Modelling and Parameter Estimation of the Excitation System and the Governor System of a Synchronous Generator at Sapugaskanda Power Station

As the power system continues to evolve, the dynamic nature of synchronous generator control systems, excitation, and governor systems play important roles in determining the power system’s behaviour and performance. These systems consist of specific parameters, and their values change over time due to factors such as regular maintenance, frequent start-ups and shutdowns, and aging equipment. Hence, a standardized and locally applicable methodology is essential for parameter estimation, mainly in aged power plants of Sri Lanka. Recent research focuses on improving and optimizing existing parameter estimation techniques. In contrast, this research proposes a systematic approach for parameter estimation combined with field tests, which are conducted using customized test kits developed for the available excitation system in the Sapugaskanda power station. The proposed methodology is applied to a 20 MW heavy fuel synchronous generator in the power station, which has been in operation for about 40 years. The parameter estimator tool in MATLAB was used for parameter estimation methodology. The results evidenced that the proposed methodology is suitable to address the challenges of parameter estimation, especially in aged power plants. This can provide a practical and cost-effective solution, and the findings of this study can be adapted to other power plants that are facing similar challenges.