4603 Generator Fundamentals

• NERC CEH: 2
• NERC OPS Hours: 2
• NERC Standard Hours: 1
• NERC Simulation Hours: 0
• NERC PE Hours: 2
• NERC EO Credits: 0

This course begins with an overview of generator construction features. The purpose of the generator is to receive the rotating mechanical energy and convert this into usable electricity at a specified terminal voltage and frequency. Care must be taken to keep its temperature rise below established limits. We will then explore rotors and DC excitation.

Next, we delve into generation fundamentals, such as electromagnetic induction and stator windings, before looking at controlling generator power output. In the principle of electromagnetic induction, magnetic lines of force move across the conductor and in doing so creates a voltage in the conductor. The generator is connected to the power system through a three phase circuit breaker where several generators are connected in parallel they will feed into a common bus each with their own individual breaker. The kilowatt or megawatt output of the generator is known as active power and this is the power which actually does useful work for the consumer.

The course then explores load sharing, covering power angle, speed droop, and load limiters. The load angle or power angle is the relative angle between the induced to voltage due to the rotor and the stator terminal voltage which is dependent upon the power system.

Our course concludes with an overview of reactive power. The term MEGAVAR stands for Mega Volt Amperes Reactive. It is actually the unit for reactive power.