A Study with Simulation Implementation of Field Failure Protection on Synchronous Generator

The protection of synchronous generators from Loss of Field (LOF) is challenging due to the difficulty in detecting the LOF condition, which causes the generator to operate as an induction generator. Prolonged LOF conditions can result in damage to the generator’s stator and rotor. This paper presents a study of three conventional methods for LOF detection, namely, R-X measurement method, G-B measurement method, and R-X measurement with directional element, and proposes a new LOF protection method. The methods were implemented in MATLAB/SIMULINK, and their performance was compared using the same test system and conditions. The comparison was based on the time taken for LOF detection and isolation of the generator from the rest of the system. The results demonstrate that the proposed method requires less computation, provides faster detection, and leads to quicker trip decisions.