International Journal of Electrical Engineering.

ISSN 0974-2158 Volume 5, Number 5 (2012), pp. 501-521

© International Research Publication House
http://www.irphouse.com

Coordination of Loss of Excitation with Capability

Curve and Steady State Stability Limit for a Large
Alternator

Madhuri Kanjilal1, Asit Kumar Patra2, Jiban Krishna Das3

and Konika Das (Bhattacharya)4
1
Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engg.,
Camellia School of Engineering &Technology, West Bengal, India
E-mail: [email protected]
2
Lecturer, Seemanta Engineering College, Jharpokharia,
Mayurbhanj, Odisa, India
E.mail: [email protected]
3
Dy. General Manager, Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) Ltd.,
Kolkata, West Bengal, India,
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
4
Astt. Prof., Electrical Engg. Dept., BESU, Howrah-3, WB, India
[email protected]

Abstract

With the introduction of availability based tariff in the open access power
transfer regime, utilities may derive benefit by proper coordination of Loss of
Excitation (LOE) Relay with Generator Capability Curve (GCC) and Steady
State Stability Limit (SSSL). The co-ordinated operation of protection and
excitation may extend the time of availability of the generator during some of
the system disturbances, without jeopardizing the generator and system health.
In this work an algorithm has been developed which specifically ensures the
coordination of LOE relays with generator full load capability and machine
steady state stability limits during normal & abnormal conditions by adopting
specific calculation methods. Modeling has been done in PSCAD/EMTDC
software to check the required coordination of the relay on a large alternator.

Keywords: Minimum Excitation Limiter (MEL), Over Excitation Limiter

(OEL), Under Excitation Limiter (UEL), Steady State Stability Limit (SSSL),
Loss of Excitation (LOE)
502 Madhuri Kanjilal et al

Introduction
A protection scheme in a power system is designed to protect the power system and
its apparatus to ensure maximum continuity of electrical supply with minimum
damage to life and equipments. Stable operation of power system requires continuous
matching between energy supply to prime mover and the electrical load on the system
and an adequate reactive power support mechanism to maintain voltage within limit at
different buses. Performance of excitation system is very important during a
disturbance as it acts to maintain system stability. The excitation limit determines the
steady state stability characteristic of the generator. If the excitation is not sufficient to
provide the vast demand of the generator, then the stability limit is exceeded. Our
objective is to keep the generator online for an optimizing time without infringing on
the system stability limits and at the same time without compromising the health of
the generator.

Generator Capability
Synchronous generators have the capability of generating (overexcited generator) or
absorbing (under excited generator) power. The capability curve [1] establishes the
steady state (continuous) generator operating limits of generator. The generator
capability curve is normally published at generator rated voltage.The generator
capability is a composite of three different curves: the stator winding limit, the rotor
heating limit and the stator end iron limit. GCC depends upon Generator excitation
voltages, coolant pressure, turns in the armature & field windings.

Figure 1: Generator Capability Curve

There are varieties of controls like Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR), which
may operate manually or automatics. All the automatic control modes may have
supplementary controls Minimum Excitation Limiter (MEL), over excitation limiter
(OEL) etc.
Coordination of Loss of Excitation with Capability Curve 503

This supplementary control may ensure that the generator is always operated
within capability limit. The main duty of the limiters is to keep the synchronous
machine operating within the safe and stable operation limits, avoiding the action of
protection devices that may trip the unit. Also the purpose of the work is to maximize
the time operation of the generator during Loss of excitation (LOE) within its
capability limit without infringes on the system stability.

Brief Background
Earlier work has been done in [1] to describe traditional protection function related to
the Capability curve, such as stator thermal, rotor thermal, motoring, over voltage,
under voltage and loss of field protection. The paper by Mozina [2] provided practical
guidance about proper coordination of generator protection and generator AVR
control to enhance security and system stability. The paper by Benmouyal [3] proved
the impact of the excitation system with an AVR or a power system stabilizer (PSS)
on the generator stability limits. The paper by ZHANPENG [4] analyzed the
generator loss of excitation fault and described an investigation on existing loss of
excitation protection schemes. The paper by Berube [5] presented a brief review of
the experience and perspective of a large Canadian utility with Under Excitation
Limiters (UELS). The paper by Hurley [6] presented Under Excitation Limiter (UEL)
models which can be applied to the excitation system models of synchronous
machines. The paper by Seba [7] provided UEL control effect on dynamic behavior of
synchronous generators in a Power System. Another work by an IEEE group [8]
presented Computer Models for representation of newer digital-based excitation
systems in transient stability programs.

A Theoretical Understanding
Generator Capability Curve
Synchronous generators have the capability of generating (overexcited generator) or
absorbing (under excited generator) power. The capability curve [1] establishes the
steady state (continuous) generator operating limits of generator. The generator
capability curve (GCC) is normally obtained at generator rated voltage. The generator
capability is a composite of three different curves (Fig.1): the armature current limit,
the rotor current limit and the stator end region heating limit. GCC depends upon
Generator excitation voltages, coolant pressure, turns in the armature & field
windings, altogether described in Fig.1 & Fig.2.
504 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

Fiigure 1: Generator Capability Curve

Figuree 2: Effect of hydrogen pressure on GCC

Steady State Stability Lim mit

The steady-state stability limit
l (SSSL) of a generator determines the reegion in the P-Q
plane where the generatoor operation will be stable in a normal modde of operation.
Normal mode of operatioon is defined here as a mode where only sm mall and minor
disturbances are occurringg on the network, as opposed to major disturrbances such as
faults, significant additionn of load, or loss of generation.
The steady-state stabbility limit is used by protection engineerrs [3] in some
coordination studies and for the adjustment of the under-excitationn limiter (UEL)
function in the AVR. An Elementary Generator system is shown in Fig.3 F for which
the locus of the SSSL curvve has been shown (Fig.4).
Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 505

Figgure 3: Elementary Generator system

4 Steady State Stability Limit in P-Q Plane

Figure 4:

Figure 5: Nature of SSSL

S for Round Rotor and Salient pole Type Generator

Fig.5 shows the SSSL L of both a salient pole and round rotor geneerators [3] with
the indicated characteristics. Difference between the two curves lies only
o in the area
close to the Q-axis where the point of intersection is at point 1/Xq for the salient pole
generator rather than 1/XXd for the round-rotor generator. Thereforee the difference
between the two SSSL curves
c should be considered as negligible forf all practical
purposes.
506 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

Effect of Excitation & Syystem Reactance over SSSL

When an unstable condition exists in the power system, one equivalennt generator [4]
rotates at a speed that is different
d from the other equivalent generatorr of the system.
We refer to such an eventt as a loss of synchronism or an out of-step condition
c of the
power system. The system m remains stable until the power angle δ= 90°.
9 Beyond the
curve maximum (δ > 90°)) a load increase causes a decrease in the trannsfer power and
the system loses synchronnism. The value of Pe for δ = 90° representts the SSSL for
this ideal lossless system. The generator electric power output versus load angle and
with system reactance as shown
s in Fig.6 & Fig.7.

Figure 6: Dependence of SSSL on Excitation voltage

Figure 7: Dependence of SSSL on system reactance

Typically, when the power

p system is strong [2] (Xs is low) the SSSL locus is
outside the generator capaability curve as shown in Fig.8.However, onn weak systems,
the manual SSSL can be more restrictive than the generator capabiliity in the under
excited region as in Fig.9.
Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 507

The increase in the exttent of shaded portion of the Relay operating zone highlights
the vulnerability of the sysstem with a weak Xs as shown in the fig.
As stated previously, three factors may limit the capability of a synchronous
generator to operate in thee under excited region.
In this region, core-ennd heating, power-system stability or allow wable operating
voltage limit to the generaator capability to absorb reactive power.

Figure 8: Loss of field eleement characteristics in the P-Q plane set to coordinate with
the Generator capability curve
c when the SSSL characteristics is outsidde the capability
curve

Figure 9: Loss of field eleement characteristics in the P-Q plane set to coordinate with
the SSSL when the SSSL characteristics is inside the capability curve
508 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

Loss of Excitation Protecction

Protection from Loss of excitation
e condition of the generator is provvided to prevent
machine damage due to laarge stator currents and to prevent large reacctive drain from
the system resulting in volltage collapse and tripping of transmission linnes.
Normally, there are two
t approaches to detect the loss of excittation based on
impedance measurement. One is using [2] two negative-offset mho elem ments as shown
in Fig.10 and the other iss using a positive-offset mho and a directioonal element as
shown in Fig.11.

Figure 100: LOE Relay Locus in R-X Plane Scheme-1

Figure 111: LOE Relay Locus in R_X Plane Scheme2

Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 509

LOE Coordination in R--X Plane

The LOE coordination in R-XR plane needs to transfer all three characteeristics of GCC,
UEL [2]. It also needs to draw SSSL in R-X plane. The UEL limit will w remain quite
away from both the relay operating zones. The impedance locus has too cross the UEL
limit first which may takee care of the system voltage. GCC and SSSL L will have their
position next to UEL beffore the relay operating zone (Fig.12). It iss an established
procedure to detect LOE inn R-X plane.

Figurre 12: Relay Coordination in R-X Plane

Objective of the Stud

dy
Protection relays are to bee set to adjust the generator full load capabiility and within
the system steady state stability
s limit. Therefore setting of protectivve relay should
adjust itself with the channges in the parameters of terminal voltages and active and
reactive power flows whicch determine the steady-state stability limit.
The objective of studyy is to make proper coordination of loss of field protection
setting with steady state stability limit and generator capability cuurve under the
varying condition of system reactance and voltage. The purpose is thatt the unit should
be tripped before the steeady state stability limit is reached withouut crossing the
boundary of the GCC at thhat existing system conditions.
The LOE scheme shoould be provided with adequate time delayy for providing
security against operation during stable power swing.So the LOE relayy setting should
510 Madhuri Kanjilal et al

be properly coordinated with Generator capability curve (GCC) and Steady State
Stability Limit (SSSL) for a loss of excitation unit in a large alternator.

Proposed Scheme for Coordination of Loss of Excitation with SSSL

and GCC in P-Q Plane
Our aim is to make the LOE relay characteristic adaptable with the changing Steady
State Stability Limit (SSSL) or Generator capability curve (GCC) in P-Q plane
according to system operating condition. Keeping this in mind we converge on the
following deliberations.
The study of the SSSL trajectory of the system in the P-Q plane with the change
of system reactance (Xe) and voltage at generator terminal voltage (Vt) during LOE.
The LOE relay characteristic is then to be set properly by coordinating with the
changing SSSL and GCC in the P-Q plane to detect loss of excitation Condition and
ultimately how long the generator to be kept in system, without losing stability.
When the SSSL characteristic is outside the capability curve (for strong system)
the loss-of-field element characteristic is set to coincide with the capability curve to
protect the generator from stator-end core heating, as in Fig.8. This setting permits
full use of the generator capability to absorb reactive power, beyond the MEL setting.
When the SSSL characteristic is inside the generator capability curve (as may occur in
a weak power system), the SSSL characteristic becomes the factor that limits the
amount of reactive power that the generator can absorb and then the loss of field
element characteristic is set to coincide with SSSL, as in Fig.9.
This change in system voltage, current and eventually active and reactive power
(P and Q respectively) is to be sensed and computed on-line.
The work evolves into the development of an algorithm which tracks the dynamic
of the P-Q trajectory.
Numerical calculation of steady state limiting points and the corresponding
generator Capability Points in the P-Q plane(with changing Hydrogen Pressure) are
found out and judged through the algorithm the criterion for system instability or
system inability during loss of excitation and tripping action initiated.
No separate LOE Relay in R-X plane is necessary.

Flow Chart of Proposed Methods

Therefore the intelligence developed a coordination of SSSL, GCC UEL and LOE
locus in the P-Q plane. In our work coordination of only SSSL and GCC have been
done with the LOE relay in Fig.13.
Mathematical Equations & Models used in flowchart are described in Appendix-B
Coordination of Loss of Excitation with Capability Curve 511

Figure 13: Representation of LOE Scheme

512 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

System Modeling for LOE using PSCAD

Figure 14: Single Line Diagram of Generator and Power System

m Model Using
PSCAD for Study of Loss of Excitation

Results of PSCAD Sim

multion
Appendix-A provides daata on the generating units and associated power p system.
With reference to single line
l diagram (Fig.14) of a generator and power system the
following results are foundd for various system parameters with respect to time. The x-
axis represents the time inn second and in y-axis field voltage in p.u (EF
F), field current
(IF) in p.u, the terminal voltage
v in (V) in kV, active power (P) in MW and reactive
power (Q) in MVAR are taken. The results as simulated are shown inn the following
graphs.
Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 513

Figure 15.1: Field voltage (EF) vs. Time

Figgure 15.2: Field current (IF) vs. Time

The field voltage fromm excitatory is made zero after 20th second of steady state
operation with the help off a timer circuit. The fig15.1 shows the field voltage
v becomes
th
zero instantly at 20 seccond. The fig15.2 shows that the field cuurrent decreases
exponentially according too field time constant.

Figure 15.3: Terminal voltage (V) vs. Time

514 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

ure 15.4: Reactive power (Q) vs. Time

Figu

When loss of excitattion occurs, the terminal voltage starts to decrease. The
terminal voltage is relateed to reactive power delivered which in tuurn depends on
excitation (Fig.15.4). As excitation
e is lost the reactive decreases to zeero and become
negative and hence it draw
ws huge reactive power from system or nearbyy generator (i.e.
the direction of reactive power
p reverses.) to maintain its excitation. If
I the system is
not able to supply sufficcient reactive, the voltage reduced to a veery small value
causing voltage collapse. Large amount of reactive power causes Higgh stator current
to flow which in turn heaats up the stator winding and stator end iron heating. In this
case voltage reduced fromm 19.75 kV to 8.75 kV as shown in Fig.15.3.

Figgure 15.5: Active Power (P) vs. Time

Figgure 15.6: Load Angle (Del) vs. Time

Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 515

The active power outpput decreases to a very small value as the exciitations reduced
and there is no other generator to support the excitation instantly exccept the system
bus. The electrical output decreases from 434MW to 50 MW during looss of excitation
period as shown in Fig.115.5 and the load angle increases from 0.388 radian to 0.8
radian at rated load as shhown in Fig.15.6. If load is decreases to sm mall value both
active power output increaases to 458Mw and load angle increases to 0.77rad.

Further Analysis & Verification of Results Throu

ugh Matlab
Simulation
The LOE relay loci are mapped from R-X plane to P-Q plane for f steady state
coordination. The locus inn P-Q plane is obtained for zone1 & zone 2 reelay locus in R-
X plane which is verified by use of MATLAB. This locus will shiftedd up ward as we
consider the system operatting condition of varying voltage. So the PQ operating point
may fall in to the relay operating zone thus the user may consider the LOE
L relay locus
well inside the SSSL and GCCG according to the operating conditions.
The position of the loccus of zone one will be below the position of zone two. Each
points of the relay locus inn R-X plane are mapped in to P-Q plane. The lowest point of
the locus in R-X plane maapped to highest point in P-Q plane. The relaay locus in R-X
plane is drawn in generattor base because the coordination is to donne in P-Q plane
where generator steady staate operating regions is plotted as shown in Fiig.16.

Figure 16: P-Q operating Point at Different system Condittion

516 Madhurri Kanjilal et al

Figure 17: SSSL trajectory during changing system voltage at LO

OE &Generator
operating point

Fig.17 shows the P-Q Q operating point falls below the SSSL under u dynamic
condition of system voltagge and reactance when the unit losses excitaation because of
field supply reduced to zerro instantaneously.

Figure 18:: Dynamic threee Dimensional Views of Active and Reactiive Power with
Voltage and Time during Loss
L of Excitation.

Fig.18 shows Dynamicc three dimensional views of p-q locus with Voltage
V & Time
during Loss of Excitation through MATLAB simulation. The red curvve & blue curve
show dynamic three diimensional views of Active & Reactivee Power locus
respectively with Voltage & Time during Loss of Excitation.
Coordination of Loss of Exxcitation with Capability Curve 517

Figure 19: Three Dimensional Views of P-Q Operating Point and SSS
SL with varying
Voltage.

Fig.19 shows three dimensional

d views of P-Q operating Point & SSSL with
varying voltage through MATLAB
M simulation. The blue curve & red curve
c show P-Q
operating point & SSSL loocus respectively with voltage during LOE.

Conclusions
Major generator tripping events are not as rare as many people believve. Should they
occur, such events can bee very disruptive and costly to the utility pow wer production.
Delays in determining thee cause of the disruption and in assessing equuipment damage
can add hours to reenergizzing and returning to normal operations.
There are many advaantages of this Co-ordination [1] Process:-(ii) Reduction of
loss of revenue due to redduction in power transfer. (ii)Improve reliabillity of generator
VAR support to system. (iii)
( Reduction of transmission line overload.. (iv) Reduction
of unnecessary tripping off breaker and other equipments operation. (vv) Reduction of
likelihood of islanded syystem condition. (vi) Increased confidencee in results of
planning studies.
The LOE condition enntails a check for both the generator capabilitty as well as the
system network to whichh the generator is connected. The fullest uttilization of the
generator capability withinn the SSSL of the power system is targeted before
b going for
tripping.
Our work depicted thee method to establish an optimum utilization of o the generator
capability without infringging on the stability limit. With the development of this
intelligent system, on line monitoring of the SSSL points and GCC C may be made
possible with the integratioon of adaptive feature in the LOE relay.
518 Madhuri Kanjilal et al

References
[1] Ramon Sandoval, “Dynamic Simulations Help Improve Generator Protection”,
IEEE power system conference, march-2007, pp 16-38.
[2] C.J. Mozina, “Coordination of generator protection with generator excitation
control and generator capability”. Working Group J-5 of the Rotating
Machinery Subcommittee, Power System Relay Committee, vol-15.no.-3 IEEE
Power engineering society general meeting, 2007, PP1-17.
[3] Gabriel Benmouyal, “The Impact of Synchronous Generators Excitation
Supply on Protection and Relays”, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories,
Inc.2007, pp1-16.
[4] ZHANPENG SHI. “Investigation on Generator Loss of Excitation Protection in
Generator Protection Coordination”, Master Thesis, School of Electrical
Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden 2010.
[5] G. Roger Berube, “A Utility Perspective on Under-Excitation Limiters”, Vol-
10, No-3, sep-1995, pp 532-537.
[6] J. D. Hurley, “Under excitation Limiter Models for Power System Stability
Studies”, IEEE Transaction on energy conversion, Vol-10, No. 3, sep. 1995, pp
524-531.
[7] Seba Stieo, “Impact of Under excitation limit control on power system dynamic
performance”, IEEE Transactions on power system, Vol.10, No. 4, Nov.1996.
[8] “Computer Models for Representation of Digital-Based Excitation Systems”, a
paper prepared by the Digital Excitation Task Force of the Equipment Working
Group. IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 11, No. 3, September
1996, pp607-613.

Appendix A
Source of System
System data
Positive sequence impedance:
Zmin = 0.00105 + j0.016463 pu (138KV, 100 MVA)
Zmax = 0.000511 + j0.010033 pu (138KV, 100 MVA)
System voltage = 138 KV, (L, L)
System frequency = 60 HZ

Generator Data
Rated MVA = 492 MVA
Rated voltage = 20 KV
Xd = 1.18878 pu
Xq = 0.146 pu
Xd’= 0.20577 pu
Tdo’= 5.2 s
Transformer Data
Rated MVA = 425 MVA
Coordination of Loss of Excitation with Capability Curve 519

Rated voltage = 19/145 KV

AC1A Exciter
Rated feedback Gain (KF) = 0.03 pu
Rated feedback Time constant (TF) = 1.0 s
Infinite Bus Data
Base voltage = 138KV
Base MVA = 100 MVA
Frequency = 60 HZ
Timer
Duration on = 20 s

Appendix B
Mathematical Models used in flowchart
The equation representing SSSL circle as shown in Fig.4
P2 + (Q – q (i)) 2 = B1 (i) 2 ….eqn. (B.1)

Where q (i) is the coordinate of the center A1 (i) on the Q-axis at ith instant,
where the centre
A1 (i) = (0, q (i))…eqn. (B.2)

q (i) = ]…… eqn.(B.3)

And the corresponding radius is

B1 (i) = + ]… eqn.( B.4)
f1 (i) = P2 + (Q – q (i)) 2 … eqn. (B.5)

Where f1 (i) represents a point on the SSSL when P=P (i) and Q=Q (i) and system
reactance = X (i).Vt (i) is the terminal voltage at the ith instant.
To test the points P(i) &Q(i) on the B(i) curve representing the SSSL curve at the
ith instant the following equation is used.
B1 (i) 2-f1 (i) < … eqn. (B.6)

A separate LOE locus is not maintained. It is the difference (Eta) with the SSSL
at respective instants that determines the LOE status. If the difference is negative, it
indicates the point f1 (i) is outside the stability limit, then instant tripping initiated.
This criterion checks whether the measured P-Q has crossed the SSSL point at
that instant.
Where is small margin which 3% of rated MVA of generator.
To determine a point on GCC the following equation are used
520 Madhuri Kanjilal et al

Armature current limit

The centre and radius of the curve BC as shown in Fig.1
A2 (P, Q) = (0, 0) and
B2= MVA rating which is constant …… eqn. (B.7)
2 2 2
P + Q = B2 … eqn. (B.8)
f2 (i) = P2 + Q 2 … eqn. (B.9)

f2 (i) represents the value of armature current limit at ith instant when P=P (i) and
Q=Q (i)
To test the points P(i) &Q(i) on the B(i) curve representing the GCC curve at the
ith instant the following equation is used.
B22-f2 (i) < … eqn. (B.10)

Likewise as in the previous, a separate LOE locus is not maintained. The equation
(B.10) checks whether the measured P-Q falls on armature current limit.

Stator end iron heating limit

The centre of the curve CD as in fig.1

A3 (i) (P, Q) = (0, K1* *492)…. eqn. (B.11)

Where K1=0.3 & Vt (i) is the terminal voltage at the ith instant. And the radius of
the curve CD as in fig.1
B3 (i) =K2* …. eqn. (B.12)

Where K2 =1.3
Here the constants K1and K2 are assumed for temperature rise in field and
armature winding.

The equation representing stator end iron heating curve is

P2 + (Q – q3 (i)) 2 = B3 (i) 2… eqn. (B.13)

Where the coordinate on Q axis is

q3 (i) = K1* *492… eqn. (B.14)

If f3 (i) = P2 + (Q – q3 (i)) 2 … eqn. (B.15)

Then f3 (i) represents stator end iron heating limit point at ith instant when P=P (i)
and Q=Q (i).To test the points P(i) &Q(i) on the B(i) curve representing the GCC
curve at the ith instant the following equation is used.
Coordination of Loss of Excitation with Capability Curve 521

B3 (i) 2-f3 (i) < … eqn. (B.16)

Likewise as in the previous, a separate LOE locus is not maintained. The equation
(B.16) checks whether the P-Q operating point crosses the stator end iron heating
curve.

Rotor heating current limit

The centre of the curve AB as in Fig.1

A4 (i) (P, Q) = (0, - *492) … eqn. (B.17)

And the radius of the curve AB as in Fig.1

B4 (i) = *492… eqn. (B.18)

The equation representing Rotor heating current limit circle is

P2 + (Q – q4 (i)) 2 = B4 (i) 2… eqn. (B.19)

Where the coordinates on Q axis is

q4 (i) = *492 … eqn. (B.20)

f4 (i) = P2 + (Q – q4 (i)) 2 … eqn. (B.21)

Then f4 (i) represents the operating point at ith instant of time when P=P (i) and
Q=Q (i). Vt (i) is the terminal voltage at the ith instant.
To test the points P(i) &Q(i) on the B(i) curve representing the GCC curve at the
ith instant the following equation is used.
B4 (i) 2-f4 (i) < …. eqn. (B.22)

Likewise as in the previous, a separate LOE locus is not maintained. The equation
(B.22) checks whether the P-Q operating point lies inside the rotor current heating
limit.
The equation used to calculate the system reactance on line is

…… eqn.(B.23)

For all decision blocks a delay subroutine is to be called to tide over transitory
system inconsistencies.