IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS. VOL. IA-21I NO.

1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985 81

Loss-of-Excitation Protection for Synchronous Generators

on Isolated Systems
CONRAD R. ST. PIERRE

Abstract-Loss-of-field relays operating on an impedance-measuring detect loss of field since, in most cases, it is adequate. The
principle provide an important part of the protection of a synchronous
generator by minimizing possible damage to the machine and low voltages setting of this relay will follow the standard recommended
detrimental to system operation. These relays require an external source setting, which is to have the offset equal to 1/2 X'd and the
of reactive power, such as a utility tie or other in-plant generators, to diameter of the operating characteristic equal to Xd [6].
insure proper operation on loss of generator field. In a multigenerator
isolated system, the reactive current provided by the remaining generators SYSTEM EXAMINED
may not be sufficiently large to allow proper operation of the loss-of-field A number of different system configurations are examined
relays on the generator in question. Some guidelines are provided as to the
relative size of synchronous generators needed to insure proper operation in this paper. A base system with a utility connection is
of the impedance type loss-of-field relays. examined to provide the reader with a brief background in the
operation of impedance type relays. Isolated generation with
INTRODUCTION one and two synchronous generators is also examined for
fVER THE YEARS a number of different means have different generator sizes, impedance separation, system type
been used to determine if a loss of field in a synchronous and amount of loading, and type of excitation system. To
generator has occurred [1] such as: represent the loss of excitation, the generator field is shorted.
An open generator field would give the same results, except
a) undercurrent field relays for detection of open-field the response would take longer. The initial voltages on the
conditions, load buses before field loss are held at 1.00 + 0.02 per unit by
b) overcurrent field relay for detection of shorted field
circuits, changing the incoming transformer tap or setting of the
c) reverse-var relays on the terminal of a generator to trip generator voltage regulator.
on the absorption of reactive current by the generator, STUDY PROCEDURE
d) undervoltage field relays to be used with the foregoing
for additional security, For this analysis, the mathematical model of the synchro-
nous generator used is based on the phasor diagram shown in
e) impedance relays which measure the ac active and
reactive power and direction at the terminals of the Fig. I. This is equivalent to a Model I machine of [7J. The
generator. assumptions for this model are as follows.
Experience has shown the impedance relay to be more 1) Only fundamental frequency current and voltage are
selective and more secure than either the field-current relay or represented in the stator.
reverse-var relay. The field-current and reverse-var relays 2) Subtransient reactances and time constants are ne-
cannot always distinguish between loss-of-field and abnormal glected.
operation, which may cause low field current or reversed 3) Amortisseur damping and its effect between the field and
generator vars. Such a condition could exist when a large the stator are neglected.
amount of capacitors or synchronous motors exist on a 4) The generated intemal voltage is proportional to speed.
synchronous generator bus with light loading. If field-current 5) Machine resistance is neglected.
or var relays are used, a time delay is usually required to allow 6) Turbine torque is assumed constant (i.e., no turbine
ride-through capability on transient swings. governor represented).
The use of impedance relays, although more secure, does 7) The generator field is assumed shorted.
not guarantee correct operation [2]-[4J. Complementing the 8) The minimum value of E'q is zero, based on the
impedance relay with bus undervoltage and field undervoltage equation
field relays appears to offer a more selective impedance relay
[5]. In this paper the impedance relay will be the means used to AE' - (Efd- E).
Paper IPSD 83-70, approved by the Power Systems Protection Comnmittee
of the IEEE Inaustry Applications Society for presentation at the 1983 9) The transition of the generator from the synchronous
Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting, Mexico City, Mexico, machine model to the induction machine model after
October 3-7, 1983. Manuscript released for publication May 7, 1984. field loss is not represented.
The author is with the General Electric Company, ISPEO, Building 6-303,
1 River Road, Schenectady, NY 12345. The impedances and time constants used for the faulted and

0093-9994/85/0100-0081$01.00 1985 IEEE

 IEEE. TRANSACTIONS ON INDUS-FRY APPl ICATIONS. VOL IA-2I. NO. 1. JANUARY FEBRUTARY 1985

ET Y
ET = Terminal voltage
I.T IT= Terminal current relative
to terminal voltage
EI= field current
Voltage proportional to

EFD =Puj field voltage

Fig. 1. Vector diagrams showing details of generator modeling.

mRmax

(a)

Vt

1sT sT
< _~~~
i ~~ EF

Other
Signals

|1+sTF
='7'6 Rated2 Field Amips
'I R maxma
eldAmperes at Rated
Voltage on Air Gap Line

(b)
Fig. 2. Computer model for excitation system. (a) Type 3: compound static excita..ion system with terminal potential and current
supplies. (b) Type IS potential source controlled rectifier exciter.

source generators are as follows:

Type 1S Type 3
X'd 0.22 pu
=

Xd = 1.8 pu TR 0.0 0.0

Xq 1.7 pu T4 0.3 0.15
TE 0.0 0.5
Xl 0.13 pu Tr 1.0 0.3
T'do 4.5 s KA 200.0 120.0
KE 0.0 1.0
H - 4.0 kW-s/kVA. KF 0.04 0.02
V8nlax 4.0
The exciter models used are based on [8]. For the KP - 1.2
compound exciter, IEEE model 3 is used. IEEE model IS is K, - 2.4
mR.ax 3.5 1.2
used for the potential-source exciter. These block diagrams are VRnfin 0.0 1.2
shown in Fig. 2. The exciter constants used are as follows:
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 83

The synchronous motors are represented with fixed fields A comparison of the impedance loci for different utility
and 75-percent loading, with the motor having the following transformer sizes shows essentially the same impedance
machine characteristics: traces. The 0.5-pu kVA size transformer does not have an
Xld 0.3Opu impedance locus quite as deep into the circle as the 2.0-pu
Xd kVA size transformer. A transformer whose MVA size is half
1.30 pu the synchronous generator MVA rating is typically the
Xq 0.75 pu smallest size transformer that is used in this bus arrangement.
T'do 4.5
If the transformer MVA rating becomes much smaller than
s

Xi 0.2 pu
H 1.2 kW-s/kVA this, then the transformer impedance limits the amount of
motor MVA = MW (1.67)
reactive power that can be transferred to the generator whose
motor power factor = 0.8 overexcited.
field has been lost. For small-sized transformers the impe-
dance path may not enter the relay circle. The generator
The induction motor model includes the electrical and impedance loci change little with the type of load represented.
mechanical transient effects as given in [91. The following The heavy dot near the origin on the generator impedance
constants are assigned to the motor at 70-percent loading: trace indicates a 900 angular displacement of the generator
rotor flux relative to the utility. Since the internal voltage will
Xt - 0.2pu never increase, the machine will begin slipping poles as it
slip = 1 percent
H - 1.2 kW-s/kVA changes from the synchronous machine mode to the induction
Load torque proportional to speed squared machine mode. In a system with the smaller utility transformer
MVA size, the 900 displacement point occurs earlier on the
motor MVA = MW (1.67)
motor power factor 0.85 lagging
generator impedance trace.
Fig. 3(d) shows the voltage trend for different utility
=

motor time constants are determined by initial conditions.

The static loaded was considered to be constant impedance
with a power factor of 85 percent.
The utility short-circuit-equivalent impedance used is 0.01
pu on the generator MVA base. The calculation step used is
0.00833 s.
UTILITY CONNECTION
The one-line diagrams used for this examination are shown
on the impedance diagrams in Fig. 3-6. The initial loading of
the synchronous generator determines the starting point on the
R-X diagram. The values of R and X for any generator MW
and Mvar output are determined by
MW(voltage)2
R-=
MW2 + Mvar2
Mvar(voltage)2
MW2 + Mvar2
With both active and reactive power out of the generator,
the impedance point falls in the first quadrant on the diagram.
As the reactive power output decreases, the path of the
impedance drifts down toward the fourth quadrant. When the
reactive power output is negative, the impedance is in the
fourth quadrant. A relatively small active power output from
the generator places the impedance away from the X axis,
while a more heavily loaded machine has an impedance value
nearer to the X axis.
Starting with Fig. 3(a), curve A, the flux in the generator air
gap decreases due to the shorting of the generator field. The
reactive power change at the generator terminals causes the
impedance path to curve down and toward the left. In this
example, the impedance path approaches the origin of the R-X
grid. The relay operating characteristic is shown as the circle
on the diagram. Once the impedance locus enters the circle,
relay operation occurs.
transformer sizes. Note the lowering of the bus voltage that
accompanies the loss of excitation on a synchronous genera-
tor. The weaker the tie to the utility, the lower the generator
bus voltage. The magnitude of voltage drop depends on the
amount of reactive power that can be transferred to the
generator bus. The greater the amount of reactive power, the
higher the bus voltage.
Fig. 3(e) shows the increase in generator reactive power
absorption on loss of excitation that is associated with the
larger transformer due to the lower impedance to a strong
source (diagram B). Diagram A of Fig. 3(e) indicates that a
source generator supplying reactive power to a generator
without excitation does not have the same ability to supply
reactive power as does a transformer connected to a utility. If
the source generator is one-fourth the size of the generator
with a loss of excitation, the reactive power absorbed by the
faulted machine is small.
The trace of the generator impedance path on loss of field
would be slightly different if the initial utility voltage was
higher or less than the I-pu assumed in these examples. Using
the data given in Fig. 3(c) and (e), an estimate of this change
can be calculated from the R and X equations given earlier.
Assuming the amount of real power remains the same at 0.84
pu MW and the amount of reactive power varies directly with
the driving voltage, the R-X plot can be compared at different
voltage levels. A sample calculation gives the following
results.
pu Voltage pu MW pu Mvar pu R pu X
Case 1 1.0 0.84 2.0 0.1785 0.425
Case 2 0.95 0.84 1.9 0.1757 0.418
The results of the calculations shows that there is a change,
but in most cases it would not be significant, unless the
impedance trace intersection of the relay characteristic was
marginal.
84 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS. VOL. IA-21, NO.
1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985

X 2 _ 0.84PU TRAMNS=0.5PU
MW 0.29pu~

1.13PU MW

-1 t o *0,K~~E 2 3 4

Main transformer kVA equals 50% of generator kVA

~~~~~\
oz ~Z - 6X on transformer kVA
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
= 5,75X on transformer kVA
l \ ~~~Z
| Generator MW = 0.84 pu
Toktal load 1.13 pu on generator base
=

Induction motor at 85% PF lag

Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
-2 SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC
0
% IND SYN
A 100 0
8 50 50 0
C 100 0 0
D 10 70 20
-_3 E 10 50 40
F 10 30 60
(a)

X t~~~~~~~~~~~.OPU)
2 j.84PU 0.66PU TRANS=l.0 PU

U l1 .5PU MW

A,B,C ; ) [

-1.0 \1 F 2 3 4 5

Main transformer kVa equals 100% of generator kVA

/ \ = 6% on transformer kVA
7~~~~~~
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
1 ~~~~Z5.75% on -transformer kVA
=

Generator MW 0.84 pu
Total load = 1.5 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
>- 2 S YSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 0 100 0
8 50 50 0
C 100 0 0
D 10 70 20
+-3 E
F
10
10
50
30
40
60
(b)
Fig. 3. Loss of field on generator with utility source. (a) Impedance loci with 0.5-pu utility transformer. (b) Impedance loci with 1.0-pu utility
transformer. (c) Impedance loci with 2.0-pu utility transformer. (d) Typical voltage-time profile. (e) Generator vars on loss of field.
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 85

x _ 84PU 1.lPU; TRANS=2.0 PU

t2
, _
1.41

I 2.25PU MW
[1 D
I
-1.0 2 3 4 5
R
Main transformer kVA equals 200% of generator kVA
Z = 6% on transformer kVA
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.84 pu
Total load = 2.25 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag.
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 0 100 0
B 50 50 0
C 100 0 0
D 10 70 20
-3 E 10 50 40
F 10 30 60
(C)

1.OEl

'A II
BI

c: (i (I

10% STATIC,70% INtD.MOTOR LOAD A- TRANSFORMER=2. OP. U.

20% SYIlCH. MOTOR LOAD
B- TRANSFORMER=] OP. U. .

- 100% 1I4D. MOTOR LOAD

C- TRANSFORMER=O. 5P. U.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME IIl CYCLES ( X 10)
(d)
Fig. 3. (Continued).
86 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-21* NO. 1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985
. 0.
0.
_ I
-L <~ ~~~
-s -
cl
w
- I1
-1
(e)
Fig. 3. (Continued).
ISOLATED SYSTEM-SINGLE GENERATOR
The question answered here is, "Is a loss-of-field relay of
any benefit on a single-source system?" Fig. 4(a) shows the
system response for different types of loading. A constant-
impedance loading on the generator gives an impedance trace
that is a single point"C" as the generator flux decays. The
induction motor loading shows an impedance trace moving
toward the locked-rotor impedance of the induction motor.
Since the induction motor cannot supply reactive power to the
generator, the impedance at the generator terminal will always
be in the first quadrant and not in the relay circle. Fig. 4(b) and
(c) have a different mix of induction and static load at 85-
percent PF. Since neither type of load is a var supply, the
impedance trace is similar. In Fig. 4(a), (b), (c) and (e), the
synchronous motor is assumed 75-percent loaded and the
induction motors 70-percent loaded. Fig. 4(d) shows the loci
of a lightly loaded synchronous motor whose equivalent MVA
base is 1.2 times that of the generator.
A system with a large amount of synchronous motor loading
can supply the necessary reactive power to the generator on
loss of excitation to operate the generator loss-of-field relay.
In reality, synchronous motor MVA load ratings approaching
the generator MVA size rarely occur. A further inspection of
Fig. 4(b)-(d) shows that a synchronous motor MVA rating
approximately equal to the generator MVA rating is required
to operate the loss-of-field relay.
A plot of the system bus voltage for these different load
conditions is given in Fig. 4(f). A very quick decay in voltage
results since no other synchronous generators or utility sources
are available to maintain a higher bus voltage. The voltage
trace which includes the synchronous motor loading shows the
motor dropping out of step with the generator at 85 cycles.
This is noted by the sinusodial shaped portion of the voltage
plot.
Ll 1)
DIAGRAM B
3p7-GENERATOCV = 0. 5F.U.
-
, DI AGRAM A
5Z-G ENERATOR =z 1.OP.U.
100O6/ INPD. MOTOR LOAD
-TRANSFORMER = O.5P. U.
DIAGRAM B
100%lO IND. MOTOR LOAD
,TRAtNSFORMER = 2.OP.U.
ISOLATED SYSTEM-MULTIGENERATOR
The following comparison is made to determine what
minimum size voltage-regulated source synchronous generator
is required to properly operate a loss-of-excitation relay on an
adjacent generator whose field is lost. The source generator
may be several machines grouped together or a single machine
as shown on the one-line diagrams. From the preceding
example, it has been determined that a synchronous motor or
group of motors with an MVA rating nearly equal to the
generator MVA causes the loss-of-field relay to operate.
Therefore, it is to be expected that a voltage-regulated source
generator of the same size as the generator whose excitation
has been lost also causes the relay to operate. This is shown in
Fig. 5(a). Relay operation is more positive with the field-
voltage controlled generator than with the fixed-field synchro-
nous motor. These impedance loci have a greater variance due
to the load type than the earlier example shown with the utility
tie. As the size of the source generator becomes smaller (Fig.
5(b), (c), and (g)), these impedance loci enter the circle less
deeply. For some load representations, the impedance path on
generator loss of field does not enter the relay circle. The
larger the source generator, the more likely the relay will
operate for a loss-of-excitation condition. The impedance trace
of the loss-of-field generator will cause more positive relay
operation if the generator is initially lightly loaded as shown
by the comparison of Fig. 5(c) and (d). The initial value of
impedance (0 + j3.6 pu) as seen by the 1.0-pu size generator
in Fig. 5(d) and (f) is due to the light load condition and the
0.5-pu size generator supplying the load vars. With some
initial reactive loading on the 1.0-pu size generator the
impedance would begin in the first quadrant and enter the relay
characteristic at approximately the same region.
A slight change in response is noted when the type of exciter
is different, as noted by comparing Fig. 5(c) and (e), (d) and
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS
87

X 2 Q. 75PU

O. 75PU I

I
mw~ iL
~~~~~~ L)
-1.0 g 1 2 3 4 5

Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA

-A Z = 5.75 on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu
Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous-motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
-2 A 0 0 100
B 0 100 0
C 100 0 0

-3
(a)

l.OP

X 2 0.75PU t

0. 75PU

-1.0 2 3 4 5
C R

Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA

Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu
Total load 0.75 pu on generator base
=

Induction motor at 85% PF lag

Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
-2 CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 30 50 20
B 30 30 40
C 30 10 60

.-3
(b)
Fig. 4. Loss of field on generator without utility or generator tie. (a), (b), (c), (e) Impedance loci with different load types or load
ratios. (d) Impedance loci with lightly loaded synchronous motors. Motor MVA size 1.2 pu. (f) Typical voltage profile.
=
88 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS. VOL.. IA-2I. NO . ANl.,UARY/FEfKBRUARY I088

PU
_J_
(

X 2 0. 75PU

SW t I
I

A
-1.0 .B 2 3 4 5
F i
R

Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA

Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu
Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85o PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85' PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 10 70 20
8 10 50 40)
C 10 30 60

'-3
(c)
lPO1
x I
I
2 J0.47PU

JL
i Q. 75PU

I1

A
v
- 1. 0 2 3 4 5
R
Load transformer kVA equals 150. of gennerator kVA
Z = 5.75 on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu
Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85%j PF lag
Static load at 85%. PF lag
Svnchronous motor at 85-' PF lead*
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND SYN
A 10 70 '/20
B 10 510 40
C 10 30 6,50
*
SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR BASE MVA AT 1.2 P.(IJ

(d)
Fig. 4. (Continuied).
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXC:'ITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 89

.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.P

X 2 0. 75PU
i3n
.~~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~~~0 75W UJ
O.75PU |tU1

A
-1.O z 12j 2 3 4 5
~~c
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu
-1 Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
-2 CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 0 80 20
B 0 60 40
C 0 40 60

>-3
(e)

1.0
1.OPD
0. 9

0.8

w076
CD 0.65
,0.37 -\J
~0.4
100;K~ STATIC LOAD
= \ 1 10% STATIC,70% INDlOD.OTOR LOAD
=
0. 2 G100% I'JD. MOTOR LOAD - \ 20% SYriCH. MOTOR LOAD

0.1
0.O
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME Il CYCLES ( X 10)
(f)
Fig. 4. (Continued).
90 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-21. NO. 1. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985

X .2
~~~~~~~~~.75PU
0. 76Pl

al1l u or1. 51 PU MW

MW
-l.o t 1J 1 ~ ~ ~~2
3 4 5

Source generator kVA equals 100% of faulted field

/ ^ ~~~~~~~~generator kVA
Load transformer kVA equals 150X of generator kVA
-1 ~~~~~Z
= 5.75% on transformer kVA
Genlerator MW = 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
Total load - 1.51 pu on generator base
/ ~~~Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead

SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
8 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
. *-3 0 10 50 40

(a)

G e e r t o MW 7 5P Pu (

1 1.31PU MW

1~~~~

-1.0 1J 2 3 45

Source generator kVA equals 75% of faulted field

/ \ ~~~~~~~~generator kVA
_ ~~~~~Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Z 5.75% on transformer kVA
=
Generator MW = 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
\ ~~~~~~~~Totalload 1.31 pu on generator base
=

\ / ~~~~~~~Induction motor at 85% PF lag

Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead

SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
8 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
+-3 D 10 50 40

(b)
Fig. 5. Loss of field with nearby generator source. (a) Source generator = 1.0 pu. (b) Source generator 0.75 pu. (c) Source
on generator
generator = 0.5 with compound exciter. (d) Source generator 0.5 pu with light load and compound exciter. (e) Source generator = 0.5
pu =

pu with potential-source exciter. (f) Source generator 0.5 pu with light load and potential-source exciter. (g) Source generator
= 0.25 pu =

with compound exciter. (h) Source generator = 0.25 pu with potential-source exciter. (i) Typical voltage profile, compound exciter. (j)
Voltage profile, exciter comparison.
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 91

x
X 2 2 1-lo~~~~~~.75PU 0.37PU H

t~~~~~~~~~~LI
W|1.12PU MW
1

-1.0 D_P 2 3 4 0 5

Source generator kVA equals 50% of faulted field

/ 9 ~~~~~~~~~generator
D
kVA
Load transformer kVA equals
-1 ~~~~~~Z
= 5.75%
of generator
on transformer kVA
150% kYA
Generator klW = 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
Total load = 1.12 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
_-2 SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
.-3
D 10 50 40

(c)

x2

Surce generator kCVA equals 50% of faulted field

B c Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Generator MW = 0.37 pu (Compound exciter)
0 ~~~Total load = 0.56 pu on generator base
..!2~~~~~Static
Induction motor at 85% PF leg
load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
-3 ~~B ~~~~~A
100 0 0
0 100 0
C 10 70 20
l 10 50 40
(d)
Fig. 5. (Continued).
92 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS. VOL. IA-2I. NO. 1. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985

0.75PU 0.37PU|

Lt SU |1.12PU MW
1~~~~

-1.0 _ 1 2 3 4 5

Source generator kVA equals 50% of faulted field

~~~~~~~~generator
/D kVA
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
1 ~~~~~Z
= 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW-= 0,75 pu (Potential exciter)
Total load = 1.12 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
D 10 50 40
-3
(e)

X 2 0.28PU 0.28P

0.56PU MW

,, -1.0, D12

-t i DS~~~~~~ource generator kVA equals 50X of faulted field

R\ \ w ~~~~~~generator kYA
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
\ \ ] t<>gB~ C ~ _ Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.37 pu (Potential exciter)
/ ~ Total load = 0.56 pu on generator base
z A
A
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
_-2 Static lpad at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IN0 % SYN
A 100 0 0
-3 B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
D 10 50 40
(f)
Fig. 5. (conltinued).
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS
93

2 . 75PU 0. 19PU 4 e

A
1 J 0.94PU MW
1

-1C Induction
10 D moto702at85
3 4 5Fa

/
D Source generator kVA equals 25% of faulted field
l \ ~~~~~~~~generator kVA
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
-1 I~~~~~
= 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
Total load = 0.94 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
--!2 SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
10 70 20
D 10 50 40

c (h) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~R

xF2ig..75PU
5.o9P. n

1 + 9~~~~~~~~~~~~.4 PU MW

-1.0 31 A 2 3 4 5

/ \ D ~~~~~~Source generator kVA equals 25% of faulted field

l \ ~~~~~~~~generator
kVA
1 ~~~~~Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
. , ~~~~~Z
= 5.75% on trans-former kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu (Potential exciter)
\
\
~~~~~~~~~Total
load = 0.94 pu on generator base
/ ~~~~~~~~Induction motor at 85% PF lag
\ / ~~~~~~~Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
-2
CURVE
~~~~~~~~SYSTEM
% STATIC
LOADING
% IND % SYN
.. ~
B
~ ~~~~A
100 0 0
0 100 0
C 10 70 20
+-3 ~~~D 10 50 40
(h)
Fig. (Continued).
5.
 94 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-2 I NO. 1. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985

1.0

0. 9

,A.
.7
GENIERATOR = 1.0 3U
oO,
C) 0.35
GEOIERATOR = 0. 75 P U.
aB 0.2
C!, lOO- i IND. MOTOR LOAD
GENERATOR - 0. 50 P. U.
10% STATIC, 70% IND. MOTOR
LOAD, 20' SYNCi . MOTOR LOAD \ //
0.1 GENERATOR 0. 25 P. U.
i i I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME IN CYCLES ( X 10)
(i)

1.0

0.9
0.8
U0,7 37/ LOADING

_S

=
uj 0.56
O.

30.4 --COMPOUND EXCITER

10- STATIC,70% IND, 20%'SYNCH.
CQ 0. 2 POTENTIAL SOURCE EXCITER
10% STATIC,70% ItID.,20%bSYNCH. 1
LU 0.2 75% LOADING
COMPOUND EXCITER
100.' IND. MOTOR LOAD
0. 11 -O POTENTIAL SOURCE EXCITER
100l IND. MOTOR LOAD .... .l
I ta iI I 4

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME IN CYCLES ( X 10)
(j)
Fig, 5. (Continue'd).

(1), and (g) and (h). With a exciter on the provide the necessary reactive power for relay operation to the
potential-source
source generator, impedance loci responses are initially very generator whose field has been lost. This comparison is shown
similar to the compound-exciter response, but as the bus in Fig. 6 where the generators are of equal size and the loading
voltage drops to 70 percent of normal, the potential-source on each generator is the same. The larger the impedance, the
exciter cannot maintain the generator field and the impedance less likely the relay is to operate. Fig. 6(d) shows the response
loci begin to collapse and relay operation may not occur for of the system with a potential-source exciter on the generator
some loading. A comparison of the voltage decay is shown on when 0.2 pu G separate the two generators. Little difference
Fig. 5(i) and (j). The dots on the curves indicate the points exists between the loci plots with the compound exciter or the
where the two generators are 900 displaced. Some curves do potential-source exciter. The higher voltage at the source
not show the 90' displacement point since the runs were generator, bus B, allows the voltage regulator to furnish the
terminated before this point was reached. The trend of the necessary field forcing for a longer period of time. The plots
generator reactive power is shown in Fig. 3(d). The smaller of generator terminal voltage on loss of excitation are shown in
the source generator, the lower its reactive power capability. Fig. 6(e) and (f). The 100-cycle voltage at the source
generator, bus B, is approximately 0.16, 0.31, and 0.56 pu
ISOLATED SYSTEM-MULTIGENERATOR, voltage higher than the voltage at the terminals of the
IMPEDANCE-SEPARATED generator whose field has been lost, bus A, for the 0.1, 0.2,
The addition of impedance between generators is expected and 0.4 pu ohmic impedance, respectively, for the same load
to reduce the capability of the source generator, bus B, to types shown on the curves.
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 95

X 2 .75PU 0. 7SPU
Bus A -sB
. . U JU
0.~~~~~~~~75PU
0. 75PU LU i

-1.0 2 3 4 5

/ ;>
~~~~~~~~~Equal
D
C size generators
~~~~~~~Reactor equials 0.1 pu on generator base
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
\ ~~~Z= 5.75X
on transformer kVA
-1 ~~~~~Generator MW
= 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
-2 SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
D 10 50 40

(a)

x
2
0.75PU 0.75PU E I
Lus A t rm ous B
0. 2 1

la. 0 l/ 8 2 3 45
,J// ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~R
/ A \ ~~~~~~Equalsize generators
/ \ ~~~~~~~Reactor equals 0.2 pu on generator base
1 ~~~~~Loadtransformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
_ ~~~~~Z
= 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW = 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base
Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead

SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
-3 D 10 50 40

(b)
Fig. 6. Loss of field on generator with generator source on opposite side of impedance. (a) Impedance loci with 0.1-pu impedance separation. (b)
Impedance loci with 0.2-pu impedance separation and compound exciter. (c) Impedance loci with 0.4-pu impedance separation. (d) Impedance
loci with 0.2-pu impedance separation and potential source exciter. (e) Typical voltage profile, compound exciter. (f) Voltage profile, exciter
comparison.
96 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-21, NO. 1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985

p 0 p
X .2 0.75PU 0.75PU
mw mw 6
"tis JMT B
0.2
I
U.U 0.75PU 0.75PU
mw mw
.

2 3 4 5
R

Equal size generators

Reactor equals 0.4 pu on generator base
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW 0.75 pu (Compound exciter)
=

Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base

Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
1 10 50 40
'-3
(c)

x2 u. 75PU 0M75PU
Bus A MW ff. Bus '

LUj 07P 0.745PU 1

mw r
"I

-1.0 2 3 4 S
R

Equal size generators

Reactor equals 0.2 pu on generator base
Load transformer kVA equals 150% of generator kVA
Z = 5.75% on transformer kVA
Generator MW 0.75 pu (Potential exciter)
=

Total load = 0.75 pu on generator base

Induction motor at 85% PF lag
Static load at 85% PF lag
Synchronous motor at 85% PF lead
SYSTEM LOADING
CURVE % STATIC % IND % SYN
A 100 0 0
B 0 100 0
C 10 70 20
.3 D 10 50 40

(d)

Fig. 6. (Conltinued).
ST. PIERRE: LOSS OF EXCITATION PROTECTION FOR GENERATORS 97

0.8

=O. 7
a:
u 0.7
C:30.6
0. 5
0

100% I ND. MOTOR LOAD

10.3 -- --10X STATIC, 70% IND. MOTOR
uiO. 2
CD0
LOAD, 20% SYNCH. MOTOR LOAD

0.1
0.0
O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
TIME Itl CYCLES ( X 10)
(e)
1.0
C
0. 9
TTA EI .uS BLus B

0.8 REACTOR
~O.7 - -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- U ii 0.2PU

-j
0 .6 _
POTENTIAL SOURCE'
A>~~~~N rm~~~~~~~~
mH
@( )S &X ) t~~IL
0O. 5 EXCITER
w=:X.n0. 4 COMPOUND EXCITE \? 10% STATIC, 70% VID. MOTOR
w
LOAD, 20% SYNCH. MOTOR LOAD
<0.3 100% IND.MOTOR LOAD
WO.2

r
0.1

a.L
1 2 3 4
TIME IN CYCLES ( X 10)
The size of the impedance separating the generators appears
to have a significant effect on the source generator's ability to
supply the reactive current needed to cause proper loss-of-field
relay operation. In addition, the smaller the impedance
separating the machines, the more transiently stable the
generator is for large fault type disturbances. The smaller tie
reactance increases the power transfer capabilities and reduces
the reactive power loss and voltage drop across the reactance.
Generally, smaller connecting impedances between machines
produces of system which is inherently better and easier to
relay.
Many combinations of impedance separation and different
generator sizes could be presented for a more comprehensive
paper. However, it is believed that the combinations provided
serve as a guide as to expected outcome.
CONCLUSION
This examination showns that a loss-of-field relay provides
good protection for generators in isolated systems. Some
5 6 7 t8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
(f)
Fig. 6. (Continued).
combinations of generator sizes and loads, however, may not
allow the relay to operate properly. This paper covers a
selection of generator-load combinations, but the author
realizes that many other combinations were not covered, such
as larger differences in generator impedances, and systems
with large rectifier loads. The paper is intended to be used as a
guide and not as the final answer for all system configurations.
Unique systems should be examined individually. In sum-
mary, the following comments generally apply to isolated
systems.
1) Synchronous motor MVA or fixed-field generator MVA
must be approximately equal to the loss-of-excitation genera-
tor MVA for the loss-of-field relay to operate properly.
2) Rating of source generators with voltage regulators may
be equal to approximately half the loss-of-field generator
rating for proper loss-of-field relay operation.
3) The type of excitation has a small effect on the ability of
the source generator to supply reactive power to the faulted
machine. The compound type of exciter appears to have a
 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS, VOL. IA-21, NO. 1, JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1985
slight advantage for loss-of-field relay operation as the bus
voltage becomes low.
4) The amount and type of load affects the ability of the
source generator to supply the necessary reactive power to the
faulted generator to insure relay operation. Large reactive
power loads, such as induction motors, reduce the ability of
the loss-of-field relay to operate, due to the reduced availabil-
ity of reactive power to the generator.
5) If the system load always has a lagging power factor,
then the relay characteristic may be set with less offset to
insure more positive operation under such conditions. It is
believed that a reduction in offset of the loss-of-field relay is
an advantage for systems with a predominance of induction
motor loads.
'NOMENCLATURE
Xd Direct-axis synchronous reactance (unsaturated,
rated current) is the self-reactance of the armature
winding to the steady-state balanced three-phase
positive-sequence current at rated frequency.
Xq Quadrature-axis synchronous reactance (unsaturated,
rated current)-same as Xd except in quadrature
circuit.
X'd Transient reactance, a single value of reactance
judged best for the machine initial and transient
conditions. For cases studied X'd = X'd, + I/
3(X'di - X'dv).
X'dv Direct-axis transient reactance (saturated, rated volt-
age) is the reactance that is determined from a
suddenly applied three-phase fault at the machine
terminals at rated voltage and no load and rated
frequency.
X'di Direct-axis transient reactance (unsaturated, rated
current) is the reactance that is determined from a
suddenly applied three-phase fault at the machine
terminals at no load and rated frequency. The initial
voltage is adjusted so that the initial transient plus the
sustained current is equal to the machines' rated
current.
X'' Induction motor locked-rotor reactance.
XI Stator leakage reactance.
T'Do Direct-axis open-circuit field time constant in sec-
onds.
H Inertia constant. The energy stored in the rotor when
operating at rated speed expressed as kW - s/kVA
rating of machine. Note that the inertia constant is
-0.231 x Wk2xn2x 10-6
H industrial and utility customers. In 1968 he transfer-
kVA
where
H inertia constant, kW- s/kVA,
Wk2 moment of inertia, ln. ft2,
n speed, r/min.
kVA rating of machine, kVA.
TR Regulator input filter time constant, s.
KA Regulator gain, pu.
TA Regulator amplifier time constant.
VRmax Maximum voltage regulator output, pu.
VRmi. Minimum voltage regulator output, pu.
KF Regulator stabilizing circuit gain, pu.
TF Regulator stabilizing circuit time constants.
KE Exciter constant related to self-excited field, pu.
TE Exciter time constant.
KP Potential circuit gain of Type 3 exciters.
VBm. Maximum value of field voltage.
K1 Current circuit gain of Type 3 exciters.
REFERENCES
[1] C. R. Mason, "A hew loss of excitation relay for synchronous
generators," ATEEE Trans., vol. 68, pp. 1240-1245, 1949.
[2] W. F. Mackenzie et al., "Loss-of-field relay operation during system
disturbances working group report-June 1971," IEEE Trans. Power
App. Syst., vol. PAS-94, pp. 1464-1472, Nov./Dec. 1979.
[3] C. R. Arndt and M. Rogers, "A study of loss-of-excitation relaying
and stability of a 595-MVA generator on the Detroit Edison systems,"
IEEE Trans. Power App. Syst., vol. PAS-94, pp. 1449-1452, Nov./
Dec. 1979.
[4] H. G. Darron et al., "The influence of generator loss of excitation on
bulk power system reliability," IEEE Trans. Power App. Syst., vol.
PAS-94, pp. 1473-1483, Nov./Dec. 1979.
[5] D. C. Lee, P. Kundur, and R. D. Brown, "A high speed, discriminat-
ing generator loss of excitation protection," IEEE Trans. Power App.
Syst., vol. PAS-94, pp. 1865-1899, Nov./Dec. 1979.
[6] J. Berdy, "Loss of excitation protection for modern synchronous
generator," IEEE Trans. Power App. Syst., vol. PAS-94, pp. 1457-
1463, Sept./Oct. 1979.
[7] P. L. Dandeno, R. L. Hauth, and R. P. Schultz, "Effects of
synchronous modeling on large scale system studies," IEEE Trans.
Power App. Syst., vol. PAS-92, pp. 574-582, Mar./Apr. 1973.
[8] IEEE Committee Report, "Computer representation of excitation
systems," IEEE Trans. Power App. Syst., vol. PAS-87, June 1968.
[9] D. S. Brereton, D. G. Lewis, and C. C. Young, "Representation of
induction motor loads during power system stability studies," AIEE
Trans. Power App. Syst., vol. 76, pp. 451-461, Aug. 1957.
Conrad R. St. Pierre received the B.S. degree in
electrical engineering and a certificate in power
system engineering from the University of Maine,
Orono, and the M.S. degree from Union College.
He joined the General Electric Company in 1965.
His work has included three years of design and
application engineering for the General Electric
Medium Voltage Switchgear Department, Philadel-
phia, PA. This work involved the application and
design of relay and control circuits of switchgear to
red to the Industrial Power Systems Engineering Operation, Schenectady,
NY, as an Consulting Application Engineer. He has worked in the field of
conceptual design and system analysis of power systems for industries. He has
also made electrical power system studies for plants in the steel, chemical,
automotive, paper, and aircraft industries, as well as commercial buildings,
hospitals and electric utilities.