Generator Problem
Generator Problem
(OP)
I have a Steam Turbine generator at a garbage burner that is having load fluctuation problems it fluctuates from 16MW to 1 MW for what appears to be no reason at all. This occurs about every minute. The generator is about thrity years old and the stator has been rewound. Any input on this problem would be helpful.






RE: Generator Problem
RE: Generator Problem
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If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!
RE: Generator Problem
Your Gen is ofcourse old. But is your turbine also that old?
RE: Generator Problem
RE: Generator Problem
Is this unit running in parallel with other units or the utility grid?
Is the 1MW-600kW amount of the swing in power (deviation) or the total load on the turbine? I read your post as it is the total load.
If in paralllel with other system, many other items such as load share module, AVR etc. may play a role.
What was the steady load before this fluctuations started happening?
How old is the installation?
RE: Generator Problem
Please post a bit more info on the nature of the load on your generating set, the grid connection if present, and the rating of the generating set in terms of voltage , power, etc.
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If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!
RE: Generator Problem
What sort of system are you connected to?
RE: Generator Problem
RE: Generator Problem
If the unit is running without a droop characteristic enabled i.e. it is configured as an isochronous machine for islanded operation even though it is tied to the grid, this would account for the load variation you are seeing.
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If we learn from our mistakes,
I'm getting a great education!
RE: Generator Problem
If your droop setting is lower compared to other generators on the grid, then your gen will take proportionally a bigger chunck of any load change on the grid.
If it has no droop setting then it is isochronous and for that matter it should not be tied to the grid but rather be isolated to feed its own load.
RE: Generator Problem
1. grid frequency. is it stable? this is a very small generator so if the grid frequency is swinging it may be the dog wagging the tail.
2. control valves: are they following the load?
3. steam vacuum? is it constant?
the only way to troubleshoot load swings in a feedback system like a steam turbine control... is to open the loop.
one way to do that is to open the line breaker (house load or "island" operation) and see what happens.
HTH
saludos.
a.
RE: Generator Problem
If boiler pressures, steam flow, and drum level seem unaffected, then I suspect instumentation. If you are experiencing boiler transients as well, look for a broken valve stem. You'd need to be on the turbine deck when the transient is happening.
RE: Generator Problem
RE: Generator Problem