CHAPTER FOUR

STAND BY GENERATOR SELECTION AND INSTALLATION

1.1. Introduction

A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds
of a utility outage an automatic transfer switch senses the power loss, commands the generator
to start and then transfers the electrical load to the generator.

A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds
of a utility outage an automatic transfer switch senses the power loss, commands the generator to
start and then transfers the electrical load to the generator. The standby generator begins
supplying power to the circuits. After utility power returns, the automatic transfer switch
transfers the electrical load back to the utility and signals the standby generator to shut off. It
then returns to standby mode where it awaits the next outage. To ensure a proper response to an
outage, a standby generator runs weekly self-tests. Most units run on diesel and natural gas.
 Fig: Stan by generator

1.2. Objective

To reduce generator electric shock

To identify how linkage creates and prevents

To learn how ATS is design

To show how the automatic generator is selected

1.3. Stand By Generator

A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically. Within seconds
of a utility outage an automatic transfer switch senses the power loss, commands the generator to
start and then transfers the electrical load to the generator.
 1.3.1. Standby Generator Advantages

Fast, automatic delivery of emergency power, after power lines failure.

Allows you to maintain comfort level at home during emergencies.
Ensures that you may keep adequate food supply and water during extended power
outages.
Units conduct self-diagnosis every week and display alerts about its status.
Fuel autonomy to last several days or weeks of operation.
Allows you to normally operate your home or business including use of internet, heating
and air conditioning, TV, etc.
They can be sized to turn on your entire house or building or just the critical portion that
is most important.
Automatically disconnect your house or building from the utility lines when power fail.
Isolating you from the utility during power failure protects you and your electronic
devices from violent power surges, spikes, and brownouts.
When power returns, generator does not transfer to the utility until the voltage has
stabilized, protecting from dangerous surges and voltage fluctuation when power is first
turned on.
They are permanently installed. No need to run extension cords and set up your unit in
the middle of a storm or other natural disasters. 
Safe operation during storms or manmade disasters. No need to improvise a backup
energy solution during an actual emergency.
Afford you piece of mind by ensuring that your loved ones, and the things important to
you are well protected during times of emergencies.
Allow you to remain at home and in familial surroundings during a storm or extended
power outage, rather than fleeing to a hotel which may not be available as they too may
be out of power, or full.

Self-Test:
When, How and why leakage is created? Explain deeply?

1.3.2. Standby generators disadvantages

Standby generators are more expensive to buy and to install.

These units require longer time for installation.
Permitting process may delay installation.
Installation requires planning.
They require yearly maintenance, which adds to your budget.
They are permanently installed, which makes it difficult to take with you if you move.

Best Brands of Standby Generators

1. Generac
2. Briggs and Stratton
3. Kohler
4. General Electric
Generac

Generac is one of the leaders in the manufacturing and sale of standby generators.  They offer a
wide range of standby generators.  You can pick from a small air cooled 7KW generator to a
very large unit suitable for industrial applications. For most residential applications you will do
well to consider the air cooled standby generators. If you feel your application needs a more
robust generator, then you ought to opt for a liquid cooled unit.

Generac has the Guardian series which includes 8KW, 10KW, 14KW, 17KW, 20KW, 25KW,
30KW, 45KW, and 60KW. They also have the Quite Source series which includes the 22KW,
27KW, 36KW, and 48KW machines.  I personally recommend these generators over the
Guardian Series units.  They are so much more powerful and robust, there is no comparison.

Generac is especially good with training and certifying their technicians, and very good with
parts.  You can order these generators with confidence, knowing that you will not be left with a
unit that cannot be serviced. Their transfer switches are also very good, and do an adequate job at
handling their task.  Their price is affordable and the performance is good.

Briggs and Stratton

Briggs and Stratton produce a very good generator.  Their engines are superb, and are very easy
to install, repair, and maintain. They are a relatively new player in the standby generator market,
but they bring lots of great technology with them.

One thing I love about their standby generator program is their transfer switch technology.  They
really have a great load control program.  Load control is the technology that allows generators
to know when they are carrying too much load.  Through their transfer switch, they are able to
disconnect certain large loads for a discrete amount of time. Sometimes they may disconnect
your stove for a few milliseconds, and you don’t even notice, but it allows the generator to work
well within its factory parameters, not exceeding its capacity or rating.
Kohler

Kohler produces a very robust and quiet standby generator.  These units run very smoothly, and
are extremely reliable.  I am not too fond of their transfer switches, since the basic units lack the
capability to do load control.  Then transfer switches that have this capability are very expensive.

If you are in the market to obtain a Kohler generator, and need a certified technician to provide
it, install it and service it, we will happy honoured to be chosen.
General Electric

General Electric produces a generator which is an upgrade of an already good system.  General
Electric’s generators are manufactured by Briggs and Stratton. These are very sophisticated
generators, that come with a very strong warranty program.

As I said before, these units are an upgrade from the Briggs and Stratton generators. I want to
emphasize that Briggs and Stratton already builds a very good generator, therefore, GE units are
just superb.  You will be happy owning one.
 1.4. Automatic transfer switch (ATS)

A transfer switch is an electrical switch that switches a load between two sources. Some
transfer switches are manual, in that an operator affects the transfer by throwing a switch,
while others are automatic and switch when they sense one of the sources has lost or gained
power.

A transfer switch is an electrical switch that switches a load between two sources. Some
transfer switches are manual, in that an operator effects the transfer by throwing a switch, while
others are automatic and switch when they sense one of the sources has lost or gained power.

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is often installed where a backup generator is located, so
that the generator may provide temporary electrical power if the utility source fails.

Stand by generator provides power supply when the main utility power supply (the power
came from EEPCO) is not there. The ATS (automatic transfer switch) transfer the power
from the main utility power supply and if there is no main utility power supply sends a
signal to start for the stand by generator and starts to supply the needed areas.
 Fig59: Automatic transfer switch

The breaker near to the generator is used to break out the supply if there is over
customers because as the number of customer increases the stand by generator is ordered
to produce related supply finally is the order is over its rating, the generator will be
explode.

However if the power consumption is low the will work safely without the breaking of
the supply go to the customers.

A and B must be separated means the power supply coming from the main utility and the
power supply coming from the generator must be separated if not it will explode.

The three phase fuses have the same rating and they are HR (high rupturing) fuse used to
prevent the any over power consumption.
 Fig60: HR fuse

Diesel generator includes

 Alternator ( has a winding for voltage generation )

 Engine - fuel ( acts as the prime mover )

 There is no single phase stand by generator but generators which are very small used in
our home are single phase.

 If there is any power from the main utility the A cable carries a power to supply the
customers but B will open because they cannot be on at the same time.

 The relay is senses wither there is enough power supply (>190) because not only over
voltage but also under voltage can damage for the stand by generator.

 If there is no any power from the main utility the A cable not carries a power to supply
(open) the customers but B will close.

NB:

A & B must not be on at the same time.

If A is not be off when the relay senses (lower power) A & B are on at the same time. Then the
technician will damage and this behaviour is called Interlocking.

In railway signalling, an interlocking is an arrangement of signal apparatus that prevents

conflicting movements through an arrangement of tracks such as junctions or crossings. The
signalling appliances and tracks are sometimes collectively referred to as an interlocking plant.
An interlocking is designed so that it is impossible to display a signal to proceed unless the route
to be used is proven safe

The benefit of the stand by generator is there must not be human there but Check at least three
days per week, The cable that is used for the final power produced by the stand by generator is
very big so it is better to use the divide the size and use on one double cable rather than one big
cable.

When the supply is taken from the brushes not from commentator the generator is used as AC
generator if it is taken from commentator not from brush the generator is used as DC generator.

There is filter at the entry side of the generator to filter the oil or the fuel if it is not filtered and at
the fuel the engine tries to burn the dirty and also there is high temperature finally it may damage
for the generator.

If the oil is not filtered there is dirty at the entry of the oil tank this dirty will decreases oil
circulation, if there is no enough circulation in the internal pipe, there will be weak cooling
system and temperature of the generator will increases from time to time and finally the stand by
generator may damage.

Oil is needed at the generator for the lubrication and other functions and there are two types of
tanker one is reservoir tank mounted with it and the other is manually filed. For sure it can be
classified in to two and these are renewable and un renewable.

Why and when the fuel is needed?

It is needed at the starting time, in order to burn and create a pressure to prime mover to the
turbine and then the turbine will rotate the shaft to produce a supply.
There is a system which is water cooled in side generator means water is used to cooled
generator but after circulation the water will be boiled and cooled through the fun mounted with
the shaft of the generator. Water cooled generator is more preferable than air cooled generator
because the air cooled generator is simply affected the temperature variation of the environment.

The is no any hole inside the tank but when the temperature is high to form heat and the oil
inside the oil tank and on the running pipe will be came dissolve the leakage will happen.

However if there is any circulating cooling system, the temperature will be decrease and the hot
oil will be cool and finally there is no leakage in the generator tank and running pipes.

Neutral and ground must not connect together or do not use neutral instead of ground and ground
instead of neutral.

If ground and neutral are connected together it has big problem that is ground is mounted from
the metal body of the generator to the ground for the safely purpose however the neutral is used
to return back the resultant current of the three phase power. If ground and neutral are connected
together, there are two cases

Case 1:

If the three phase supply is balanced, nothing will happen.

Case 2:

If the three phase supply is un balanced there is a returning back current which is resultant
current then then if the ground is connected to the neutral the current choose the lower
resistance(thicker than neutral, must be with resistivity less than 5Ω) and starts to the ground
finally to the metal body of the generator since ground is taken from the metal body of the
generator. If the current is circulating at the metal body of the generator, there is power loss
which is P=I2R and this loss can generate a high temperature results high heat this high heat is
the main reason for leakage. In addition, this high heat may cause damage for the generator or
the generator may explode after a time.

Mathematically,
Ploss=I2R, P=VI
NB:

In order to prevent oil leakage and stand by generator exploding don’t connect ground and
neutral together.

Stand by generator uses a motorized breaker in order to connect its supply when utility supply is
not there and disconnect its supply when utility supply is there (coming on ). And motorized
breaker has the following switch parts:

EEPCO

Generator

Maintenance time (Stop)

Self-Test

When you think as an engineer, what is the main reason to put B1 & B2 in the above automatic
transfer switch network?

1.5. Main parts of Diesel generator

A diesel generator is the set of diesel engine and alternator. Diesel engine is prime mover which
rotates the
alternator and alternator generates the electricity.

Further diesel engine works on principle of Carnot cycle, air is compressed in a cylinder, then it
is compressed up to high pressure, diesel is injected to this compressed air thus combustion
takes place, this energy force to move the piston in the cylindrical passage, piston is further
connected to crank shaft. on the other hand generator works on principle of electromagnetic
induction, when a DC excited rotor is rotated then at synchronous speed EMF induced in static
armature.
The main components of an electric generator can be broadly classified as follows

(1) Engine
(2) Alternator
(3) Fuel System
(4) Voltage Regulator
(5) Cooling and Exhaust Systems
(6) Lubrication System
(7) Battery Charger
(8) Control Panel
(9) Main Assembly / Frame

A description of the main components of a generator is given below.

1. Engine

The engine is the source of the input mechanical energy to the generator. The size of the
engine is directly proportional to the maximum power output the generator can supply.
There are several factors that you need to keep in mind while assessing the engine of your
generator. The manufacturer of the engine should be consulted to obtain full engine
operation specifications and maintenance schedules.

It serves as prime mover

It consumes fuel

emf = dφ/dt ,
N∆dφ/dt
∆φ= φmax- φmin
When
∆φ=0, the prime mover will be parallel means stops it’s rotation.
Here the air, the fuel and the fire will combine to create the energy to rotate the engine and the
engine is coupled with alternator through crack shaft (gear box). The performance of the
generator is depending on the number of cylinders.

(a)Type of Fuel Used – Generator engines operate on a variety of fuels such as diesel, gasoline,
propane (in liquefied or gaseous form), or natural gas. Smaller engines usually operate on
gasoline while larger engines run on diesel, liquid propane, propane gas, or natural gas. Certain
engines can also operate on a dual feed of both diesel and gas in a bi-fuel operation mode.

(b) Overhead Valve (OHV) Engines versus non-OHV Engines – OHV engines differ from other
engines in that the intake and exhaust valves of the engine are located in the head of the engine’s
cylinder as opposed to being mounted on the engine block. OHV engines have several
advantages over other engines such as:

 Compact design
  Simpler operation mechanism
  Durability
  User-friendly in operations
  Low noise during operations
  Low emission levels

However, OHV-engines are also more expensive than other engines.

(c) Cast Iron Sleeve (CIS) in Engine Cylinder – The CIS is a lining in the cylinder of the
engine. It reduces wear and tear, and ensures durability of the engine. Most OHV-engines are
equipped with CIS but it is essential to check for this feature in the engine of a generator. The
CIS is not an expensive feature but it plays an important role in engine durability especially if
you need to use your generator often or for long durations.

2. Alternator
The alternator, also known as the ‘genhead’, is the part of the generator that produces the
electrical output from the mechanical input supplied by the engine. It contains an assembly of
stationary and moving parts encased in housing. The components work together to cause relative
movement between the magnetic and electric fields, which in turn generates electricity.

It is the part which has a responsible for generating electricity.

It houses the single or three phase windings in the rotor

The winding of the alternator is at the centre of the rotor in order to generate electricity
but the permanent magnet is used to create the magnetic field.

 
(a) Stator – This is the stationary component. It contains a set of electrical conductors
wound in coils over an iron core.

(b) Rotor / Armature – This is the moving component that produces a rotating magnetic
field in any one of the following three ways:

(i) By induction – These are known as brushless alternators and are usually used in large  
generators.
(ii) By permanent magnets – This is common in small alternator units.
(iii) By using an exciter – An exciter is a small source of direct current (DC) that energizes the
rotor through an assembly of conducting slip rings and brushes.

The rotor generates a moving magnetic field around the stator, which induces a voltage
difference between the windings of the stator. This produces the alternating current (AC) output
of the generator.

3. Fuel System
The fuel tank usually has sufficient capacity to keep the generator operational for 6 to 8 hours on
an average. In the case of small generator units, the fuel tank is a part of the generator’s skid base
or is mounted on top of the generator frame. For commercial applications, it may be necessary to
erect and install an external fuel tank. All such installations are subject to the approval of the
City Planning Division.

Common features of the fuel system include the following:

(a) Pipe connection from fuel tank to engine – The supply line directs fuel from the tank to the
engine and the return line directs fuel from the engine to the tank.

(b) Ventilation pipe for fuel tank – The fuel tank has a ventilation pipe to prevent the build-up
of pressure or vacuum during refilling and drainage of the tank. When you refill the fuel tank,
ensure metal-to-metal contact between the filler nozzle and the fuel tank to avoid sparks.

(c) Overflow connection from fuel tank to the drain pipe – This is required so that any
overflow during refilling of the tank does not cause spillage of the liquid on the generator set.

(d) Fuel pump – This transfers fuel from the main storage tank to the day tank. The fuel pump is
typically electrically operated.

(e) Fuel Water Separator / Fuel Filter – This separates water and foreign matter from the
liquid fuel to protect other components of the generator from corrosion and contamination.

1. Fuel Injector

This atomizes the liquid fuel and sprays the required amount of fuel into the combustion
chamber of the engine.
 2. Voltage Regulator

As the name implies, this component regulates the output voltage of the generator. The
mechanism is described below against each component that plays a part in the cyclical process of
voltage regulation.

(1) Voltage Regulator: Conversion of AC Voltage to DC Current – The voltage regulator takes
up a small portion of the generator’s output of AC voltage and converts it into DC current. The
voltage regulator then feeds this DC current to a set of secondary windings in the stator, known
as exciter windings.

(2) Exciter Windings: Conversion of DC Current to AC Current – The exciter windings now
function similar to the primary stator windings and generate a small AC current. The exciter
windings are connected to units known as rotating rectifiers.

(3) Rotating Rectifiers: Conversion of AC Current to DC Current – These rectify the AC

current generated by the exciter windings and convert it to DC current. This DC current is fed to
the rotor / armature to create an electromagnetic field in addition to the rotating magnetic field of
the rotor / armature.

(4)Rotor / Armature: Conversion of DC Current to AC Voltage – The rotor / armature now

induces a larger AC voltage across the windings of the stator, which the generator now produces
as a larger output AC voltage.

This cycle continues till the generator begins to produce output voltage equivalent to its full
operating capacity. As the output of the generator increases, the voltage regulator produces less
DC current. Once the generator reaches full operating capacity, the voltage regulator attains a
state of equilibrium and produces just enough DC current to maintain the generator’s output at
full operating level.
When you add a load to a generator, its output voltage dips a little. This prompts the voltage
regulator into action and the above cycle begins. The cycle continues till the generator output
ramps up to its original full operating capacity.

3. Cooling & Exhaust Systems

(a) Cooling System

Continuous usage of the generator causes its various components to get heated up. It is essential
to have a cooling and ventilation system to withdraw heat produced in the process.

Raw/fresh water is sometimes  used as a coolant for generators, but these are mostly limited to
specific situations like small generators in city applications or very large units over 2250 kW and
above. Hydrogen is sometimes used as a coolant for the stator windings of large generator units
since it is more efficient at absorbing heat than other coolants. Hydrogen removes heat from the
generator and transfers it through a heat exchanger into a secondary cooling circuit that contains
de-mineralized water as a coolant. This is why very large generators and small power plants
often have large cooling towers next to them.  For all other common applications, both
residential and industrial, a standard radiator and fan is mounted on the generator and works as
the primary cooling system.

(b) Exhaust System

Exhaust fumes emitted by a generator are just like exhaust from any other diesel or gasoline
engine and contain highly toxic chemicals that need to be properly managed. Hence, it is
essential to install an adequate exhaust system to dispose of the exhaust gases.  This point cannot
be emphasized enough as carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the most common causes
for death in post hurricane affected areas because people tend to not even think about it until it’s
too late. 

Exhaust pipes are usually made of cast iron, wrought iron, or steel. These need to be freestanding
and should not be supported by the engine of the generator. Exhaust pipes are usually attached to
the engine using flexible connectors to minimize vibrations and prevent damage to the
generator’s exhaust system. The exhaust pipe terminates outdoors and leads away from doors,
windows and other openings to the house or building. You must ensure that the exhaust system
of your generator is not connected to that of any other equipment. You should also consult the
local city ordinances to determine whether your generator operation will need to obtain an
approval from the local authorities to ensure you are conforming to local laws a protect against
fines and other penalties.

4. Lubricating System

Since the generator comprises moving parts in its engine, it requires lubrication to ensure
durability and smooth operations for a long period of time. The generator’s engine is lubricated
by oil stored in a pump. You should check the level of lubricating oil every 8 hours of generator
operation. You should also check for any leakages of lubricant and change the lubricating oil
every 500 hours of generator operation.

5. Battery Charger

The start function of a generator is battery-operated. The battery charger keeps the generator
battery charged by supplying it with a precise ‘float’ voltage. If the float voltage is very low, the
battery will remain undercharged. If the float voltage is very high, it will shorten the life of the
battery. Battery chargers are usually made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. They are also
fully automatic and do not require any adjustments to be made or any settings to be changed. The
DC output voltage of the battery charger is set at 2.33 Volts per cell, which is the precise float
voltage for lead acid batteries.

6. Control Panel

This is the user interface of the generator and contains provisions for electrical outlets and
controls. The following article provides further details regarding the generator control panel. 
Different manufacturers have varied features to offer in the control panels of their units. Some of
these are mentioned below.

(a) Electric start and shut-down – Auto start control panels automatically start your generator
during a power outage, monitor the generator while in operation, and automatically shut down
the unit when no longer required.

(b) Engine gauges – Different gauges indicate important parameters such as oil pressure,
temperature of coolant, battery voltage, engine rotation speed, and duration of operation.
Constant measurement and monitoring of these parameters enables built-in shut down of the
generator when any of these cross their respective threshold levels.
(c) Generator gauges – The control panel also has meters for the measurement of output current
and voltage, and operating frequency.
(d) Other controls – Phase selector switch, frequency switch, and engine control switch (manual
mode, auto mode) among others.

7. Main Assembly / Frame

All generators, portable or stationary, have customized housings that provide a structural base
support. The frame also allows for the generated to be earthed for safety.

EXERCISES

1. What is Electrical installation mean? Explain?

2. What is the difference between compound light and street light?

3. What is the difference between straight light and sport field light design?

4. Think as an engineer you have a lightening arrester on the top of your house, does this
lightening arrestor can avoid formation of lightening arrestor? Why?

5. List and explain the four types of lightening arrestor’s masts design in a given area or
site?

6. What are the types of the earthing methods and explain then with their application?

7. What is the difference between smoke detector and fire detector based on their design and
science of detection?

8. Can you install data cable and power cable together? Why?
9. Think as an engineer you have a lightening arrester on the top of your house, what will
happen if this lightening arrestor is not grounded or lose the connection between the
conductor and the ground bar? Why?

10. Why you prefer (go) parallel earthing road for a site which is hard soil?