Modem AC Generator Control Systems: Some Plain and Painless Facts

The nomenclature, hardware operating principles, and performance considerations that influence the application and selection of modern generator control systems are reviewed. Certain critical but frequently misunderstood terms are identified and defined. Basic exciter, regulator, and governor systems are briefly described and compared. While generally applicable to control systems for generators of all sizes, most of the information is pertinent to installations involving small to medium (industrial size) diesel, steam, and gas turbine driven units.