ICS 29.160.

20

K 21

NATIONAL STANDARD
GB
OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

GB/T 7409.1-2008
Replace GB/T 7409.1-1997

Excitation Systems for Synchronous Electrical

Machines - Definitions

(IEC 60034-16-1: 1991, Rotating electrical machinesPart 16: Excitation systems for
synchronous machinesChapter l: Definition, MOD)

Issued on June 18, 2008 Implemented on March 01, 2009

Jointly issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection
and Quarantine and the Standardization Administration of the
People's Republic of China
 Contents

Foreword .................................................................................................................................... I
1 Scope ................................................................................................................................... 1
2 General Provisions .............................................................................................................. 1
3 Exciter Categories ............................................................................................................... 6
4 Excitation System Categories.............................................................................................. 7
5 Control Functions ................................................................................................................ 7
Appendix A (Informative) Comparison between Clauses of This Part and IEC 60034-16-1:
1991-02 by Numbers ................................................................................................................. 9
Appendix B (Informative) Technical Differences Between This Part and IEC 60034-16-1:
1991-02 and Their Reasons ......................................................................................................11

NOTE: The English version hereof has been translated directly from the openly-published Chinese
standard GB/T 7409.1-2008. In the event of any discrepancy in the process of implementation, the
Chinese version shall prevail.
 Foreword

GB/T 7409 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines" comprises three parts:
Part 1: GB/T 7409.1 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines-Definitions";
Part 2: GB/T 7409.2 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines-Models for Power
System Studies";
Part 3: GB/T 7409.3 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines-Technical
Requirements of Excitation System for Large and Medium Synchronous Generators"
This part is the first part of GB/T 7409 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines".
This part was developed by amending IEC 60034-16-1: 1991 "Rotating Electrical
Machines-Part 16: Excitation Systems for Synchronous Machines-Chapter l: Definition"
(English edition), and the amended parts are marked out with vertical line on the right margin.
Appendix A provides the summary list of a comparison between this part and the clauses
of IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02, Appendix B provides the summary list of the technical
differences of this part and IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 and the relevant reasons for your
guidance.
This part shall replace GB/T 7409.1-1997 "Excitation Systems for Synchronous
Machines-Definitions".
The major differences of this part from GB/T 7409.1-1997 are as follows:
GB/T 7409.1-1997 is identical to IEC 60034-16-1: 1991, while GB/T 7409.1-2008
adopts by modifying IEC 60034-16-1: 1991;
The part of definitions in GB/T 7409.3-1997 was supplemented into GB/T
7409.1-2008;
Definitions in GB/T 7409.1-1997 were amended properly according to the
application requirements of GB/T 7409.2-2008 and GB/T 7409.3-2007.
Appendix A and Appendix B of this part are informative.
This part is under the jurisdiction of and explained by the National Technical Committee
on Electric Rotating Machinery of Standardization Administration of China (SAC/TC 26).
Drafting organization of this part: Harbin electric machinery Co., Ltd. (HEC)
Participating drafting organizations of this part: Zhejiang Electric Power Test &
Research Institute, China Electric Power Research Institute, North China Electric Power
Research Institute Co., Ltd., Shanghai Turbine Generator Co., Ltd., Dongfang Electric
Machinery Co., Ltd., Nanjing Automation Research Institute, Guangzhou Electric Apparatus
Research Institute, Shandong Jinan Power Equipment Factory, Beijing BEIZHONG Steam
Turbine Generator Co., Ltd. and Hydropower and Water Resources Planning and Design
General Institute.
Chief drafting staffs of this part: Lo Guoliang, Zhu Shizhang, Liu Zenghuang, Shu
Weimin, Liu Mingxing, Wang Dawei, Hu Yu, Zhao Honghuang, Xiong Wei, Yin Guoji, Zhang
Yuhua, Liu Guoyang anf Li Zongjun.
The previous editions of the standards replaced by this part are as:
GB/T 7409-1987;
GB/T 7409.1-1997.

I
 Excitation Systems for Synchronous Electrical
MachinesDefinitions

1 Scope

This part of GB/T 7409 is applicable to the excitation systems of synchronous machines.

2 General Provisions

2.1 Excitation control system

Include the feedback control systems of synchronous machine and its excitation system
2.2 Excitation system
The equipment providing the field current of a synchronous machine, including all
regulating and control elements, as well as field discharge or suppression equipment and
protective devices.
2.3 Exciter
The source of the electrical power providing the field current of the synchronous
machine
Note: Examples of the source are:
A rotating machine, either DC or AC with associated rectifiers.
One or several transformers with associated rectifiers

2.4 Excitation control

The control modifying the excitation power, responding to signal characteristics of the
stated of the system encompassing the synchronous machine, its exciter and the network to
which it is connected
Note: Synchronous machine terminal voltage is predominantly the controlled quantity.

2.5 Field winding terminal

The place of input to the field winding of the machine
Note 1: If there are brushes and slip-rings, these are considered to be part of the field winding.
Note 2: In brushless machine, the connecting points between the rotating rectifier and the leads of the machine field
winding are the field winding terminals.

2.6 Excitation system output terminals

The place of output from the equipment comprising the excitation system. These
terminals may be different from the field winding terminals.
2.7 Rated field current
IfN
The direct current in the field winding of the machine when operating at rated voltage,
current, power factor and speed.

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2.8 Rated field voltage
UfN
The direct voltage at the field winding terminals of the machine required to produce
rated field current with the field winding. The temperature of field winding shall be the
temperature resulting from rated loading and rated conditions and with the primary coolant at
its maximum temperature.
Note: If the machine has a duty which does not result in a steady field winding temperature being reached, then UfN is based
on the maximum field winding temperature reached in the duty cycle.

2.9 No-load field current

If0
The direct current in the field winding of the machine required to produce rated voltage
at no-load and rated speed (see Figure 1)
Air-gap line characteristic
Terminal voltage U

No-load characteristic

Field current

Figure 1 Determination of No-load Field Current If0 and Air Gap Field Current Ifg
2.10 No-load field voltage
Uf0
The direct voltage at the field winding terminals of the machine required to produce the
no-load field current with the field winding at 25
2.11 Air gap field current
Ifg
The current in the field winding of the synchronous machine which theoretically would
be required to produce rated voltage at no-load on the air gap line
Note: The air gap field current is the base value for use in computer representation models of excitation systems.

2.12 Air gap field voltage

Ufg
The direct voltage at the field winding terminals of the synchronous machine which is
required to produce the air gap field current when the field winding resistance is equal to
UfN/IfN
Note: The air gap field voltage is the base value for use in computer representation models of excitation systems.

2.13 Excitation system rated current

IEN
The direct current at the excitation system output terminals which the excitation system

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can supply under defined conditions of operation, taking into account the most demanding
excitation requirements of the machine (generally resulting from machine voltage and
frequency variations)
2.14 Excitation system rated voltage
UEN
The direct voltage at the excitation system output terminals which the excitation system
can supply when delivering excitation system rated current, under defined conditions of
operation. This voltage is at least that value required by the field of the machine under the
most demanding excitation requirements (generally resulting from machine voltage and
frequency variations).
2.15 Excitation system ceiling current
IP
The maximum direct current which the excitation system is able to supply from its
output terminals for a specified time
2.16 Excitation system ceiling voltage
UP
The maximum direct voltage which the excitation system is able to supply from its
output terminals under specified conditions
Note 1: For excitation systems whose supply depends on the machine voltage and (if applicable) current, the nature of the
power system disturbance and specific design parameters of the excitation system and the synchronous machine influence the
excitation system output. For such systems, the ceiling voltage is determined considering an appropriate voltage drop and (if
applicable) current increase.
Note 2: For excitation systems employing a rotating exciter, the ceiling voltage is determined at rated speed.

2.17 Excitation system ceiling current ratio

KIP
The ratio between the ceiling current and the rated field current of excitation system
2.18 Excitation system ceiling voltage ratio
KUP
The ratio between the ceiling voltage and rated field voltage of excitation system
2.19 Excitation system nominal response
VE
The rate of increase of excitation system output voltage determined from the excitation
system voltage response curve, divided by the rated field voltage (see Figure 2). This rate, if
maintained constant, would develop the same voltage-time area as obtained from the actual
curve over the first half-second interval.
U E
VE ( s 1 )
0.5U fN
Note 1: The excitation system nominal response is determined with the excitation system loaded with a resistance equal to
UfN/IfN and sufficient inductance so that voltage variation effects and current and voltage waveform accounted for.
Note 2: The excitation system nominal response is determined with the excitation system voltage initially equal to the rated
field voltage of the synchronous machine, after which the excitation system ceiling voltage is rapidly attained by introducing a
specified voltage error step.
Note 3: For excitation systems whose supply depends on the synchronous machine voltage and (if applicable) current, the

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nature of the power system disturbance and specific design parameters of the excitation system and the synchronous machine
influence the excitation system output. For such systems, the excitation system nominal response is determined taking into
consideration an appropriate voltage drop and (if applicable) current increase.
Note 4: For excitation systems employing rotating exciter, the excitation system nominal response is determined at rated
speed.

Excitation system voltage UE

Actual build-up curve

Slope

Figure 2 Determination of Excitation System Nominal Response VE

2.20 Static-voltage error ratio
The variance ratio of terminal voltage when the load current compensation unit is cut off,
the rotational speed of prime motor and the power factor vary within the prescribed limit, and
the generator load is changed from the rated value to zero, namely:
U0 U N
100%
UN
Where:
the static voltage error, which is represented in percentage;
UNthe generator terminal voltage at rated load, and the unit is volt (V);
UOthe generator terminal voltage at no load, and the unit is volt (V).
2.2 1 Voltage compensative ratio
D
The variance ratio of generator terminal voltage with power factor equal to zero when
the idle current is changed from zero to the rated stator current value. The voltage
compensative ratio after withdrawing the load current compensator is named as the natural
voltage compensative ratio D0.
U0 U
D 100%
UN
Where:
Dthe voltage compensative ratio, which is represented in percentage;
U0the generator terminal voltage at no load, and the unit is volt (V);
Uthe generator terminal voltage when the power factor is equal to zero and the idle
current is equal to the rated stator current value, and the unit is volt (V).

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2.22 Reactive current compensative ratio
KRCC
The increase of voltage compensative ratio caused by introducing reactive current
compensator (described based on the effects)
KRCC=DDO
Where:
KRCCthe reactive current compensative ratio, which is represented in percentage
(%);
Dthe voltage compensative ratio, which is represented in percentage (%);
D0the natural voltage compensative ratio, which is represented in percentage (%)
Note: In the engineering applications, when the static voltage error is less than 1%, it can be regarded that D0 is zero, which
means KRCC=D.

2.23 Overshoot, settling time and oscillation times on no load step test
MP, TS and n
The no-load generator step response curve obtained by suddenly changing the given
voltage value to make the bring in step synchronous generator terminal voltage change from
the initial value U01 to the steady state value U02 when the generator is at its no-load rated
condition (see Figure 3). The ratio between the difference in the opposite terminal maximum
terminal voltage value Um and the steady state value U02 of generator and the steady state
variation of terminal voltage is the overshoot MP, from time the given voltage stepping up to
that the ratio between the difference in the generator terminal voltage and new steady
state value and the steady state terminal voltage variation does not exceed 5%, and the
required lime is the settling time ts. Within the settling time, the fluctuation times since the
voltage firstly exceeding the steady state value U02 is named as the oscillation times n.

Figure 3 No-load Step Response Curve of Generator

U m U 02
MP 100%
U 02 U 01
Where:
Mpthe overshoot, which is represented in percentage;
Umthe maximum terminal voltage of generator, and the unit is volt (V);

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 U01, U02the pre-steady state terminal voltage and post-steady state terminal voltage
values of generator, and the unit is volt (V);
tsthe settling time, and the unit is second (s).
2.24 0vershootsettling time and oscillation times of 100 generator terminal voltage
filed flashing
When generator at its rated speed is suddenly launched into the excitation system to
make the terminal voltage of synchronous generator increase from zero up to the rated value,
the ratio by percentage between the difference in maximum terminal voltage value and
ultimate steady state value of generator and the ultimate steady state value is the overshoot by
raising voltage from zero, and the time required from the initial excitation starts to the
difference in terminal voltage and ultimate steady state value of generator does not exceed 2%
of the ultimate steady state value is the settling time. Within the settling time, the fluctuation
times since the voltage firstly exceeding the ultimate steady state value is named as the
oscillation times.
2.25 Voltage response time of excitation system
The time required for suddenly changing the measured voltage value when the generator
with rated load operates at rated speed to make the excitation system output terminal voltage
reach 95% of the difference in ceiling voltage and rated field voltage
2.26 High initial response excitation system
The AC exciter excitation system with voltage response time less than or equal to 0.1s
2.27 Excitation system forced cut-off
The tripping of synchronous machine caused by faults of excitation system
2.28 Excitation system forced off ratio for a year F.O.R
The ratio by percentage between the excitation system forced cut-off hours and the sum
of handling hours and forced off hours within one year
2.29 Excitation system abnormal forcing
The abnormal output increase of excitation system caused by the out-of-control of
excitation system
2.30 Excitation system models
The mathematical formulation of excitation system established in power system stability
studies in order to simulate the behaviors of excitation system

3 Exciter Categories

3.1 Rotating exciter

A rotating machine which takes mechanical power from a shaft. This shaft may be driven
by the synchronous machine or by another machine.
3.1.1 DC exciter
A rotating exciter employing a commutator and brushes to deliver direct current
3.1.2 AC exciter
A rotating exciter employing rectifiers to deliver direct current. The rectifiers may be
controlled or uncontrolled.
3.1.2.1 AC exciter with stationary rectifiers

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 An AC exciter with stationary rectifiers whose output is connected to the brushes of the
slip-rings of the exciting winding of the synchronous machine
3.1.2.2 AC exciter with rotating rectifiers (brushless exciter)
An AC exciter with rotating rectifiers, which rotate with the common shaft of the exciter
and synchronous machine, whose output is connected without slip-rings or brushes directly to
the field winding of the synchronous machine
3.2 Static exciter
An exciter which delivers its power from one or more stationary electrical sources,
employing stationary rectifiers to deliver field current
3.2.1 Potential source static exciter
A static exciter which delivers it power only from a potential source (which can be the
terminals of the synchronous machine) and employs controlled rectifiers.
3.2.2 Compound source static exciter
A static exciter which delivers its power from both current and potential sources
(dependent on synchronous machine terminal quantities). The addition of inputs from both
sources can be done on either the AC side or the DC side of the rectifiers and can be done in
parallel or series. The rectifiers may be either controlled or uncontrolled depending on design.

4 Excitation System Categories

4.1 Exciter excitation system

Excitation system employing rotating exciters
4.1.1 DC exciter excitation system
Excitation system employing DC exciters
4.1.2 AC exciter excitation system
Excitation system employing AC exciters
4.1.3 Brushless excitation system
Excitation system employing AC exciter with rotating rectifiers
4.2 Static excitation system
Excitation system employing static exciters

5 Control Functions

5.1 Automatic voltage regulator

The equipment comparing the actual voltage of a synchronous generator with a reference
value and controlling the output of an exciter by appropriate means, depending on the
deviations
5.2 Manual controller (field current regulator or field voltage regulator)
The equipment comparing the actual field current (or voltage) of a synchronous
generator with a reference value and controlling the output of an exciter by appropriate means,
depending on the deviations
5.3 Load current compensator

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 A device or function influencing the voltage regulator action to control voltage at a point
other than where the synchronous generator voltage is measured. One application is to
compensate partially the voltage drop across external impedance. With reversed connections,
the compensator circuit may be used where units are paralleled with no impedance between
them to allow the sharing the reactive power between units
5.4 Over excitation limiter
An additional unit or function to override the voltage regulator action. The purpose is to
limit the currents of the excitation system to permissible values. The limiting action may be
immediate or time delayed.
5.5 Over excitation protector
A kind of addition unit or function overrides the voltage regulator action. The purpose is
send out guard signal when the over excitation limiter can not limit the output current of
excitation system within the permissible value.
5.6 Stator current limiter
A additional unit or function to override the voltage regulator action. The purpose is to
limit the stator currents of the excitation system to permissible values. The limiting action is
time delayed.
5.7 Under excitation limiter
A kind of addition unit or function overrides the voltage regulator action. The purpose is
to limit the excitation from being reduced beyond stability limits or beyond the thermal
capability of cylindrical rotor type machines due to stator core end heating. Usual input
variables are: the synchronous machine active power, idle current and terminal voltage, or the
load angle, or the field current (perhaps in combination with other variables).
5.8 Volts per hertz limiter
A kind of addition unit or function overrides the voltage regulator action. The purpose is
to prevent excessive magnetic flux in the synchronous machine or transformers.
5.9 Power system stabilizer
A kind of device or function controlling the exciter output via voltage regulator in such a
way that power oscillations of the synchronous machine are damped. Input variables may be
speed, frequency or power (or a combination of variables).

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Appendix A (Informative) Comparison between Clauses of This Part

and IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 by Numbers

Table A.1 gives the summary list of the comparison between the clauses of this parts and
IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 by numbers.
Table A.1 Comparison Between Clauses of This Part and IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 By Numbers
Number of corresponding clause of international
Clause number of this part
standard

1 1

2 2

2.1

2.2 2.1

2.3 2.2

2.4 2.3

2.5 2.4

2.6 2.5

2.7 2.6

2.8 2.7

2.9 2.8

2.10 2.9

2.11 2.10

2.12 2.11

2.13 2.12

2.14 2.13

2.15 2.14

2.16 2.15

2.17

2.18

2.19 2.18

2.20~2.30

3 3

3.1 3.1

3.1.1 3.1.1

3.1-2 3.1.2

3.1.2.1 3.1.2.1

3.1.2.2 3.1.2.2

3.2 3.2

3.2.1 3.2.1

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 3.2.2 3.2.2

5 4

5.1 4.1

5.2

5.3 4.2

5.4 4.3

5.5

5.6

5.7 4.4

5.8 4.5

5.9 4.6

Appendix A

Appendix B

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 Appendix B (Informative) Technical Differences Between This Part

and IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 and Their Reasons

Table B.1 gives the technical differences of this part over IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 and their
reasons.
Table B.1 Technical Differences Between This Part and IEC 60034-16-1: 1991-02 and Their Reasons
apter number of
Technical difference Reason
this part

2.1 The term "excitation control system" was new added Used in GB/T 7409.2 and GB/T 7409.3

Make the concept of "exciter" more

2.2, 2.3, 2.4 Replace "exciter" with "exciter"
definite

Delete the original 2.16 "excitation system no-load ceiling voltage

Not used in GB/T 7409.2 and GB/T 7409.3
"

Delete the original 2.17 "excitation system load ceiling voltage" Not used in GB/T 7409.2 and GB/T 7409.3

2.17 Add the code number KIP Used in GB/T 7409.2

2.18 Add the code number KUP Used in GB/T 7409.2

2.22 Add the code number KRCC Used in GB/T 7409.2

2.23 Add the code number MP, Ts and n Used in GB/T 7409.2

2.25 Add the term "voltage response time of excitation system" Used in GB/T 7409.3

2.26 Add the term "high initial response excitation system" Used in GB/T 7409.3

2.27 Add the term "excitation system forced cut-off" Used in GB/T 7409.3

2.28 Add the term "excitation system forced off ratio for a year" Used in GB/T 7409.3

2.29 Add the term "excitation system abnormal forcing" Used in GB/T 7409.3

2.30 Add the term "excitation system models" Used in GB/T 7409.3

Make the concept of "exciter" more

3 Replace the term "exciter" with "exciter"
definite

4 Add the chapter "excitation system categories" Extensively used in China

5.2 Add the term "manual controller" Used in GB/T 7409.3

5.4 Excluding the stator current limiter Newly add "stator current limiter" in 5.6

5.5 Add the term "over excitation protector" Used in GB/T 7409.3

5.6 Add the term "stator current limiter" Used in GB/T 7409.3

Limiter also acts when the voltage of

5.8 Delete the original text "act only in the frequency drop segment"
generator stator increase

Add "Comparison Between Clauses of This Part and IEC

Appendix A As required by GB/T 20000.2-2001
60034-16-1: 1991-02 By Numbers"

Add "Technical Differences Between This Part and IEC

Appendix B As required by GB/T 20000.2-2001
60034-16-1: 1991-02 and Their Reasons"

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