Abstract: The rotor time constant of a synchronous generator plays a key role in the modeling of the generator excitation system; dynamic response characteristics, starting time and inverter time, along with the compensation effect of the power system stabilizer, are all related to this parameter. The previous measurement methods of this constant are more or less limited and inconvenient. This paper develops a new method for its measurement, and discusses the feasibility through analysis of the measuring principle. This method and its measuring accuracy are verified and compared with numerical simulations and the existing methods, showing its convenience and reliability for engineering application as a new choice.

Key words: rotor time constant, excitation, modeling, blocking pulse, specific control angle