Can you parallel non-inverter generators? Yes, you certainly can.
The method, although, is not as simple as you may believe, and it entails a number of sensitive processes.
So, in this guide, I’ll explain what paralleling a generator is, why it’s important, and also how to link two separate generators in parallel effectively.
What does it mean to parallelize generators?
Paralleling generators, also known as operating generators in parallel, is a method of doubling the output power by connecting two generators running parallel.
Usually, connecting generators with the same output power or from the same manufacturer is simpler.
It’ll be much easier to engage them parallelly if your generator is parallel competent; but, if your compact inverter generator is not serial enabled, the technique will be slightly different.
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Table of Contents
What Is Load Sharing and How Does It Work?
Operating generators in parallel allows the load of both the appliances to be distributed evenly across the generators.
So the load of the electric appliances that run on generator power is spread evenly across the generators. Load sharing is used to prevent overloading a single generator.
Destabilization can result from putting one generator under more stress, particularly if the load demand rises.
Balanced load distribution or splitting can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Dynamic load power-sharing often called isochronous kW load distribution, is among the most frequent strategies to do this.
The rate regulators dictate how another generator’s engine shares the power factor which the system demands.
Reduce or increase the energy delivery to the generator motors to achieve kW load distribution.
What are the Benefits of Using Parallel Generators?
Electricity is a need in today’s life. For several activities, humans rely on electricity. It appears that life would be impossible without electricity. People’s energy demands have risen dramatically in this period.
Furthermore, technological advances need even more electricity. Each day, designers and innovators come up with newer gadgets and ideas that take a lot of energy, resulting in a desire for more power.
You may supplement your power supply at home by purchasing a second generator.
Increases the amount of power available
Flexibility and the flexibility to add more power as a firm expands is possible with paralleled generators.
More generators may be daffodil into the paralleled system if more power capacity is required, which is especially simple when planned ahead of time.
This enables firms to pay as they expand, reducing capital costs and freeing up funds for other critical company requirements.
Enhances Productivity
For most systems, power supplies do not stay unchanged. Changes in power demand can lead a single bigger generator to operate significantly below its maximum capacity, reducing efficiency and even generating fuel difficulties.
Changes in load are easily managed by a paralleled system, which allows generators to operate at 75-80 percent of design capacity, optimizing efficiency, fuel economy, and maintenance expenses.
Extremely adaptable and easier to maintain
Using multiple generators in tandem helps keep the immediate power backup system operational even while it is being serviced.
A generator can be entirely down for maintenance while the surviving generator manages the needed loads in a N+1 parallel setup. This might avoid the requirement for rental equipment during repair or the danger of fully closing down the backup power system.
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Contingency for Sensitive Loads is included
When one of the generators in a paralleling system breaks, the power loads could be reallocated among several generators inside the network in priority order.
This ensures that if one of the generators fails, the most vital emergency parts will have the redundancy they need to keep running.
One of the key reasons why organizations have employed parallel arrangements in the past has been to generate redundancy and preserve power continuity.
The method for interconnecting the generators
Some measures and restrictions must be taken for the best operation of such synchronous machines at this stage, generally referred to as paralleling of generators.
Connect the generator by starting it
During this stage, the generator is started up in order to be connected in parallel, which entails running it at synchronous speed and balancing the voltages.
Another prerequisite is that the phase sequence of the approaching generator is matched with the phase difference of the operating system.
Sequence of phases
One approach to test this is to attach a small induction motor to the ends from each of the two generators alternately.
The phase sequence from both generators is the same if the motor rotates in the same directions at all times.
The phase sequences are altered if the motor rotates in opposite directions, and two of the generator’s conductors should be flipped.
Another easier technique of measuring the sequence is to use a sequencing device, which can be electrical or electromagnetic, but both works on the same concept as the engine described above.
How to Use a Synchroscope
Having a synchroscope, which is intended to be equipment that shows the synchronicity of the generators. It also calculates the gap in phase difference of any phase between both the systems, it was without a question the simplest technique.
There are both analog and electronic needle types available.
Is it possible to run multiple generators of various sizes or brands in parallel?
Inside a parallel procedure and arrangement, two generators of various brands or sizes can be used.
It’s considerably easier because both of these generators are capable of paralleling. Just keep in mind that one thing these generators must have in mind is that they are inverter generators.
If they’re both parallel capable, you can utilize a parallel package to link them more easily.
Six terminals are found on most parallel kits. Four of these are power connections, while the remaining two are just ground wires that link to the generator bottom plate.
The approach differs from which generator is parallel-capable, capable of paralleling but the other isn’t. This approach can also be used if none of your generators is capable of parallel processing.
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Begin by attaching the non-parallel generator’s output pin to the other generator’s input source. Attach the appliance that requires electricity to the second generator, the parallel-capable one.
Now, before beginning before starting the second generator, activate the non-parallel generator. This procedure allows users to connect 2 generators of various brands or sizes in a suitable setup.
Can I purchase a larger generator instead of this?
There are indeed a number of compelling arguments against doing so. For example, if you currently own a small or medium generator and want additional power, upgrading to a larger generator is not a viable option.
However, you may purchase another one that is identical to your current one and join them to get greater power.
You should avoid purchasing a single huge generator since only portable generators have a substantial power output capacity.
In addition, they aren’t as quiet or economical as inverter generators. Inverter generators continue to outperform and are conventional in all objectives.
Factors to Consider When Working With Parallel Generators
Almost all of the time, consumers link two generators with the same output power or even the same manufacturer. This is a wise decision because it eliminates a lot of compatibility difficulties.
Yet, this does not rule out the possibility of connecting two generators of various brands or capacities.
Inverter Connectivity
Two linked generators’ alternators would be suitable as long as the currents among them don’t really flow into each other’s circuits.
Although each alternator has protective relays built in to avoid circumstances like these, the generators’ function can still be impacted.
‘Motoring’ is the term for this circumstance. If this occurs, every generator in the setup may be overloaded.
It’s possible that the entire system will crash at some point.
Motor Integrations
Generator engine capacity is specified in kW, which stands for kilowatts. Run two generators with the same kW whenever possible.
This allows you to run them in parallel for bigger loads, as well as prevent system overloads. Consider having two generators, one with a 200kW rating and the other with a 400kW rating.
You’ll only be able to bring your load up to 200kW in this instance. Based on the generated limit of your smaller generator, your load-supplying capability will be maximum.
Connectivity Consistency
Whenever parallel setups were originally introduced, each generator would have to be staffed at all times since each process needed manual intervention.
Because contemporary generators can interact with others autonomously, this is no longer the case. In order to streamline proper functioning, parallel-configured generators obtain a detailed communication route.
The Bottom Line
One of the criteria that determines how much energy you can receive when two generators are connected is the capacity of the machines you wish to parallel.
If one generator is much larger than the other, coupling the two units will restrict the bigger generator’s output power capacity.
