11KV generators,1825kva,95amps,distribution of power.

[orman]

Hi all,
we have a power house made of 3 CAT3516 gen. sets,ratings:1825kva,11kv,95amps,1460kw,50hz,1500rpm.
What are the requirements for distribution,if we want to run them individually,synchronize 2 of them or all three.
Thanks for your time/effort in advance.

 

[waross]

In the old days, they would be run in droop mode.
With a dependable, well trained staff, (not always available) one may be run in autogenous mode and the others added as needed but the load levels must be closely monitored.
Today, a load control panel would be in order. This may be run autogenous to keep the frequency stable. The load control panels may be run at N+1 loading if desired. The panels may start and sync added sets as the load increases and drop sets off line as the load reduces.
Droop mode is quite forgiving and dependable but a typical range for frequency droop will be 103% at no load down to 100% at full load.
A load control panel may automate the starting, syncing and stopping of sets. The frequency control will be very good with slight frequency excursions in the event of block loading or dropping block loads.
Your local Caterpillar dealer should be able to help.
Hopefully our Cat expert will post in.


Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[alehman]

Caterpillar can provide you with paralleling switchgear...

http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=82160&x=7

Or you can buy from many other switchgear manufacturers. This is a common application and you certainly don't have to buy Cat gear. With help of a qualified engineer it should be doable. There may be some work to get the control interfaces to match up, depending on the age of the gensets. You will also need protective relaying.

Do you intend to operate the generators connected to a utility source?