Siemens Alternator Regulator 1

[MarineElect]

I am finding it difficult to obtain parts for the voltage regulation of a Siemens 500kVA 400V alternator, the ICF5 406 model.
I would be grateful if anyone would know where to obtain parts for these, they appear to be obsolete and Siemens have not been able to let me know how to overcome my problem or suggest upgrades.

Has anyone out there ever tried to modify the voltage regulators on these machines, I am particularly interested in the possibility of changing over to use the Digital Voltage Regulators supplied with some of the Caterillar SR4B alternators.
The machines are used in a three phase, three wire, ungrounded application

 

[niallnz]

Hi MarineElect
Check the name plate of the alternator to find out the excitation voltage and current. If the alternator uses brushless excitation measure the field resistance. The Caterpillar AVR's are designed for brushless excitation and a low(ish) field resistance, typically less than 10-Ohms, and can deliver 10Amps continuous. I have retrofited a Caterpillar VR6 (not digital but ver ygood) onto a 1000kVA generator. The VR6 can be supplied from a single phase, three phase or PMG, but check the input voltage level, I don't think it'll take 400V directly. It self excites with as little as 10V on the generator terminals. The only trouble I had was that Caterpillar were very bad at providing support information (manual) and any technical support, because it was not on a Caterpillar generator.
Cheers and good luck