Synchronization of Gas Generator Units
A synchronized generator set is a system of parallel-connected synchronized generators of the same or different capacities that operate simultaneously or alternately through a special unit and a load distribution panel. In synchronization, generators can be installed side by side or at a short distance from each other.
Grid synchronized generators are effective when electricity consumption varies significantly within a day, a week or a season.
Benefits of Parallel-Connected Generators
What problems may arise with one generator? It should always work regardless of the actual load, even if the load is less than a quarter of the maximum, for example at night or on weekends. This is very impractical, because with a low load the apparatus unreasonably spends the service hours, consumes more fuel and engine oil. In addition, the repair or maintenance of a single generator means a complete power outage.
Given synchronized parallel operation, generators are gradually and automatically put into operation with increasing load and are also gradually phased out when load decreases. With such a scheme of operation during the night or on weekends, one low- power generator can work spending less service hours.
Conditions for Synchronization of Generators
To successfully synchronize generators and put them into parallel operation, the following conditions must be met:
- Voltage frequencies of the network and the generator connected thereto must be equal. It depends on the clock frequencies of the apparatus engine;
- With an excessive frequency difference (more than 0.2 Hz), full synchronization may not be achieved, as there is a possibility of generator not being engaged into synchronism;
- It is necessary to ensure the identical voltage of all generators. Successful parallel operation can be achieved with only 5–10% of value discrepancy;
- It is necessary to observe the correct sequential order of generators’ phases in the network.
The order of phasing generators in and out changes automatically depending on the service life of each of them. Maintenance and repair can be carried out alternately within a working day, reducing the generation by the amount of power of only one generator, and not the entire installation.
Synchronization of Generators at the FASENERGOMASH Power Stations
Synchronizing generators for parallel operation is an excellent solution when a high power output is required. FAS generators are produced on the basis of Lancin, YaMZ and MMZ engines with a capacity of up to 315 kW.
The company also offers its customers 1 MW synchronized generator sets. A synchronized generator set for 1,000 kW is several times cheaper than a single apparatus of the same capacity.
Of course, the synchronization of gas generator sets has some limitations:
- The more generators are installed, the more time is required for maintenance;
- A synchronized generator set occupies more space;
- At 100% load, a synchronized generator set consumes 5–10% more gas than one generator of high capacity, but with a load reduction of up to 70%, the consumption is reduced to the level of a single generator, or even lower.