Synchronous Generator P-Q Curve
Synchronous Generator Capability Curve (P-Q Curve) using MATLAB
The generator operating limits is expressed in the form of the generator P-Q diagram. In other words, generator P-Q diagram provides a safe boundary in which the generator can operate without exceeding thermal limitations.
In this publication, practical steps for drawing Generator Capability Curve using MATLAB is presented .
Assumptions:
* Synchronous Generator
* Round Rotor
* Armature Winding Resistance is neglected
* Quantities are expressed based on Per Unit (P.U.) system
Parameters and Quantities definitions:
* Sn : Nominal Apparent Power
* P : Active Power
* Q : Reactive Power
* Ea : Induced voltage in stator windings
* V : Terminal Voltage
* I : Armature Current
* PF : Power Factor
* Xs : Synchronous Reactance
* theta : Power factor angle
* delta : Load angle
In the following, three main limits of generator capability is presented:
1. Armature Current Limit
Armature Current Limitation will resulted in the following equations for P and Q:
2. Field Current Limit
Field Current Limitation will resulted in the following equations for P and Q:
3. Stability Limit
Stability of the turbogenerator is the ability to stay in synchronous operation under slow load changes.
Stability limitation will resulted in the following equations for P and Q:
Usage:
Just define the required parameters as follows and run the script
%% Synchronous Generator P-Q Curve
%% Parameter Definition
Sn = 1; % Rated apparent power [P.U.]
PF = 0.85; % Power Factor
V = [1.05, 0.95, 1]; % Terminal Voltage (+-5% Voltage Variation) [P.U.]
I = Sn./V; % Nominal Current [P.U.]
Xs = 2; % Synchronous Reactance
Usage:
Synchronous Generator P-Q Curve:
Contact
Email: smtoraabi@ymail.com
Cite As
mansour torabi (2026). Synchronous Generator P-Q Curve (https://github.com/Mansourt/Synchronous-Generator-P-Q-Curve_MATLAB/releases/tag/v1.2), GitHub. Retrieved .
MATLAB Release Compatibility
Platform Compatibility
Windows macOS LinuxTags
Discover Live Editor
Create scripts with code, output, and formatted text in a single executable document.
| Version | Published | Release Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | See release notes for this release on GitHub: https://github.com/Mansourt/Synchronous-Generator-P-Q-Curve_MATLAB/releases/tag/v1.2 |
||
| 1.1 | See release notes for this release on GitHub: https://github.com/Mansourt/Synchronous-Generator-P-Q-Curve_MATLAB/releases/tag/v1.1 |
||
| 1.0 |




