Random wound versus form wound on low voltage synchronous generators

Low-voltage generators, less than 600 V, are presently manufactured in random windings up to 1500 kW. The primary reason for using random coils is to reduce cost and increase the mechanization of manufacturing. Even with expensive epoxy resins and vacuum impregnation, the performance capability and endurance to harsh chemical and environmental conditions of random windings are far inferior to form-wound coils. A discussion is presented of the relative merits of form-wound insulation systems versus random-wound systems, from basic construction through actual field conditions. Applications involving 600 V SCR loads are analyzed in detail