Excitation system testing and model validation

US Bureau of Reclamation engineers have tested the dynamic performance of the excitation systems on more than 50 generating units since the WSCC (Western Systems Coordinating Council) disturbances in the Summer of 1996. These tests have been performed not only for WSCC testing purposes, but in conjunction with Reclamation programs for uprating generators, upgrading equipment and periodically testing speed governors and excitation systems. In addition, steady-state capability testing has been performed on nearly all of Reclamation´s 137 generators larger than 10 MW in size. The testing has given Reclamation engineers an opportunity to document the actual capability of Reclamation generators, prove the operation of excitation limiters, and in certain cases resolve known and potential problems. The results of the tests have also been used to improve the representation of Reclamation equipment in the WSCC stability program database