Why Overload Protection is not Required for Alternators (Generators)

Question: Why overload protection is not employed/used with alternators?

Answer: Overload protection is not important for alternators because overloading seldom occurs on power plants.


Explanation:

The chances of overloading faults on alternators are negligible. The actual power generation depends on prime mover which is continuously observed and regulated by governors and regulators.

Furthermore, such protection on the alternator will take out the alternator for a long time even in case of harmless momentary troubles. Thus leading to blackouts and interruption of electric supply.

The rare cases of overload protection involve a thermocouple installed in the stator winding. For the safety of field winding the resistance is measured.


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1 thought on “Why Overload Protection is not Required for Alternators (Generators)”

  1. Yes … if there is any possibilities for sudden load changes due to system fault, also loss of synchronism or pole slip protection is employed….

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