Question 178Electricity & Electronics - QMED

The correct answer is C) prevent alternator motorization. The purpose of a ship's service generator circuit breaker's reverse power trip is to prevent the alternator from being driven as a motor in the event of a loss of prime mover (engine) power. This reverse power condition can occur if the load on the generator exceeds the generator's prime mover capacity, causing the alternator to spin backwards and draw power from the electrical system. The reverse power trip setting on the circuit breaker is designed to quickly disconnect the generator from the system in this scenario, preventing damage to the alternator and electrical components. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not directly address the primary purpose of the reverse power trip feature. Option A relates to overload protection, option B is about the circuit breaker itself, and option D is about low voltage conditions, none of which are the main function of the reverse power trip.