How excitation happens in power plants generator? like dams

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of excitation in big generators and the question of which came first, the egg or the chicken. The generator needs electricity to activate its electromagnets, which is supplied by an exciter on the same rotor. The exciter then receives power from a smaller turbine or generator, creating a chain of excitation. However, in self-exciting generators, residual magnetism can start the generator without needing an external power source.
  • #1
mosta
7
0
Hello

I tried to look for the answer but didn't find enough one for being satisfied

How excitation happens in big generators? If we produce electricity from electromagnet on the rotor, and electromagnets need electricity to be activated... and this happens by excitater on same rotor!

and this excitater take electricity from small turbine or generator and in that small generator needs power from excitater and excitater needs smaller one to provide power for it!

So, who came first? Egg or chicken, it confuses me
I understand it wrong or I miss point ?

Cheers
 
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  • #2
Have you seen:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excitation_(magnetic)#Excitation_in_generators
... you don't need an endless chain of exciters (note: not "excitator") ... you only need something turning the crank.
In self exciting generators, when the generator is off, there is some residual magnetism in the iron cores that is enough to start it off. Presumably the very first startup used a permanent magnet exciter, or connection to another working generator. (It's called "field flashing".)
 

FAQ: How excitation happens in power plants generator? like dams

1. How does excitation work in a power plant generator?

Excitation in a power plant generator refers to the process of creating a magnetic field within the generator's rotor. This magnetic field is essential for the production of electricity. This is typically achieved by passing direct current through the rotor's winding, causing it to become magnetized.

2. What is the purpose of excitation in a power plant generator?

The purpose of excitation is to create a magnetic field within the generator's rotor, which is essential for the production of electricity. Without this magnetic field, the generator would not be able to produce the necessary electric current to power homes and businesses.

3. How is excitation controlled in a power plant generator?

Excitation is typically controlled by an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) in a power plant generator. The AVR monitors the generator's output voltage and adjusts the current supplied to the rotor's winding to maintain a constant voltage. This ensures a stable and consistent supply of electricity.

4. Can excitation be manually controlled in a power plant generator?

Yes, excitation can also be manually controlled in a power plant generator. In cases where there is a malfunction or failure of the automatic voltage regulator, operators can manually adjust the excitation level to maintain a stable output voltage. However, manual control is not as precise as automatic control and can lead to fluctuations in voltage if not monitored carefully.

5. How is excitation maintained in hydroelectric power plants, such as dams?

In hydroelectric power plants, the generators are usually driven by a turbine that is powered by the flow of water from a dam or reservoir. In this case, excitation is achieved by using a separate generator, called an exciter, to supply direct current to the rotor's winding. The exciter is connected to the main generator and is powered by the electricity generated by the turbine. This ensures that the generator maintains a constant magnetic field, even as the water flow and turbine speed may vary.

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