Necessity of Parallel operation of D.C Generators

Necessity of Parallel operation of D.C Generators

It is usual to install several generators for smaller rating I a power station rather than one large unit capable of dealing with maximum demand. The major advantages of many units operating in parallel are:

1.       Service continuity: By having many units in the power station service continuity can be maintained, which is most essential for any power system, in case of breakdown of a particular unit, the rest of the units can meet the demand.

2.       Efficient working: The load on a power station generally fluctuates, being maximum during the evening hours and minimum during the night hours. A particular generator is most efficient when it is delivering power at or near its rated capacity. Thus are the time of light loads, only small units should be in operation. When the load on the station increases, more units can be operated in parallel with the earlier one.

3.       Repair facility: While deciding the number of units for a power station, provision

must be made for a spare unit, which could replace the unit under repair. Normally, the various units in a power station must be inspected and serviced periodically to forestall possible failure. This is passible only when the generator is at rest.

4.       Extension facility: If the connected load on the power station increases considerably, the power plant has to be enlarged, with the facility of parallel operation, new generating sets can be added to the existing plant.

5.       Stand by unit capacity reduces: when more number of small rating generators are running in parallel the stand-by unit capacity also small.

it is very clear from the above that the parallel operation of generators in necessary.