Unit Response Testing

With the advent of automatic loading of large generator units, it becomes necessary to establish safe and reliable limits for rates of change of loading. The most economical and practical way of determining such limits is by field testing the units in question. This paper describes the instrumentation and test techniques presently used by Philadelphia Electric Company to determine these rates. Economics of unit response testing, including types of test equipment and manpower requirements are discussed. Test results for two boiler-turbine-generator units and a hydro unit are presented as typical examples.