ABB UNITROL 1020 (Model: 3BHE030579R0001) is a high-performance excitation control system launched by ABB. It is specifically designed for synchronous generators (such as hydroelectric generators and steam turbine generators), used to precisely regulate the excitation current of the generator rotor, ensuring stable voltage and improving the dynamic performance of the power system. Here is a detailed introduction of it:
I. Core Functions
Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR)
By continuously monitoring the voltage at the generator terminal, it automatically adjusts the excitation current to maintain the output voltage close to the set value (with an accuracy typically ≤ ±0.5%), ensuring stable grid voltage.
Supports multiple control modes (such as constant voltage, constant power factor, constant reactive power), meeting the requirements of different operating scenarios.
Power System Stabilizer (PSS) Function
Includes built-in PSS algorithms, which compensate for low-frequency oscillations (typically 0.1 – 2.5 Hz), suppressing dynamic instability in the power system caused by load sudden changes or faults, and enhancing the grid’s anti-interference capability.
Excitation Current Limiting and Protection
Provides over-excitation limitation (to prevent rotor overheating), under-excitation limitation (to avoid risk of synchronization loss), and voltage/hertz (V/Hz) limitation to protect the generator and excitation system from unsafe operation.
Includes rapid fuses, overvoltage/overcurrent protection, etc., to prevent equipment damage.
Communication and Monitoring Interfaces
Supports standard communication protocols (such as Modbus, IEC 61850), and can be integrated with DCS, SCADA systems for remote monitoring and parameter adjustment.
Provides human-machine interface (HMI) or local operation panel for convenient on-site debugging and status viewing.
Technical Specifications
Parameter Name Parameter Value
Model UNITROL 1020 3BHE030579R0001
Manufacturer ABB
Applicable Generator Type Synchronous Generator (Hydro/Turbine)
Input Voltage Usually the generator terminal voltage (AC 100-690V)
Output Current Depending on the generator capacity, the range is wide (such as hundreds of amperes to thousands of amperes)
Control Precision ≤±0.5% (Voltage Regulation)
Response Time <100ms (Dynamic Response)
Operating Temperature -20°C to +60°C (Ambient Temperature)
Protection Level IP20 (Installed in Control Cabinet)
Communication Interface Modbus RTU/TCP, IEC 61850, etc.
Size and Weight Modular Design, Weight depends on configuration (usually several tens of kilograms) 
Design Advantages
High Reliability
The system adopts redundant design (such as dual-channel control and dual power modules), and automatically switches in case of failure of key components, ensuring continuous operation.
Compliant with international standards such as IEC 60034-16, and has passed rigorous environmental tests (vibration, humidity, salt spray, etc.). Flexibility
The modular structure supports on-demand configuration (such as adding PSS modules, communication interfaces), and can adapt to the requirements of generators of different scales.
Parameters can be adjusted on-site to optimize control performance to match the specific characteristics of each unit. Intelligence-driven
Built-in self-diagnosis function, real-time monitoring of equipment status (such as power module temperature, cooling fan speed), and early warning of potential faults.
Support for remote firmware upgrade, extending the equipment’s service life.
Energy saving and environmental protection
Efficient power conversion design (such as using IGBT technology), reducing the self-loss of the excitation system and improving the power generation efficiency.
Compliant with low harmonic standards (such as IEEE 519), reducing pollution to the power grid.
Application scenario
Hydroelectric power station
Adjust the excitation of the hydroelectric generator to adapt to load fluctuations caused by water level changes and ensure voltage stability.
Cooperate with the PSS function to suppress low-frequency oscillations caused by water hammer effect.
Thermal power plant
Provide rapid and precise excitation control for steam turbine generators to enhance the stability of the power grid frequency.
Quickly restore voltage after a fault and support black start capability.
Renewable energy grid connection
Used for energy storage systems in wind power generation and photovoltaic power stations or excitation of synchronous generators to improve the quality of grid-connected power.
Industrial self-generation power plant
Provide stable excitation for enterprise self-generation generators to ensure the reliability of power supply for critical loads.
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