Diagnostic Tools for Generator Testing Part 1

Electrical/Electronic Diagnosis

An advanced generator is a complete integrated system. The engine operation software can be controlled by commands from the system controller, such as the Cummins PCC controller. Technicians use various electrical/electronic diagnostic tools to test and troubleshoot the power generation system.

Multimeters, megohmmeters, and clamp ammeters are some essential handheld diagnostic tools. The portable load group tester provides external loads to accurately test the generator under controlled loads. The manufacturer software is installed on the maintenance tool (laptop) for communication with the generator control system.

 

This article introduces the functions and common uses of handheld devices and software diagnostic tools. When using any electrical equipment, Dingbo Electric always recommends using trained generator technicians, licensed commercial electricians, or electrical contractors.

 

 

Handheld instrument

 

Multimeter

 

In the daily use of power generation technicians, a multimeter is one of the most commonly used tools. These instruments are used to check for open circuits, short circuits, and grounding in circuits. The selection of resistance, voltage, and amperage is common. Early multimeters were analog, with pointers moving on the scale. Today's multimeter is a digital multifunctional electronic testing tool with multiple functions.

 

The voltage test is completed without isolating the circuit. However, the ampere test is a bit complicated because the circuit must pass through a multimeter. When reading the resistance, the conductor and coil are disconnected from the circuit. The specifications of the generator stator winding specify the resistance of a single coil. If the coil resistance is higher than the specification, the AC generator must be replaced or repaired. The resistance between each coil must be infinite (OL).

 

A multimeter is an essential instrument for on-site technicians. This is the most commonly used tool by technicians.

 

There are many adapters available to improve the performance of blood glucose meters. Here are some examples:

 

Clamp current transformer - equipped with clamp function for standard multimeter

 

Inductive sensor/external trigger - allows technicians to measure revolutions per minute (RPM)

 

Pressure Vacuum Module - Adding Digital Vacuum and Pressure Readings to the Multimeter

 

Integrated temperature probe - allows a multimeter to measure temperature

 

Clamp ammeters.

 

The AC clamp ammeter has two ferrite or soft iron clamps wrapped with metal wires. The gripper opens and closes around the conductor. When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated. The magnetic field fluctuates proportionally to the load. The current transformer inside the meter converts magnetic field fluctuations into AC current readings.

 

The DC clamp ammeter is composed of Hall effect sensors. DC current flows with a fixed polarity, while the magnetic field around the conductor remains unchanged. The clamp is clamped around the conductor. A fixed polarity current generates a small amount of voltage. The ammeter Hall effect sensor converts voltage into a DC ampere reading.

 

The reason for the circuit breaker tripping may be a lengthy and difficult to solve problem. After troubleshooting the short circuit issue, the ammeter allows technicians to quickly determine whether it is a circuit breaker fault or an overload situation in the circuit.

 

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.