Load balancing in Parallel generators

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of load balancing in parallel generators, specifically focusing on the use of an AVR micro-controller. Participants explore various approaches to achieve effective load balancing, including the operational characteristics of the generators and the requirements for monitoring and control.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on how to implement load balancing using parallel generators with an AVR micro-controller, asking for basic ideas and approaches.
  • Another participant questions the type of generators being used, specifically whether they are DC or AC generators, indicating confusion about the definitions and characteristics of DC generators.
  • It is suggested that if both generators output similar voltage, monitoring the current drawn from each generator could help adjust the throttle of the engines to balance the load.
  • A participant emphasizes the need for more details about the system, such as the operational mode of the generators (island mode or grid-connected), the type of governor used, and the communication capabilities of the AVR micro-controller.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of switching generators on or off based on load, with questions about the implications for fuel efficiency and the challenges of matching voltage, current, frequency, and phase when reactivating a generator.
  • Another participant asks about the level of automation in the existing system, suggesting that more information is needed to provide meaningful assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the feasibility and methodology of load balancing with parallel generators. There is no consensus on the type of generators or the best approach to achieve load balancing, indicating multiple competing views and unresolved questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note several missing details that could affect the discussion, such as the total number of generators, their proximity, and the specifics of the AVR micro-controller's inputs and outputs. These limitations highlight the complexity of the problem and the need for further clarification.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to engineering students, professionals working with generator systems, and those involved in power management and automation in parallel generator setups.

raja723578
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Hi guys,

Can someone please tell me how to do load balancing using parallel generators with an avr micro-controller?

What should be the approach for load balancing?
What would be the basic idea to achieve load balancing?

Thankyou.
 
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What is driving your generators?
 
By avr micro-controller do you mean a type of Automatic Voltage Regulator?
 
skeptic 2,
sir the generators would be driven by petrol..
 
Are these DC generators?
 
skeptic2 said:
Are these DC generators?

No disrespect intended,

I need to find out if I'm messed up about what I understand, I see so many questions and comments about "DC Generators". As I understand DC is a product of, chemical or AC rectification only. Can anyone confirm or explain, thanks.

Ron
 
Assuming both generators are putting out about the same voltage then the load can be determined by the current drawn from each generator. I would find a way to monitor the current from each generator and adjust the throttles of the engines driving the generators until the currents are about equal.
 
Are these DC generators?

No they would be AC generators.

By avr micro-controller do you mean a type of Automatic Voltage Regulator?

No, not a automatic voltage regulator.
 
But the real question is what's the criteria for selecting only
sufficient generators to carry the load demand at any given time?
 
  • #10
Can you explain what you have a bit more, for instance do these generators run in parallel already? Do they run in island mode or are they against a grid? What kind of governor do they have? What inputs and outputs does your avr micro-controller have?
 
  • #11
  • #12
okay basically what i want to know about is that suppose:-

I have more than one generator and similarly more than load.
Now,I want my generators to switch on or off dependng upon the load.I do not want more than the required number of generators running when they are not needed naturally for economical purposes.

How should I go about to achieve that?

P.S:
I am a bachelors engineering student so excuse my not so professional approach to tackling the problem.:smile:
 
  • #13
There are far too many details missing in order for one of us to suggest a method. For instance,

* Why do you want to switch your generators on or off depending on load? (If the load drops, each generator will supply less current. With less of a load on the generators there will be less load on the motors driving them so the motors will burn less fuel. Switching a generator off will save very little if any fuel and will cause problems matching voltage, current, frequency and phase when you turn it on.)
* How many generators are there total?
* How are you going to match the frequencies and phases of all the generators?
* What is the maximum current anyone generator can supply?
* Are the generators located close together or far apart?
* How will your micro-controller communicate with all the generators?
* How will you adjust the voltages of the generators so that if one generator has a higher voltage output it doesn't overload or feed current back into the other generators?
 
Last edited:
  • #14
How automated is the system that you have already? For instance do your machines auto-synch or is it done manually? Do you have any type of auto load sharing? To help we need a lot more information then you are giving.
 

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