Variable voltage control for self-excited self-regulated synchronous alternator

In an alternator type electrical generating device including an alternator-exciter means for producing an electrical output, said alternator-exciter means having an exciter rotor winding and a field winding, the improvement comprising:

• adjustable setting means for setting the nominal no load and light load output voltage of such generating device substantially independently of the winding arrangement thereof, said adjustable setting means including a phase modulating circuit means for adjusting the excitation voltage of such field winding of such generating device to determine the nominal terminal voltage of the electrical output therefrom and adjustable impedance means capable of being set to a prescribed value for determining the phase delay timing for said phase modulating circuit means in timed relation with such output voltage and substantially independently of the magnitude of such output voltage, said phase modulating circuit means comprising a controlled bridge and timing means for controlling operation of said controlled bridge in direct proportion to the open circuit voltage across at least part of said controlled bridge, said adjustable impedance means being coupled to said timing means to set the phase delay according to the proportion of such open circuit voltage required to effect conduction in said controlled bridge.