STANDBY GENERATORS: THEORY OF OPERATION, SELECTION, INSTALLATION, TESTING, MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

SYNOPSIS

Standby or backup generators are one of the most critical appliances in the present day, especially at this time of load shedding. Nearly everything in our homes, commercial and industrial premises is dependent on electricity. Power outages can wreak some serious havoc on our well-being, daily activities and business. The Standby generator has to be properly sized to meet our critical load demand when power fails. To ensure its continuous performance, generators should be properly selected, installed, maintained and closely monitored. Technical personnel who are assigned to install, maintain, monitor and troubleshoot the standby generator have to be fully equipped with the most relevant technical know-how of the standby generator.

This two-day course will cover standby generator types, application, fundamental parts, selection, sizing, and installation requirements in accordance with SANS10142-1, Earthing, Generator testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Workshop outline

DAY MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION TO GENERATORS

• Introduction
• How a generator works
• Application of generating set
• Types of generators based on the output
  • AC (alternating current) generators and
  • DC (direct current) generators
• Types of generators based on Energy Source
  • Fossil-Fuel Energy Source Generators: Gasoline generators, diesel fuel generators, Biodiesel fuel generators’ Emulsified Diesel
  • Natural Energy Source Generators: Propane Gas, Natural Gas, Solar Generators, Hydrogen generators
• Types of Generators based on their application
  • Portable generators
  • Inverter generator
  • Standby generators
  • Induction generators

• • Diesel Vs. Gaseous Generators

DAY 1 MODULE 2 DIESEL GENERATOR FUNDAMENTAL PARTS

• Introduction
• Diesel Engine
• The alternator
• Fuel System
• Voltage Regulator
• Cooling System and Exhaust System
• Lubrication System
• Starter and Battery System
• Control Panel
• Main Assembly Frame
• Diesel Generator Working Principle
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Diesel Generator

DAY 2 MODULE 3: GENERATOR SET SELECTION & SIZING

• Considerations to take into account when selecting and sizing generator
• Generator sizing calculations
• • Determination of Generator Set Ratings
    • Standby rating,
    • prime power rating,
    • Limited running time rating, and
    • Base load (continuous power) rating
  • Cable sizing
  • Understanding alternator Reactance
    • Sub-Transient Reactance
    • Transient Reactance

   

  Day 2 MODULE 4: INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GENERATING SETS AND DIESEL GENERATORS

  • SANS10142:1. Installation requirement of LV generating sets and diesel generators
    • Notices, indicators and colour coding
    • Assessment of Prospective short-circuit current and prospective earth-fault current
    • Changeover device requirements
    • Change-over switch connection where standby power feeds in at main supply
    • Change-over switch connection where a standby power generator feeds into a section of the main distribution board
    • Change-over switch connection where standby power feeds in after the main distribution (point supply) into a sub-distribution board
    • Earthing requirements of alternative supplies
  • Batteries and battery installation
  • Paralleling of alternators
  • Diesel gen and solar PV synchronization

   

  DAY 2 MODULE 5: GENERATOR TESTING, MAINTENANCE, AND TROUBLESHOOTING

  • Safety precautions
  • Generator maintenance
    • Preventive maintenance
    • Engine maintenance
    • Radiator maintenance
    • Alternator maintenance
    • Battery maintenance
  • Common Causes of Generator Failure
  • Troubleshooting of the Most Common Generator Problems
  • Generator testing and commissioning
  • Assessment