STATIC

EXCITATION
Digital Static SYSTEMS

Excitation System
RAV 101/111/1101/1111

• Designed for hydro, gas, steam or diesel turbine applications requiring a

high initial response excitation system
• Eliminates obsolete systems, reducing costly shutdowns and avoiding
forced outages

• Can be applied in full or partial retrofits

• Increases reliability, availability, and overall performance of your system
• Exceeds IEEE 421.2 requirements for High Initial Response forcing

• Facilitates plant control integration by allowing 100% local or remote

interaction with the system using industry standard protocols (e.g.,
MODBUS RTU, MODBUS over TCP/IP, Profibus, etc.)

• Our RAVPAC application software provides tools that help minimize the
commissioning and maintenance time and are also ideal tools to help
monitor and audit system performance to comply with NERC regulations
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Beckwith Electric’s RAV Excitation Systems are designed for synchronous generators from a few MW up
to some of the largest machines in operation. We use state-of-the-art technology and user-friendly human-
machine interfaces to offer a perfect solution customized to our customer’s needs.
Our RAV Excitation Systems are microprocessor-based systems that use proven PLC technology provid-
ing customers with a system specific solution but yet an open architecture system that will facilitate total
plant control integration and monitoring.
The RAV Excitation Systems are available in four models:

MODEL CONFIGURATION

Brushless Application (AVR)

RAV101
Single Controller (Auto/Manual)

Brushless Application (AVR)

RAV111
Dual Controller (Auto/Man Main - Auto/Man Backup)

Brush Type Application (AVR or Excitation System)

RAV1101
Single Controller (Auto/Manual)

Brush Type Application (AVR or Excitation System)

RAV1111
Dual Controller (Auto/Man Main - Auto/Man Backup)

Applications
The RAV101/RAV111 sreies are applied as static excitation or voltage regulator systems for medium and
small synchronous brushless generators or DC rotating exciters, and can also be applied as a DC source
for synchronous motor applications. Special care has been taken to match the characteristics of the
rotating exciters to offer quick response and stable operation of the terminal voltage.
The RAV 1101/RAV 1111 series are applied as static excitation systems for medium and large synchro-
nous brush type generators. In applications where availability of the generator is the first priority, the
RAV11111 series with a 2P or 3P configuration is a fully redundant voltage regulator with redundant
rectifiers and redundant electronics where maintenance can be fully executed “on-line” without stopping
the machines.

Hydroelectric Generating Plants

For small and large Hydro installations, excitation and de-excitation to the generator field must be
controlled strictly to prevent damage to the unit and to avoid costly shutdowns. Beckwith’s RAV Excitation
Systems, together with power system stabilizers have successfully protected and improved operation of a
large number of hydroelectric plants.

Thermal Generating Plants

Large generators can’t be taken off line without heavy costs, consequences or tremendous risk for the
stability of the whole interconnected system. Electric utilities prevent such damages by using Beckwith’s
RAV Excitation Systems in order to keep the machines securely on-line. For sub-synchronous protection
of the machines and system stabilization, our systems are equipped with Beckwith’s dynamic stabilizers.

Process Industry Generating Plants

Steel Industries, sugar, cement and oil industries generate supplementary power for their own processes
or cogenerate with the utilities in order to take the maximum advantage of their by products. These
privately owned generators can be controlled and protected by Beckwith’s RAV Excitation Systems.

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Description
The RAV Excitation Systems consists of three basic components:
• Drive Master Plus (Controller + Firing Circuit)
• PowerStack (Rectifying Bridge)
• Excitation Transformer

SYSTEM
52

AC

Excitation
Transformer

Vdc
AUTOMATIC
CHANNEL Adc
(AVR)
Crowbar N.O.
Pulse
Generator Pulse
Amplifier

DC N.C.
MANUAL N.O. Breaker
CHANNEL
(FCR)
Bridge(s)
Field Flash

Figure 1 Typical One Line Diagram for a RAV1101 (One Controller – One Bridge Configuration)

As shown on the block diagram above, the excitation transformer supplies AC to the RAV 1101 Excitation
System from the generator voltage terminals. The Excitation Transformer (ET) secondary voltage is
designed to reach the maximum rectified voltage coming from the power converters, corresponding to the
permissible limit allowed by the generator. In a partial upgrade our system most likely will be able to
operate with an existing excitation transformer.

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Drive Master Plus

The Drive Master Plus controller is the brain of the
RAV systems. Its a digital control system that regu-
lates voltage on the synchronous generator termi-
nals, allowing for its maximum output operation while
AUTOMATIC
keeping it safely within its normal operation param-
CHANNEL
eters. Each controller provides an automatic chan-
(AVR)
nel (AVR) and a Manual channel (FCR). The RAV101
Pulse and RAV1101 systems use a single controller
Generator Pulse scheme and the RAV111 and RAV1111 use a dual
Amplifier controller scheme. Safe control is achieved through
the compensating and limiting functions on the auto-
MANUAL matic channel. Each controller is paired with its own
CHANNEL firing circuit module (pulse generator and pulse am-
(FCR) plifier circuit) for added reliability.

The Controller hardware is based on the GE

Fanuc PLC platform and its compatible with all
the Versamax I/O modules.
The VersaMax’s powerful processor executes our
application programs and algorithms. It features
floating point math, real-time clock, subroutines,
PID, Flash memory, bumpless run mode, hot I/O
module insertion and advanced communications
with multiple industry protocols supported
(Modbus RTU, Modbus over TCP/IP, Profibus,
etc) all in a compact package. It also includes automatic I/O addressing - extensive diagnostics with an
internal fault table and LEDs that indicate system faults and I/O forces - freeing up the operator to
concentrate on maintaining the highest quality.
The Firing Circuit is a completely independent system that interfaces each controller with the rectifying
bridge. It contains two modules, the pulse generator and the pulse amplifier. Pulses need to be amplified
to an adequate power level to ensure reliable and consistent firing over the whole horizontal phase shift
control range of either a single stack, or multiple stacks of thyristors in parallel depending on the
application. A monitor circuit detects any firing pulse failure and provides a visible warning.

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PowerStack (Power Rectifier)

All of our power rectifying bridges are full converter, 6 SCR, inverting type
and can provide currents up to 10,000Adc and voltages of up to 1400Vdc.
Each rectifier bridge includes thyristor protection circuitry such as snub-
bers, filters and fuses. Disconnect switches are available for hot mainte-
nance in redundant applications (2P or 3P configurations).
A full converter type bridge can provide both positive and negative forcing
voltage for optimum performance. Positive forcing is useful for boosting
stability during faults while negative forcing provides fast response for load
rejection and de-excitation during internal generator fault or manual trips.
Depending on the rating of the system, the rectifier may comprise a single
stack or, for higher power levels, multiple units in parallel. Our bridges may
be applied singly (1P), dual (1PD) or redundantly (2P or 3P) for N+1 hot
backup. In most redundant applications each bridge is rated to the full
excitation requirement for the particular generator, however, during normal
operation all bridges are put to work sharing the load. The benefits are that
by sharing load the life expectancy of the SCR’s is extended while at the
same time providing for a hot backup. Current transformers in each rectifier
feed monitor continually the power level and relative current sharing and
provide feedback signals to the control system. Upon a potential failure of a
Bridge(s) bridge, the failing bridge is removed from operation with the backup one
picking up 100% of the load instantaneously without any disturbance to the
operation of the generator.
The operating controller depending on its programmed mode of operation or channel, AUTO/MANUAL or
VAR/PF (opt), controls the rectifying bridge and its associated hardware and logics. Each channel is
totally independent but yet linked together using an automatic tracking system or follower, which allows for
a bumpless transfer between any mode of operation
A forced air fan provides cooling airflow. In the RAV1111 systems, a second auxiliary fan is standard.
Temperature in every bridge is closely monitored and an appropriate alarm fired, should there be
excessive temperature raise. Should the temperature reach a second level of over temperature, the
corresponding bridge will be tripped and its firing pulses will be suppressed.

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Standard Features
These features are standard for RAV101/111 and RAV1101/1111:
• Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
• Manual Voltage Regulation (FCR)
• Automatic Follower for Bumpless Transfer (Tracking)
• Auto Transfer to Manual
• Balance Meter (NULL)
• Softstart
• Maximum Excitation Limiter (MXL)
• Over Excitation Limiter (OEL)
• Minimum (Under) Excitation Limiter (UEL)
• Volts/Hertz Limiter (V/Hz Lim)
• Stator Current Limiter (SCL)
• Reactive Current Compensator (RCC)
• Local Operator Control Panel (HMI)
• Communication Ports (RS-232 + RS-485)
• 10MBit Ethernet Port (RJ-45)
• Distributed Control Interface via Modbus RTU or TCP/IP
• Dynamic Response Test Circuitry
• Over Excitation Voltage Protection (OXP)
• Over Excitation Current Protection
• Loss of Sensing
• Field Flashing
• Linear Discharge Resistor
• Cooling Fan
• Provisions for Remote Control
• Built-in Diagnostic/Test Capabilities
• NEMA 1 Enclosure with Rear Access

These features are standard only for RAV1101/1111:

• Crowbar Circuit + NL Discharge Resistor

• Shaft Voltage Suppressor
• Individual SCR Fuse Protection
• Rectifier Over Temperature Protection
• Failed Rectifier Detector

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Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)

The thyristor bridge may be controlled by either the automatic or manual channels of each controller. The
function of the AVR is to maintain the output of the alternator at the desired voltage under all load
conditions. The automatic control circuitry comprises a microprocessor that is easily accessible for
maintenance purpose, and that includes the following main functions:
Reference Potentiometer: The control voltage to set the desired alternator output voltage is provided by
a potentiometer algorithm. The raise/lower commands are interfaced via I/Os of the microprocessor.
Range is from 80% to 120% of the nominal voltage.
The digital potentiometer has three control modes:
1. Follower: In the “follower” mode, the potentiometer tracks the demand signal in order to make
a bumpless transfer during the switching from manual to auto.
2. Pre-set: When switched to the “pre-set” mode, the level of excitation is a value that will cater to
situations when the alternator Field Circuit Breaker is open. This is usually an output level
corresponding to the nominal voltage of the unit.
3. Normal: In the “Normal” mode, the digital potentiometer responds to pushbutton commends
from within the control cubicle, or remotely from the remote alternator control desk.
Voltage Feedback: Regulator output voltage feedback signals are derived from a three phase connected
transformer supplying a bridge rectifier. Pre-set adjustments are provided to enable calibration and
balance. Voltage Error Amplifier: The error amplifier enables the gain setting of the primary control loop
and some inputs from the following list of sources:
• Minimum output voltage preset
• Output control signal
• Power stabilizing signal (PSS)
• Instantaneous de-excitation trip signal

Current Demand Amplifier: This circuit modifies the error voltage signal by the application of various
limits generated by the signal mixer and, in turn, passes the modified signal to the second automatic
channel signal. This amplifier is PID configured and its maximum output excursion is limited by the
demand setting of the excitation maximum current limit pre-set.
Regulator Output Current Amplifier: The output current reference is summed at the input to the current
error amplifier together with the feedback signal from the alternator field current shunt, thus completing the
current control loop. The amplifier is arranged as an integrator and the adjustable time constant it exhibits
is employed to stabilize this loop to achieve the optimum-damping characteristic to match the demand time
constants of the system.
Thyristor Firing Pulse Amplifier: The pulse amplifier generates the appropriate rating of the firing pulses
according the level of power demanded. The pulses are of sufficient power to ensure reliable thyristor firing
at all times. In the RAV 1111 model, a full dual redundant pulse amplifier is provided.
Internal Current Loop: A separate current feedback loop is introduced into the automatic control in order
to compensate for any phase lag caused by the field inductance of the rotor itself. The stabilizing effect
achieved by the introduction of this internal current loop enables a higher value of system gain to be
employed without increasing the risk of system instability, thus enhancing the regulator response time and
output regulation performance.
Manual Voltage Regulation (FCR): The manual control is employed to regulate the excitation current
(Field Current Regulation) as an alternative to the automatic control. Range can be adjusted from 30% at
no load to 120% at rated load and rate power factor.

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Like the automatic system, all functionality is confined to a microprocessor that embraces the following
listed functions:
• Reference potentiometer
• Current feedback circuit
• Current error amplifier
• Excitation voltage amplifier
• Thyristor firing pulse generation circuits

Automatic Follower for Bumpless Transfer (Tracking): An automatic follower device continually tracks
the thyristor firing angle control signal of any channel in operation. As a result, the alternative control mode
(either automatic or manual, main or backup controller) is preconditioned to accept transfer of a command
without any transient being introduced into the system.
Auto Transfer to Manual: Should the closed loop feedback signals be lost (eg sensing) or mutilated in
any way when in automatic mode (AVR), a bumpless transfer to manual (MANUAL) takes place immedi-
ately.
Balance Meter (NULL): A visual confirmation of the output between controllers of modes of operation is
available to be displayed in the local operator console or via any communication link.
Softstart: This feature is functional in AVR and FCR modes, and allows the user to specify the generator
voltage buildup time characteristic to reach rated terminal voltage with no overshoot.

Limiters
Great care has been taken in the design of our system to include provisions that will effectively limit the
various signals within the parameters of the capability curve of the generator. These limiters will allow the
maximum possible output of the generator while still protecting the asset.
Maximum Excitation Limiter (MXL): This circuit supervises the excitation voltage taking into account the
inverse time characteristics of rotor thermal capacity, thyristors, alternator collector rings, etc. The pre-set
limiting value is summed, in a negative sense, at the control signal mixer input, such that the control
voltage excursion can never cause the maximum excitation voltage to be exceeded.
Overexcitation Limiter (OEL): The purpose of this limiter is to confine the alternator output within its
capability curve as it approaches the rotor thermal capacity of the generator, by automatically fixing
excitation to a level when over excitation is fully controlled. Calculation and active signals are elaborated
in the same way as for the minimum excitation limiter.
Minimum (Under) Excitation Limiter (UEL): The purpose of this limiter is to confine the alternator output
within its capability curve as it approaches the limits of dynamic stability by automatically fixing excitation
to a level whereby stability is maintained. The microprocessor calculates the appropriate limit on a
continuous basis from signals related to active power, reactive power, and generator voltage. The
corrective signal so derived is applied to the control signal mixer input.
Volt/Hertz Limiter (V/Hz Lim): The Volts per Hertz limiter maintains a constant relationship between
alternator output voltage and its frequency. This prevents over-excitation in the case of a reduction in rotor
speed and protects against stator winding overheating. The V/Hz limiter is a predominant control loop on
the system and its operational even in manual mode (FCR). It provides three levels for V/HZ setting, first
level for alarm, second for limiting and finally a third level for tripping.
Stator Current Limiter (SCL): In the same way, the purpose of this limiter is to fully confine the alternator
output within its capability curve as it approaches the maximum current of the stator in the zone
corresponding to the maximum active power, and where neither the maximum or minimum excitation
limiters can operate.

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Reactive Current Compensator (RCC): In a situation where there are numbers of alternators operating in
parallel it is necessary to provide each regulator with compensation for the effects of reactive loads in
order to ensure that the system remains stable and reactive power is shared equally between the different
alternators. This is achieved by determining whether the system is absorbing or delivering reactive power.
In the former case the reference voltage is increased to compensate for the reactive power absorbed, and
in the latter case, the converse applies. Droop setting is adjustable from 0 to 12% at rated load, rated
power factor.
Local Operator Control Panel (HMI): A local digital data panel provides the interface between the system
and the operator. It allows for 100% interaction with the system for configuration, setup and monitoring.
The measured and calculated variables can be displayed graphically or in a numerical mode. In the RAV
1111 model, a touch screen panel replaces the digital data panel.

Communication Capabilities
Serial Link RS-232 or RS-485 with MODBUS RTU Protocol: Full interaction with the system can be
achieved via the local digital panel, touch screen panel, or through any of the serial links. The information
is made available at an RS-232 port for connection to a PC for plant control/monitoring or an RS-485 port
for remote control/monitoring via the plant control station through MODBUS RTU protocol. Other optional
protocols available include Profibus and Canbus.
Ethernet Port – An RJ-45 Ethernet port is provided. It allows full connectivity with a power plant LAN, or
Enterprise-wide area network through TCP/IP protocol to control or to monitor the dynamic performance of
the excitation system.
Distributed Control Interface (DCI): The damping of the generator, stability of the system, internal angle
of the machine and PSS response can be assessed remotely via a Distributed Control Interface system.
This information provided by the RAV system can then be reported in compliance with the NERC dynamic
performance testing and monitoring requirements.

Protection
Over Excitation Voltage Protection: Should the Overvoltage limit level be reached in auto control mode
(AVR), the control signal is transferred to the manual control (MANUAL) via a bumpless transfer circuit.
The timing allows for the inverse time characteristics of the various parameters of the system, like rotor
thermal capacity/inertia, thyristor stack and alternator slip ring thermal time constants. Subsequent to the
transfer to manual, the system continues to operate normally.
Over Excitation Current Protection: in both automatic and manual control modes, immediate opening of
the dc breaker prevents an Overcurrent situation. The critical breaker trip value calculation takes into
account the inverse time law characteristics of the system. All protecting circuits are entirely independent
of the control system, thus ensuring maximum functional security.
Field Flashing: A field flashing circuit is provided for black startup when no remanent voltage is available.
It provides for safe initial power to the generator field from a 125Vdc or 250Vdc station battery until a 20%
to 30% of nominal voltage can buildup on the generator terminals. At the transition from battery to
regulator, the thyristor control is operated in burst-firing mode. The nominal excitation current is reached
in such a way as to produce a soft start voltage build-up through the startup process.
Crowbar: A thyristor based crowbar circuit will connect the rotor to a non-linear resistor, eliminating the
effect of transients and overvoltages and acting as surge suppressor should an overvoltages condition
appears at DC terminals of the power stack, positive or negative polarity. The crowbar circuit will activate
also during a normal shut down.

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Shaft Voltage Suppressor: As a consequence of the firing of the thyristors, induced currents (noise) can
appear in the shaft of the turbine. These currents can destroy the bearings due to small electric
discharges in the dielectric oil of the bearings (pitting). To prevent this, a special RC filter is provided in
order to drain to ground these induced currents.
Power Stack Over Temperature Protection: Two different levels of over temperature signals produce
first an alarm and then a tripping of the failed power stack by suppressing the corresponding firing pulses.

Built-in Diagnostic/Test Capabilities

Comprehensive Diagnostics, Test and Monitoring features are included built into our RAV Excitation
Systems. Variable reference signals are available for injection into different parts of the control algorithm.
A separate pushbutton permits the introduction of test voltages in steps of 10% of the desired value in
order the check the dynamic step response and performance of the system under test. The same test can
be performed through the serial link. The system response to these step changes can be analyzed to
enable the critical damping adjustments to be made in order to optimize the performance of the system
under test. Frequency response checks can also be made by introducing sinusoidal wave signals into test
input terminals made available for interfacing with SCADA systems, 4–20 ma analog transducers are
available for excitation current, excitation voltage, balance between auto and manual channels. Status
indication of the excitation system and alarms produced by the operation of the different limiters and
stabilizer are available, in the data panel as well as through dry contacts for external monitoring purposes.
Cubicle: The RAV Excitation Systems are wired, mounted and tested in a NEMA 1 / IP20 freestanding,
indoor-type metal cabinet for floor mounting installation with rear access. All the equipment is designed to
operate in ambient temperature range of 0°C to 60°C. Other optional cabinets, custom applications and
configurations are available.

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Beckwith Systems Engineering

RAV Excitation Systems

Available Options (please select)

RAV 101 RAV111 RAV1101 RAV1111

Dual Controller (Auto/Manual-Auto/Manual)    STD

Redundant Bridge (N+1)    

Redundant Bridge with Sectionizable Power

Converters (Hot Maintenance)

Extended Forcing - per IEEE Std 421.2

definition for High Initial Response (Increases
  
standard forcing from 1.5 pu to 2.5 pu @full
load or 6.0 pu @ no load.)

Compound Excitation  
DC Breaker    STD

AC Breaker    
Non-Linear Discharge Resistor    STD

Auxiliary Cooling Fan    STD

VAR/PF Controller    
PSS (PSS2A)  
Remote Control Panel (2nd HMI)    
Analog Backup Channel    
Redundant Power Supply  STD  STD

M-3425E Excitation Protection System (24, 27,

   
59, 81, 64B, 64F) plus ET Protection (50/51)

Remote Electronics (Separate Control and

   
Power rectifying cubicle)

Cubicle with Front Access Only    

Dry Type Excitation Transformer (ET)    
Cast Coil Excitation Transformer (ET)    
ET Over Temperature Protection (49)    
ET Overcurrent Protection (50/51)    
ET NEMA 1 Enclosure    
Project Name

Prime Mover  Hydro  Steam  Gas

Generator Size MW or MVA

Field Type  Brushless  Brush Type

Nominal V dc @ Full Load V dc

Nominal I dc @ Full Load A dc

Generator Field Resistance Ohms

Table 2 Avilable Options

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Dual Controller (Auto/Manual - Auto/Manual): For critical applications a Dual Controller option is
available. The second controller is a full featured PLC controller with its corresponding firing circuit that
duplicates the features of the main controller. In a dual controller system the first on can be programmed
to be the main controller or the automatic channel (AVR) and the second controller can be the backup or
the independent manual channel (MANUAL). The Dual Controller feature is standard in the RAV111 and
RAV1111 systems,.
Redundant Bridge (N+1): When continuous operation is a must, redundancy is required and an extra
power rectifier is supplied. Redundancy is provided on an N+1 scheme where N=1 for all systems under
1,500Adc. Sharing of currents between the different power stacks is better than 15% due to the reactance
connected in series in each arm of the rectifiers. Should a rectifying bridge experience a failure of any
kind, the corresponding bridge will be isolated and continuous operation of the generator would not be
affected.
Sectionalizable Power Converters: On a redundant bridge application (2P or 3P), every bridge can
include a method for sectionalizing and isolating. Should a bridge fail, the failed bridge can then be
isolated for online maintenance while the system continues to operate.
Extended Forcing - per IEEE Std 421.2 definition for High Initial Response: The Standard continuous
forcing on the RAV systems is 1.5 times the nominal field voltage. For true high initial response as defined
by IEEE Std 421.2, the excitation transformer and power stack may be designed to boost ceiling field
voltage to 2.5 pu related to full load nominal voltage rating and to 6 pu related to no load nominal voltage
rating.
Compound Excitation: In some applications where a fault in the grid near the terminals of the generator
could generate de-excitation of the excitation transformer and as a consequence, a sensible reduction of
the DC power at the rotor of the generator, an additional rectifier connected to a power current transformer
will boost the DC current at the terminals of the rotor. This additional power stack will rectify the fault
current across the stator of the generator during the period of time when failure is not cleared.
DC Field Breaker and Discharge Resistor: Field breaker allows isolating the rotor of the generator from
the rectifier power stack. Opening of the DC breaker is preceded by a fast de-excitation of the generator.
The rectifier is converted into an interverter (negative forcing) producing the fast de-excitation of the
generator. Before opening the main contacts of the breaker, a third contact connects the rotor to a
discharge resistor in order to eliminate its electromagnetic energy.
AC Breaker: In some low range excitation systems, an AC breaker at the primary side of the power stack
replaces the DC breaker. In this case, fast de-excitation and Crowbar are activated before the opening of
the AC breaker.
VAR Controller: Should the interconnected system be considered an infinite bus compared to the rating of
the generator, or if the same generator can’t have any influence on the voltage bus because of a much
large capability of the grid, the excitation system could produce a de-excitation or over-excitation of the
generator. In this case, provisions are made to regulate the reactive power of the generator within a
prefixed range of generator voltage. The VAR control algorithm allows for a programmable transfer to
Voltage control (override) should the voltage exceeds a predefined % from the nominal voltage.
Power Factor Controller: Power Factor Controller is a recommended device, when dealing with synchro-
nous motors. Numbers of motor trips for out of step protection are avoided using a power factor controller
for the control of a synchronous motor excitation.
Power System Stabilizer: In interconnected systems, it is necessary to correct for any tendency of the
generator rotor to oscillate at a sub-synchronous frequencies and dampen any low frequency oscillations
created in the grid. Our PSS has three selectable modes of operation, frequency type for isolated
machines, active power: for small grids and accelerating power type for large grids. In North America, the
IEEE recommends the use of an Accelerating Power type PSS, IEEE (PSS2A).

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Remote Control Panel: Additional data panel or touch-screen digital panels are available. Communica-
tion can be made through RS-232 or RS-485 using MODBUS RTU or via an Ethernet LAN using Modbus
over TCP/IP protocol. The additional control panels can be programmed to have the same functionality as
the local control panel. Access and priorities to setting changes can be programmed and password
protected.
Analog Backup Manual Channel: An analog backup channel for manual or automatic control can be
added to the system for a fail safe redundant scheme.
Redundant Power Supplies: Once the generator has reached the nominal voltage, a backup power
supply is derived from the secondary of the excitation transformer to provide backup to the 125 V dc or 250
V dc from the power plant battery.

M-3425A - Excitation Protection System (one relay)

Multifunction digital relay replaces 10 discrete relays.
• Provides key voltage base protection including volts/hertz (24), undervoltage (27), Overvoltage
(59), Over/Under frequency (81)
• Provides important field ground (64F) and brush lift off (64B) protections using advanced AC
injection system
• Provides excitation transformer Overcurrent protection (50/51) in the same unit
• Provides oscillographic recorder capabilities
• Additional diagnostic (actually measures field and exciter impedance to ground)

M-3425A – Generator Protection System (one relay)

• Provides all major protective functions for generator protection, including Field Ground (64F),
Out-of-Step (78), Split-Phase Differential (50DT) and Under frequency Time Accumulation (81A)
and others.
• For Protective functions 24, 40, 59, and 78, and effective coordination is made with the
respective limiters and stabilizers of the excitation system: Volt/Hz limiter, maximum excitation
limiter, over excitation limiter, power system stabilizer, and minimum excitation limiter. Maximum
advantage of the regulation functions of the excitation system is taken in account before tripping
the generator.

Remote Electronics: Where available space could be a restriction for the installation of a new excitation
system, provisions are made in the design for installing the control electronics (Drive Master Plus)
separately from the Rectifying Bridge (PowerStacks).
Cubicle with Front Access Only: As a standard design, the different parts of the excitation system can be
accessed through a front and rear door. On special request, design can consider only front door access.
Cast Resin Type Excitation System: Excitation systems as a standard rule equipped with dry type
excitation transformer. Should requirements be different, a Cast Resin or an Oil type excitation trans-
former can be offered.
Excitation Transformer Overcurrent Protection: Three CTs connected in the primary of the excitation
transformer are connected to an inverse time overcurrent protective device, in order to shut down the
excitation system in case of a failure in the excitation transformer.
Excitation Transformer Over Temperature Protection: In case of over temperature in the excitation
transformer, an alarm will be raised. For a further level of over temperature, a second alarm can be
configured to trip the excitation system.

6190-118th Avenue North • Largo, FL 33773-3724 U.S.A. • 727-544-2326 • FAX 727-546-0121

[email protected] • www.beckwithelectric.com
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Standards Supported
ANSI/IEEE
421.1 Standard Definitions for Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines
421.2 Guide for Identification, Testing and Evaluation of the Dynamic Performance of Excitation Control
Systems
421.3 High-Potential Test Requirements for Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines
421.4 Guide for the Preparation of Excitation Systems Specifications
421.5 Recommended Practice for Excitation Systems for Power Stability Studies
C57.12.01 General Requirements for Dry-Type Distribution & Power transformers including those with
Solid Cast and/or Resin-Encapsulated Windings
C37.90.1 Surge Withstand Capability (SWC) tests for Protective Relays and Relay Systems

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC

EN50081-2 General Emission Standard
EN50082-2:1994 Generic Immunity Industrial Equipment
EN6100-4-2 Electrostatic Discharge Susceptibility
ENV50140:1993 Radiated RF Immunity
EN50141 Conducted RF Immunity
EN6100-4-4 Electrical Fast Transient Susceptibility
EN6100-4-5 Surge Immunity

CE
Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC
EN50178 Electronic equipment for use in power installations 1995
Machinery Directive 89/392/EEC
EN60204-1 Electrical Equipment for Machines

6190-118th Avenue North • Largo, FL 33773-3724 U.S.A. • 727-544-2326 • FAX 727-546-0121

[email protected] • www.beckwithelectric.com
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Safety
UL508A Safety Standard for Industrial Control Equipment
CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 14 Industrial Control Equipment
UL796 Printed Circuit Boards
ANSI IPC Guidelines
Seismic
Universal Building Code (UBC)
Seismic Code section 2312 Zone 4

Other Services
Beckwith Systems Engineering can supply a TOTAL turnkey solution for new or retrofit projects, from the
engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, training and certification.

6190-118th Avenue North • Largo, FL 33773-3724 U.S.A. • 727-544-2326 • FAX 727-546-0121

[email protected] • www.beckwithelectric.com
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BECKWITH ELECTRIC CO., INC.

6190 - 118th Avenue North • Largo, Florida 33773-3724 U.S.A.
PHONE (727) 544-2326 • FAX (727) 546-0121
E-MAIL [email protected]
WEB PAGE www.beckwithelectric.com