Four typical designs for connecting generator set(s) to the low voltage system

Generator set(s) connections to LV system

Many different system designs are possible, but for highest reliability, systems are typically configured so that generator set(s) are connected at low voltage, with the minimum number of transformers and circuit breakers between the generator set and load to be served.

Local laws often require that emergency loads are electrically separated from non–emergency loads, and given preference in service so that overloads will result in the non–emergency loads are shed, because this provides the greatest reliability of service to the most critical loads in the system.

Let’s see four most common designs for connecting generator set(s) to the low voltage systems:

1. Generator set serving common loads
2. Multiple generator sets serving common loads
3. Single generator set standby applications
4. Multiple generator sets, multiple ATS applications

1. Generator set serving common loads

Generator sets are commonly provided with a main circuit breaker that is mounted on the generator set and service to loads is provided through a separate distribution panel as shown in Figure 1.

Generators are required to be provided with overcurrent protection, and that can be provided in many forms, which include a breaker mounted in the distribution panel, as shown in Figure 1.

The significance of this is that the protection may be located at the generator set or in a remote panel. If the generator set circuit breaker is omitted, a disconnect switch may still be required by code at the generator set, to provide a point of isolation. Refer to local codes and standards for requirements for generator disconnects or isolation.

Go back to connecting generator set(s) designs ↑

2. Multiple generator sets serving common loads

Figure 2 shows a similar application with paralleling generators replacing the single generator set. In this situation the generator sets may be specifically selected to be of multiple sizes to allow for minimizing the fuel consumption at a site by closely matching the capacity of the operating equipment to the system loads.

Use of dissimilar–sized generator sets may require specific system grounding (earthing) arrangements.

Go back to connecting generator set(s) designs ↑

3. Single generator set standby applications

Figure 3 represents a typical single set power transfer scheme for one utility (mains) supply at low voltage, as may be applied to many domestic, commercial and small industrial applications.

An automatic transfer switch (ATS), which may use contactors, circuit breakers or a dedicate transfer module, is used to transfer the electrical supply to the load from utility to generator.

Three–pole generator and utility circuit breakers or fuse–switches are often used to limit the fault level present at the ATS. The ATS may be a 3–pole (solid, non–switched neutral) or 4–pole (switched neutral) device. Typically, 4–pole ATS equipment is used in applications where it is necessary to isolate the supply neutral from the generator neutral.

Note that some local codes and standards require the use of multiple transfer switches due to requirements to isolate emergency loads from standby loads.

In these cases, the transfer switches may be located on the load side of the utility distribution panel, and the generator set may also need a distribution panel when the feeder breakers for the ATS equipment cannot be mounted on the generator set.

Go back to connecting generator set(s) designs ↑

4. Multiple generator sets, multiple ATS applications

Larger systems can utilize multiple ATS units and protection located close to the loads. These are often considered to be more reliable than those employing a single large ATS, because faults in the distribution system are more likely to occur toward the load end of a distribution system and the use of multiple switches would result in less of the system being disrupted when a fault occurs.

Figure 4 illustrates a design suited to larger installations, particularly where multiple buildings are served by the same generator installation.

In this system, three ATS units are used, supplied by a common utility and generator system. This scheme can be further adapted to operate from separate utility systems.

This scheme enables a versatile generation system to be constructed and can readily be adapted to multiple sets.

Go back to connecting generator set(s) designs ↑

Cummins generator set 250kVA – Introduction and testing

Load testing a 500kVA generator

A follow-up to my August 2011 generator test video. Every six months (unless we’ve had a power failure in the mean time) we perform a load test of our main standby generator at the office. Rather than hiring a dummy load, we just use the electrical equipment in the office itself, which also gives us a chance to identify any “trigger-happy” breakers within the building.

We don’t perform a full-load test, but a combination of all the lighting, air conditioning and the IT server room gives us around 150kW to play with, almost a 40% load.

500KVA diesel generator set cold start

500KVA Cummins Diesel Generator set cold start/Backfire, been stood for a while and the temperature was -20°C. The controller shut it down after it revved up at the end.

Go back to connecting generator set(s) designs ↑

Reference // Electrical design of the on-site generation system by Cummins Power Generation