Contribution to the determination of the stator leakage reactance of synchronous generators

In this paper, the limits and consequences of an algorithm proposed in for the determination of the stator leakage reactance of synchronous machines are highlighted. This method requires the recording of the stator voltage/current characteristic of the machine unloaded and unexcited, in addition with the classical open-circuit characteristic. This approach has been implemented in our applications but instability problems appeared during the unloaded and unexcited test. In order to overcome this limitation, the use of a well-known alternative test (the slip test) in specific conditions is proposed here. We applied it to two types of synchronous machines (salient and non-salient pole synchronous machines) and have reached reliable results. Finally, in order to judge the efficiency of the method proposed in front of measurement errors, a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.