Development of an autotuning algorithm for voltage regulators

Tuning a voltage regulator for a synchronous machine requires technical competence of the commissioning engineer as well as some parameters of the machine. To simplify and accelerate the commissioning process, automated tuning of the voltage regulator is required.

In this project a new algorithm for tuning the voltage regulator of an excitation system was developed and thoroughly validated. The algorithm proved to be fast, robust, and reliable. The autotuning mechanism provides a set of parameters for the voltage regulator as well as the over-excitation and under-excitation limiters.

The developed algorithm was implemented and tested by the customer. Field results indicated that the solid performance of the autotuning mechanism.