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A typical transient voltage dip upon load The voltage regulator sees the voltage decrease
application is pictured in Figure 1. This trace and attempts to increase the output voltage back
shows the RMS (root mean square) phase voltage to rated voltage by increasing the excitation
of the generator set output. When a large load power. Several system factors may affect a given
is applied suddenly to the electrical output, the transient voltage trace:
voltage decreases. This decrease in output voltage Pre-load on the genset: having load on the
is caused by a large inrush of current needed to genset before applying additional load alters
energize the load electrically, which is also known the systems excitation levels and thus the
as starting kVA or skVA. This phenomenon may electrical response to transient events.
be observed in a home when a vacuum cleaner is Load type: systems may respond differently to
started and the lights dim for a brief moment. single large loads versus grouped block loads.
Power factor of the load being applied: the
lower the power factor, of the applied load,
100% recover results in a larger voltage dip.
Prime mover speed: reduced speed may
briefly lower the output voltage. Although the
90% recover engine performance will impact the voltage
dip, this paper will only cover generator
performance at constant speed to keep the
comparisons simple.
VOLTS
TIME Figure 1:
Voltage transient event example
A CLEAR ANSWER The equation below can be used to show that Properly designed equipment meets the
for a given machine rating (same kVA, same customers needs.
The transient response needs to be accounted voltage, same frequency), the lower the X'd, the Clear communication of generator set
for and compared between equipment suppliers lower the amount of voltage dip for an applied performance ensures the customer receives
in an equivalent manner. Here is the secret load. This is based on physics and holds true for what they need for their specific application.
to making it simple: focus on the unsaturated all generator set manufacturers. Proper power system designs recover to 100%
transient reactance (X'd unsat) when making rated voltage after a load is applied.
generator comparisons. Reactances are used In summary, there are many ways to market The instantaneous dip is strictly a function of
to describe the operation of a generators a machine to make one appear better in generator transient reactance (X'd) for a
behavior for specific situation during a given performance than the other. However, the specific applied load (as seen in the NEMA
period of time. The transient reactance (X'd) is customer is at risk of making a misguided voltage dip equation).
used to describe generator performance during decision if the marketing tactics are not
transient events such as large load applications. comparing equal terminology MTU Onsite Energy recommends comparing
While manufacturers can use marketing tactics reactances of different generators along with
regarding voltage dip to make them appear to be Dont forget these keys to unlock the mystery the NEMA voltage dip equation to make sure
different, reactances provide an agreed standard of voltage transients due to starting large motor that the performance will be comparable and
and consistent way to compare one generator to loads: the customers needs will be met. Call your local
another, regardless of the manufacturer. MTU Onsite Energy distributor anytime for help.
X'd
Voltage dip =
rated kVA
X'd +
starting kVA
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