Use of Reactance with Synchronous Converters

The paper presents the results of overload and short-circuit tests made about two years ago upon some synchronous converters in circuit with auxiliary reactors. Two entirely separate sets of tests upon two synchronous converters of widely different operating characteristics are described. In the one case the reactor is in the a-c. circuit and in the other in the d-c. circuit; yet in each it may be called, and in fact is, a protective reactor. In presenting this original information the author, with a view to indicating its commercial application and hoping to provoke discussion, has endeavored to divide synchronous converter installations in a general way into classes with respect to the need or desirability of employing protective reactance, and also with respect to the general design or type of the reactor to be employed. In order to do this, synchronous converter installations are divided into a few general classes with respect to the character and exactions of the service conditions under which they are required to operate. The paper was written shortly after the tests were made, but although much has been learned or written about protective reactors since that date, the author believes nothing has transpired to affect the value of these tests or to make it necessary to change the form in which it was originally intended to present them.