Waterwheel generators and synchronous condensers for long transmission lines

It is the intention of this paper to bring out some of the special conditions which affect the operation and design of machinery for long transmission lines and the discussion is confined largely to waterwheel generators and synchronous condensers. Under the subject of generators, the following points are discussed: Leading current drawn by transmission lines and its effect upon the stability and mechanical design of generators; characteristic curves of generators designed for operation at leading power factor; special winding connections which increase the capacity of generators for leading power factor operation for temporary periods without increasing their weight and cost; description of general construction and ventilation of a 28,000-kv-a. vertical waterwheel generator. The following points are discussion with reference to synchronous condensers: Operation at leading and lagging power factor and how it affects the stability cost and weight of the machines; special winding connections and their effect on stability; general mechanical construction with particular reference to damper winding design and the use of sheet steel end bells; the importance of losses and a curve showing values it is possible to obtain on machines with the latest improvements in design; starting kv-a. and how it may be minimized by the use of oil pressure in the bearings.