What is the role of protection relays in generator protection?

Protection relays play a crucial role in the safety and reliability of generator operations. Their primary function is to detect abnormal conditions or faults within the generator or its associated systems. When such conditions arise—like overcurrent, short circuits, or equipment malfunctions—the protection relays act swiftly to isolate the affected unit. This isolation is essential as it helps prevent further damage to the generator and related equipment, thereby maintaining the overall integrity of the power system.

By ensuring that any faulty component is disconnected from the power supply, protection relays preserve the functionality of the rest of the system and prevent cascading failures. This protective action is vital for maintaining generator safety, reliability, and efficiency, making it an essential aspect of generator operations, particularly in industrial and utility settings.

Other functions mentioned, such as monitoring efficiency, increasing power output, or adjusting voltage levels, are not the primary roles of protection relays. These roles pertain to different operational or control equipment used in power systems, highlighting the specific and critical purpose of protection relays in maintaining system safety.