AVR's

R1-Sets
volts
value
R2-Trimming
resistor
(Power
factor
correction)
R3-Trimmer
Carbon
pile-Control
resistance
for
AVR
Operating
coil-Along
with
carbon
pile
form
the
controlling
elements
CCT and PT-Are the detecting elements, the CCT acts as a feed forward device indicating future voltage
changes
by
detecting
variation
in
current
flow
Stabilising element-Is the capacitor across the Exciter (may be replaced by a resistor)
The A.C. voltage is applied to the operating coil through a full wave rectifier. This A.C. voltage
supply induced in the potential transformer and the circulating current transformer may vary under
varying load conditions such as direct on line starting of relatively large motors. The capacitor connected
across the coil smoothes the D.C. output from the rectifier.
If the A.C. applied voltage falls, the field of the solenoid weakens, and the resistance of the
carbon pile decreases. With less exciter circuit resistance the current in the exciter field increases thus
increasing the output voltage of the A.C. generator.
The automatic voltage regulator voltage output may be adjusted with the hand regulator R1 in
the exciter field. Before synchronising the alternator the open circuit voltage is adjusted with the hand
regulator R1.
After synchronising, and after the kW loading has been adjusted on the prime mover
governor, the field excitation under steady load conditions may be adjusted using the Trimming resistor
R2. Using the trimming resistor the power factor of the incoming machine will be equalised with the
machines already in use.
If the load power factor now changes then the terminal voltage will regulate badly, e.g. a rise
from 0.8 to Unity Power factor will cause a rise in terminal voltage of about 20 %. So a small Voltage
Trimmer R3 is provided across each current transformer to adjust terminal voltage when there is a change
in overall power factor

Modern A.V.R. (Zener Bridge)

Voltage across the Zener diodes remains almost constant independent of current variations.
Smoothed D.C. output is applied to the voltage reference bridge. This bridge is balanced at the correct
generator voltage output with no potential difference between 'A' and 'B'.
If the generator voltage fails, current through the bridge arms falls and current flows from 'A'
to 'B' through the amplifier.
If the generator voltage falls, current through the bridge arms falls and current flows from 'B'
to 'A' through the amplifier.
If the generator voltage rises, Current through the bridge arms rises with current flow from 'A'
to 'B' through the amplifier.
The signal from the amplifier will automatically vary the field excitation current, usually
through a silicon controlled rectifier ( Thyristor) control element.

The Silicon Controlled Rectifier (Thyristor) is a four layer, three terminal, solid state device
with the ability to block the flow of current, even when forward biased, until the gate signal is applied.
This gate signal could come from a Zener diode Voltage reference bridge. The gate signal will switch on
the forward biased S.C.R. and current flows through the exciter field. When reverse biased the S.C.R. will
again block current flow. Due to inductance of the field winding the S.C.R. would continue to pass current

for a part of the negative cycle. By fitting a 'free wheeling' diode the current though the Thyristor falls
quickly at the end of the positive cycle. In some circuits the excitation current is designed to be excess of
requirements, so that the gate signal reduces flow.