CONTROLS & MONITORINGGen-set controls & network outagesGen-sets and their controls play an important role in network maintenance and in thecontinuity of supply for end users, explains Roger Watterson, MD for DEIF <strong>UK</strong> <strong>Ltd</strong>.It is vital that outages are planned asmuch as possible and the supplymaintained. Many would say this shouldhappen at any cost - but, of course,safety remains a paramount concern,reports Roger Watterson.In the real world network operators havea gen-set supplier who can usuallyprovide correctly-trained and authorisedpersons to ‘back synch’ to the grid withsophisticated equipment in the safestpossible way.The ‘DEIF way’, for example, involvesusing a Remote Maintenance Box (RMB)which can be connected to a gen-set andthen the RMB can be moved up to 300metres away.This allows the operator to work somedistance from the gen-set, but still have avisual and audible indication of thestatus of the gen-set and its readiness tooperate in synchronisation.Coupled with a display indication of allgen-set readings, this makes for the safestpossible situation.Removing the fuse must be done at thecorrect time to avoid the obvious dangersof arcing due to operation whilst ‘out ofsynch’.The control unit is extremely fast, andstable synchronisation ensures maximumsafety when removing the fuse.The RMB can be positioned within easyreach of the operator, enabling him/herto stop the gen-set, synchronise the genset,deload the mains and go into island.The RMBfrom DEIF.At this point he can remove the RMB if itis required elsewhere, leaving the gen-setnow happily being supplied as the mainsfrom the customers’ point of view.This means that not only can one RMBbe used for a number jobs, but gen-setfitted with a standard AGC controller canbe also be used for any ‘normal’application at any time, thus allowing formaximum utilisation.This is the ultimate goal in the currentclimate for any operation manager, assetowner or business person.Safety remains a key factor and,therefore, operators have to be equippedwith the correct personal protectionequipment to suit this application alongwith the correct testing equipment.This includes specialist gloves andfaceguard along with the usual obviouspersonal protective equipment.The operators also have to be ‘approved’Inside the RMB.to be able to complete this necessarywork and would generally have networkengineers also in attendance. However,the RMB is designed to be very simple tocontrol.The step-by-step sequencer offers anintuitive user interface which makes theoperation extremely simple and servicevery easy. This leaves the operator toconcentrate on the many other technicalissues he has to consider.When the distribution network operatoris ready for the mains to be restored, theoperator simply plugs in the RMB andpicks up where he left off. Then, theSafety is of paramount importanceduring maintenance operations.operator moves to the next position onthe switch ‘synchronise to mains’ and theset will automatically synch to the mainswith the operator moving through thenext steps of ‘Deload Mains’ and ‘Stop’.This will complete the operation.The RMB can be unplugged duringoperations, stored away or used on thenext site awaiting planned outage.Once the operation has been completed,the gen-set can be moved to its next job,for instance, a rental situation such asAutomatic Mains Failure, peak lopping,load sharing with other gen-sets, etc. Thisensures the rental operator is maximisinghis costly assets.As the networks also have a wide rangeof older and existing installations to workwith, the RMB is designed to be flexible tofit in with this.It can cater for single or three-phasesupplies with very simple menu changes.Internet linkwww.deif.com<strong>WIP</strong>18JULY 2009 • WORLDWIDE I NDEPENDENT P OWER
PUTTING YOU IN CONTROL ›››› AUTOMATIC GENERATOR CONTROLS › AUTOMATIC PARALLELING› LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHBOARDS › MOTOR CONTROL CENTRES› AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH PANELS › MAINS PARALLELINGIt isn’t possible to tellyou all about us inthis much space.www.controlandpower.co.ukTelephone: +44 (0)1723 871112Fax: +44 (0)1723 870625control and powerat your finger tipsVISIT OUR WEBSITE:Control & Power Systems <strong>Ltd</strong>. 3D Burniston Industrial EstateScarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 0HG
Change language