Potier Reactance - Synchronous Generator

Potier Reactance

For obtaining potier reactance Zero Power Factor test is conducted by connecting the alternator to ZPF load and exciting the alternator in such way that the alternator supplies the rated current at rated voltage running at rated speed. To plot ZPF characteristics only two points are required. One point is corresponding to the zero voltage and rated current that can be obtained from scc and the other at rated voltage and rated current under zpf load. This zero power factor curve appears like OCC but shifted by a factor I_aX_L vertically and horizontally by armature reaction mmf as shown below in Fig: 1.15. Following are the steps to draw ZPF characteristics.

By suitable tests plot OCC and SCC. Draw air gap line. Conduct ZPF test at full load for rated voltage and fix the point B. Draw the line BH with length equal to field current required to produce full load current on short circuit. Draw HD parallel to the air gap line so as to cut the OCC. Draw DE perpendicular to HB or parallel to voltage axis. Now, DE represents voltage drop IXL and BE represents the field current required to overcome the effect of armature reaction.

Triangle BDE is called Potier triangle and XL is the Potier reactance.