FIELD FLASHING A GENERATOR

The goal of this project is to create a black start system for a 15-kVA synchronous generator system in the University of Idaho Model
Power System Lab. Team members will design the system, simulate using RTDS system modeling, install the system, and then
conduct tests. This project is sponsored by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories and is advised by professors in the University of
Idaho electrical engineering department.

Contents
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 1Problem Definition
o 1.1Background
o 1.2Deliverables
 2Specifications
o 2.1System Process
o 2.2Specs Table
 3System Design
o 3.1System Circuit
o 3.2Design Prototype
o 3.3Final System Design
o 3.4RTDS
 4Project Learning
o 4.1ABB AVR
o 4.2Planned Tests for Exciter System
 5Team Information
 6Documents Archive
o 6.1System Specifications
o 6.2Guides
o 6.3Technical Presentation
o 6.4Meeting Minutes

Problem Definition[edit]
When power goes completely out, it is necessary to excite the fields of power system generators with battery power to re-start the
generators before switching back to using generator output power for field excitation; this is known as a black start. We are
designing a black start field exciter system for the 15kVA synchronous generator in the Buchanan Engineering Power Lab to be
used for research on black start conditions.

Background[edit]
When power has been completely or partially lost in a grid, a black start procedure is required to restore generation capabilities. In
some cases, diesel generators are used to start the larger main power generators. In the northwest, hydroelectric stations are the
common black-start sources. The advantage of hydroelectric power is that the only requirement is that the turbines spin by having
the intake gates open and the generator field coils be excited.

Deliverables[edit]
 Black Start System for GJL 15 kVA Generator:
 ABB Field Exciter
 Battery Bank
 Exciter Power Supply Transfer Switch
 Battery Bank
 Transfer Switch Controller
 Validation/improvement of existing RTDS model

 Model of black start on RTDS simulation

 Documentation of black start system operating procedures for future work

Black Start Diagram

System Process
1. Prime mover spins rotor to initiate a black start
2. Battery bank provides excitation voltage and current directly to generator sufficient power is provided from synchronous
generator to run the field exciter
3. Black start system controls transfer of exciter power supply from batteries to generator power.
4. Generator reaches rated output power.
5. ABB field exciter controls excitation in steady state operation