NOT SUBTECT TO REVGION Central Electricity Generating Board Planning Department PLANNING MEMORANDUM PLM-ST-6 GENERATOR PERFORMANCE CHARTS Issue 1 June 1976PLANNING MEMORANDUM PLM-ST-6 ISSUE 1 JUNE 1976 GENERATOR PERFORMANCE CHARTS CONTENTS Foreword Scope eens sas Generator Arrangements Limits of Generator Performance Construction of Performance Charts. Presentation of Performance Charts References i APPENDICES ‘A Symbols, Units and Sign Convention Used in the Appendices 8 ~ General Methods of Chart Plotting... (© = Worked Example — For 8 Case in which the Terminal Voltage is Constant... 1D — Worked Example ~ For 8 Case in which the Terminal Voltage Varies — General Equations for Generator Having» Trenstormer with Onsoad Taps F ~ General Equations for a Generator Having « Transformer with Off-load Taps... G ~ Comparison of the Methods of ‘those of Computer Program CHRT § Document with Issuing Branch: Systm Technical proved by re ; frrlCokindy Director of Planning Printed by Technical Documentstion Branch. Engineering Services. CEGBPLANNING MEMORANDUM PLM-ST-6 GENERATOR PERFORMANCE CHARTS SUMMARY It is desirable that there should be, within the CEGB, 2 common method for the construction and presentation of generator performance charts. This Planning Memorandum describes such a method. Recognizing present and immediate future system requirements, the accent is placed on the accurate definition of generator performance at leading power factors and less effort is devoted to the lagging power factor region. ‘Two types of generator arrangement are identified for the purpose of calculating operating limits, the classification depending upon whether the terminal voltage can remain constant or must vary as part of normal operation: directly connected generators are treated as a special case. Each possible performance limit is defined and the assumptions introduced to simplify chart construction are explained. The step-by-step procedure for plotting a performance chart is given in Appendix B. Other appendixes list the symbols used, demonstrate the construction of performance charts for machines at Drakelow ‘B’ and Blyth “A’ Power Stations, and show the derivation of the equations used. Appendix G compares the manually prepared charts for the Drakelow and Blyth examples with those produced from the same data using a South Eastem Region computer program (CHRT) and a graphical plotter. HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT TO PLOT A PERFORMANCE CHART (1) Identify Generator Arrangement (Clause 2) Isit onload tap, off-load tap or directly connected? (2) Select Recommended Presentation (see $.1 to 5.3) Decide values of system and terminal voltage and tap position to be used, location of metering points for which HV and LV charts will be drawn and whether additional charts will be used for other conditions. (3) Assemble Data (Appendix A, clause Al) (4) Use Appropriate Construction Method (Appendix On-load taps ~ Clauses B1-B3 Off-load taps ~ Clauses B4~B6 Direct Connection — Clause B1, as directed in introductory paragraphs to Appendix B.PLM-ST~6 Page 3 Issue 1 June 1976 GENERATOR PERFORMANCE CHARTS FOREWORD The parameters of any generator and its associated plant may be used to plot a performance chart which will display the MW and MVAr operating limits for that generator. In the past, performance charts have been either supplied by the generator manufacturer or plotted by CEGB Regional Technical Department staffs. The result has been that several methods have evolved for plotting performance charts and for selecting the practical generator stability limit and, in some cases, charts have shown generator MW and MVAr capabilities that cannot be obtained in practice. It is desirable that there should be a common method for the construction of generator performance charts throughout the CEGB, and this Planning Memorandum describes such a method 1. SCOPE This Memorandum determines a method of plotting and presenting performance charts for various generator arrangements, It is valid for round-rotor machines only and should not be used for salient pole generators. ‘The operation of a generator at leading power factors must be restricted, both to ensure that it will remain stable in the event of a system disturbance and to prevent overheating. At lagging power factors, operation need only be restricted to prevent overheating The method recommended for plotting charts recognizes the difference between these operational extremes and lays emphasis on factors which give the most accurate definition of the leading power factor limit. taking account of physical restrictions (e.g. transformer tap range) which may make it impossible for a generator to operate at its practical stability limit. In contrast, the lagging power factor limit has been treated simply: the effects of iron saturation, stator heating and rotor heating have been ignored and reliance has been placed on the relatively long times available during which excessive temperatures can be corrected. 2. GENERATOR ARRANGEMENTS Generators are connected to the system either directly, through a reactor, or through a transformer. Generator excitation may be controlled manually or by AVR; transformer tap changing may be by on-load or off-load tap changer. A unit transformer may be connected to the generator terminals to provide auxiliary supplies. Despite the multiplicity of possible generator arrangements, the method used for plotting performance charts depends only on whether the generator terminal voltage stays constant or varies throughout its operating range.PLM-sT-6 Page 4 Issue 1 June 1976 TABLE 1 ‘Type of Generator Arrangement TT Type Generator Method of Connection Terminal Voltage eee 1 Remeins Constant (i) On-load tap transformer (i) Direct ee 2 Varies ()Off-toag tap transformer (i) Resetor* eset Sit the generator ermine! conditions are not metered, the hart shoul be Dotted for 9 ect connected generator, TYBe il Wa, te resctor ‘raated ae par of the generator For transformer-conmiected generators, variation of the load or the excitation will cause a change in generator terminal voltage which can be corrected by altering the transformer tapping. Thus. if the generator transformer has an on-load tap changer, it will be possible to operate at constant terminal voltage anywhere within a range of MW and MVAr loading for various values of HV voltage but, if the taps can only be changed off load, a similar ‘operating range will only be achieved by allowing the terminal voltage to vary. The Type I construction used for directly connected generators assumes that the terminal/system voltage can be regarded as constant. While this may not be strictly true. itis recommended that high, normal and low system voltage limits should be shown on the chart (clause 4.1) s0 that itis possible to interpolate for intermediate voltages if the voltage varies The generator-reactor arrangement is usually treated as a directly connected generator of higher reactance and the conditions at the terminals of the generator itself are not metered. However, if a chart is required for terminal metering for such an arrangement. it would have to be treated as Type 2 with a I : | transformer ratio. Synchronous compensators and declutched gas turbines operating as synchronous compensators are not included in the above table; the performance chart would be 2 horizontal line along the MVAr axis. 3. LIMITS OF GENERATOR PERFORMANCE Fig. | shows the limitations on generator performance which. together. form the performance chart. While it is unlikely that all of these limits would apply to any one machine, they are shown here for completeness (e.g. if a tap limit (PQ) applied, the practical stability limit (BC) would become irrelevant). The limits are discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. 3.1. Minimum Excitation The portions AB and A'B! are the minimum continuous excitation loci. These will depend upon the minimum generator-rotor currents that can be achieved. with the main field switch closed, under AVR and manual excitation control. respectively. These curves will normally be coincident but may differ on some generators. Care should be taken to ensure that this minimum value is not limited by incorrect setting of the main exciter negative field, where fitted, and that the brushes are of suitable grade for these low values of rotor current.PLM-ST-6 Page S Issue 1 June 1976 K STATOR END HEATING ang um /\\ naeo——\ / N EXCITATION \ practica+——— / Mannan ‘STABILITY RATED EXCITATION: ure / CURR \\ a \ ven! sf ngs ne | \ excrete] Hy bi G Q LEAD MVAr Lac FIG. 1 3.2. Rated Current Lines CD and EF are portions of the locus of the rated current for the generator stator or transformer, whichever is the smaller, bearing in mind that for a Type 2 arrangement the terminal voltage of the generators may be depressed, particularly when operating at leading power factors. ROTOR I ANGLE L 3.3 Rated MW Output The portion DE is the rated MW output limit of the main generator. This is not necessarily the name plate rating of the generator as it may have been re-rated, 3.4 90° Rotor Angle The line GH represents the 90° load angle of the generator to its own terminal voltage vector and is used in the construction of the practical stability limit line. Ths line does not represent the theoretical stability fimit line of the generator at constant excitation or under AVR control because the generator terminals are not connected to infinite busbars but to a finive power system with varying generating demand and system conditions. The line will not be vertical for generator arrangements where the terminal voltage | varies (Type 2) 3.5. Practical Stability Limit | Lines BC and B'C! are the arbitrary stability limits for a machine under AVR and manual control respectively. The stability margins used depend on the category of the | excitation control system as defined in Generation Design Circular No. 14 as follows:PLM-ST-6 Page 6 Issue 1 June 1976 Category 1 Continuously acting automatic regulators (having no dead-band) with VAr limiters. MW margins: 4 per cent at full load: 10 per cent at no load. Category 2 Automatic regulators having some dead-band and with VAr limiters. MW margins: 10 per cent at full load; 10 per cent at no load. Category 3 (Any type of regulator which is not fitted with a VAF limiter or has limiter not in operation. (i) Any excitation control system which is not automatic (e.g. the hand’ control position on an excitation system) MW margins: 20 per cent at full load; 20 per cent or 10 per cent at no load. (Generation Design Circular No. 14 gives requirements to be satisfied for 10 per cent.) Whatever the category of AVR, the arbitrary practical stability limit line should be checked to ensure that it can be achieved in practice. The AVR control ranges provided may make it impossible to follow the arbitrary line: this applies particularly to machines that have offload taps on the generator transformer. Similarly, it may not be possible to make the excitation limiter match the arbitrary limit line throughout its range. If for these or similar reasons the arbitrary line does not coincide with what can be achieved in practice, then the actual practical stability limit line should be shown on the chart, Tests have indicated that the use of high-speed continuously acting AVRs can allow stable steady-state operation at rotor angles in the region of 130°—140°, However. transient stability considerations, taking account of network impedance and the disposition and performance of other generators on the system. make operation at these high angles unacceptable. Therefore, the limits listed above must be observed. (These give rotor angles of about 75°, 70° and 60° for Category 1, 2 and 3 machines, respectively.) 3.6 Maximum Excitation Limit The most useful representation of this limit is the curve EK, which is an arc of @ circle with centre G. This is. in fact, the locus of the excitation current for rated load and power factor, ignoring the effect of saturation; the true maximum excitation current may be slightly higher (J'K!). The exclusion of saturation, and the avoidance of the associated calculations, simplifies the construction of the chart but results in an overstatement of the lagging MVAr capability by an amount varying from zero at full-load to about 10 per cent of the MVA rating at no-load. This is considered acceptable since generators are only likely to require maximum excitation when operated at or near fullload. Since a generator is designed to operate at a particular rating or over a certain range without exceeding Bri Standard temperature rises. no part of the generator or associated circuits should be allowed to operate above the specified levels during the guarantee period. Therefore. if the manufacturer’s twelve-month guarantee has not expired. the excitation current must not ‘exceed that for rated load and power factor. It may be acceptable when the guarantee has expired to operate at higher excitation currents provided that Regions are satisfied that this will not result in overheating (Generation Division would be prepared to advise Regions if required). The lagging limit is then defined by EJK!PLM-ST~6 Page 7 Issue 1 June 1976 3.7 Minimum MW Output Limit The portion AF is a minimum MW line below which sustained operation of the generator is not possible. Some of the factors which prevent operation at lower loads are as follows: (Low turbine vacuum, resulting in high temperatures of turbine LP stages (i) Expansion and clearances of prime mover parts. (iii) Rate-of-reloading. (iv) Boiler minimum steaming conditions; varies with range or unit construction, (%) De-aerator problems associated with permissible oxygen content of feed water. In those cases where it is difficult to establish the minimum line precisely, the best estimate should appear on the chart. but other constraints at lower loading should be shown as well (e.g. minimum excitation limit). 3.8 Stator End Heating The portion LM js a restriction which may occur on some generators at leading. and possibly lagging. power factors due to local stator-end heating. The limit can be established only on those generators fitted with statorend iron thermocouples. and the determination of the locus would require a special test on the specific generator. 3.9 Tap Limit A condition may arise where a generator operating at constant terminal voltage. with an on-load-tap transformer, cannot achieve full MVAr absorption at a given HV system yoltage because the transformer has reached its extreme negative tap (minimum tums ratio), This restriction is represented by line PQ. Operation at a more leading power factor could only be achieved by reducing the terminal voltage: this in turn would cause the practical stability limit line BC to move to the Fight until an optimum operating point was reached. 3.10 Generator Transformer Overfluxing Limit Operation at maximum generator MVAr absorption and constant terminal voltage entails tap changing to reduce the tums ratio of the transformer (i.e. removal of tums from the HV winding). Dependent on the HV voltage and the nominal working flux density of the transformer, a tap position may be reached at which the transformer iron becomes progressively more saturated, causing high iron losses, high iron/oil temperature gradients or excessive core bolt temperatures. Modem generator transformer cores are designed with a nominal density of 1.8 tesla, using cold rolled steel, and a limit of 1.9 tesla is regarded by the CEGB as the maximum permissible density, CEGB Design Memorandum 099/61 describes the fundamental aspects of transformer overfluxing, the operational circumstances in which it may occur and the measures taken to minimize its adverse effects. Appendix A to that Design Memorandum deals specifically with overfluxing in generator transformers and defines an equation for the limiting value of Feactive power to prevent overfluxing. That equation is used in the Appendixes to this Planning Memorandum to determine the overfluxing limit on the generator performance chartPLM-ST-6 Page 8 Issue 1 June 1976 While the location of the overfluxing limit should be checked for all generator transformers, the older transformers which have cores of hot-rolled steel and which operate at lower flux densities are unlikely to impose a limit, If overfluxing restricts generator MVAr absorption capability, reduction of the jerator terminal voltage will cause the overfluxing limit line and practical stability limit line to move left and right, respectively, until maximum possible MVAr absorption is achieved. ‘ 4, CONSTRUCTION OF PERFORMANCE CHARTS The following clauses define a number of assumptions which simplify the construction of a generator performance chart, without significantly reducing its accuracy, and then refer to the procedure used to determine the various limits which together produce the outline of the chart, 4.1 Assumptions 411 Losses It is assumed that the mechanical shaft input power equals the electrical power delivered to the network. 4.1.2 Saliency In view of the small degree of saliency of most machines on the system (rarely more than 5 per cent), saliency has been ignored and the generator has been assumed to have a round rotor. (It has been estimated that the inclusion of 5 per cent saliency when plotting a chart would show an improvement in MVAr absorption of about 2% per cent at 5 per cent oad falling to much less than | per cent at 50 per cent load.) If it is necessary to plot a performance chart for a hydro machine with high saliency, ‘guidance on the effect of saliency is given in IEE Paper 4699P, 4.1.3 System Frequency Assumed to be constant $0 Hz. 4.14 Generator Saturation No allowance has been made for variation of the synchronous reactance (x4) with loading or terminal voltage. This assumption makes little difference at leading power factors but may cause appreciable over-estimates at lagging power factors. (See also 3.6.) 4.1.5 HV System Voltage It is assumed that the HV system voltage (or the switching voltage in the case of a directly connected machine) remains constant irrespective of generator loading. This is acceptable because the chart should show limits for more than one system voltage (see clause 4) and limits at intermediate system voltages can be determined by interpolation.? PLM~ST-6 Page 9 Issue 1 June 1976 4.1.6 Short-circuit Level and Transient Stability Report PL~ST/28/72 describes an approximate method for the rapid assessment of transient stability limits on large generators. The report demonstrates that, at time of light load when system post-fault short-circuit levels are low, operation at the practical stability limit could result in generator instability in the event of a fault close to the busbar at which the generator is switched. It is not intended that transient stability limit lines should be added to all performance charts, although they may be useful on charts for generators likely to be running at light load times on weakened systems. 4.1.7 Unit Transformer Loading This is assumed to be constant at all levels of generator output, 4.1.8 Voltage Indication In order to use the performance chart it is necessary to know the generator terminal voltage and the HV system voltage. It is assumed that indication of either or both of these voltages is available to the user. 4.2 Steps in Construction A detailed step-by-step description of the determination of each performance limit and the subsequent construction of a generator performance chart is given in Appendix B. Six separate sets of instructions cover the possible need to plot a chart for either a Type 1 or Type 2 generator arrangement (i.e. terminal voltage remains constant or varies) relating to either the HV or LV side of the generator transformers or the generator terminals. ‘As described in the introductory paragraphs to Appendix B, the chart for a directly connected generator should be constructed using the equations for the Type 1 generator arrangement, i.e. @ generator connected through a transformer with onload tap change facilities. Reactor-connected generators can be treated in the same way if the reactor is regarded as part of the generator reactance but, if there is metering at the generator terminals, the chart must be constructed as for a Type 2 generator. The symbols used, the data needed and the sign convention adopted are described in Appendix A and the derivation of the equations used in Appendix B is given in Appendixes E and F. Appendixes C and D show worked examples of the construction of performance charts for actual Type | and Type 2 generator arrangements at Drakelow ‘B’ and Blyth ‘A’. South Eastem Region have developed a computer program (CHRT) for use in conjunction with this Memorandum, The program calculates the performance limits for 2 generator using the same data and generally the same theory as this Memorandum. The output of the program can be fed into a graphical plotter to obtain a performance chart Appendix G describes the differences between CHRT and the methods detailed in this Memorandum and includes computer drawn charts for the Drakelow ‘B’ and Blyth ‘A° machines used as worked examples..The charts are compared with those constructed manually in Appendixes C and D.PLM-ST-6 Page 10 Issue 1 June 1976 5. PRESENTATION OF PERFORMANCE CHARTS It would be possible to prepare a chart showing the limits of generator performance for all possible values of system voltage, transformer tap position and, for Type 1 arrangements, generator terminal voltage. However, such a chart would have so many lines that it would be difficult for the user to interpret it. The presentation can be simplified by excluding variations of parameters that are normally kept constant, e.g. terminal voltage in Type | arrangements and tap position in Type 2 arrangements. While it is unlikely that the terminal voltage will be varied regularly during normal operation, it is possible that a different terminal voltage may be adopted, for a period, to satisfy a particular system condition. In this event, another performance chart should be plotted for the new terminal voltage. The same applies to an off-load tap position other than that in normal use. In Type | arrangements it is only necessary to take account of the tap limit for extreme negative tap (minimum turns ratio) since this is the tap position which permits operation at the most leading power factor. Adjustment of the loading, excitation or onload tap will enable the operator to move the operating point of the generator anywhere within the limits of the chart and there is no need to define the limit of operation for each tap position. The tap limit line plotted for the opposite end of the tap range (i.e. extreme positive tap — maximum turns ratio) is unlikely to prove a restriction on lagging power factor operation except at high system voltage (say. 1.05 p.u. or above). Since the chance of requiring maximum MVAr generation at a time of high system voltage is remote, the limit line for this condition is not considered relevant. It is usually sufficient to perform the leading power factor tap limit calculation for only two values of system voltage ~ say, high and nominal. A third calculation for low system voltage would reveal the maximum reactive absorption possible at a time of low system voltage, but as it is most unlikely that reactive absorption will be needed at such 2 time the limit line for this condition is not considered relevant. Appendix A to Design Memorandum 099/61 recommends that. where generator transformer overfluxing imposes a limit, the performance chart should show the overfluxing limit for various values of generator terminal voltage. This differs from the recommendation in this Memorandum that each chart should relate to one terminal voltage only: it is considered inadvisable to show overfluxing limits for reduced terminal voltages on a chart drawn for, say, 1.0 p.u. terminal voltage because reduction in voltage also alters the rest of the chart (e.g. the practical stability limit moves to the right). The procedure described in Design Memorandum 099/61 is useful as part of an investigation of overfluxing, leading to the determination of the normal terminal voltage Tequired to avoid such a condition. The performance chart would then be constructed in detail, for that terminal voltage, in accordance with this Memorandum The number of lines on the chart could be further reduced by plotting separate charts for AVR and manual control. However, this is not recommended unless the presence of both control lines on one chart seriously impairs its intelligibility. It is recommended that two separate charts should be plotted to show conditions at the generator terminals (LV chart) and at the HV side of the generator transformer (HV chart). (The equations of Appendix B allow for the LV metering point being on either side of the unit transformer.) While the planning engineer or system operation engineer might find it useful to have both HV and LV limit lines on a single chart, the station operator only requires information for the metering point which is used to monitor the performance of the generator. If, as is sometimes the case, the metering point is on the HV side of the generator transformer, there is no need to prepare an LV chart.PLM-sT-6 Page 11 Issue 1 June 1976 The recommended methods for presenting generator performance charts for the Type | and 2 generator arrangements, and the special case of the directly connected machine are summarized as follows: 5.1 Generators Having Transformers with On-load Taps (Type 1) ‘Two charts are required — one HV and one LV — unless there is no generator terminal metering, when the LV chart can be omitted, Each chart should show operating limits for the following conditions: Tap Position — Extreme negative tap (minimum turns ratio). Terminal Voltage — 1.0 p.u. or nominal voltage. System Voltage — G) nominal: (ii) high*. Control — @ AVR; (il) manual, ‘Choice of high voltage should suit local conditos In general, limit lines will not be shown for a third (low) value of V, nor for the tap limit for extreme positive tap. It is possible that additional charts may be required for alternative values of terminal voltage. 5.2. Generators Having Transformers with Off-load Taps (Type 2) Two charts are required — one HY and one LV — unless there is no generator terminal metering, when the LV chart can be omitted. Each chart should show operating limits for the following conditions: Tap Position — Tap in normal use. Terminal Voltage — Not specified (varies during operation). System Voltage ~ (i) nominal; (i) high*. Control — @ AYR; (il) manual. *Choice of high voltage should suit local conditions. ‘In general, limit lines will not be shown for a third (low) value of V,. It is possible that additional charts may be required for alternative off-load tap positions. 5.3. Directly Connected Generators Only one chart is required since HV and LV conditions are identical for a directly connected machine. The chart should show limits for the upper and lower extremes of system voltage which are likely in normal operation. If the resulting performance ‘envelopes’ are widely separated, the limits should also be drawn for an intermediate system voltage. Charts for reactor-connected generators with generator terminal metering should be plotted as in 5.2, and those without terminal metering should be treated as directly connected generators of higher reactance.