How Do You Connect Two Generators in Parallel or Series?

[conc]

Hi guys,
If we connect 2 Dc generators in parallel. First generator ratings (200 V, 400 Amp),and the

second Generator (400 V, 500 Amp). What are the output voltage and the max.output current?

What if we connect them in Series ?

What if these generators are Ac generators?

 

[berkeman]

Hi guys,



If we connect 2 Dc generators in parallel. First generator ratings (200 V, 400 Amp),and the

second Generator (400 V, 500 Amp). What are the output voltage and the max.output current?

What if we connect them in Series ?

What if these generators are Ac generators?

Welcome to the PF.

What is the context of the question? Is this for schoolwork, or are you planning some sort of power system?

You cannot connect voltage sources of different voltages in parallel (in general). Voltage sources want to hold their output voltage constant, so if you connect two different voltage sources in parallel, they will overcurrent trying to fight each other.

If the voltages are similar, you can "diode OR" the two DC outputs, so that the slightly higher voltage power supply supplies the load current. This is commonly done in battery-backup situations, so the diode OR'ed battery can take over if the power supply fails.

AC generators can be paralleled if their output voltages are the same, and if there is a mechanism to keep them synchronized. The Honda 2000W portable generators have this feature, for example.

 

[Studiot]

What you are asking is perfectly normal in power engineering although the disparity between generators you suggest is not.

However your specifications are short of some additional parameters.

The method of calculating the effect of parallel generators or batteries has been posted here several times.

 

[sophiecentaur]

What you are asking is perfectly normal in power engineering although the disparity between generators you suggest is not.

This is very true but it needs to be pointed out that the control of the power input to parallel generators needs to be very precise and it's seriously not trivial to get optimum performance - it's actually quite hard not to have them jumping off their beds! (My old Dad's description of what could happen)

 

[alphysicist]

Hello,

Thank you for your question. I can provide some insight into the connection of two generators.

If we connect two DC generators in parallel, the output voltage will remain the same as the voltage of the individual generators, which in this case would be 200V and 400V respectively. The maximum output current will be the sum of the individual generator's output currents, so it would be 900A (400A + 500A).

If we connect the generators in series, the output voltage will be the sum of the individual generator's voltages, so it would be 600V (200V + 400V). The maximum output current will remain the same as the current of the individual generators, so it would be 400A.

If the generators are AC generators, the same principles apply. In parallel, the output voltage will remain the same as the voltage of the individual generators, and the maximum output current will be the sum of the individual generator's output currents. In series, the output voltage will be the sum of the individual generator's voltages, and the maximum output current will remain the same as the current of the individual generators.

It is important to note that when connecting generators in parallel, they must have the same frequency and phase to avoid any issues with synchronization. In series, the voltages must also be in phase to ensure proper operation.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Best,