Parallelling Remote Generators
Parallelling Remote Generators
(OP)
Gentlemen,
I have a situation wherein I will be parallelling two 1500kW generators to feed the Emergency Power system at an airport terminal. The problem is that due to space and security issues, the client wants to locate the parallelling switchgear inside the building and the two generators outside in a secured yard. The distance is approximately 150' between the two areas.
Can any of you see problems with this installation? I normally like to locate these adjacent each other for maintenance and testing issues.
Do you see any Code/Safety/Operational/Synchronisation or other technical problems with this? I can't think of anything other than the testing issue.
Thank you and regards,
Jim Murillo
I have a situation wherein I will be parallelling two 1500kW generators to feed the Emergency Power system at an airport terminal. The problem is that due to space and security issues, the client wants to locate the parallelling switchgear inside the building and the two generators outside in a secured yard. The distance is approximately 150' between the two areas.
Can any of you see problems with this installation? I normally like to locate these adjacent each other for maintenance and testing issues.
Do you see any Code/Safety/Operational/Synchronisation or other technical problems with this? I can't think of anything other than the testing issue.
Thank you and regards,
Jim Murillo






RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
Can't comment on US code issues.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
Not that 150' is a huge distance, but you may want to take the generator voltage sensing point from the actual synch breaker rather than from the alternator.
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
EEJaime
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
Also, in my experience, the switchgear is often better placed inside a clean air conditioned room, rather than mounted on the generator where its subjected to vibration and dust. Again, as ScottyUK has said, a proper 'lock out, tag out' system takes care of some of the issues involved regarding remote switchgear.
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
Alan
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"It's always fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
If you do either of these things then pay very close attention to the interlocking between the local switch or breaker and the synchronising gear. Fit blown fuse indicators and tie them into the synchroniser logic too. If carefully designed then it will be benign enough, but there's definitely scope for an out-of-sync breaker closure if you aren't careful. I know procedure should prevent anyone operating the breaker while the set is running, but the hazard is better engineered out completely than proceduralised. I would definitely not want to be inside the generator enclosure during a bad sync: bits of con-rod bursting out of the block ain't funny when you are standing next to it.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Parallelling Remote Generators
Thank you all again,
EEJaime