The power industry was one of the first to employ large-scale computing in its design and operation. The available tools have primarily focused on large-scale power system stability analysis or protective relaying application. Kestrel supplies a selection of software applications focusing on generator control and testing based on decades of experience. Access to these advanced applications is available to long-term Clients and our Utility partners as part of our service offering. Contact us for more information on our innovative tools and to discuss custom applications for your requirements.

For more information,
please  contact us

Generator Capability Visualization (GenCap)

The generator capability program (GenCap) has been designed to guide qualified personnel in the calculation and visualization of reactive capability limits on utility-scale synchronous generators. The curves generated by this program can be used to demonstrate coordination of excitation limiters and protective relays with generator capability in order to comply with the latest NERC regulations.

Generator capability curves are x-y plots of active and reactive power operating points. The individual curves that make up the capability curve normally represent different physical limitations of the generator (e.g. continuous stator current limit, continuous field winding current limit). Families of curves can be plotted for different generator terminal voltage conditions. Generator parameters and limitations are entered on separate forms an example of which is shown below.

The resulting capability curve can be viewed within the application or saved in a variety of formats for inclusion in reports or other documentation.

GenCap Entry Form and Capability Graph Display

In addition to the standard generator capability view, GenCap supports entry and plotting of protective relay settings and standards for demonstration of compliance with the latest regulatory requirements. An example of the under/over frequency coordination view is displayed in the following figure.

GenCap Frequency Coordination Display

The Virtual Generating Station Training Simulator (Virtual GS)

Virtual GS is a simulation environment intended to reproduce the control dynamics of a utility-scale generator. Several different operating modes have been reproduced (e.g. grid interconnected, off-line, electrical island) to illustrate the performance of the units and their controls. A Virtual GS license is included in the fee for Kestrel Power training sessions.

Virtual GS operates in one of three different modes depending on the target training audience:

Each Virtual GS simulation makes use of realistic graphics and controls to allow the trainee to focus on the underlying concepts being taught. The following simulations are included in Virtual GS:

Hydro Governor Compensation Training Simulation

PSS2A Transfer Function Entry Form

Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Software (VirtualGen)

Relay test sets and dedicated three-phase ac voltage and current sources have long been employed in the static testing of excitation systems and other generator controls. While these systems allow verification of the static setpoints of regulators and limiters they did not provide any method of testing the complex dynamics of these devices. At the same time a number of systems have been designed to allow detailed generator and power system transmission simulations to be coupled to physical devices such as relays for “hardware-in-the-loop” tests. These special-purpose systems have been relatively expensive and were not portable thereby preventing in-situ testing of larger equipment.

NERC regulatory requirements call for periodic re-verification of the settings and performance of many of the excitation systems controls. Many Utilities are seeking methods to reduce the duration of tests and the risks associated with testing of excitation limiters at the operating limits of their equipment.

The VirtualGen simulator was designed to provide a realistic simulation of generator dynamics under a variety of operating conditions for inclusion in “hardware-in-the-loop” testing. VirtualGen software controls Manta’s MTS-5000 test system using an Ethernet connection and responds to stimuli from the system being tested in real-time. VirtualGen simulates the dynamics of the generator and power system in real-time and can be adjusted to represent any generator and system connection strength.

By combining this method of testing conducted during outages with conventional off-line and on-line tests utilities will be able to maximize unit availability by:

• locating and correcting latent defects
• monitor equipment for intermittent faults without endangering equipment
• tuning equipment for the best possible dynamic response
• confirming coordination of controls, limiters and protective relays
• providing a realistic training environment for staff to exercise their testing and troubleshooting procedures

The system can also be used to perform acceptance tests of new equipment prior to their application in the actual station environment.

VirtualGen Main Screen