BROWN BOVERI REGULATOR

In this type of regulator, exciter field rheostat is varied continuously or in small steps instead of being first completely cut in and then completely cut out as in Tirril regulator. For this purpose, a regulating resistance is connected in series with the field circuit of the exciter. Fluctuations in the alternator voltage are detected by a control device which actuates a motor. The motor drives the regulating rheostat and cuts out or cuts in some resistance from the rheostat, thus changing the exciter and hence the alternator voltage.

CONSTRUCTION OF BROWN BOVERI REGULATOR

Figure 1 shows the schematic diagram of a Brown Boveri voltage regulator. It also works on the “overshooting the mark principle” and has the following four important parts:

(I) CONTROL SYSTEM: The control system is built on the principle of induction motor. It consists of two windings A and B on an annular core of laminated sheet steel. The winding A is excited from two of the generator terminals through resistances U and U’ while a resistance R is inserted in the circuit of winding B. The ratio of resistance to reactance of the two windings are suitably adjusted so as to create a phase difference of currents in the two windings. Due to the phase difference of currents in the two windings, rotating magnetic field is set up. This produces electromagnetic torque on the thin aluminum drum C carried by steel spindle; the latter being supported at both ends by jewel bearings. The torque on drum C varies with the terminal voltage of the alternator. The variable resistance U’ can also vary the torque on the drum. If the resistance is increased, the torque is decreased and vice versa. Therefore, the variable resistance U’ provides a means by which the regulator may be set to operate at the desired voltage.

(II) MECHANICAL CONTROL TORQUE: The electric torque produced by the current in the split phase winding is opposed by a combination of two springs (main spring and auxiliary spring) which produce a constant mechanical torque irrespective of the position of the drum. Under steady deflected state, mechanical torque is equal and opposite of the electric torque.

(III) OPERATING SYSTEM: It consists of a field rheostat with contact device. The rheostat consists of a pair of resistance elements connected to the stationary contact blocks C_B. These two resistance sectors R are connected in series with each other and then in series with the field circuit of the exciter. On the inside surface of the contact blocks roll the contact sectors C_S. When the terminal voltage of the alternator changes, the electric torque acts on the drum. This causes the contact sectors to roll over the contact blocks, cutting in or cutting out rheostat resistance in the exciter field circuit.

(IV) DAMPING TORQUE: The regulator is made stable by damping mechanism which consists of an aluminum disc O rotating between two permanent magnets m. The disc is geared to the rack of an aluminum sector P and is fastened to the aluminum drum C by means of a flexible spring S acting as the recall spring. If there is a change in the alternator voltage, the eddy currents induced in the disc O produce the necessary damping torque to resist quick response of the moving system.

OPERATION OF BROWN BOVERI REGULATOR

Suppose that resistances U and U’ are so adjusted that terminal voltage of the alternator is normal at position 1. In this position, the electrical torque is counterbalanced by the mechanical torque and the moving system is in equilibrium. It is assumed that electrical torque rotates the shaft in a clockwise direction.

Now imagine that the terminal voltage of the alternator rises due to decrease in load on the supply system. The increase in the alternator voltage will cause an increase in electrical torque which becomes greater than the mechanical torque. This causes the drum to rotate in clockwise direction, say to position 3. As a result, more resistance is inserted in the exciter circuit, thereby decreasing the field current and hence the terminal voltage of the alternator. Meanwhile, the recall spring S is tightened and provides a counter torque forcing the contact roller back to position 2 which is the equilibrium position. The damping system prevents the oscillations of the system about the equilibrium position.