Which generator operating mode employs an electronic governor?

Which generator operating mode employs an electronic governor?

• A. Precise
• B. Base load
• C. Standby
• D. Prime

Answer: (A)

The key idea is speed control through the governor. An electronic governor uses sensors and control electronics to continuously compare the actual turbine speed with a desired setpoint and make precise corrections to fuel or steam supply. This allows very tight, fast adjustments to keep generator frequency stable even as load changes. When a generator operates in a mode that requires exact, stable speed, an electronic governor is the appropriate control method. That’s why this mode—designed for precise speed regulation—employs an electronic governor. Other modes focus more on maintaining a steady output, readiness, or load-following and can rely on different, less precision-focused control schemes, so they don’t require the same electronic, high-precision regulation.

The key idea is speed control through the governor. An electronic governor uses sensors and control electronics to continuously compare the actual turbine speed with a desired setpoint and make precise corrections to fuel or steam supply. This allows very tight, fast adjustments to keep generator frequency stable even as load changes.

When a generator operates in a mode that requires exact, stable speed, an electronic governor is the appropriate control method. That’s why this mode—designed for precise speed regulation—employs an electronic governor. Other modes focus more on maintaining a steady output, readiness, or load-following and can rely on different, less precision-focused control schemes, so they don’t require the same electronic, high-precision regulation.