Guide for electrical design engineers

Power Quality
Julian Wiatr
WP Poland Krakow
julianwiatr@wp.pl

Emergency and uninterruptible power

supplies for buildings and other
structuressizing the source power

Power Quality

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

1. INTRODUCTION
Prior to designing a power supply system for a building or other structure,
a designer shall carry out a detailed analysis concerning the requirements
for reliability of power supply of loads to be installed in the designed
building or facility.
Diverse requirements concerning reliability of supply have enforced
classification of loads into power supply categories defined according to
the criteria accepted in power management:
- Power supply category III loads upon which an arbitrary long
interruption of supply has no adverse effects,
- Power supply category II loads upon which a short supply
interruption (up to several minutes) interruption of supply has no adverse
effects,
- Power supply category I loads upon which even a short interruption
of supply may bring about hazard for human life or substantial material
losses due to e.g. interruption of production process.
The example of a building where all categories of supply can be found is
shown in figure 1.

Fig. 2 Diagram of a motor-generator set with a short

starting time
1 electric motor for the generator and flywheel drive,
2 generator, 3 flywheel; 4 electromagnetic clutch,
5 internal combustion engine; 6 control panel and
auxiliaries' switchboard

Fig. 1 Power supply of telecommunications facility

1-Automatic standby switching system
2-Generating Set

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

2. MOTOR-GENERATOR SETS
A motor-generator set is a commonly used source of emergency power
supply for buildings and other structures. Its basic components are:
internal combustion engine converts fuel chemical energy into

mechanical energy
generator converts mechanical energy into electric energy
rotational speed governor
generator voltage regulator
generator field controller
control system
starting system
switchgear.

Commercially available generator sets have rated powers from several

kVA to 6 MVA, and are designed for various modes of operation, indoor
mounted or installed in a freestanding container.
The way a generator set is operated influences several aspects, such as:
its lifetime, economic efficiency, reliability, etc. The mode of operation
shall therefore be agreed with manufacturer prior to the decision on
purchase. The modes of motor-generator sets operation are:

continuous operation the generating set is operated in a

continuous manner (non-stop) and any interruptions result from the
necessity for repairs or maintenance periodic sporadic,

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

intermittent operation the generating set is operated in

specified, limited time intervals.

A generating set can be operated alone or in parallel connection, where

two or more sets co-operate, or be synchronized with the power network.
In the case of synchronized operation the prior consent from the grid
operator shall be obtained and the conditions of co-operation agreed
upon.
Table 1 gives the key requirements concerning voltage and frequency limit
values for particular performance classes as required by provisions of
standard ISO 8528-5: Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven
alternating current generating sets Part 5: Generating sets [2].
Standard ISO 85281: Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven
alternating current generating sets Part 1: Application, ratings and
performance [1], defines four performance classes:

G3

Concerns loads where only basic parameters of voltage and frequency

need to be specified, e.g. general-purpose applications like electrical
heating.
Concerns loads where requirements for electric power supply are similar
to those specified for public power networks. In the event of changes in
load, temporary deviations of voltage and frequency from their nominal
values are acceptable. Examples being lighting systems, pumps, fans,
hoists, etc.
Concerns loads with enhanced power quality requirements. Examples

G4

Concerns loads with exceptionally high requirements for power quality.

G1

G2

Generating sets are also categorized according to their starting time, i.e.
the time that elapses from the instant of voltage loss in a power network to
the instant the voltage is applied from the generating set: (i) long duration
voltage loss; (ii) short duration voltage loss, and (iii) without voltage loss.
Generating sets with long duration voltage loss
emergency power supply systems. Such sets are
self-starting and shutdown systems. Upon loss
network a remote control system activates the
4

are commonly used in

provided with automatic
of voltage in a power
generating set starting

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

procedure. In order to facilitate the start-up process, generating sets are

provided with heaters to keep the required temperature of the engine
block. The heaters supply system comprises a thermostat to ensure
constant temperature of the engine block. The power of heaters depends
on the generating set power and is defined by the manufacturer. The
heaters are supplied from the generating set auxiliaries' switchboard.
Loads supplied from the generating set are switched-on by the automatic
stand-by switching system and can be switched simultaneously or in
sequence.
Parameter

U
n
i G1

Operational limit value for the requirements class:

G2
G3
G4

Frequency drop

Relative frequency steady

state

2.5

1.5

0.5

+18

+12

+10

-15

-10

-7

Transient
frequency
deviation

on loss of
load (100%)
on application of step
load

Frequency recovery time

to the nominal value

10

Voltage steady state deviation band

51)

2.5

+35

+25

+20

-25

-20

-15

10

Transient
voltage
deviation

on loss of
load (100%)
on application of step
load

Voltage recovery time to

the nominal value

Parameters
values by
agreement
between
manufacturer and
customer

Note: Complete requirements are given in standard ISO8528-5 [1]

1)

For generating sets with rated powers up to 10 kVA: 10 %

Table 1 Key requirements concerning voltage and frequency limit values

for performance classes of generating sets [2]
Upon voltage loss in the power network the control system activates
starting procedures with several second delay. Such solution allows
avoiding unnecessary starts caused by voltage dips or short supply
interruptions. The delay is normally 5-10 seconds. Time elapsing between
5

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

the loss of voltage in the power network and the availability of the
emergency power usually does not exceed 1 minute. After the voltage
recovery in the power network the automatic stand-by switching system
switches to the main supply without stopping the generating set. After the
switchover the generating set is run idle for about next 3 minutes for
cooling the generator.
Figure 2 shows diagram of a generating set with short starting time
In normal conditions the electric synchronous motor (1) draws energy from
power network and drives the generator (2) and flywheel (3). The clutch
(4) is disengaged. The generator is running idly. Upon loss of voltage in
the power network the switch Q1 closes and the clutch (4) is automatically
engaged. Kinetic energy stored in the flywheel is used for starting the
internal combustion engine (5), which within a short time begins to drive
the generator. Applying the voltage from the generator switches
automatically the Q2 switch to emergency power supply and energizes the
loads.
Normally the time of power supply disruption does not exceed 2 seconds.

Fig. 3 Diagram of a motor-generator set with zero changeover time

1 electric motor for the generator and flywheel drive, 2 generator, 3 flywheel; 4
electromagnetic clutch, 5 internal combustion engine; 6 control panel and auxiliaries'
switchboard
Fig. 4 Typical installation of a generating set in a room the flexible components
1 antivibration mounts, 2 flexible connections in the exhaust system, 3 flexible
connections in the heated air discharge

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

Figure 3 shows schematic diagram of a generating set with zero time of

changeover to emergency power supply. The set comprises a
synchronous motor with rated power equal to the generating set generator
power. The loads are normally not supplied from the power grid but from
the generating set operated in a continuous manner. In normal operating
conditions the synchronous motor (1), supplied from the power grid, drives
the generator (2) and the flywheel (3). In the event of voltage loss in the
power grid the clutch couples the flywheel to the internal combustion
engine (5). Kinetic energy stored in the flywheel is used for quick start of
the internal combustion engine (5), which now drives the generator. The
switch Q2 has only a maintenance function.
A generating set can be installed in an outdoor container-type housing
placed on a concrete foundation outside the building or in a specially
adapted room. In both cases an air intake, exhaust gases discharge and
adequate room ventilation are required. This problem shall be solved by a
designer according to the requirements of the generating set manufacturer
and therefore is outside the scope of this publication.
A set installed in a container by the manufacturer is a complete plant in
both the electrical engineering and safety terms. Where a room is adapted
for the purposes of a generating set installation all the manufacturer's
requirements shall be complied with.
Figure 4 shows the example of a generating set installation in a room. The
room shall be provided with auxiliaries' switchboard, lighting, socket
outlets, and control installation for the purposes of ventilation and other
equipment, as required.
Figure 4 shows a generating set room with wall air intake and air exhaust
vent. A generating set produces heat from the following sources: the
engine, generator (alternator), radiator, exhaust pipe and silencer.
Insufficient ventilation in the room with a running generating set may
cause undesired rise of the room temperature that may lead to the engine
power reduction and, consequently, the set shutdown. In such case a
forced-air cooling, e.g. by means of fans should be applied. The airflow
direction within the room should preferable be: the generator => engine =>

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

radiator. That solution not only allows the heat produced by the generating
set to be removed from the room but also provides combustion air.
Figure 5 shows the correct, typical arrangement of a generating set room.
The drawing provides example dimensions and distances for installation
of the generating set installation with rated power 60-80 kVA.

Fig. 5. The section and floor plan of installation in the room

1 generating set, 2 switchboard and control panel, 3 foundation,
4 ventilation air outlet, 5 cable duct, 6 air intake, 7 silencer, 8 exhaust
pipe, 9 flexible element

3. SIZING THE GENERATING SET POWER

Sizing the generating set power shall be based on the demanded active
power and reactive power of loads to be supplied from the emergency
power supply system. The active power demand can be computed from:
n

PZ = k Z Pi

(1)

i =1

where:

PZ - active power [kW]

kZ

- demand factor [-]

Pi

- active power of the i-th load to be supplied from the

emergency power system [kW].
8

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

In the next step the reactive power is determined:

n

i =1

i =1

QZ = k Z tg i Pi = k Z

1
1 Pi
cos 2 i

(2)

where:

QZ

- reactive power [kvVar]

cos i - power factor of i-th load to be supplied from the uninterruptible

power supply system [-].
The power factor cos Z is determined from the active and reactive
power values:
cos Z =

PZ

(3)

PZ2 + QZ2

The following step is finding the minimum active power to be provided by

generating set generator. Determining thr apparent power from the active
power reactive power demand using the formula:
SG P Z2 +QZ2

(4)

may lead to erroneous results.

The generator shall be able to deliver the demanded active power PZ
and demanded reactive power Q Z if it thus operates at a lower power
factor cos Z < cos nG , the utilization of generator active power
decreases due to the stator heating. The internal combustion engine is
matched to the generator's rated active power i.e. to operation with the
rated power factor, therefore if the generator operates at a lower power
f ac t or cos Z < cos nG , the engine utilization is lower.
The generator relative loading with active power can be described by the
utilization factor, which can be calculated from the formula:

p=

cos Z
cosnG

(5)
9

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

The required minimum active power of the generating set shall satisfy the
inequality:
PG min

PZ
p

(6)

The utilization factor p, calculated from the formula (5) shall be inserted to
the formula (6). If p 1, the value 1 has be taken in the formula (6). The
value of power factor cos nG shall be taken according to the generating
set specification. In case the information on rated power factor is not
available, the value cos nG = 0.8 should be taken. The generating set
apparent power shall satisfy the inequality:

S nG

PG min
cos z

(7)

where PG min is the minimum active power to be delivered by the

generating set generator, in [kW].
A low value of power factor cos Z will result in reduction of the
generator electromotive force, due to the demagnetising effect of the load
current reactive component. If the generator generates a larger reactive
power than its nominal value, the load active power should be reduced in
order to maintain the nominal voltage magnitude and to not overload the
rotor. Within the permissible range of rotor current, the generating set
control system controls the generator excitation current to maintain the
output voltage at constant level. Therefore the generator operation at
power factor cosZ < cos nG results in the necessity for increasing the
generator's output power in order to deliver the full demanded active
power PZ and reactive power Q Z .
The use of reactive (particularly inductive) power compensators is not
recommended since it may lead to premature damaging of capacitors due
to the character of the power supply source operation.

10

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

Where the generating set is intended to supply electric motors its power
should be sized considering the motors' starting currents which shall not
exceed the generator rated current, taking into account permissible
temporary overload specified in the manufacturer's data.
Non-linear loads draw distorted currents and, consequently, distort the
source current. This distortion results in the presence of harmonics and
interharmonics (also subharmonics) in the supply network and final
circuits, which, generally are shifted in phase with respect to the voltage.
In the effect of harmonics, apart of the active and reactive power, also the
deformation power V appears in the system; hence the apparent power
cannot be determined as the product of fundamental harmonic voltage
and current. The value of deformation power V depends on the current
and voltage distortion level, i.e. on the harmonic content and, in polyphase
circuits, also on the asymmetry level.
In asymmetric loads the power factor cos is not the same in all phases. It
can be different in each phase depending on the active and reactive
power load in a given phase. A detrimental effect of asymmetric loading is
the voltage increase above the nominal value in the least-loaded phase.
Since the estimation of the additional power resulting from asymmetric
loading is difficult, the design should ensure the asymmetry of loads
supplied from the emergency generating set will not exceed 20%,
according to manufacturers' recommendation.
The apparent power of a non-linear load can be found from the relation:
(8)

S 2 = P2 + Q2 + V 2

The active power of distorted waveforms is estimated as the sum of active

powers of voltage and current harmonics of the same frequency and
reactive power is determined from relations (10):

P = U k I k cos k
k =1

(9)

Q = U k I k sin k
k =1

(10)

The apparent power of non-linear loads is:

2

S = P2 + Q2

(11)
11

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

In this case the deformation power is V = 0. The graphic illustration of

powers P, Q, V, S and S is depicted in figure 6.

Fig. 6. Power tetrahedron for a system with distorted voltage and current
waveforms

P active power [kW]; Q reactive power, [kvar]; S apparent power

of the linear part of the circuit [kVA]; S apparent power of the non-linear
circuit [kVA]; V deformation power [kVA]; D distortion power, defined
as D 2 = Q 2 + V 2
Figure 6 explains also that in non-linear circuits the power factor cannot
be defined by the formula (3), which holds only for linear circuits:

cos =

P
S

(12)

In non-linear circuits the power factor is defined (cf. figure 6) as:

cos =

P I1
P
=
=
2
S
I
P + Q2

P
3U n

2
k

k =0

12

(13)

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

where the angle k is the phase shift of the k-th order harmonic voltage
and current, sin k = 1 cos 2 k .
The nominal current of a three-phase load that draws a distorted current
can be found from the formula:
In =

Pn
3U n cos

(14)

It follows from relations (13) and (14) that with the load's steady state
current equal to its nominal value IN and increased distortion of the actual
current, the active power the given equipment can be loaded with, should
be reduced below its rated value.
Therefore non-linear loads drawing distorted current from the generator
reduce the generating set active power utilization. The generator's power
shall be increased in order to meet the power demand of such loads.
The generator's minimum active power required to meet the power
demand of these loads should be determined from the formula:

PG min

PZ
pW

where: p
Pz

(15)
the utilization factor calculated from the formula (5) [-],
active power demanded by loads to be supplied from the
emergency power supply system [kW]

PGmin the generator's required minimum active power [kW]

W (

100
)2
100 + THDi %

- deformation index [-],

THDi% total harmonic current distortion factor [-].

13

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

The generating set power should be determined from the formula (7).
Total harmonic distortion THDi% can be found from the formula:

THDi =

(I
k =2

I1

)2
100%

(16)

where: Ik rms value of the k-th current harmonic [A]

I1 rms value of the current fundamental harmonic [A]
k harmonic order [-].
Example values of the deformation index W, depending on the THDi%
values are given in table 2.
Table 2 The deformation index W vs. the THDi% factor
THDi%
3%
5%
8%
10 %
15 %
20 %
30 %
40 %

W
0.95
0.91
0.86
0.83
0.76
0.70
0.60
0.51

When the THDi% factor increases, the deformation index W decreases,

thus the generator power required to meet the power demand should be
increased.

14

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

4. SIZING THE UPS POWER

Sizing the UPS rated power shall be based on the demanded active
power and reactive power of loads to be supplied from it. The active
power demand should be computed from the formula (1) and reactive
power demand should be computed from the formula (2). In the next step
minimum apparent power is calculated from the demanded active and
reactive powers using the formula (17)1:
(17)

S nUPS P Z2 +QZ2

If electric motors are to be fed from the uninterruptible power supply

system it shall be capable of meeting the increased active power demand
due to the motors starting.
Power demand of non-linear loads can be calculated from relation:
n

PZ = k z
i =1

Pi
Wi

(18)

Motors' starting currents and distorted currents shall be taken into account
when sizing the UPS output power to ensure its correct operation. A UPS
of insufficient output power, supplying electric motors, will in response to
load increase automatically switch to external bypass and therefore cut off
the uninterruptible power supply function 2.
Also the rated crest factor, which is the ratio between the load's
instantaneous peak current and the rms current value, shall be considered
when selecting a UPS system. For the currently manufactured UPS units
the crest factor value is normally 3. If the crest factor of a current drown
from the UPS exceeds its rated value, the UPS operation can be impaired,
leading even to its shutdown.
_________________________
1

The apparent power determined from the formula (17) refers to the UPS rated power is

specified in manufactuers data sheets as the UPS rated power.

2 The UPS power as specified in manufacturers data sheets. The UPS input power
isnot equal to its output power. The power drawn by the UPS power supply unit from the
power network is larger than the power supplied to loads; this should be taken into
account when designing the UPS power supply. When sizing the UPS power supply unit
on the basis of the demanded active power it advisable to allow 25 % margin for
compensation of temporary increase in power, or possible estimation error.

15

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

Since the UPS shall be able to deliver the demanded active power PZ
and demanded reactive power Q Z , thus if it operates at a lower power
factor cos Z < cos nG , the utilization of the UPS's active power
decreases due to limited capability of the inverter semiconductor
switches.
The UPS relative loading with active power can be described by the
utilization factor:

p=

cosZ
cosnUPS

(19)

The UPS required minimum active power must satisfy the inequality:

PUPS min

PZ
p

(20)

The utilization factor p, calculated from the formula (19) shall be inserted
to the formula (20). If p 1, in the formula (20) the value 1 has been
taken. The power factor value cos nUPS shall be taken according to the
UPS specification. If information on the rated power factor is not available,
cos nUPS = 0.8 should be taken for transformer UPS, or cos nUPS = 0.9
for transformer-less UPS power supplies incorporating IGBT inverters.
The UPS apparent power shall satisfy the inequality:

SnUPS

PUPS min
cos nUPS

(21)

where: PUPS min - minimum active power [kW]

cos nUPS

- the UPS rated power factor [-].

cos Z
16

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

A low value of power factor results in the inverter overloading and, in

consequence, may result in turning it off or switching the UPS to internal
bypass circuit. If the UPS delivers reactive power larger than its rated
value, the load active power should be reduced in order to maintain the
nominal voltage magnitude and to not overload the inverter. Therefore the
UPS operation at power factor cos Z < cos nG a r i s e s
the
necessity for increasing its output power in order to deliver the
demanded active power PZ and demanded reactive power Q Z . T h e
use of reactive (particularly inductive) power compensators is not
recommended since it may lead to premature damaging of capacitors due
to the character of the power supply source operation.
Where the UPS is intended to supply equipment with large inrush
currents, its power should be sized considering the inrush currents which
shall not exceed the UPS rated current, taking into account permissible
temporary overload given in the manufacturer's specification.
When the UPS supplies non-linear loads they draw and, consequently,
distort the source current. This distortion results in the presence of
harmonic and interharmonic currents in the supply network and final
circuits, generally being shifted in phase with respect to the voltage.
In the effect of harmonics also the deformation power appears in the
system, apart of the active and reactive power; hence the apparent power
cannot be determined as the product of fundamental harmonic voltage
and current.
The value of deformation power V depends on distortion current and
voltage level, i.e. on the harmonic content and, in polyphase circuits, also
on the asymmetry level. In asymmetric loads the power factor cosj is not
the same in all phases. It can be different in each phase depending on the
active and reactive power load in a given phase. It is difficult to estimate
the deformation power caused by asymmetric load, but the present-day
transformer-less UPSs with IGBT inverters are immune to the output load
asymmetry.

17

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

5. DC POWER SUPPLIES TELECOM POWER

PLANTS
The telecom power plant is a DC power supply whose principle of
operation is similar to that of the UPS. It is used to provide 48V DC
voltage power supply for telephone exchanges. In the event of voltage
loss in the power network, the energy is drawn from batteries being a
component of the DC power supply.
Sizing a telecom power plant consists in selection of a specified
equipment type and determining the number of needed DC power supply
units (PSU).
For the reliability reasons the number N of PSU modules must be
increased by 1, i.e.:
N' = N +1

(22)

The basis for all calculations is the active power PC demanded by a

telephone exchange to be supplied from the telecom power plant. The
formulas below are given to facilitate these calculations:
Pc = I ncU nc

PB = 52I

(23)
(24)

(25)

PwejSTK = PC + PB
I =

N=

I ncT p
T

(26)

PweSTK
P1

(27)

______________________________
3

The Number 52 in formula (24) is the value of battery charging voltage.

18

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

(28)

'
PwejSTK
N ' P1 = ( N + 1) P1

Where :
'
PwejSTK
- input active power of telecom power plant [W]

PwejSTK - input active power of telecom power plant necessary to cover the
loads' power demand [W]
PC

- demanded power of the telephone exchange [W]

- the number of required DC power supply units [-]

PB

- battery charging power [W]

- battery charging current [A]

P1

- power of a single DC power supply unit [W]

Inc

- total current drawn by the telephone exchange [A]

Tp

- battery operation back-up time [h]

- battery charging time (to be taken 10 hrs.)

Unc

- the telecom power plant rated voltage [W]

19

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

Figure 7 shows the telecom power plant sizing flowchart.

PUPSwe
The telecom power plant input power, which has to be known in order to
balance the supplied building power demand, shall be computed from the
following formulas:

PwejSTK = (

'
PwyjSTK

QwejSTK = P

'
wyjSTK

+ PB )

1
W

tg wejSTK
(29)

'
S wejSTK = ( PwyjSTK
) 2 + (QwejSTK ) 2

Where :

tg wejSTK =

cos wejSTK

- power factor of the telecom power plant input power [-]

QwejSTK

cos wejST K
2

- the telecom power plant reactive power [var]

When the telecom power plant is supplied from a generating set, it should
be borne in mind that generator's long-duration operation at full loading
20

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

and THDi getting close to 8%, may result in premature wear of the
generator unless its power is not oversized.
A long-duration operation under the generator full load should, therefore,
be avoided.

6. UPS GENERATING SET COMBINATION

The reliability of a UPS system can be improved by employing an
additional emergency power supply source, i.e. a generating set. Such
system ensures safety and confidence that in the event of the normal
power supply system failure critical loads will be supplied without
interruptions. That solution will protect consumers against losses, often
substantial, caused by supply interruptions.
A UPS should be sized for the estimated power of loads. It should be
remembered that the total power of loads should not exceed the UPS
active output power or the apparent output power. It is recommendable to
slightly oversize (10-20 %) the UPS system in order to provide a reserve
for temporary increase in the loads power or possible estimation errors.
A UPS intended for use in co-operation with generating set should be a
barrier between loads and the generating set in order to mitigate the
impact of distorted currents drawn by non-linear loads (e.g. IT equipment)
upon the generating set.
The UPS system should ensure that its input current waveform is not
influenced by the shape of the load current.
The generating set should be capable of meeting full power demand of the
UPS and the category II loads. Its power is the sum of the UPS input
power consumed under full loading and the power of category II loads.

21

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

PGEN = PUPSwe + PII

(30)

w h e r e : PUPSwe - the UPS input power [kW]

PII

- total power of the category II loads [kW].

The UPS input power is computed from the formula:

PUPSwe =

PUPSwy

PB PUPSwy 0.25PUPSwy
=
+
W
W
W

(31)

w h e r e : PUPSwy - the UPS output active power [kW]

- the UPS efficiency [-]

W

- deformation index, [-]

PB - the UPS additional input power associated with battery

charging (at least 25% of the UPS rated power) [kW].
If the UPS has a possibility for extension (its configuration supports
increasing the output power), the maximum power shall be taken into
account.
It is recommended to use UPSs provided with a special interface with
generating set that allows limiting of the input current by disabling the
battery charging function until the voltage recovery in power grid. In such
case a 25% surplus power, needed for the battery charging, is not
required4.
A UPS intended for co-operation with a generating set should be provided
with harmonic filter reducing harmonic content in the input current to ca.
10%; a further reduction is ineffective for it does not significantly improve
the UPSgenerating set co-operation and therefore is not economically
justified. The on-line UPS topology is recommended as the one that
exclusively ensures a correct co-operation between the UPS and
generating set. It is recommended to use generating sets equipped with
electronic rotational speed governors and generators designed for nonlinear load.
_____________________________
4

If the genset is specifically designed to supply non-linear loads the degree of its
oversizing can be lower; it should, however, be agreed with a manufacturer.
22

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org
EXAMPLE 1
Size the power of a generating set intended for emergency power supply of the below given loads:
three squirrel cage induction motors with ratings: PNS=7.5 kW; kr = 6; cosj = 0.8; h=0.8; UN =3x400V; sN
= 5%; kMr = 2.3
UPS with ratings: PN = 15 kW; cosj = 0.95; THDi = 8%; UN =3x400/230 V; h=0.9
lighting loads of total power P=5 kW; cosj =0.7 and UN =230V (the loads are grouped symmetrically ensuring equal load in each phase).
The rated power of a single motor:

PNS

IN =

3U n cos

75000
= 15.04 A
3 400 0.8 0.9

Starting current in delta connection:

I r = k r I N = 6 15.04 = 90.24 A
It is a large current and should be limited. One of the methods is the use of a star/delta starter that reduces
the starting current about 3 times. Thus:
IrY = I r = 90.24 = 30.08 A

Due to the large starting current of a single motor, simultaneous start of all motors shall be prevented by
means of a control system. Thus, assuming sequential motors starting, the peak power is:

cos r = cos

1 sN

M rw
0,90 2,30
+ 0.025k r ) = 0.80
(
0,025 6) = 0.40
kr
1 0,05 6

Pszs =

3U N IrY

Qszs=

3U N IrY cos r

cos r + 2 PNS = 3 30.08 400 0.40 + 2 7500 = 2333.60 W

1
cos r
2

= 3 400 30.08 0.40

1 + 2 PNS

1
cos 2

1 =

1
1
1 + 2 7500
1 30.33 k var
2
0.40
0.82

The UPS demanded power:

100
100 2
)2 = (
) 0.86
W =(
100 + THDi %
100 + 8
PwejUPS =

PwyjUPS
W

QwejUPS = PwejUPS

0,25PwyjUPS
W
1
cos wejUPS
2

15000
0.25 15000
+
23740 W
0.86 0.90
0.86

1 = 23740

1
1 = 7.80 k var
0.952

23

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

Total demanded active power:

PZ = PSZS + PwejUPS + Posw
Q Z = Q SZS + Q wejUPS + tgPosw

Pz = 23336 + 23740 + 5000 = 31073.60 52.08 kW

1
1 5.0 43.24 k var
0 .7 2

Qz = 30.33 + 7.80 +
tg z =

Qz 43.23
=
= 0.86
Pz 52.08

cos z =
p=

1
tg z + 1
2

1
= 0.76
0.862 + 1

cos z 0.76
=
= 0.95
cos nG 0.80

Pz 52.80
=
= 55.58 kW
p
0.95
P
55.58
SG G min =
= 73.14 kVA
cos z 0.76
PG min

On the basis of the manufacturer's catalogue the above conditions are met by the generating set
with rated power 80 kVA.

7. POWER NETWORK GENERATING SET

CONFIGURATIONS
A generating set is an emergency power source that cannot supply
electric power to the electric power system. Power networkgenerating set
configurations shall be therefore designed to preclude parallel operation of
sources, or voltage application back to the power system when it is deenergized. Where a generating set is manually started, manual switches
shall be used (Fig. 8).
Generating sets provided with automatic self-starting and shutdown
systems should be equipped with automatic stand-by switching system
with mechanical and electrical interlocks. An example of such system is
given in figure 9. It should be remembered that since a part of automatic
control systems is installed within the set, in the standby mode they shall
24

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

be supplied from the power network (heaters, phase detector, etc). These
circuits should be provided with the overload and electric shock protection
and be arranged the in TN-S system.

Fig. 8. Manual switch power network/generating set

Fig. 9. Automatic standby switching system network/generating set

25

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

8. EXAMPLES OF EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS

Figure 10 shows the diagram of a power supply system with dedicated
genset switchboard. That arrangement is used when selected loads are to
be supplied from the generating set.

Fig. 10. Diagram of the emergency power supply system supplying dedicated
circuits
1 - Automatic standby switching system; 2 - Capacitor banks

In normal conditions switches Q3 and Q5 are opened, whereas switches

Q1, Q2 and Q4 are closed. The automatic standby switching system
network/network operates in the hidden reserve mode.
In effect of a voltage loss in any of the lines feeding the transformers T1
and T2, the switches Q1, Q2 and Q3, Q4 become opened, and the
generating set initiates the auto start procedure. Upon completion of the
generating set start-up the switch Q5 is closed and critical loads are fed
from the generating set.
A voltage recovery in one of the power lines causes the switch Q5 to
open, and to close switches: Q3, Q4, and Q1 or Q2 depending on in
which line the voltage has occurred. The generating set is run idly for the
next 3 minutes to cool the generator windings and then shut down.
26

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

If voltage recovery occurs in both lines feeding the transformers T1 and

T2, the power supply system returns to its normal operating configuration.
Where the generating set is intended supply all loads after a voltage loss
in the power network, the power supply system configuration shall be
designed as shown in figure 11.

Fig. 11. Diagram of an emergency power system supplying all loads

1 - Capacitor banks;

In the configuration shown in figure 11 the switches Q1, Q2 and Q4 are

closed in normal conditions, while the switches Q3 and Q5 are open. The
system operation is almost analogous to that of the configuration shown in
figure 10. When loads are supplied from the generating set, reactive
power compensation capacitor banks are disconnected.
Figures 12 and 13 show emergency power systems utilizing more than
one generating set.

27

Power Quality
www.leonardo-energy.org

Fig. 12. An emergency power system with two generating sets supplying
separate sections of the main switchboard 1 - Capacitor banks;

Fig. 13. An emergency power system with several generating sets intended for
parallel operation
28

Emergency & Uninterruptible Power Supplies for Buildings & Other Structures
- sizing the source power
www.leonardo-energy.org

The solution shown in figure 13 is employed for supplying large loads. In

the event of voltage loss in power lines feeding the transformers T1 and
T2 the generating sets are individually turned on. The number of running
generating sets depends on the loads' power demand controlled by the
control system.

REFERENCES
1. ISO 85281: Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven
alternating current generating sets - Part 1: Application, ratings and
performance.
2. ISO 8528-5: Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven
alternating current generating sets - Part 5: Generating sets.

29