Standby generator pulse excitation system and electric power generating

Abstract

A back-up electric power generating system comprises a first variable speed synchronous generator drivably coupled to a first prime mover, a second variable speed synchronous generator drivably coupled to a second prime mover, a converter having a first and a second input coupled to the first and second generators respectively, and an output, and a logic circuit in controlling communication with the converter for designating one of the first or second generators as a primary power source and one as a standby power source, exclusively. The system further comprises a primary voltage regulator selectably coupled to the primary power source generating a controlled current signal to maintain its output voltage at a given level, and a pulse exciter selectably coupled to the standby power source for verifying the operational readiness of the standby power source. This pulse exciter generates a current pulse signal to the exciter field of said standby power source and monitors the output voltage generated thereby. The converter produces a constant frequency voltage output. The method of verifying the operational readiness of a generator drivably coupled to a prime mover, the generator having an exciter field, a rotor, and a poly-phase wound stator forming an output, comprises the steps of a) providing a current pulse to the exciter field, b) monitoring the generator output, and c) indicating the operational status as ready upon detecting a voltage pulse on the generator output in response to the current pulse, or as not ready upon detecting the lack of a voltage pulse on the generator output in response to the current pulse.