Excitation Requirement for Rectified Output AC Generators

This paper develops a method for calculating the required dc field current of a three-phase synchronous ac generator for known dc load conditions and machine characteristics. The method is simple to apply and has shown good agreement with test data. The method is of utility for preliminary design and analysis of rectified output alternators, such as may be used in excitation systems of the largest ac generators, space vehicle power applications, or high-power industrial rectification.