The course provides classroom-based instruction and utilizes a generator controls simulation software package. This software package allows each attendee to perform interactive simulation exercises related to course topics, including Generator Reactive  Capability, Generator Voltage Control, Effect of a Power System  Stabilizer on Stability, Operation of Parallel Units, and Governor  Droop.  

The simulations allow the user to adjust settings, alter system configurations, and control operation while viewing the simulated response on graphs and meters. The interactive simulations are excellent for developing a better understanding of the practical application of the course material and for preparing for periodic  NERC compliance testing.  

Also, these simulations present some situations that are simply not common or expected during normal operation conditions, such as excitation limiter alarms or islanded operations. 

COURSE DURATION: 1-Day (8 hours) 

LOCATION: Client Location (power  plant, corporate office, etc.) 

AT A GLANCE: This course serves  plant operators, technicians, and  engineers by covering the practical  aspects of synchronous generator  operation, including: 

• Power transfer between the  generator and the power system • Physical limitations of the  generator (capability curve) 
• Generator excitation systems • Generator and power system stability, turbines, governors, and frequency control.
  

OBJECTIVES:

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE  PARTICIPANT WILL BE ABLE TO:

■ List the customer deliverables on the power  system and indicate how they are measured 

■ Describe how active power transfers from one  point in the power system to another 

■ Describe how reactive power transfers from  one point in the power system to another 

■ Identify factors limiting the capabilities of a  synchronous generator for online conditions by labeling a conventional generator capability curve (D-Curve) 

■ Explain how the reactive output capability of the generator is affected by the operating  voltage at the terminals of the generator 

■ List the main components of the typical  generator excitation system 

■ Describe the difference between operation  under AVR, MANUAL, and VAR control 

■ List the advantages of operation in AVR  control 

■ Understand how exciter reactive droop  promotes reactive power sharing between units 

■ Explain how the AVR affects the stability 

■ Describe the basic operation of a power  system stabilizer 

■ Describe the basic operation of a speed  governor 

■ Explain the requirement for AGC and how it  operates 

■ Define speed droop 

■ Describe the impacts of outer-loop controls,  such as a load controller, on the system frequency control 

Course Outline 

BASIC POWER SYSTEM CONCEPTS 

■ Basic concepts of synchronous power  systems 

» History of the AC synchronous power system 

» The interconnected system (system operators, NERC, FERC) 

■ The power system and control 

» Customer deliverables voltage and frequency  

» Global versus local controls  

» Overview of turbine and generator control  loops 

■ Active and reactive power 

» Definitions and underlying concepts

■ Power transfer in AC systems 

» Issues affecting power transfer on an AC system 

Computer Exercise: Power Transfer in AC System 

SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS 

■ Energy conversion and the synchronous generator 

» Basic physics of synchronous generators » Electrical speed and synchronous operation 

■ Relationship between generator terminal  quantities 

» Off-line (turbine power -> speed, excitation current -> terminal voltage) 

» On-line (turbine power -> active power, excitation current -> reactive power) 

» “V” curves, saturation curves 

■ Generator reactive capability (capability  curves) 

» Generator output capability (voltage,  frequency, current) 

» Capability curves and generator ratings  (stator current limit, field current limit, core heating limit, mechanical limits, stability  limits) 

Computer Exercise: Generator Capability  Testing (NERC MOD-025) 

Course Outline 

GENERATOR EXCITATION SYSTEMS 

■ Excitation system requirements » Meet generator’s field current requirements » Meet system’s requirements for reactive  power source  

» Limiting and protective functions 

■ Common designs 

» Static excitation system 

» Rotating exciter systems 

» Review of station-specific design 

■ Automatic voltage regulator (AVR) » AVR versus MANUAL control 

» Basic AVR function 

» Power factor and Var regulators 

■ Reactive current compensation 

» On-line operation and generator connections 

» Sharing of reactive power 

■ Excitation system limiters and protective features 

» Over-excitation limiting (functions and  alarms) 

» Under-excitation limits 

Computer Exercise: Manual and AVR Control of  Excitation 

GENERATOR & POWER  SYSTEM STABILITY 

■ Definitions of power system stability and  associated terminology 

» Steady-state stability 

» Transient stability 

» Oscillatory stability 

■ Effect of excitation system on stability

■ Effect of the governor on stability (islanded operation) 

■ Power system oscillations 

» Rotor swings 

» Damping of rotor swings 

■ Power System Stabilizer (PSS) 

» Basic functional design 

» Generator operation as affected by PSS Computer Exercise: Effect of PSS on Stability 

Course Outline 

TURBINES, GOVERNORS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 

■ Frequency control 

» Local control of speed/frequency – the governor 

» System control of frequency – control areas and AGC 

■ Basic functional design of governors 

» Speed-sensing 

» Speed setting 

» Shutdown and start-up 

■ Speed droop  

» Definition 

» Isochronous operation 

» Parallel operation of multiple units 

» Operation when synchronized to large grid 

■ Synchronizing controls 

» Frequency matching 

» Phase matching 

» Voltage matching 

Computer Exercise: Operation of Parallel Units and Droop 

FAQ 

1. HOW MANY PARTICIPANTS CAN ATTEND THE COURSE?  

The course is limited to 20 attendees. Kestrel has found it difficult to address individual questions in a larger class scenario, and the benefit of the computer simulations diminishes if the class size is too large. 

2. WILL KESTREL PERFORM MORE THAN  ONE COURSE IF WE HAVE MORE THAN 20 STAFF MEMBERS THAT WANT TO ATTEND? 

Yes, the course can be presented multiple times on the same trip. It can even be presented on different shifts if required. Ask Kestrel for more details. 

3. WILL KESTREL CUSTOMIZE THE COURSE TO OUR SITE?  

Yes, the course material will is specific to the plant. The training material and examples center on site-specific equipment. The course emphasizes the equipment type used and testing requirements of a particular plant or plant group. 

4. WILL KESTREL CUSTOMIZE THE COURSE CONTENT?  

Yes, content can be tailored based on the specific needs of the plant personnel. For example, power stability and stabilizer content are replaceable or open to removal if the plant does not have a power system stabilizer.  Relay/limiter coordination content or hydro turbine governor tuning for stability replaces that portion if preferred.  

5. DOES THE COURSE HAVE TO BE 8 HOURS LONG?  

Based on the material covered, 8 hours is the minimum recommended time for this course. Content such as relay limiter coordination or  

hydro governor stability can be added. That extends the course to 12 or 16 hours. Contact Kestrel if you are interested in having more material covered.

6. DOES THE COURSE INCLUDE INFORMATION ON NERC STANDARDS?  

The course outline addresses technical content associated with NERC standards such as MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027, and PRC 019. These standards can be covered but do not have to be if they do not pertain to the training staff. 

Additional Info 

INSTRUCTORS: 

Experienced field engineers instruct all courses with formal and practical expertise on generators,  generator control systems, tuning,  testing, modeling, and operation. 

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

1. The electronic copy of the course slides
2.  An electronic copy of the course exercise handout 
3. Computer simulation software to be installed on client/attendee-provided computer 
4. Certificate of Completion for each attendee

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE: 

1. Classroom space and desired refreshments for participants 
2. TV/Screen for Kestrel training presentation 
3. Printed copies of the course handout and course slides (if hard copies are desired) 
4. Computers for participants to use for performing simulation exercises. Kestrel recommends no more than 2 students per computer. If computers are limited, Kestrel may be able to supply some for participants to use during the course. 
5. Installation of Kestrel-provided software on client-owned computers  

Please contact us to schedule an operator training course in your area.