Abstract: For a dynamoelectric machine, excitation power is supplied by a main exciter having two field windings. A first field winding is driven by a pilot exciter which supplies base excitation (small signal) for the main exciter. Forcing excitation (large signal) is supplied by the second field winding which is driven by an external, supplemental power source. The main exciter can thus provide the appropriate excitation for both normal and transient operating conditions. In addition, by switching the controlled rectifier elements associated with the supplemental power source, the second field winding is also capable of providing fast de-excitation for the main exciter.

Abstract: An excitation system for a synchronous generator includes a conventional brushless exciter for providing base excitation for rated power output and a controlled source of direct current interconnected with the conventional brushless excitation system to supplement the base excitation. The supplementary excitation is supplied to the rotating field winding of the synchronous generator to provide forcing excitation to permit operation of the generator at power levels which exceed the generator's base power output level.