Considerations Which Determine the Selection and General Design of an Exciter System

Excitation systems may be divided into (a) Central Systems with separately driven exciters, (b) Central Systems with direct-connected exciters, (c) Individual Systems with direct-connected exciters and (d) Individual Systems with separately driven exciters. The paper discusses the factors which must be considered in determining which of the above systems is the best to use in any particular case. The topics discussed are:-Auxiliary Power Service, Voltage Regution, Storage Battery, Space Requirements, Initial Cost, Operating Cost, Effect of Power System Troubles, Effect of Exciter System Troubles, Simplicity and Reliability. The paper also considers subjects related to the completion of an excitation design layout under the headings of Number and Size of Exciter Units, Kind of Drive, Shunt vs. Compound Exciters, Voltage, Bus Arrangements and Protection.