Marathon Generator Paralleling Operation And Troubleshooting

VII. Paralleling operation (wiring refer to the appendix):

MX generators are suitable for paralleling as full damping winding. But, before paralleling, each unit of generator should be started up, operated and adjusted.

A. Base conditions of paralleling operations:

1 . Additional paralleling circuitry

a. Voltage regulator-paralleling provisions

b. Paralleling current transformer(s)

c. Paralleling provisions on governor controls

d. Switch gear

2. The voltage and frequency must be the same for all sets with voltages in phase.

3. The generators must have the same phase sequence rotation.

4. The voltage regulation characteristics of the individual generators should be similar.

5. The driving engines should have the same speed regulation characteristics and the governors should be adjusted to give the same speed regulation.

B: Reactive load control and adjustment:

When two identical generators are operating together in parallel and an unbalance occurs in field excitation, circulating currents begin to flow between the generators. This current will appear as a lagging power factor or inductive load to the highly excited generator, and as a leading power factor or capacitive load to the generator with the lower field current. This is known as the reactive circulating current, and there are two controlling methods in parallel operation:

1. Reactive droop compensation (formerly known as parallel droop compensation) - the bus voltage droops or decreases as the reactive lagging power factor load is increased. Then the output current and power of generator decreases, thus reactive power tends to balance.

2. Reactive differential compensation (formerly known as cross current compensation) - the reactive differential compensation circuit allows parallel generators to share reactive loads with no decrease or no droop in generator voltage, The circuit must meet the following criteria:

a. All secondary circuit of current transformers for generators being paralleled must be included into interconnection loop.

b. When different size generators are paralleled, all paralleling current transformers must have the same or proportional ratios that give approximately the same secondary current.

c. Reactive differential compensation cannot be used when paralleling with the utility power. There is no limit, however, in the number of generators that can be included in this type of circuit.

The paralleling with the utility power has different wiring circuitry, means and program, consult with manufacturer if need assistance.

VIII. Thyristor or SCR Loading

Solid state electronic control devices which utilize thyristors or SCR firing circuits (such as variable frequency induction motor controls, precision motor speed controls, no-break powered battery chargers, etc.) can introduce high frequency harmonics which adversely affect or destroy the normal waveform of the generator. This creates additional heat in the generator stator and rotor and can cause overheating.

These devices can and do present problems to non-utility power generating equipment or any limited power bus system. The problems which can occur are not limited to the generator itself, but can effect the solid state control device, the equipment it controls, other associated loads, monitoring devices, or a number of combinations over the entire system.

MAGNAMAXDVR generators can supply power to thyristor or SCR loads when properly applied. When SCR loads are more than 25% of the total load, select the generator based on the 800C R/R rating. The standard voltage regulator is PMG powered and senses 3 phase RMS voltages for maximum stability against severely distorted wave forms. SCR type applications such as cranes, shovels, etc., require special consideration of the generator insulation system due to greater dielectric stress and severe environmental conditions. Please contact to Marathon Electric for application assistance.

Ⅸ.Troubleshooting

Symptom: Generator Produces No Voltage or Residual Voltage
Regulator Fuse Blown	Check fuses with an ohmmeter. Replace bad fuse,   Refer to regulator manual.
Voltmeter Off	Check to be sure meter phase selector switch is not in the off position.
Incorrect Connections	Verify generator connections (refer to drawings supplied with generator set or principle diagram).
Defective Connections/Wiring	Inspect all wiring for grounds, open circuits, and short circuits.
Defective Voltmeter	Verify proper operation of panel meter with another meter that is known to be accurate.
No Regulatar Input	Measure voltage at regulator input (PMG output).
Defective Diodes, Surge Suppressor Generator Windings	Test generator with constant excitation (12 volt or battery test).
Voltage Regulator Protective Shutdown Circuits are Operating	Correct problem and adjust regulator. Refer to regulator manual.
Voltage Regulator Inoperative	Adjust or replace regulator. Refer to regulator manual.
Symptom: Generator Produces Low Voltage - No Load
Under speed operation	Check speed using tachometers and/or frequency meters.
Defective Voltmeter	Disconnect F1 and F2 leads at the voltage   regulator. If voltage goes down, continue to next step. If voltage does not   change, refer to Troubleshooting for symptoms of “No Voltage – Residual Voltage”.
Incorrect Generator Connections	Verify generator connections (refer to drawings supplied with generator set).
Defective Connections/Wiring	Inspect all wiring for grounds, open circuits,   short circuits, loose connections, and dirty connections.
Regulator Adjustments	Adjust regulator (refer to regulator manual).   Check exciter field volts.
Defective Diodes, Surge Suppressor, Generator Windings	Test generator with constant excitation (12 volt or battery test).

Symptom: Generator Produces Low Voltage When Load Is Applied
Overload	Measure amps and verify that the load does not   exceed the nameplate rating of the generator.
Overload - Defective Ammeter	Verify  operation of ammeter by using a   separate meter that is known to be accurate.
Droop Circuit	If the generator set is equipped for paralleling,   some voltage droop is normal as load increases (refer to the regulator   instruction manual).
Line drop	The sensing point far away from the measuring   point of voltage meter, it may has some voltage drop on the longer line.
Symptom: Generator Produces High Voltage
Defective Voltmeter	Verify operation of panel meter with another meter that is known to be accurate.
Incorrect Operating Speed	Verify speed with tachometer or frequency meter.
Incorrect Connections	Verify generator connections.
Defective Connections/Wiring	Inspect all wiring for grounds, open circuits, and short circuits.
Regulator Adjustments	Adjust regulator (refer to regulator manual).
Diode Polarity Incorrect	Check diodes: verify proper diodes are installed and polarity is correct.
Voltage Regulator Not Operating Properly	Adjust or replace regulator (refer to regulator   instruction manual).
Symptom: Generator Voltage Is Fluctuating
Incorrect Speed	Verify speed with tachometer or frequency meter.
Unstable Speed	Verify governor stability.
Voltage Regulator Stability	Adjust regulator stability (refer to regulator   manual).
Defective/Loose Connections	Inspect all wiring for loose or dirty   connections.
Defective Diodes, Surge Suppressor, or Generator Windings	Test generator with constant excitation (12 volt   battery test).
Remote Voltage Adjust (If used)	Check operation (refer to regulator manual).
Defective Regulator	Replace regulator (refer to regulator manual).
SCR load	Check the load situation, does it match.