Method and apparatus for controlling excitation

Abstract

Excitation control circuitry for a synchronous generator is disclosed. The synchronous generator is of a type comprising a main machine (2) and an exciter (6) for exciting the main machine. The excitation control circuitry comprises an automatic voltage regulator (10) for controlling power flow from the main machine to the exciter, and an excitation boost system (14) for selectively supplying power from a second source of electrical power (12) to the exciter (6). This can allow additional excitation to be provided, for example, when the generator is in overload. This arrangement can allow a synchronous generator to be upgraded by adding the excitation boost system to provide enhanced overload performance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.