GENERATOR

Portable Generator Familiarization & Troubleshooting Guide
Section 2 • Generator Components & Systems
Some generators employ an electronic voltage regulator to
“regulate” current flow to the rotor windings (Figure 2.54).
Figure 2.54 — Generator With Voltage Regulator
By regulating current flow through the rotor windings, the
rotor’s magnetic field is controlled.This controls the voltage
developed in the stator windings.The voltage regulator
senses actual stator (AC) output voltage via two “sensing”
leads (11 and 22). Stator excitation winding (AC) output is
also delivered to the regulator, where it is rectified
(converted to DC).The regulator electronically compares
the “actual” stator (AC) power winding voltage to a preset
“reference” voltage and delivers a regulated direct current
(DC) to the rotor windings as follows:
• If actual (AC) power winding voltage is greater than
the preset reference voltage, regulator action will
decrease direct current (DC) flow to the rotor.This will
reduce the strength of the rotor’s magnetic field and
cause stator (AC) power winding voltage to decrease.
• If actual (AC) power winding voltage is less than the
preset reference voltage, regulator action will increase
direct current (DC) flow to the rotor.This will increase
the strength of the rotor’s magnetic field and cause
stator (AC) power winding voltage to increase.
Solid State Voltage Regulation
This type of voltage regulator is often called a
“Voltage-over-Frequency” or “V/F” regulator.The regulator
provides a constant voltage-to-frequency characteristic:
• An alternator rotating at the speed required to provide
a 60 Hertz (AC) frequency will provide a 120VAC
output.
• An alternator rotating at the speed required to provide
a 30 Hertz (AC) frequency will provide a 60VAC
output, and so on.
(A conventional voltage regulator provides a fixed voltage
output, regardless of frequency). If output frequency is held
constant, voltage will remain constant over the entire
electrical load range.
Figure 2.55 is an operating diagram for alternators equipped
with a “Voltage-over-Frequency” type of regulator. Notice
that the unit still has an excitation winding, just as was the
case with direct excited units.
The operating sequence for this type of unit may be
described as follows:
• The rotor turns at a pre-determined speed.
• EMF (voltage) is induced into the stator windings by
residual magnetism in the rotor.
• Voltage from the120VAC output stator winding is
available through Wires #11 and #22 to the 120VAC
outlets.Any electrical load connected to the 120VAC
outlets will complete the circuit.
• Alternating current voltage and frequency signals are
delivered from the 120VAC outlets to the Voltage
Regulator.
• Excitation winding output is delivered through wires #2
and #6 and then to the voltage regulator.
• The voltage regulator converts the (AC) excitation
winding output to (DC) and delivers the (DC) output
to the rotor via Wire #4, the (+) brush and slip ring,
then through the rotor and the (-) brush and slip ring
assembly through Wire #1.The (DC) output from the
voltage regulator to the rotor is based on the voltage
and frequency signals received from the 120VAC
outlets.
• Thus, the Voltage Regulator acts to increase or decrease
current flow to the rotor windings based on the
demands of the load connected across the 120VAC
outlets.The increase or decrease in current flow
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