Synchronous Generators and

Leading Power Factor Loads

Sometimes loads impose a leading power factor on the power source. These loads do not present any
problems when powered by the utility, however, if the generator is the power source, the leading power factor can
cause instability or even failures.
The generator is designed to generate kW (real power) and kVAR (reactive power) but is unable to absorb kW
and kVAR flowing in the opposite direction except in very small amounts dictated by the Alternator Capability
Curve. This curve is not a common curve for a given make of alternator, but precisely established for a given
rating and frame.
The example of one of these curves is shown in Figure 1.
ePOWER NEWS
FALL 2011 | Issue 2
Toromont CAT Power Systems
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www.toromontpowersystems.com
Figure 1 Alternator Capability Curve
H
B
C
G
F
A
E
I Leading Lagging
D
J
The reverse kW power is produced in applications with descending loads, like elevators, cranes and mining
hoists, where the motors are used for braking as well. If a mechanical load causes the motor to turn faster than
synchronous speed, the motor will act as a generator and feed power back into the system. The term
regenerative power is sometimes used to describe the power produced by these loads. If no other loads are
connected to absorb this energy, these loads will cause the generator to act as a motor, possibly causing engine
over speed and engine failure. Only engine frictional horsepower can be relied on for braking. Exceeding
frictional horsepower causes the generator set to over speed. In calculating the ability of a system to overcome
regenerative power, it is conservatively recommended that only engine friction horsepower be considered. Engine
friction horsepower at synchronous speed is available from the engine manufacturer. Typically, a generator set
will retard approximately 10% of its rating. When combinations of connected load and engine frictional
horsepower are not sufficient to restrain regenerative energy, load banks may be added to protect the gen-set
from being affected by regeneration.
In cases of the reverse kVARs caused by leading power factor loads, like UPS and its filters, the alternator
will drive into over voltage condition. The AC voltage generated is controlled by DC excitation. The amount of
excitation required is a function of generator load. Excitation required to maintain constant voltage increases with
load. Reactive lagging power factor load requires more excitation than a unity power factor load. Leading power
factor loads require less excitation than unity power factor loads. When a generator has a leading power factor,
the armature flux reacts additively with the field pole flux to increase saturation and produce a higher terminal
voltage by reducing excitation. At light load, the regulator (AVR) will go to its minimum excitation. However, the
additive excitation from a leading power factor will cause the terminal voltage to rise and will not be controlled by
the AVR.
We need to understand how much reactive power can be absorbed by the generator without experiencing
problems. In figure 1, the kVAR produced or absorbed are on X axis, the Y-axis shows kW-all in per unit values.
ePOWER NEWS
FALL 2011 | Issue 2
Toromont CAT Power Systems
1-877-CAT-POWER
www.toromontpowersystems.com
problems. In figure 1, the kVAR produced or absorbed are on X axis, the Y-axis shows kW-all in per unit values.
The area ABCA is a normal operating range of a typical synchronous generator (between zero and 100
percent of the kW rating of the alternator and between 0.8 and 1.0 power factor). As power factor drops, the
generator must be de-rated to prevent overheating.
The areas ABHGFEA and ACDA are abnormal operating ranges but not damaging. The left area
(ABHGFEA) is achieved with loads about 0.96 leading power factor. At this point, the ability to absorb additional
kVAR drops to near zero. The AVR is turning off and any level of reverse kVAR greater than the level shown
can cause the generator to lose control over voltage.
For example, if the generator is rated 2000 kVA and 0.8 power factor, its rated kVAR is equal to 1200 kVAR.
With a reverse kVAR level of 0.2 per unit you will exceed the generator capabilities at 240 kVAR reactive power.
In other words, leading power factor lower than 0.96 and the reverse reactive power more than 240 kVAR, will
cause instability of the generator or damage.
The last two areas EFGHI and DCJ are areas where the generator will experience mis-operation or
damage.
The solution to the issue of excess reverse kVAR levels is to design proper load sequences by connecting the
loads which require reactive power first, before the UPS
ramps on to the generator or switch off the filters at low
UPS loads levels. MIRA WROBLEWSKA, P.Eng.
Account Manager
Office number: 905-488-2556
Cell number: 416-996-0062
Email: mwroblewska@toromont.com