Design and Test on Electronic Exciter Supplied from Common Shaft-Driven Generator

Rectifier tubes have demonstrated their reliability over many years of service in industrial applications and to a limited extent on excitation systems. Thus in an effort to obtain more reliable and continuous excitation service, the decision was made to apply an electronic ignitron rectifier exciter to each of two new 37,500-kva 3,600-rpm turbogenerators in the Warren Plant of the Pennsylvania Electric Company. The power source to the exciter is a small 6-phase generator connected to the same shaft as the main generator, and is therefore free from system electrical disturbances. The first exciter was tested with a large synchronous machine in the shop which demonstrated that it was fundamentally sound in its operation. Additional tests were made after installation in the power plant and, after certain changes, both exciters have given excellent service. One has been in service for about six months, and the other for over a year. There is no other source of excitation for these two generators.