What is the excitation system in a generator used for?

The excitation system is used to control the excitation of the rotating field in the armature. By increasing the armature current, it in turn increases the magnetic flux in the armature coil. This has the effect of increasing the voltage output of the generator. By lowering the armature current this in turn lowers the generator output voltage. The generator's voltage regulator automatically adjusts the output voltage continuously as the applied load on the generator changes.