Five essential factors determine the power supply quality of diesel generator sets

As a multiple performance and reliable power supply, the contribution for productivity of diesel generator set cannot be overlooked. Diesel generator sets can provide important power supply and power support for various applications, such as urban drainage project, manufacturing industries, hospitals, or provide reliable and stable power supply for the remote areas.

However, before defining your purchase requirements, you need to consider several key aspects, especially those related to comparable performance and unit size.

When choosing diesel generators, five factors need to consider: ensure the correct capacity, modular potential, type of control system adopted, fuel efficiency and autonomy, the last is physical dimension and Logistics operations.

Power rating is actually important

The most important factor to consider is the high inrush current when starting motors and transformers, which is typically six times the full-load current. However, the inrush current of the currently specified high-efficiency motor type is nearly twice that value.

Therefore, the common method is taking the starting kVA requirements of motors and transformers as the criterion for determining the generator power rating. This method often results in an overrated power rating and fails to meet the generator’s overload requirements.

In addition, it ignores other factors that play a key role during determining the generator power rate. For example, harmonics caused by variable frequency drives and sequential motor starting.

When starting motors or transformers, significant voltage and frequency dips may occur if the generator set power rating is inappropriate. In addition, other loads connected to the generator output may be more sensitive to voltage and frequency dips than motors or motor starters, which may cause operational issues.

Now, many generators can equip solutions to deal with the additional excitation system of alternator. Commonly provide two choices: permanent magnet and auxiliary winding. Both provide the generator with three times the nominal current via residual excitation current, to cover the motor inrush peak for a minimum duration of ten seconds.

Under some conditions, you even can use more advanced choices. For example, some generators are equipped with D-AVR, which is specially designed to handle the high inrush current associated with starting motors and transformers. In specific applications, this type of voltage controller allows operators to downsize generator requirements, as the transient performance of the power supply is better managed.

Another choice is adopting the pre-excitation closing system, it can close circuit breaker when generator starting. This enables the excitation to rise gradually as the engine speed increases, allowing loads connected to the generator to start extremely softly. This is particularly useful for magnetizing step-up transformers in medium-voltage installations.

Therefore, it is no longer necessary to purchase an oversized generator merely to cope with the initial inrush current during startup. Furthermore, intelligent control of generator voltage enables lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs and a longer service life.

Modular capability

Even with only one generator set, it is advisable to consult the manufacturer about how to connect it with other units to form a modular power plant. For example, is this feature standard on the generator? In addition, how long does it take to pair the two devices?

For many generators, this process can take less than ten minutes, while not all generators come with this feature as standard. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you check this before purchasing.

Coordinated via the controller network, the plug-and-play generator can be powered on and off at any time according to site requirements. For example, only one or two units operate during low-load periods to improve fuel efficiency.

Modular capacity also has many except advantages. Firstly, by configuring the remaining units to increase their output to maintain a consistent overall power output, can reduce single unit failure, further improve device reliability. Secondly, both costs and service intervals are reduced, as there is no need to shut down the entire power transmission during necessary maintenance operations.

Control system and management

In addition to providing extensive analytical data, it can also remotely start and program the machine, as well as display warnings such as low fuel levels and other performance issues. This helps improve the efficiency of power plant operation while delivering a valuable overview of the application process.

Many generators are now equipped with power management systems. They are ideal for a wide range of applications, thanks to their plug-and-play design that enables easy and quick configuration. The power management system offers a way to optimize the fuel consumption and performance of generators in line with load demand, starting and stopping the units accordingly as the load rises or falls. It also helps prevent generator damage caused by engine operation under low load conditions, thereby extending its service life.

At Dingbo Power, we supply 30–3000KW diesel generator sets in various types including basic type, silent canopy type, container type and mobile trailer type, suitable for regular, standby and emergency power supply needs. So, feel free to contact us now!