve to pickup the extra load called for by an emergency or to carry the load that
cannot be shed. Sustained operation of below 1 percent underfrequency should not
adversely affect the combustion turbine requirements but could result in damage to
tie wires and bucket covers in the steam turbine. The steam turbine generator itself
would not be adversely affected. The exact limits for underfrequency operation will
be set by the turbine manufacturer and the generator will be protected accordingly
by relaying.

Overload Operation

The operating capabilities of the generator at various temperatures/ power factors


are defined by the machines capability curves. These curves are the operating guides
for establishing the load limits. These limits should not be exceeded for extended
periods, because deterioration of insulation is a function of both time and
temperature. It is recognized that overload operation often accompanies system
disturbances, abnormalities of switching and faults on the system. To accommodate
these conditions ANSI C50.13 and C50.14 require the generator armature/ field
winding short time thermal requirements to be such that for the generator armature
(stator) to carry 130% overload for one minute and the generator field (rotor) be
capable to withstand 125% rated field voltage for one minute.
ENGINEERING DESIGN

Abnormal Voltage Operation

The generator will be designed to operate at ± 5% of rated voltage at rated kVA


output. Generator transformers also have a limitation on over-excitation operation.
At less than 95% voltage, the kVA output of the generator must be reduced to
prevent over-heating of the stator winding.

Unbalanced Current Conditions

There is a low level of unbalance in any power system due to unequal impedances in
the three phases (this is due to the fact that exact transposition of phases is not
possible, therefore the mutual inductances will not be balanced between the
phases, single phase loads, etc). Therefore, all generators should have the capability
to operate without damage on a continuous negative sequence current. ANSI
C50.13 requires machines of the specified size to have a continuous capability of 8%,
however since many machines on the PLN network have 10% continuous capability
and 10% being more conservative, this has been provided.

Transient and Fault Conditions

The generator, isophase busduct and generator transformers are designed with a
margin to withstand accidents or misoperation, such as error in synchronizing, high
speed single and slow speed reclosing of the three pole high voltage breakers,
harmonic frequency currents caused by loads such as large arc furnaces located
close to the power station, sub-synchronous resonance, lightning, switching surges
and three phase short circuits. Protective relaying is provided to clear the various
other expected faults (discussed in section 5.9) quickly and protect the generation
system.

Out of Synchronism

Attempting to connect the generator to the system when voltages and phases are
out of synchronism can impose severe mechanical and electrical stressed on turbine
shaft and generator. Therefore it is necessary to provide protection against this
eventuality both during start-up and during system upset conditions when the
generator may become separated from the system.

2.3.2. Isolated Phase Bus Duct

The isolated phase bus duct will be designed to carry continuously at least 105% of
generator rated current without exceeding its temperature limits. The voltage
rating is at least 105% of the generator rated voltage.

The rated momentary current rating will be higher than maximum expected
asymmetrical current in any configuration.

2.3.3. Generator Circuit Breaker


ENGINEERING DESIGN

The generator circuit breaker will be designed to carry continuously at least 105% of
generator rated current without exceeding the temperature specified in IEC. The
voltage rating will be at least 105% of the generator rated voltage.

The rated interrupting current rating will be higher than maximum expected current
in any configuration.

The interrupting will be 50 milliseconds or the time determined by stability studies.

The breaker should have capability of routine interruption of load current without
requiring excessive maintenance. This power plant is a cycling unit.

2.3.4. Generator Transformer

The generator transformer will have the continuous MVA rating possible of the
generator at the lowest possible rated generator voltage.

The turn ratio is such that in all possible operating conditions of generator and
transformer tap positions, the allowable 70 kV system output voltage variation.

2.4. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

2.4.1. Generators

The generator is a high efficiency synchronous machine that converts the rotational
energy provided to the rotor to electrical energy in the stator. The generator will be
a complete system provided with many auxiliaries like the air supply and cooling
system (if required), closed air supply system, excitation system, etc., and are
located on or near each generator.

The generator has a cylindrical round rotor (i.e the field winding is a distributed
winding placed in slots). Steam turbine operate best at high speeds; therefore
round rotors are best suited (as only a few poles are required to produce the desired
frequency).

Generator capacity is determined as it capable if deliver maximum turbine output at


rated power factor. The maximum turbine output occures when the pressure of
steam at turbine inlet is maximum and the main value is wide operator.

The generator short circuit ratio (SCR) at the machine rating is 0.54 which is
consistent with manufacturer’s standard. SCR is one of the parameters that
determines the physical size of the machine. The higher the ratio the heavier the
machine, the better the regulation, the better the stability, and the higher the cost.

The negative sequence capability of the machine is 10% continuous and the rotor
thermal constant is 10.

The power factor operating range is specified as 0.8 lagging to 0.95 leading. As the
machines are generally expected to supply reactive power (overexcitation mode) a
lower lagging power factor is specified, the relatively large lagging power factor
specified is in line with other units in the PLN network. This is in the conservative
ENGINEERING DESIGN

direction, in that the machine will be able to supply a relatively large amount of
reactive power if the system requires it, however this added capability of the
machine will cost slightly more money as the machine size will be correspondingly
higher. In same cases the machine will be required to operate where it has to draw
reactive power (underexcitation mode).

The generator and exciter will be protected from various kinds of faults as described
in section 5.9. The sensing devices are the current transformers and voltage
transformers. There will be a total of nine (9) current transformers on the neutral
side (3 per phase) and six (6) current transformers on the line side (2 per phase), the
relaying accuracy class will be 5P20 or better and the metering current transformers
will be 0.2 or better. The voltage transformers accuracy is described later under the
isolated phase bus section. The synchronizing relays are also discussed in section
5.9.

2.4.2. Excitation Systems

Excitation systems can be classified based on the arrangement of rectifiers as either


rotating or static. Rotating (brushless) exciters have no brushes as there is no need
for slip rings since the alternator exciter and diode rectifiers are rotating with the
shaft. The system typically incorporates a pilot permanent magnet generator (PMG)
with a permanent magnet field to supply the (stationary) field for the (rotating)
alternator exciter. The static system uses a power potential transformer and silicon
controlled rectifiers which are gate fired to provide dc power to the main exciter
through brushes and sliprings. Both systems are equally reliable, and based on the
manufacturers standard a bus-fed transformer provides power for a static excitation
system.

Under normal conditions the excitation system is required to maintain sufficient


field current to maintain whatever reactive power output is required by the voltage,
VAR or power factor controller. The response of the excitation system should also be
adequate during faults and motor starting conditions.

The response ratio should be 2.0 or better per IEEE Std. 421.2 and have the ability to
reach and sustain ceiling voltage (the maximum voltage that can be attained by the
exciter) for bolted three phase fault on the 70 kV bus at Nias. This parameter affects
the stability of the machine. The higher the number the better as it is quicker to
respond to dynamic situations (like a short circuit).

The voltage regulator, which is the heart of the system, controls the output of the
exciter so that the generated voltage and reactive power flow change in the desired
direction. As the generators are expected to operate in parallel, reactive
compensators are needed to obtain reactive current sharing among generators
operating in parallel. The regulators are required to have power system stabilizers
which provide an additional input to the regulator to improve power system
dynamic performance as it provides positive damping to the excitation system. The
stabilizer may use quantities like shaft speed, frequency, etc to provide the
stabilizing signals.

2.4.3. Isolated Phase Bus Duct


ENGINEERING DESIGN

The steam turbine output will be fed to the generator transformer through a
generator breaker via isolated phase bus ducts. The isolated phase bus should be of
the self cooled design with tap-offs (for voltage transformers, unit auxiliary
transformers, surge protection equipment, static excitation transformer) capable of
carrying the maximum generator rating continuously while limiting the bus
temperature rise to a value of 65°C above an ambient temperature of 40°C as
required in ANSI C37.23. For accessible portions of the bus, the surface temperature
of the enclosure should not exceed more than 300°C above the ambient. There
would have to be suitable disconnecting links to enable isolation of generator,
generator circuit breaker, generator transformer, unit auxiliary transformer and
station service transformers.

Isophase bus design comes in either telescoping or continuous housing designs.


Continuous housing design is specified due to the absence of external magnetic flux
in this design, therefore this reduces the effects of induced currents in adjacent
structures and equipment. By employing the inherent structural strength of
continuous housing, fewer support points are required, longer lengths can be
fabricated and shipped and a less extensive, simpler structural support can be used,
therefore reducing the installation time.

In general the continuous current rating for different sections of the isolated phase
bus ducts will be at least 5% greater than the maximum expected current in that
section (for reasons that the system is to be designed to operate at ± 5% of rated
voltage and for 95 % voltage the current will be 105 %). Therefore the continuous
current for the main bus will be at least 5% greater than the maximum generator
capability; the branch bus will be greater by 5% than the maximum UAT rating at
minimum voltage; the tap off bus (for e.g VT tap) will be 5% greater than maximum
equipment requirements, the neutral bus will be 5% greater current than the
maximum expected current.

The rated momentary current (i.e rms asymmetrical rating), which determines the
fault withstand capability will have at least 20% margin for the various sections. For
the main bus it will be either the generator contribution or the system contribution
limited by the generator transformer impedance, whichever is higher. The system
fault contribution will be considered as 31.5 kA. For the branch and tap off bus it will
be the sum of the generator and system contribution. Therefore the momentary
rating of the branch and tap off bus will be higher than the main bus although the
continuous current rating will be less.

The voltage rating will be at least 5% greater than generator line to line voltage, this
to allow the generator to operate at 105 % volts which is a basic design criteria.

2.4.4. Generator Neutral Grounding

A neutral bus will connect the generator neutral to ground through a neutral
grounding resistor rated 1500 ohms and 6 ampere for 10 secs.

Type of Grounding for Generators:


ENGINEERING DESIGN

All generators need some form of grounding to limit the single phase ground fault
value to less than the three phase value. The typical options are medium resistance
or high resistance grounding. Medium resistance is used when there are multiple
generators connected to a common bus as the relatively large ground fault current
will help to selectively isolate the fault. In the unit based system, as this plant is
designed for, the ground fault zones at the generator voltage level are independent.
Since the transformer low voltage windings are delta connected. It is therefore
recommended to have high resistance ground so as to minimize ground fault current
and reduce the damage to the machine on a ground fault.

Criteria for Sizing the Grounding Transformer and Resistor:

The size of the grounding resistor depend on the charging current in case of a line to
ground fault. This charging current can be obtained by summing up the various
components of circuit capacitance and determining the current that flows if one
phase is grounded. The value of the capacitive fault current is three times the zero
sequence current. The resistive component is then made equal to the capacitive
component to limit the transient overvoltages. This value of current can be
calculated after knowing the capacitive to ground values of all the equipments at the
generator voltage level, like generator, isophase bus duct, generator breaker, low
voltage winding of generator transformer, and high voltage winding of unit auxiliary
transformer. The voltage rating of the grounding resistor should be the generator
line to neutral voltage. As the generator is going to be immediately tripped on
ground fault the grounding resistor can be derated itself to a one minute value. The
derating is allowed so as to reduce the size of the equipment therefore making it
more compact.

2.4.5. Voltage Transformers

Included as part of the isolated phase bus duct are voltage transformer equipment
compartments which consists of three single phase transformers. The primary
voltage value will be the generator line to line voltage value and the secondary will
be 110 volts. They are used for protection and metering and their accuracy will be
adequate to meet the protection and metering requirements.

The voltage transformers will be wye-wye with both sides being solidly grounded.
The phase to neutral connection is preferred so that complete phase isolation is
provided and therefore allowing the full use of the advantages obtained in isolated
phase design. Any current limiting resistors, if required to limit the current in the
primary, will be provided and there will be fuses on both the primary and secondary.
The generator ground relays must be made slow enough to coordinate with fuses in
each of the secondary leads.

The tentative technical specification will be determined is the following :

- Type : Only/encapsulated
- Rated voltage (primary/secondary operating : Gen. Voltage / 110 V
- Operating voltage range / ratio (max/normal) : 1.05
- Frequency : 50 Hz
ENGINEERING DESIGN

The preliminary figures of the neutral grounding transformer (NGT) and neutral
grounding resister (NGR) specifications are as the following:

NGT

- Type : Dry type/encapsulated


- Rated voltage (Pri/Sec) : Gen. Voltage / 240 V
- Frequency : 50 Hz
- Time rating : One (1) minute
- Temperature rise (40C ambient temp) : 150C
- Insulation class : F
- Insulation level rating
Impulse withstand : 95 kV
Power frequency withstand : 45 kV
- Service : Indoor

NGR

- Type : Cost iron grid


- Mechanical cement : 1.2 x thermal current rating
- Rated voltage : 240 V
- Frequency : 50 Hz
- Time rating : One (1) minute
- Temperature rise (400C ambient temp.) : 500C
- Service area : Indoor
- Accuracy Class : 0-2
- Burden : 50 VA
- Insulation level rating
Impulse withstand : 95 kV
Power frequency withstand : 45 kV

2.4.6. Surge Protection

Surge protection would typically not be needed since the generator transformers
are provided with surge arresters. Furthermore they are effectively shielded against
lightning and therefore the surge transferred through generator transformer would
be less than the generator impulse strength. However there is still the remote
possibility of damage in generator winding resulting from a failure in the high
voltage winding of the generator transformer. There have been recorded instances
of transformer winding failures, therefore as an extra precaution for a big
investment in equipment like the generator, surge protection is recommended. The
generator therefore will be provided with surge arresters which will be the gapless
metal oxide (zinc-oxide) type mounted in the voltage transformer cubicle.

2.4.7. Generator Circuit Breaker

The purpose of providing generator breaker is for starting up gas turbines without
providing a separate startup transformer and associated 70 kV substation diameter.
It will control switching operations (closing and tripping) of the generator to the
generator transformer and auxiliary transformers. Synchronization of the generator
to the PLN grid will also be across the generator breaker. The breaker will be a SF6
ENGINEERING DESIGN

(sulphur hexaflouride) self-extinguishing type circuit breaker complete with common


base frame, operating mechanism, controls, safety interlocks, series connected
disconnect switches and grounding switches. The physical connection of the breaker
to the associated generator and generator transformer will be isolated phase bus
duct.

The continuous current and the voltage rating are determined by the size and the
voltage rating of the generator to which the breaker is connected. An extra 5%
should be provided.

The short circuit current is determined by establishing the larger of the contribution
from the system (through the generator transformer) or the generator to which it is
connected. For calculating the system fault contribution the values that have to be
known are the 70 kV fault contribution (which should be taken as 31.5 kA @ 70 kV)
and the generator transformer impedance. The generator contribution can be
determined by its subtransient impedance. The breaker is to have sufficient
interrupting capability for the maximum expected three phase fault.

The breaker interrupting time is an important parameter, the faster the better as
damage is minimized providing a better transient stability response. Based on
present day generator breakers design an interrupting time of 50 milli-seconds is
recommended.

2.4.8. Generator Transformers

The basic function of the generator transformer is to boost the generator voltage to
the transmission voltage of 70 kV. The generator transformer will be two winding
type, oil immersed, ONAN/ONAF/OFAF type of cooling, with off-load tap changing
mechanisms complete with all the protection equipment and surge arresters.

The low voltage bushings will be top mounted and suitable for connection to
isolated phase bus duct and the high voltage bushing are suitable for air/oil
terminations.

The rating and impedance of each transformer will be determined as discussed


below.

Generator transformer tentative technical specifications are as the following :

- Nominal voltage
High voltage terminals : 70 kV
Low voltage terminals : later kV

- Connections
High voltage windings : Wye
Low voltage windings : Delta
Vector group : Yud 1

- Insulation class
ENGINEERING DESIGN

High voltage : A
Low voltage : A

- Rated capacity at 65C temp rise

a. Self cooled, ONAN


High voltage : 13.5 MVA
Low voltage : 13. MVA

b. First stage cooling, ONAF


High voltage : 18 MVA
Low voltage : 18 MVA

c. Second stage cooling, OFAF


High voltage : 22.5 MVA
Low voltage : 22.5 MVA

- Tap changers
High voltage
Above rated voltage : 4 x 2,5% (off load)
Below rated voltage : 4 x 2.5% (off load)
Low voltage : None

- Neutral grounding connection (HV) : Solid

- System highest voltage


High voltage : 70 kV
Low voltage : Later

- Winding BIL
High voltage : 70 kV
Low voltage : later

- Power frequency withstand voltage


High voltage : 325
Low voltage : later

- Impedance : 12 percent

2.4.8.1. Criteria For Sizing Generator Transformers

In the series of boiler, turbine, generator and generator transformer, the


transformer is the fourth principal equipment and the lowest in cost and therefor it
should never limit the output of the turbine output. The size should be unit at least
the maximum output of the generator minus minimum unit auxiliary load.

The real and reactive power transformer losses can be substralled from the above to
determine the transformer rating only if the transformer rating is based on ANSI
(ANSI regards rated power as delivered power, IEC takes it as received input power).
ENGINEERING DESIGN

The output of the generator depends on the turbine output and excitation current
input. The turbine output is taken as maximum steam turbine output. This is
relatively straight forward which is the maximum turbine output for a specified
maximum allowable cooling water temperature with the maximum boiler steam
pressure and turbine value wide opened. The generator output is determined based
on turbine maximum output at rated generator power factor.

Normally no deduction for auxiliary power requirements need be made.

The transformer impedance should be selected on the following basis :

To limit the fault current to the generator circuit breaker interrupting


rating/isophase bus momentary rating. Generally the isophase bus rating should not
be the limiting factor.

To ensure this there is sufficient voltage for starting the largest motor in the worst
possible scenario.

To ensure that in the normal operating mode with generators supplying their
maximum output there is adequate regulation.

To ensure if there is any minimum/ maximum power factor requirement at the high
voltage side of the generator transformer.

For all voltage calculations the positive tolerance should be used and for short circuit
calculations the negative tolerance should be used.

From a technical point of view, it is better to have the transformer with lower
impedance due to the well known advantages of reduced reactive power losses of
the generator transformer. Therefore, better utilization of generator's VAR
capabilities and better voltage regulation can be provided. Also the stability
response of the generator due to the closer coupling between the system and the
generators will be improved. This is however, a double edged sword as lowering the
impedance would increases the fault in the isophase bus section and the
interrupting current required for the generator breaker. Since isophase bus sections
and generator breaker have standard withstand and interrupting ratings the
maximum utilization of their ratings with a suitable margin would therefore
determine the impedance rating of the transformer, and also for transformer of the
required BIL a smaller impedance would cost more money. A minimum of 7% should
be provided, however a higher impedance values would be acceptable as long as
other criteria are met.

2.5. EQUIPMENT JUSTIFICATION

2.5.1. Type Of Cooling For Generators

Large steam turbine generators are generally either totally enclosed water to air
cooled (TEWAC). The air is circulated through the machine internals and then to
gas-to-water heat exchanger, where the heat is rejected into the cooling water. The
problem of cooling of generator generally increases with size, this is because the
surface area from which heat must be carried away increases approximately as the
ENGINEERING DESIGN

square of the dimensions. However the heat developed by the losses is


approximately proportional to the volume and therefore increases as the cube of
the dimensions. typically air cooled generators are available in ratings up to 27
MVA. Operation and maintenance of air cooled generators is relatively simple
compared, however the latter is more efficient and the noise level is lower. Either
type is acceptable and will depend on the Vendor's experience for a particular size
and cooling requirement..

2.5.2. Short Circuit Withstand Capability

The generator will be designed to be capable of withstanding, without mechanical


damage, any short circuit provided it does not exceed the 3 phase short circuit value
at the generator terminals at 105% voltage and rated kVA. This is a requirement per
ANSI C50.13, therefore all generators have adequate bracing and support system for
this contingency. For any generator, due to its very small zero sequence impedance,
the single phase to ground current will exceed the three phase value. However, by
choosing high resistance grounding, this fault current is reduced to a very small
value. Therefore the three phase fault current will be the highest the generator can
encounter when fault contribution is only from the generator.

A 10 second value for three phase short circuit withstand (which could be 500% to
1000% of rated current, depending on the generator subtransient reactance) is
specified as this is current industry practice. This clearly is in the conservative
direction of the ANSI requirement. This approach is due to the fact that there could
be instances where the three phase current can be exceeded in certain sections of
the generator, for faults in the generator, if system contribution, due to either a low
transformer impedance (chosen for its other advantages) or extremely stiff system.
Therefore the 10 seconds is built in margin which would enable the machine to
better withstand short circuits.

2.5.3. Generator Short Circuit Ratio

The short circuit ratio (SCR) is defined as the ratio of field current required for rated
voltage on open circuit to the field current required for rated armature current on
short circuit. It is approximately equal to the reciprocal of the direct axis
synchronous reactance. This is a very important parameter that affects the
generator performance. The higher the number the better the voltage regulation
and steady state stability limit. However, the generator tends to be larger and more
expensive with a higher SCR. Modern excitation systems and AVR's with high
response ratios can improve performance (stability) of a generator with lower SCR.

2.5.4. Negative Sequence Capability

When a generator is supplying unbalanced currents, a negative phase sequence


current I2 is imposed on the generator which appears in the rotor as a double
frequency current, that can cause severe overheating and severe damage if allowed
to persist. The rotor thermal limit determines the unbalanced fault carrying
capability of generators. All machines have limits on the time integral of I2² ANSI
C50.13 establishes that limits be expressed as I2²t=K, where K is a constant
ENGINEERING DESIGN

depending on the machine design, I2 is in per unit stator current on the basis of
rated kVA and t is duration of fault current in seconds.

Therefore for the required generator size and the expected rotor cooling the value
of 10 is specified. There is always a low level of unbalance in any power system due
to unequal impedances in the three phases and all generators allow continuous
operation of about 5 to 10% of negative sequence current.

2.5.5. Type Of Excitation Systems

There are currently two types of excitation system, namely the brushless and the
static type. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages and either could be
attractive depending on generator size.

The brushless excitation system is available in two variants:

a) With a shaft-mounted permanent magnet generator (PMG) whose output is


controlled by means of the AVR and then applied to the stationary field of the
main exciter (rotating armature and rectifier both mounted on the generator
rotor shaft).

b) With a buyer supplied external power source modified by the AVR for regulated
input to the stationary field of the main exciter as described above.

The latter arrangement is considered more reliable due to elimination of PMG, and
yields better performance arising from higher response ratio, since overall time
constant tends to be shorter. Also, the generator shaft length is reduced.

The static excitation system is also self powered. It is available in two design
variants:

a) With a bus-fed (that is, connected to the output terminals of the generator)
power potential transformer (PPT) to feed power to the static exciter. In the
event of an external fault leading to reduced generator terminal voltage, the PPT
cannot supply adequate power to the exciter to sustain the short circuit current
required for relaying so that heavy field flashing current from the DC system is
drawn.

b) Compound static excitation system. This includes a PPT, a power current


transformer (PCT) and an interconnecting coupling reactor. During normal
operation, when the generator is loaded, the excitation power is shared by both
PPT and PCT. When the generator is at no-load during startup, the PPT supplies
all the excitation power. But, when the generator output voltage is very low
during an external fault, the PCT supplies almost all the excitation power, thus
maintaining the generator field and sustaining the current required for
operation of relays and protective system.

In terms of reliability both static and brushless are considered equal. The static
exciter requires less space due to smaller rotor (Brushless type have the rotating
exciter, diodes on the rotor) and consequentially smaller TG pedestal, also the
alternator-exciter being rotating needs more maintenance although, in the static
ENGINEERING DESIGN

type, the brushes and slip rings are a maintenance consideration. As a result of this
discussion static exciter is selected for the generator of the Nias Coal Fired Steam
Power Plant.

2.5.6. Excitation System Voltage Response Ratio

This ratio is a rough measure of how fast the exciter open circuit voltage will rise in
0.5 seconds if the excitation control is adjusted in the maximum increase direction.
The delta time was chosen as 0.5 seconds because that is the time interval of older
"quick response" regulators between the recognition of a step change in the output
voltage and shorting of field rheostat elements. Maximum increase direction is
chosen because there is more interest in the response to a drop in terminal voltage
such as a fault condition. Modern high initial response exciters reach 95% of the
ceiling voltage in 0.1 seconds therefore the time in the definition is reduced from 0.5
to 0.1 seconds. The response ratio is one of the important parameters affecting the
transient stability, some of the other factors are inertia of generator (higher the
number the better stability response), generator transformer impedance (lower the
number the better stability response), strength of the power system (stiffer the
system, the better). The response ratio specified is 2.0 (which is fast) or better per
IEEE Std. 421.2.

2.5.7. Use Of Generator Breakers

The type of switching scheme used is an important decision. In conventional


schemes (where the switching is done by breakers on the high voltage side of the
generator transformer) generator auxiliaries are supplied from a station service
transformer, at a certain point during the startup procedure the supply must be
changed over to the unit auxiliary transformer by means of automatic fast transfer
schemes. With the advent of generator breakers of required current carrying
capacity and interrupting capacities, an alternate arrangement is available. During
startup and shutdown, the generator breaker (breaker at the generator voltage) is
open and the auxiliary power is provided by the network through the unit auxiliary
transformer. After the generator is synchronized with the system, the auxiliary
loads will be carried by the generator, eliminating the need to transfer loads
following startup of the plant. Other advantages of using a generator breaker
include the following:

Simplified operational procedures and improved reliability : In conventional


schemes the supply has to changed over to unit/startup during startup/ shutdown.
This is done at critical times just prior to synchronizing and during an auto trip. Use
of a generator breaker eliminates this auto transfer scheme and therefore improves
reliability. Further, the permissible dead time for large motors is around 50-100 ms.
Large, high inertia motor can tolerate larger dead bus time than smaller, low and if
motors are reclosed, large currents of the order of 15 to 20 times full load current
can be encountered which could damage the motor. Thus risk of motor damage due
to auto transfer is also reduced.

Better fault protection: The use of a generator circuit breaker allows the separation
of the generator and transformer into two independent zones, this means that all
faults in the generator are cleared by opening of the generator circuit breaker alone.
ENGINEERING DESIGN

The supply to the unit auxiliary plant continues from the system. For faults on the
transformer (either main or auxiliary) in the unit connected scheme the generator
will continue to supply fault current until its magnetic field collapses (i.e the
excitation has decayed as generator trip is achieved by tripping the exciter).
Therefore, for transformer faults, the energy into the fault is reduced thereby
minimizing damage.

The generator circuit breaker arrangement simplifies station layout and operational
responsibility as the generator breaker is clearly in generating station operating
group's responsibility.

Based on the above, switching of the generator utilizing generator circuit breakers
was selected.

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