Digital excitation system provides enhanced performance and improved diagnostics

New technology in digital excitation control equipment provides both enhanced performance and vastly improved diagnostic capabilities in turbine generator excitation systems. This paper introduces some of the latest advances in regulator technology. It discusses how performance improvements enable safe operation of generators nearer to their design limits. Also discussed is how improved on-board diagnostics can help minimize down time and maintenance costs. These items are of significance for any generator application, including those in the utility industry, those in the pulp and paper industry and other industrial applications. A specific application of a beta site static exciter installed on a utility generator is reviewed and discussed.