Determination of Operation Characteristics of a Synchronous Generator by Static Experimental Tests

Abstract

This paper deals with the determination of the operation characteristics of a Synchronous Generator (SG) using static experimental tests (current and voltage decay tests). Using these tests the magnetization characteristic, the machine parameters (synchronous magnetization inductances and differential magnetization inductances), the no-load characteristic and the external characteristic were determined. The magnetization characteristic, the parameters and the operational characteristics provide important information about the performance of synchronous generator, machine which is currently used in most power plants. Compared to classical experimental methods with moving rotor and numerical methods of field computation that require the knowledge of geometric dimensions and material properties, static experimental methods are distinguished by several advantages: simple implementation for any type of SG, quick results, low power consumption and no effect on the drive system where the machine is integrated. The mathematical model of SG uses dedicated Matlab-Simulink programs and the results obtained by static methods are compared with those obtained by classical methods. Also to better approach the phenomenon of magnetic saturation and a more accurate estimate of the parameters, the magnetization characteristic, synchronous magnetization inductances and differential magnetization inductances are determined versus the total magnetizing current.

Keywords

• electric machines
• generators
• parameter estimation
• performance evaluation
• circuit testing