Relaying and Controls for Generator Applications

Abstract

In today's competitive marketplace, many electrical energy consumers are encouraged to enter into interruptible or cogeneration contracts by their electrical utility. Interruptible contracts provide year-round cost savings for the consumer, and defer costly infrastructure expansion for the utility. In some cases, existing generators and controls can be upgraded or modified for paralleling with the utility. In new installations, there are literally dozens of options available for generator operation. This paper provides an overview of generators, relaying and controls. Typical operational procedures are discussed to provide a framework for optimizing generator performance. Additionally, methods of providing electrical protection and control for generators are discussed for small and large generator applications at low and medium voltages. Note: The views expressed in this paper do not necessarily represent the views of the United States of America, the U. S. Department of Justice, or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.