COURSE OVERVIEW:

The stability of any power generation system relies heavily on the precision and responsiveness of the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR). This course provides an in-depth exploration of the electronic and magnetic principles that allow an AVR to maintain a constant terminal voltage under varying load conditions and transient disturbances. Participants will examine the transition from analog excitation control to modern digital excitation systems, focusing on the architecture and logic that govern high-speed voltage regulation in synchronous generators.

The scope of this training covers the integration of the AVR within the wider excitation system, including the interaction between the pilot exciter, the main exciter, and the generator field windings. It addresses the sophisticated control loops, such as Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers, and the various limiting functions designed to protect the generator from overexcitation and underexcitation. Technical personnel will learn to interpret complex block diagrams and control logic to identify how the AVR maintains grid compliance and system stability during fault conditions.

Coverage includes comprehensive procedures for the commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of digital AVR units across various industrial and utility platforms. Students will master the use of diagnostic software and secondary injection test sets to verify setpoints and response times. By analyzing real-world failure modes and voltage instability incidents, the curriculum equips professionals with the analytical skills required to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions, ensuring the reliability of the power plant’s primary voltage control asset.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental theory of excitation control in synchronous machines.
• Analyze the functional block diagrams of various digital AVR architectures.
• Configure PID control parameters to optimize voltage response and stability.
• Troubleshoot common hardware failures in thyristor bridges and power modules.
• Implement Power System Stabilizer (PSS) functions within the AVR logic.
• Perform secondary injection testing to verify AVR sensing and control circuits.
• Interpret alarm logs and event sequences during voltage fluctuation incidents.
• Manage the reactive power sharing (droop) between generators operating in parallel.
• Identify the symptoms of diode failure in brushless excitation systems.
• Calibrate overexcitation and underexcitation limiters to protect the generator rotor.
• Execute soft start sequences and manual control transitions during commissioning.
• Conduct frequency response analysis to tune the AVR for various grid conditions.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is specifically designed for Electrical Engineers, Protection and Control Engineers, Power Plant Operators, and Maintenance Technicians who are responsible for the commissioning and troubleshooting of excitation systems.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.