AVR's

R1-
Sets volts value
R2-Trimming resistor (Power factor correction)
R3-Trimmer
Carbon pile-Control resistance for AVR
Operating coil-Along with carbon pile form the controlling elements
CCT and PT-Are the detecting elements, the CCT acts as a feed forward device
indicating future voltage changes by detecting variation in current flow
Stabilising element-Is the capacitor across the Exciter (may be replaced by a
resistor)
The A.C. voltage is applied to the operating coil through a full wave
rectifier. This A.C. voltage supply induced in the potential transformer and the
circulating current transformer may vary under varying load conditions such as
direct on line starting of relatively large motors. The capacitor connected
across the coil smoothes the D.C. output from the rectifier.
If the A.C. applied voltage falls, the field of the solenoid weakens,
and the resistance of the carbon pile decreases. With less exciter circuit
resistance the current in the exciter field increases thus increasing the output
voltage of the A.C. generator.
The automatic voltage regulator voltage output may be adjusted
with the hand regulator R1 in the exciter field. Before synchronising the
alternator the open circuit voltage is adjusted with the hand regulator R1.
After synchronising, and after the kW loading has been adjusted on
the prime mover governor, the field excitation under steady load conditions
may be adjusted using the Trimming resistor R2. Using the trimming resistor
the power factor of the incoming machine will be equalised with the machines
already in use.
If the load power factor now changes then the terminal voltage will
regulate badly, e.g. a rise from 0.8 to Unity Power factor will cause a rise in
terminal voltage of about 20 %. So a small Voltage Trimmer R3 is provided
across each current transformer to adjust terminal voltage when there is a
change in overall power factor

Modern A.V.R. (Zener Bridge)

Voltage across the Zener diodes remains almost constant

independent of current variations. Smoothed D.C. output is applied to the
voltage reference bridge. This bridge is balanced at the correct generator
voltage output with no potential difference between 'A' and 'B'.
If the generator voltage fails, current through the bridge arms falls
and current flows from 'A' to 'B' through the amplifier.
If the generator voltage falls, current through the bridge arms falls
and current flows from 'B' to 'A' through the amplifier.
If the generator voltage rises, Current through the bridge arms
rises with current flow from 'A' to 'B' through the amplifier.
The signal from the amplifier will automatically vary the field
excitation current, usually through a silicon controlled rectifier ( Thyristor)
control element.
 The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (Thyristor) is a four layer, three
terminal, solid state device with the ability to block the flow of current, even
when forward biased, until the gate signal is applied. This gate signal could
come from a Zener diode Voltage reference bridge. The gate signal will switch
on the forward biased S.C.R. and current flows through the exciter field. When
reverse biased the S.C.R. will again block current flow. Due to inductance of
the field winding the S.C.R. would continue to pass current for a part of the
negative cycle. By fitting a 'free wheeling' diode the current though the
Thyristor falls quickly at the end of the positive cycle. In some circuits the
excitation current is designed to be excess of requirements, so that the gate
signal reduces flow.