A system for generating updated reactive capability curves of a generator
operates the generator at a number of operating load levels and at a
number of different power factors to collect data regarding the real and
reactive power generated at each of the various operating load levels and
power factors. Subsequently, the system analyzes the collected data to
determine an actual reactive capability curve of the generator. The
system also provides generator health monitoring and identifies changes
and trends in the capability curves of the generator. The updated
reactive capability curves may be used by an economic dispatch program in
determining optimum MW and MVAR setpoints for the generator.