Application aspects of generator and excitation system for process plants

The selection of a turbogenerator in a process plant should be based on: (a) available steam to produce power and reduce energy cost; and (b) maintaining plant operations during disturbances on a utility company´s transmission system, thus reducing power outages and plant shutdowns. The turbine is sized to meet the requirements under (a); however, the generator and excitation system must satisfy both criteria. A properly selected generator and excitation system will allow ride-through during power system disturbances and reduce the number of industrial plant shutdowns. This paper provides some guidelines in the selection and application of generators and exciters that are important for overall industrial power system operation.