EE 107 AC Machinery

Parallel Operation
Parallel Operation of AC
of
Generators
AC Generators
 Frequency-Power Characteristics
Effect Of Additional Real Power To Generator Speed

v Prime mover speed

Mechanical speed (rpm)

decrease as generator n
load increase.
nnl
v Prime movers include a
nfl
governor mechanism to
make decrease linear
with increasing load
and provide a slight
drooping. Pfl Power
(kW)
 Frequency-Power Characteristics
Effect Of Additional Real Power To Generator Speed

Mechanical speed (rpm)

nnl - n fl n
SD = ´100%
n fl nnl
nfl
where:
SD = speed droop of the prime
mover
nnl = no load speed of the prime
mover
nfl = full load speed of the prime Pfl Power
mover (kW)

v Drooping can range from 2% - 4%.

 Frequency-Power Characteristics
Effect Of Additional Reactive Power To Generator Speed

v The speed should not droop for an increase in reactive

power (kVAR), since this power is not actual power
consumed by load.
v It does however affect the terminal voltage of the
generator.
 Frequency-Power Characteristics
Adjusting Generator Speed
v Governor mechanism has set point to adjust the no load
speed of the prime mover.
v When no load speed is adjusted, the whole speed-power
curve will be adjusted.
n
Mechanical speed (rpm)

nnl n’nlnl
n’’
nfl

Power
Pfl (kW)
 Frequency-Power Characteristics
Effect Of Additional Real Power To Generator Frequency
v Since prime mover speed is proportional to generator
frequency, the latter also decreases with increasing load.
f
P = sP ( f nl - f sys )
fnl
where:

Frequency(Hz)
fsys
P = power output of generator ffl
fnl = no load frequency
ffl = full load frequency
fsys = operating frequency of
system at power P.
sP = inverse of slope of curve,
P Pfl Power (kW)
kW/Hz or MW/Hz.

v To adjust generator frequency, the governor mechanism can be

adjusted accordingly.
 Checkpoint
§ Express the power-frequency relationship of the generator
in terms of the speed droop SD.
 Illustrative Problem 1
§ A 8-pole generator is operating at 60 Hz at no-load. At full-load
of 100 kW, the operating frequency goes down to 58.5 Hz.
The governor mechanism on the prime mover is set so that the
frequency varies linearly with the power output.
a) What is the prime mover rpm at no-load and full-load
b) Express the power P delivered by the generator as a function
of its operating frequency.
c) Calculate for sP?
d) If the operating frequency needs to be at 60 Hz at full load,
at what frequency level should the generator be at no-load?
What should be the prime mover rpm to attain this no-load
frequency?
e) If an additional load of 25 kW is connected to the generator
without changing its frequency, what should be the prime-
mover rpm at no-load?
 Illustrative Problem 1
§ Solution: f
a) 120 f fl 120(58.5)
n fl = = = 877.5 rpm
P 8 fsys fnl
ffl
120 f nl 120(60)

Frequency(Hz)
nnl = = = 900 rpm
P 8
b) Let fsys = operating frequency
of generator for any given
power output P. P Pfl Power
(kW)
Pfl P
=
f nl - f fl f nl - f sys
c) s P = 66.667 kW / Hz
100 kW
P= (60 - f )
sys
(60 - 58.5) Hz

P = 66.667 (60 - f sys ) kW

 Illustrative Problem 1
§ Solution: f
d) Pfl P
= 60 Hz
f 'nl - f ' fl f 'nl - f sys fsys ff’nlnl
58.5 Hz ff’flfl
Since the slope of the curve is the same:

Frequency(Hz)
Pfl
= s P = 66.667 kW / Hz
f 'nl - f ' fl

100 P Pfl Power

= 66.667 kW / Hz (kW)
f 'nl -60
Frequency – Power curve set at
f 'nl = 61.5 Hz a higher no-load frequency

120 f 'nl 120(61.5)

n'nl = = = 922.5 rpm
P 8
 Illustrative Problem 1
§ Solution: f
e)
60 Hz fnl
fsys
58.5 Hz ffl

Frequency(Hz)
fol

125
P 100 Power
(kW)

Frequency – Power curve showing frequency at 125 kW

 Illustrative Problem 1
§ Solution: f
f’nl
e)
60 Hz fnl
fsys
58.5 Hz ffl

Frequency(Hz)
125
P 100 Power
(kW)

Frequency – Power curve set at a higher no-load

frequency to maintain 58.5 Hz at 125 kW
125
= s P = 66.667 kW / Hz
f ' nl -58.5
120(60.375)
f '
nl = 60.375 Hz n' nl = = 905.625 rpm
8
 Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics
Effect Of Additional Reactive Power To Generator Speed
v Increase in reactive power (kVAR) supplied by generator,
does not affect generator speed and thus its frequency,
but it affects terminal voltage.
v Terminal voltage VT droops with additional unity or lagging
load but increase with additional leading load
Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

EA

jXS IA
δ
Vφ
IA θ

Generator phasor diagram with lagging load

Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

EA

jXS IA
δ

Vφ
θ
IA

Generator phasor diagram with additional reactive (inductive) load

(Vφ and therefore VT decreases drastically!)
(Note: Real power or load in this diagram is constant since IA cos θ remains
constant, hence, frequency of generator (and speed) should NOT be
affected)
Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

EA

jXS IA
δ

Vφ

θ
IA

Generator phasor diagram with additional reactive (inductive) load

(Vφ and therefore VT decreases drastically!)
(Note: Real power or load in this diagram is constant since IA cos θ remains
constant, hence, frequency of generator (and speed) should NOT be
affected)
 Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics
v VT also decreases with increasing unity power factor load.

EA

jXS IA
δ
IA Vφ

Generator phasor diagram with unity load

(Note: Real power or load in this diagram increased since IA cos θ increased,
hence, frequency of generator (and speed) will decrease)
Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

EA

jXS IA

δ
IA Vφ

Generator phasor diagram with additional real power

(Vφ and therefore VT decreases slowly)
Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

Voltage(VT)
Terminal
VTnl

VTfl

-Q (Reactive Power) Qfl Q (Reactive Power)

kVAR absorbed by kVAR supplied by
generator generator
Terminal Voltage (VT)-Reactive Power (Q)
Characteristics

How do we maintain the terminal voltage

for varying loads?

We vary the field current, decreasing it for increasing

leading power factors and increasing it for lagging and
unity power factor loads.
Summary of Frequency and Terminal Voltage
Characteristics
v To maintain the frequency of the generator for varying
load, the governor set points of the prime mover is
adjusted to control its rpm and thus the generator
frequency.
v To maintain the terminal voltage of the generator, the
field current of the generator field circuit is adjusted to
control the internally generated voltage EA and thus the
phase and terminal voltages, Vφ and VT.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems or Other Generators
Why Parallel Operation is Important?
1. Several generators can supply bigger load than a single
machine.
2. Using several generators increases the reliability of the
power system.
3. Using several generators allows removal of one generator
for maintenance without power interruption.
4. Using a single large generator to serve a relatively smaller
load can lead to the generator operating at less than full-
load, which makes it less efficient, than operating several
machines operating at near full load.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems or Other Generators
Conditions for Parallel Operation?
The following conditions should be met when putting a
generator in parallel with a running system:

1. The RMS value of the oncoming generator must be equal

to that of the running system.
2. The phase angle of one phase of the oncoming generator
must be the same as that of the same phase of the
running system.
3. For three-phase systems, the phase sequence of the
oncoming generator must be the same as that of the
existing system.
4. The frequency of the oncoming generator must be slightly
higher than that of the running system.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems or Other Generators

What happens if conditions for parallel operation

are not met?
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
The Infinite Bus
v Is a power system so large that its voltage and frequency
do not vary regardless of how much real and reactive
power is drawn or supplied to it.
f VTp

ffl ffl
Frequency(Hz)

Voltage
Power Q,
consumed (kW) consumed (kVAR)
supplied supplied
Infinite bus curves
Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

Load

Infinite Bus (Connected to an infinitely large generator)

Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

Small cart (load)

Large Freight Train
(Infitely large generator) rigid cable (infinite bus)
Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

What happens when a generator is

connected on an infinite bus?

Load

Generator
Infinite Bus
Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

Car (incoming generator)

flexible cable

Small cart (load)

Large Freight Train
(Infitely large generator) rigid cable (infinite bus)
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
vAfter satisfying the conditions for parallel connection, when
a generator is connected in parallel with an infinite bus, all
generators (all generators comprising the infinite bus and
the incoming generator) must have the same frequency and
terminal voltage.
vAt this point, the newly-connected generator is just
“floating” on the line supplying little real and reactive power.

Load

G Generator
Infinite Bus
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
f

fnl

Power supplied to load by

infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load
Generator with exactly the same frequency with infinite bus when
paralleled (PG-load ≈ 0) supplying a common load
v The freq. vs. power curve of the infinite bus curves and
that of the incoming generator can be plotted “back-to-
back”, having a common frequency axis.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Lower Frequency:
f
fnl

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load by
infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v When the no-load frequency of generator is adjusted to

become slightly lower than the infinite bus frequency (by
decreasing its prime mover speed through the governor
set points), EA and hence, the no-load VT will slightly
decrease.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Lower Frequency:
f
fnl

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load by
infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v When the no-load frequency of generator is adjusted to

become slightly lower than the infinite bus frequency (by
decreasing its prime mover speed through the governor
set points), EA and hence, the no-load VT will slightly
decrease.
v This action is the same as lowering the freq. vs. power
curve of the incoming generator.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Lower Frequency:
f
fnl

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load by
infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v If the generator is now connected to the bus, the latter

will supply power to the generator and the generator will
run as a motor. The bus is now supplying power to the load
and the generator.
Note: Generators are equipped with reverse-power trip that
disconnects the generator from the line if it starts to run as a
motor.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Lower Frequency:
f
fnl

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load by
infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v This will cause the generator rpm to increase (and hence

the frequency), raising the freq. vs. power curve and
restoring EA and VT from its previous values.
v Note that the infinite bus is still supplying power to the
generator.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Lower Frequency:
f
fnl

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load by
infinite bus

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v At this pt. the generator is still not supplying real and

reactive power but in fact, getting power from the bus.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Higher Frequency:
f
fnl A

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load
Power supplied by infinite bus
Power supplied by generator G to load
Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW
v When the no-load frequency of generator is slightly
higher than the infinite bus frequency, the generator no-
load terminal voltage will slightly increase.
v When connected to the bus, the generator will supply
power (instead of floating), up to a point where its
frequency decreases to a level equal to the bus frequency
(pt. A).
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator with Slightly Higher Frequency:
f
fnl A

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Power supplied to load
Power supplied by infinite bus
Power supplied by generator G to load
Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v Note that the power supplied by the bus to the load will
start to decrease as some of the load will be shouldered
by the generator (assuming the generator do not supply
power to the bus).
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator at Higher Frequency:
f
fnl B

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v When the frequency of generator is further increased

(while supplying load), more power will be supplied by it.
v This is the same as raising the freq. vs. power curve of the
generator.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator at Higher Frequency:
f
fnl B

Pload = Pib-load + PG-load

Pib, kW Pib-load PG-load PG, kW

v As more power is supplied, the generator frequency will start to
decrease (since the prime mover rpm will start to decrease) up
to a point where the generator frequency equalizes with the
infinite bus frequency (pt. B).
v Note that as the governor mechanism is adjusted, VT changes in
a transient manner but eventually settles to a constant value
equal to the bus voltage, since it has to follow the bus voltage.
Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

What happens to the generator

phasor diagram as the real power
of the generator increases?
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator Phasor Diagram:
The generator phasor
diagram as the frequency is
adjusted to higher value (by
EA governor set points) for
negligible resistance RA
θ EA sinδ
δ IAXS
(leading power factor)
IA
θ Vφ
v When a generator is connected in parallel to an infinite
bus, its operating frequency and terminal voltage cannot
change and must conform with that of the bus.
v That means Vφ must be constant as well regardless of load
even at no load conditions.
v Since EA = Vφ at no load, EA must be constant regardless of
load provided field current is held constant.
v For this to happen, the generator has to operate at a
leading power factor.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator Phasor Diagram:
The generator phasor
diagram as the frequency is
adjusted to higher value (by
EA governor set points) for
negligible resistance RA
θ EA sinδ
δ IAXS
(leading power factor)
IA
θ Vφ

E A sin d = I A X S cos q v Hence for negligible RA (negligible

copper loss) EA sinδ is proportional
Since, to the generator’s supplied real
POUT = 3Vf I A cos q power since V is constant.

POUT
E A sin d = X S
3Vf
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator Phasor Diagram:
The generator phasor
diagram as the frequency is
adjusted to higher value (by
EA governor set points) for
negligible resistance RA
θ EA sinδ
δ IAXS
(leading power factor)
IA
θ Vφ

v Also since EA is constant (field

E A sin d = I A X S cos q
current remains untouched and
Since, generator freq. follows bus freq.
quickly every time it’s incremented
POUT = 3Vf I A cos q by governor set points), the torque
POUT angle δ must be changing.
E A sin d = X S v Thus, as real power is increased, the
3Vf
torque angle increases.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator Phasor E’A
The generator phasor
Diagram: diagram as the frequency is
I’AXS
θ’ adjusted to higher value (by
E’A sinδ’
EA IAXS governor set points) for
δ’
I’A negligible resistance RA
EA sinδ
δ (leading power factor)
IA
Vφ

v Also since EA is constant (field

E A sin d = I A X S cos q
current remains untouched and
Since, generator freq. follows bus freq.
quickly every time it’s incremented
POUT = 3Vf I A cos q by governor set points), the torque
POUT angle δ must be changing.
E A sin d = X S v Thus, as real power is increased, the
3Vf
torque angle increases.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Generator Phasor E’A
The generator phasor
Diagram: diagram as the frequency is
I’AXS
θ’ adjusted to higher value (by
E’A sinδ’
EA IAXS governor set points) for
δ’
I’A negligible resistance RA
EA sinδ
δ (leading power factor)
IA
Vφ

QOUT = 3Vf I A sin(q Vf - q I A ) v The generator is actually

supplying negative reactive
= 3Vf I A sin(0 - q I A ) power which is the same as the
generator is actually consuming
= 3Vf I A sin(-q I A ) reactive power.

QOUT = -3Vf I A sin q

 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
IA Cos EA Sin
Vφ EA IA δ θ jIAXS
θ θ

increasing proportionately

increasing proportionately
with real power output
Equal to IA Cos θ
Increasing
Constant*

increasing
increasing
Constant

with IA
Behavior of variables as real power supplied by generator increases
* Provided field current is held constant as real power drawn is increased. Note
also that EA momentarily increases when rpm (and therefore frequency) of
the generator is increased but eventually settles to the same value as it
shares more real power to the load.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
v Thus to totally transfer the power source of a load from the infinite
bus to the generator, we gradually increase the generator frequency
until all power requirement of the load equals the power supplied by
the generator.
v The generator frequency can be increased by adjusting the prime
mover governor set points.
v Further increase in generator power generation, will result in the
generator supplying power to the infinite bus.
v Note that while VT (and EA for that matter) change with change in
frequency, this change is only momentary as the generator will have to
adjust to the infinite bus frequency and terminal voltage.
v Hence, as VT and EA settles to a constant value, the current and
associated power factor supplied by the generator changes.
 Illustrative Problem 2
§ A 200-kW, 0.8 lagging power factor load currently draws power from a
400-V, 60-Hz infinite bus. A 400-V, ∆-connected generator with
synchronous reactance of 1.0 Ω is to be connected in parallel with an
infinite bus to take over the load. Copper losses are negligible.
a) What is the current drawn from the infinite bus (IB) before the
generator is paralleled?
b) What is the current drawn from the IB immediately after the
generator is connected to the bus. What is the current drawn from
the generator?
c) The governor on the prime mover is gradually adjusted to transfer
real power to the generator. At the point where the generator is
delivering half of the real power requirements of the load, what is
the current drawn from both the IB and the generator? What is
the power factor of the generator?
d) If the governor set point is adjusted such that the generator is
now supplying 90% of the real power, find current supplied by the
generator and the infinite bus.
 Illustrative Problem 2

IB IL

Load

200-kW, 0.8
lagging power
factor, 400-V,
60-Hz

Infinite bus G2

Generator
 Illustrative Problem 2

IB IL

Load

200-kW, 0.8
lagging power
IG = 0 factor, 400-V,
60-Hz

Infinite bus G2
At the time the generator is
Generator paralleled
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution:

a) Before generator is put in parallel with infinite bus (put on line), the
power and current drawn by the load will be supplied by infinite bus.
Thus,

PB = 200 ´1000 = 200,000 = 3VL I B cos q L = 3 (400) I L (0.8)

I B = 360.84 A
 Illustrative Problem 2

b) At the instant the generator is paralleled to the infinite bus, its status
will be floating supplying very little real power and current. Thus,

I B = 360.84 A
IG = 0

The IB and generator curves and the phasor diagram of the generator
at this time will look like this,
 Illustrative Problem 2

f VT
60 Hz
400 V
A A

Pib, kW PG, kW Qib, kVAR QG, kVAR

200 150

Infinite bus and generator curves at the instant generator is put on line with bus

VφG = EAG = 400 V

Phasor diagram of generator at the instant generator is put on line with bus
 Illustrative Problem 2
c) When the prime mover governor set points is adjusted for the
generator to take on half of the load real power, the curves and phasor
diagram will look like this,
f VT
B
60 Hz 400 V
A

Pib, kW 100 100 PG, kW Qib, kVAR 160.5 -10.5 = QG QG, kVAR
Infinite bus and generator curves when generator is supplying 100 kW
EAG
jXSGIAG

θG EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θi

IAG δG
θG
VφG
Phasor diagram of generator supplying 100 kW
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution: EAG
jXSGIAG
θG
c) EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θi
IAG δG
θG
VφG

Generator phasor diagram at 100 kW

For the generator,

PG = 12 (200 ´ 1000) = 100,000 = 3VL I L cos q = 3VfG I AG cos(q VfG - q IAG )

PG = 3VfG I AG cos(0 - q G ) = 3VfG I AG cos q G

100,000
I AG cos q G = = 83.33 A
3 ´ 400

X SG I AG cos q G = 1.0 ´ 83.33 = 83.33 V

 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution: EAG
jXSGIAG
c) θG EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θG
IAG δG
θG
VφG

Generator phasor diagram at 100 k

E AG sin d G = X SG I AG cos q G (for RA = 0)

é (83.33) ù
d G = arcsin ê ú = 12.0247 o

ë 400 û
Since magnitude of EA does not change, |EAG| = |VφG|

d G + 2(90 - q G ) = 180

q G = 6.012o
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution: EAG
jXSGIAG
c) θG EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θi
IAG δG
θG
VφG

Generator phasor diagram at 100 kW

E AG sin d G = X SG I AG cos q G
400 sin 12.02o
I AG = o
= 83.76 A
1.0 cos 6.012

I LG = 3I AG = 3 (83.76) = 145.08 A (since generator is Δ-connected)

 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution: EAG
jXSGIAG
c) θG EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θi
IAG δG
θG
VφG

Generator phasor diagram at 100 kW

Alternatively, IAG can be found from the formula,

2
E AG = (VfG - X SG I AG sin q G ) 2 + ( X SG I AG cos q G ) 2

400 2 = (400 - I AG sin 6.012) 2 + ( I AG cos 6.012) 2

I AG = 83.789 A
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution: EAG
jXSGIAG
c) θG EAG sinδG = XSIAG cos θi
IAG δG
θG
VφG

Generator phasor diagram at 100 kW

The reactive power on the generator would be,

QG = 3VfG I AG sin(q VfG - q IAG ) = 3VfG I AG sin(0 - q IAG )
QG = 3(400)(83.789) sin( -6.012) = -10,531 VAR
Since the reactive power is negative, the generator is actually consuming
reactive power.
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution:

200,000
I fLOAD = = 208.33Ð - 36.87 V
3(400)(0.8)

S LOAD = 3VfL I f*L = 3(400Ð0 o )(208.33Ð36.87) (Using complex power)

S LOAD = 250,000Ð36.87 o VA

S G = 3VfG I AG
*
= 3(400Ð0 o )(83.789Ð - 6.012) = 100,546.8Ð - 6.012 o VA
S G = +99,994.16 - j10,527.455 VA

The above result shows that the generator is supplying real power but
receiving reactive power (Q is negative).
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution:

c) By energy conservation,
S LOAD = S B + S G
S B = 250,000Ð36.87 o - 100,546.8Ð - 6.012 o
S B = 189,134Ð58.08 o
S B = 100,001 + j160,534.51 VA
S B = +100,001 + j160,534.51 VA

This means, that the infinite bus is supplying real and reactive power.
Note that the reactive power supplied by the infinite bus is the total of
the reactive power consumed by the generator and the load.
QB = QG + QLOAD
160,534.51 @ 10,531 + [200,000 / tan(36.87)]
160,534.51 @ 160,531.56
 Illustrative Problem 2
Solution:

S B = 3VLB I LB = 189,134 (not complex power)

SB 189,134
I LB = = = 273 A
3VLB 3 (400)
 Illustrative Problem 2

IB IL

Load

200-kW, 0.8
lagging power
IG factor, 400-V,
60-Hz

Infinite bus G2
When generator is delivering
Generator ½ of the total real power.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Behavior of Reactive Power Supplied by Generator:
v While real power supplied by generator increased (thru
small momentary increases in frequency thru the governor
set points*), the reactive power did not. In fact, at this
point, the generator is receiving reactive power from the
infinite bus.

How can the generator supply reactive

power?

Ans: by increasing the field current

 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems
Behavior of Reactive Power Supplied by Generator:
v When field current IF is increased, EA will proportionately
increase assuming no rotor core saturation.
v While EA is increasing for increasing IF, the real power
output of the generator (POUT) remains the same (ignoring
losses) since this power supplied by the prime mover is
constant (POUT=PIN=τAPP ωm ,ignoring losses).
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

EA

IA cosθ = constant
jIAXS
EA sinδ = IAXscosθ = constant
δ
IA
θ IA sinθ
Vφ

Phasor Diagram at IF = IF1

v When POUT is constant, IAXScos must be constant.

v If IAXScos is constant, then EAsinδ must be constant as
well since both expressions are equal (for negligible RA).
v If IAXScos is constant, then IAcos must be constant
since XS does not change.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

EA

IA cosθ = constant
jIAXS EA sinδ = IAXscosθ = constant
δ

θ IA sinθ Vφ
IA

Phasor Diagram at IF = IF2

 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

EA

IA cosθ = constant

jIAXS EA sinδ = IAXscosθ = constant

δ

Vφ
θ IA sinθ

IA Phasor Diagram at IF = IF3

v Based on the phasor movement for different values of IF,

the magnitude of IAXS is increasing. Since XS is constant,
IA must be increasing.
 Operation of Generators in Parallel with
Large Power Systems

EA

IA cosθ = constant

jIAXS EA sinδ = IAXscosθ = constant

δ

Vφ
θ IA sinθ

IA Phasor Diagram at IF = IF3

v In addition, IA sinθ is also increasing. Since Q = 3VφIAsinθ, this

means Q, the supplied reactive power, must be increasing with
increasing IF.
Note: since Q is positive for this case, θ below the horizontal axis is
considered positive. Above the horizontal, it’s negative.
 Illustrative Problem 3
§ After all real power requirements of the load has been
transferred to the generator in IP No. 2, we now adjust
the field current to do the same for the reactive power
requirements. Assuming, 50% of the reactive power has
been transferred, calculate
a) The line current supplied by the generator
b) The current supplied infinite bus as of this time.
Solution:
Before adjusting field current, the current supplied and
power factor of the generator is:
I AG = 83.76 A pf G = cos q G = cos 6.012 o = 0.994

Therefore;
X S I AG cos q G = 1.0 ´ 83.76 ´ 0.994 = 83.3 V
 Illustrative Problem 3

Although IAG and θG varies, together, this expression is

proportional to the generator real output power Pout remains a
constant while field current is changed.

From the load, the reactive power drawn is:

QL = 3VL I L sin q L = 3 (400)(360.84) sin(cos -1 0.8) = 150 kVAR

Therefore:
QG = 12 QL = 12 (150) kVAR = 75 kVAR
From generator, the supplied reactive power is:
QG = 3VfG I AG sin q G = 75 kVAR
75 kVAR (varies while IF is adjusted (see
I AG sin q G = = 62.5 A phasor diagram))
3(400)
 Illustrative Problem 3

I AG sin q G 62.5
= = 0.7503
X S I AG cos q G 83.3

tan q G = (1.0) ´ 0.7503 = 0.7503

q G = 36.88 o

X S I AG cos q G = 1.0 ´ I AG cos 36.88 = 83.3 V

I AG = 104.14 A
POUT = 3VfG I AG sin q G
POUT = 3(400)(104.14) sin 36.88 = 99,961 » 100 kW (constant)
Note: The generator is now operating at lagging power factor
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Load
G1 (Pload, Qload) G2
f

Pload

PG1=Pload Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve at the time G2 is connected
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel
v At the time G2 is connected, the real and reactive power
requirement of the load are still with G1.
v When frequency of G2 is gradually increased (through the
governor set points of the prime mover) , G2 will slowly
shoulder part of the real power of the load, while G1 will
release part of the real power. The system operating
frequency fsys of the two generators will increase.
v When field current of G2 is gradually increased (through
the field current circuit in the G2), G2 will slowly shoulder
part of the reactive power of the load, while G1 will
release part of the reactive power. The system terminal
voltage VT of the two generators will increase.
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel
v At any given time, the sum of the real power supplied by
G1 & G2 is equal to the real power demanded by the load.
Likewise, the sum of the reactive power supplied by G1 &
G2 is equal to the reactive power demanded by the load.

Pload = PG1 + PG 2 Qload = QG1 + QG 2

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Pload

PG1=Pload Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve at the time G2 is connected

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Pload

PG1 PG2 Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve when frequency of G2 is increased

 Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Pload

PG1 PG2 Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve when frequency of G2 is further increased

 Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Pload

PG1 PG2 Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve when frequency of G2 is further increased

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1=Qload Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve when G2 is connected

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1 QG2 Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve

when G2 field current is further increased
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1 QG2 Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve

when G2 field current is further increased
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1 QG2 Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve

when G2 field current is further increased
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Is it possible to change the real power sharing of the

two generators without changing the operating frequency?

Increase the governor set point of one generator and

simultaneously decrease the governor set point of the other
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

f
fsys

Pload

PG1=Pload Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve at the time G2 is connected

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

f
fsys

Pload

PG1 PG2 Power (kW)

The frequency-power curve when frequency of G2 is increased

Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

Is it possible to change the reactive power sharing of the

two generators without changing the terminal voltage?

Increase the field current of one generator and

simultaneously decrease the field current of the other
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1=Qload Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve

when G2 is connected
Operation of Similar Generators in Parallel

VT

Qload

QG1 QG2 Reactive Power (kVAR)

The terminal voltage-reactive power curve

when G2 field current is further increased
 Illustrative Problem 4
§ Two generators are supplying a load. Generator 1 has a no-load
frequency of 61.5 Hz and a slope of SP1 of 1 MW/Hz. Generator 2 has a
no-load frequency of 60.0 Hz and a slope SP2 of 1 MW/Hz. The two
generators are supplying a real load totaling 2.5 MW at 0.8 pf lagging.
a) At what frequency is this system operating, and how much power
is supplied by each of the two generators?
b) Suppose an additional 1-MW load were attached to this power
system. what would the new system frequency be, and how much
power would G1 and G2 supply now?
c) With the system in the configuration described in part b, what
will the system frequency and generator powers be if the
governor set points on G2 are increased by 0.5 Hz?
 More Illustrative Problems
1. There are two alternators, 100 kW, 3-ф in parallel are driven by shunt motors
whose speed-load characteristics are as follows: Alternator A: NNL= 600 rpm
and NFL=530 rpm; while alternator B: NNL= 590 rpm and NFL=550 rpm. What is
the greatest load that can be delivered without overloading either alternator?
(PT=171.428kW)
2. Two alternators are operating in parallel, supplying a load drawing 1000 kVA at
0.80pf lagging. If alternator A contributes 500 kVA at 0.60pf lagging, determine
the pf of alternator B. (0.928 lagging)
3. Alternator A (100kVA, 3-ф, 240 v, 60hz, 1800 rpm) is operating in parallel with
alternator B (125 kVA, 3-ф, 240 v, 60hz, 1800 rpm). The load of alternator A is
60kW at 90% pf lagging and the load of alternator B is 80kW at 70% pf lagging.
Determine the pf of the load. (0.784 lagging)
4. Two alternators are connected in parallel. The total load is 4250 kW at 0.85 pf
lagging. Alternator A operates with a load of 2125kW at 0.707 pf lagging.
Determine the kVA load of alternator B. (2185kVA)
 More Illustrative Problems
5. Two 3- φ 4160V, 60Hz alternators are operated in parallel. The total load of the
system as 1050 W at 75% lagging pf. If alternator A is carrying 700kW at 80%
pf lagging, determine kVAR of alternator B. (401kVAR)
6. Two Y-connected alternators A and B running in parallel supply the following
loads at 3.3kV:
Load 1: 800 kW at unity pf
Load 2: 600 kW at 0.8 pf lagging
Load 3: 400 kW at 0.707 pf lagging
If alternator A is adjusted to carry an armature current of 150A at 0.85pf
lagging, what is the armature current of alternator B?
 More Illustrative Problems
7. Two generators connected in parallel is supplying a load. Generator 1 has a no-
load frequency of 61.5Hz and a slope sP1 of 1MW/Hz. Generator 2 has a no-
load frequency of 61Hz and a slope sP2 of 1MW/Hz. The two generators are
supplying a real load totaling 2.5MW at 0.8 pf lagging.
(a) At what frequency is this system operating, and how much power is
supplied by each of the two generators? (60Hz , 1.5MW and 1MW)
(b) Suppose an additional 1-MW load were attached to this power system.
What would the new system frequency be,, and how much power would
G1 and G2 supply now. (59.5Hz, 2MW and 1.5MW)
(c) With the system in configuration described in part b, what will the
system frequency and generator powers
 References
v Electric Machinery Fundamentals, Stephen J. Chapman, 5th
Edition, McGraw Hill
END OF SESSION