MARINE ELECTRICAL GYAAN
AVR
What is an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)?
It is a solid state electronic device to maintain generator output terminal voltage at a set value
automatically, irrespective of any load or temperature variation.
But How?
It controls output by sensing the voltage from the generator terminals and comparing it to a stable
reference. The error signal is then used to adjust the field current by increasing or decreasing the
current flow to an exciter stator, which in turn will lead to a lower or higher voltage at the main stator
terminals. The controlling of current towards the exciter is called Excitation.
The basic block diagram of AVR consists of step down transformer, rectifier, comparator and a trigger
control circuit.
AVR Block Diagram
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Excitation Methods of AVR
Excitation systems can be defined as the system that provides field current to the rotor winding of a
generator.
There are different ways to provide excitation in a generator as follow:
1. Shunt or Self Excited
2. Excitation Boost System (EBS)
3. Permanent Magnet Generator (PMG)
4. Auxiliary Winding (AUX).
Shunt or Self Excited
Shunt or Self Excited
The shunt method is features a simple and cost effective design to provide input power to the AVR. This
method requires no additional components or wiring. When problems arise troubleshooting is simplified
with less components and wiring to validateAs the generator is rotated, the stator supplies input voltage
to the AVR. In addition the AVR has sensors that monitor the output of the stator.
The AVR supplies power the exciter and is rectified to DC current. The current is induced onto the stator
for load output.
The biggest drawback to this system is the AVR is impacted by the load the generator is powering. When
the load increases the voltage begins to decrease and the AVR must provide more current to the exciter
to support the demand. This pushes the AVR to its limits. If the AVR is pushed beyond it’s limits the
excitation field collapses. The output voltage is reduced to a small amount.
If a short circuit occurs in the supply to the AVR, the generator will not have an excitation source. This
causes a loss of generator power output.
Generators with shunt or self-excited methods can be used on linear loads (constant load). Applications
that have non-linear loads (varying load) are not recommend for generators with this excitation method.
Harmonics associated with non-linear loads can cause excitation field breakdowns.
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Excitation Boost System (EBS)
EBS Excitation
Excitation Boost System
The EBS system is comprised of the same basic components supplying inputs to and receiving outputs
from the AVR. The additional components in this system are:
Excitation Boost Control (EBC) Module
Excitation Boost Generator (EBG).
The EBG is mounted on the driven end of the alternator. Physical appearance is the same as a
permanent magnet. The EBG supplies power to the controller as the generator shaft rotates.
The EBC control module is connected in parallel to the AVR and the exciter. The EBC receives signal from
the AVR. When needed the controller supplies varying levels of excitation current to the exciter at levels
that depend on the needs of the system.
The additional power feed to the excitation system supports load requirements. This allows the
generator to start and recover the excitation voltage.
This excitation system is not recommended for continuous power applications. It is intended for
emergency or back-up power applications. When the generator starts the EBS system is disengaged until
operating speed is reached. The EBG is still generating power but the controller does not route it.
System allows for dynamic response, is less expensive and meets requirements for providing 300% short
circuit current. Non-linear loads such as motor starting, are improved when compared to the Shunt or
Self Excited method.
Permanent Magnetic Generator (PMG)
PMG Excitation
PMG
Generators equipped with permanent magnets are among the most well-known separately excited
methods. A permanent magnet is mounted on the driven end of the generator shaft.
PMG supplies isolated power to the AVR when the generator shaft rotates. The AVR utilizes the extra
power when supplying non-linear loads such as; starting of motors.
A clean, isolated, uninterrupted 3-phase waveform is produced when the generator shaft is turning.
Some of the benefits of using generators equipped with the PMG excitation method are:
Excitation field does not collapse allowing for sustained short circuit faults to clear.
Changing load does not impact excitation field.
Voltage is created on initial startup and does not depend on remaining magnetism in the field.
During motor start up excitation field does not collapse because of lack of AVR supply.
The PMG System adds weight and size to the generator end. It is the most commonly used excitation
method for applications that use motors that start up and shutdown and other non-linear loads.
Auxiliary Winding (AUX)
Auxiliary Winding Excitation
Auxiliary Winding System
The auxiliary winding method has been in use for years. The uses range from marine to industrial
applications and are more practical in larger installations.
This method has a separate excitation field, however it does not use a component attached to the
driven end of the shaft of the generator. These methods use shaft rotation and a permanent magnet or
generator to supply the additional excitation.
An additional single phase winding is installed into the stator. As the generator shaft rotates the stator
main windings supply voltage to the AVR as in all above mentioned methods.
The additional single phase windings supply voltage to the AVR. This creates the extra excitation voltage
needed when supplying non-linear loads.
For linear load applications shunt, EBS, PMG and AUX excitation methods can be used. Shunt excitation
is the most cost effective method.
For non-linear load applications, EBS, PMG and AUX excitation methods can be used. PMG excitation is
the most common and widely used.
Features of AVR
1. Rapid response to maintain Voltage stability.
2. Voltage Build up from start-up.
3. Fair KVAR sharing
4. Overvoltage/Undervoltage response
SOLAS REGULATION FOR AVR
Load Shedding can result in Over Voltage. 15% of load fluctuation into +-2.5% within 2 seconds is SOLAS
requirement for AVR+-3.5% within 5 seconds for Emergency Generator.
AVR keeps the voltage in between 120-85% while loading. It monitors the voltage between phases and
engine speed.
Read More on SOLAS Regulation on Different Equipments Onboard (Click Here)
QnA
Q. What happens if AVR fails?
If the AVR on a running generator fails, then the generator will lose excitation. The loss of excitation will
lead to no-voltage at the output terminal of generator and the under-voltage detector will sense this
and cause the generator to trip.
If your generator does not have under-voltage protection set, then the generator may continue to run,
which could cause severe damage to your equipment.
Q. How to check AVR
Run alternator in ideal mode and check at certain points for some voltages by comparing with manual
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