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Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/09/2013 6:03 AM

In our project we have 6 x 500 KVA DG sets with a Synchronization Panel, Sync. Panel has Comap Controller with SCADA for parallel operation of all 6 Nos. of DG sets. All the incoming ACB's are 800Amps 3 pole with a Neutral Contactor. all neutral earth pits (12 Nos - each two for 1 DG set) are directly connected to sync. panel common bus bar (neutral) of synchronization panel. from the common bus bar the neutral is routed through a neutral contactor to the DG Sets, at the time of operation any one of the DG Sets Neutral Contactor will be in 'ON' position, all other DG sets will work on floating mode. as per the comap controller master DG sets Neutral contactor will be in 'ON" position at the time of parallel operation. for more than a year it was working fine, now a days we are facing a problem with neutral contactor shifting at the time of parallel operation. whenever all DG starts, the master DG neutral contactor will 'ON" initially after few minutes the neutral contactor is automatically switching over to another follower DG set with out any manual command, sometimes at the time interchanging two DG's neutral contactor making hevay chattering noise continuously for more than 20 seconds, and not at all closing and incoming ACB is automatically tripping. i need help from all of you to solve the issue.

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Shaju Khan
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#1

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/09/2013 9:34 AM

I don't suppose you've been in touch with the manufactures? (As usual)

Is this the same system http://cr4.globalspec.com/thread/66300 if it is you've made alterations. When did the fault first manifest it's self?

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#4
In reply to #1

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/10/2013 1:56 AM

yes it is the same system, no alteration was done, still the neutral circulating current is exists at no load condition. when we asked the supplier he replied the neutral circulating current is always be there, because of floating condition of other (slave) DG sets.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/10/2013 9:02 PM

No changes?

So why is this version 20% bigger than last time?

Has a 500KVA set just grown?

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Guru

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#6
In reply to #4

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/10/2013 10:02 PM

I also refer to the previous posting regarding circulation current.

If the bias settings and droop characteristics are not set properly in the controllers, then your are bound to have circulation current problem.

I don't think any problem with earthing etc. Ideally when two sets are synchronized there should not be any circulating current, if the speed of the sets are matching. If the speeds are not matching then the one will act as generator and other one will act as motor. The controller has to adjust the speed of slave machine to match with the master machine. If the Controllers are not properly tuned then you are bound to have these problems. When 5 sets are to be operated in parallel, the controllers are to be tuned properly .

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#2

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/09/2013 9:48 AM

If it is the same equipment as stated in #1↑ then the main problem seems to be an unwillingness to specify how the equipment is intended to work, and to witness and record its correct operation at a Factory Equipment Test prior to its despatch to site.

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Guru

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#3

Re: Synchronization Panel Neutral Contactor Related

10/10/2013 12:41 AM

The situation is dangerous.

If the neutral contactor is not ON even for one second the single phase loads connected to the system will get damaged.

I have designed such Auto sync systems which are operation in Chennai Area,

Please do not depend upon Controller .Please have independent circuitry such a way the First set started becomes Master and its Neutral contactor is made to switch on immediately the set is started.

This neutral will be switched off only when the set stops.

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