Synchronous Generator Loss of Excitation Detection Technique Based on Waveforms Envelopes Analysis

The synchronous generator is a machine widely used in electrical power system (EPS), which operates with constant frequency. Its fuctioning mainly depends on the continuous use of excitation systems that are susceptible to problems such as short-circuits, which can cause partial or total inactivity, causing the incorrectly operation of the machine. This state can cause irreversible damage to its structure and also to the electrical system to which it is connected. Several techniques have been proposed to detect the loss of excitation, among which the Mason and Berdy methods stand out, being widely used. Although these techniques present selectivity problems in some situations, leading to new techniques which are proposed to improve their performance in these situations. This work proposes a new methodology for detecting the loss of excitation (LOE) in synchronous generators, wich is based on the analysis of the envelopes of voltage and current signals waveforms. The proposed method has been tested for different operational conditions of the network, which were simulated in the ATPDraw software.