Stability Studies and Tests on a 532-MW Cross-Compound Turbine-Generator Set

In the fall of 1963, two extended steady-state stability tests were conducted on a 532 000-kW cross-compound steam turbine-generator at the Will County Station of the Commonwealth Edison Company. These tests followed a series of analytical studies conducted from 1961 through 1963, and aimed at predicting extended steady-state stability limits. In the 1950s, similar tests had been conducted on smaller tandem steam turbine-generators and on hydrogenerators. The subject report is the first documentation of tests conducted on cross-compound turbine-generator sets. In addition, studies and tests were conducted to confirm steady-state stability limits in the generator overexcited region (lagging power factor operation). Operation in this region may occur with extra long transmission lines or weak interconnections between the unit and the power system.