Three-Unit Electromagnetic Generator Control - Essay Example

Understanding The Three Unit Electromagnetic generator An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy and transfers the same through an external circuit. A DC generator produces current that flows in a constant direction as opposed to the alternating current which periodically reverses direction. Most generators have a generator control system which regulates how the generator operates.A three unit generator control system controls the workings of the generator in three ways.

It limits the amount of current produced, has a reverse current cutout system and a voltage regulator.The voltage regulator maintains a constant voltage level. It achieves this through the help of a rheostat that interferes with the strength of the electric field by varying its resistance. As the resistance increases, less current flows from the generator and consequently less voltage output is registered. On the other hand, a current cutout system disconnects the battery from the generator this system is used to power the generator when the motor cannot produce enough power this action is called motoring.

A three unit generator control system protects the generator by preventing overheating and ensures that it can be more reliable by allowing for frequent adjustments to the output of the generators.Understanding how the rheostat interferes with the strength of the electric field to limit the amount of current produced by DC generator is at times problematic. This is because to explain the same one requires visualizing the circuit board and committing it to memory. However, the logic behind this operation is self-explanatory especially if the relations between current, voltage and resistance are well understood.

References1. Alley, Charles; Atwood, Kenneth (1973). Electronic Engineering. New York and London: John Wiley & Sons. p. 5342. Robert Herschel Miller, James H. Malinowski, Power system operation, McGraw-Hill Professional, page 86-873. Glover, Duncan J. et al. Power System Analysis and Design. 5th Edition. Cengage Learning. 2012. pp. 657-658