Connections between generator specifications and fundamental design principles

The purchaser of a modern power generator expects it to produce electric power reliably and economically over the useful life of the power plant. In particular, it is expected to operate for significant intervals without requiring offline maintenance, and that any maintenance, when required, can be performed quickly and without significant disruption of the power plant operation. Furthermore, it is expected to operate efficiently and without significant support personnel. Successful design and operation of the generator depends on agreement between the generator manufacturer and purchaser regarding the technical requirements of the generator. Many of those requirements are published in standards such as ANSI C50.13 and IEC 34-1 and are common across broad classes of generators. Additional technical requirements or specific requirements in lieu of those covered by the standards are given in the purchase specification for the generator. This paper discusses the interaction between commonly specified performance characteristics, such as the short circuit ratio of the rated power factor, and design and other performance characteristics. It explores how key requirements placed on the generator manufacturer are addressed in the fundamental design of the unit.