G310 - Generators: Normal/Abnormal Operation

2.5 days - 1.6 Continuing Education Units Awarded

There are NO SMALL PROBLEMS when it comes to your GENERATOR!! Learn how modern generators work on the power system grid. Emphasis is placed on taking the magic out of generation operations as well as dealing with normal operations and those abnormal occurrences that could happen. Attending personnel learn what really happens in the air gap. An understanding of why and how the voltage / frequency varies is extremely important in being able to make the "best" operating decision. The interesting part of operating a generator is that you do not know when this information is going to be needed, and when this understanding is required there will be no time to consult the book nor call the subject matter expert. Learn what components are at risk and how. At the course conclusion we will review 12+ abnormal conditions and for each we'll discuss how the situation can develop, what are the symptoms, what protective relaying might exist, what are the proper actions, and if actions are not taken then what are the results. Be prepared! There are no small problems when it comes to your generator.

Combustion Turbines, Diesels, Hydroelectric Turbines, or Steam Turbine Drives. It makes no difference; we cover them all as it applies to safe and proper generator operation. This course is intended for Control Room Operators, Shift Supervisors, Engineers, Technicians, and Operation Superintendents/Supervisors who operate these generating units.

A topical outline includes: Generator Theory for Non-Engineers, System Operation, Generator Construction, Intro to Generator Controls, Generator Auxiliary Systems, Normal Operations, Abnormal Operations.

Take a test now:

1. Define a VAR.
2. When opening the generator circuit breaker, under which conditions should the unit be in auto? And, under what conditions should the unit be in manual? Why?
3. Describe when motoring the generator a concern?
4. What generator component is at risk if and when a negative sequence current event should occur?
5. Can a stator ground cause other damage on the generator?
   

How did you do? With a little experience and this course you should have been able to answer each question in some degree of detail.

OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course the participant operator will be able to:

1. Describe, in layman terms, synchronism and the interaction of magnetic fields within the generator air gap.
2. Describe how the North America grid is divided.
3. Describe the terms VAR and WATT using a description of energy flow and current/voltage.
4. Describe the proper procedure for preparing the generator for synchronous operation.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use the reactive capability.
6. Describe the various methods used to monitor generator temperatures.
7. Describe the generator response to frequency and/or voltage deviations.
8. List a minimum of 15 alarm conditions occurring on a generator where operator action may be required.
9. For each alarm condition listed:
   1. Describe the likely results (damage) resulting from no proper response.
   2. Describe, in layman terms, the device providing the annunciation.
   3. State whether automatic protective relaying exists and describe any actions taken.
   4. Describe how an operator may validate alarm conditions.
   5. Describe the most correct action to be taken upon validation.

COURSE OUTLINE

• Day One
  • Generator Theory for Non-Engineers:  Fundamentals of Generator Design, Stator Armature Windings, Armature Reaction, Rotor Magnetic Fields, Generator Loads, Power Transfer and Load Angle, Active and Reactive Power, Power Factor, Power Flow, Generators Under Load
  • System Operation:  Structure of Power System, Interconnections, Power Balance, and Frequency/Voltage Control
• Day Two
  • Construction: Stator Frame, Stator Core, Stator Windings, Coolers, End Shield, Rotor Assembly, Rotor Forging, Field Windings, Retaining Rings, Collector Rings, Exciters, Collectors
  • Introduction to Generator Controls:  Speed Governor Operation, Automatic Voltage Regulator, DC Excitation Systems, Rotating Exciters, Static Excitation Systems, Generator Rotor Angle, And Parallel Operation
  • Generator Auxiliary Systems Normal/Abnormal Operations:  Hydrogen Systems, Seal Oil Systems, and Stator Winding Cooling Systems.
  • Normal Operation: Preparation for startup, Synchronizing (Manual and Automatic considerations), Loading, Reactive Capability Curves, Vee Curves, Unloading, Monitoring Temperatures, Shutdown Methods.
• Day Three (1/2 Day)
  • Abnormal Operations: Relationship Between Operation, Protection and Alarms, Alarms, Protection When Off-Line, Protective Actions for Generator Faults,
  • Abnormal Operation and Protection Recommendations that include System Steady and Dynamic Conditions, Frequency Deviations, Voltage Deviations, Instability, Loss of Synchronism, Stator Over Current, Stator Ground Fault, Stator Phase-to-Phase Fault, Over Voltage, Over Volts-Per-Hertz, Field Overheating, Field Ground, Loss of Excitation, Bearing Vibration, Synchronizing Errors, Motoring, Reduced Seal Oil Pressure, Loss of Stator Coolant, High Water Conductivity, Local Overheating, Unbalanced Armature Currents, Breaker Failure, System Back Up, Voltage Surges, Transmission Line Planned Switching, High Speed Reclosing, Accidental Energization

Satisfied Clients: Alstom Power, AEP, AES Corporation - Air Products & Chemicals - Allegheny Power - American Municipalities of Ohio - Anchorage Municipal Power & Light - Arizona Public Service - Austin Energy - Baltimore Gas & Electric - Boulder (CO), City of - Central Power & Light -Consumers Energy - Crestbrook Forest Industries - Denver Water Department - Duquesne Light - Exelon Nuclear Generation - Fort Drum Cogeneration - General Electric - GPU/Genco - Kennecott Utah Copper - Kentucky Utilities - L&S Industries - MidAmerican Energy - New England Power - Ogden Martin Systems - Owensboro Municipal Utilities - Public Service of Oklahoma - Saguaro Power - Salt River Project - SaskPower - Southwestern Electric Power Company - Stewart and Stevenson Operations - United Power Association - US Army Corps of Engineers - US Generating - Washington Water Power System - Watson Cogeneration - West Penn Power - West Plaines Energy - West Texas Utilities - Wheelabrator Energy Systems