Si.

Mark 07 06 143/o EN
Angoulme, 06/07/2007

Voltage Regulators R250 & R251

Improvement of Load Impact Acceptance
Improvement of User-Friendless and Reliability

Voltage regulators R250 & R251 (R251 is for alternators LSA43.2 & 44.2 with single phase dedicated
winding) are an evolution of R230 & R231, with improved load impact acceptance; this improvement has
been possible thanks to a micro-processor and also includes some design changes.
This note complements note Si Mark 05 11 134/o, relative to the improvement of load impact acceptance
of voltage regulators R230, R438, R448 & R449.

Better visibility of markings

Frequency selector

R250 & R251

1 - Acceptance of load Impacts

The load impact is the consequence of a load application on a generator set; its two most
demanding forms are :
- 100% of the nominal load at the nominal Power Factor (SN )
- starting of an electrical motor (ex :160% SN PF0.6 or 200% SN PF 0.4)
Acceptance of load impacts is a preponderant criteria in a generator set sizing, particularly for low
power generator sets.
Several factors can modify the generator set response :
- Intrinsic response of the alternator, quantified by the voltage dip curves available in the
alternator catalogue.
- Intrinsic response of the diesel engine ; its load impact acceptance can fluctuate from 50% of
the nominal power for turbocharged engines up to 100% for naturally aspirated engines.
- Ability of the alternator voltage regulator to help the diesel engine to surpass its load
acceptance limit (case of turbocharged engines)
This last feature have been optimised in our last range of voltage regulators, and particularly for
R250 & 251.

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2 R250 & R251 : Improvements and added functions

R250/R251 include the following supplementary functions compared to R230/231 :
- Time response decrease in frequency:
This feature allows the voltage regulator to react quite instantly to any load impact;
It activates, with or without LAM (see next chapter for explanation on the LAM), the U/f
(Underfrequency Limitation) function as soon as the frequency drops below 48hz (in 50hz) or 58
hz (in 60hz).

Voltage variation vs frequency

Progressive and self-adapted return to nominal voltage

If frequency remains >46hz, the return to nominal voltage follows a U/f=constant law.
If frequency drops below 46hz, the engine needs more assistance ; the return time to
nominal voltage is then automatically adapted to the frequency drop ; this allows a slower
and then smoother return than usual.

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Auto-adapted return to nominal voltage versus time

LAM Optimisation
LAM = Load Acceptance Module
The LAM was already part of R438, R448 and R449. It has been optimised and is also part
from now of R250 & 251 ; Its aim is to help the diesel engine when its speed drops after a
load impact ; this function can be activated by a selector.
Once activated, the LAM makes the voltage to drop of 13% or 25% (selection by selector)
when frequency drops below the pre-adjusted frequency threshold (48hz or 57.5hz) ;
consequently, the applied active load is reduced by 25% or 45% during the time the engine
speed recovers to its nominal value (required power varies according to the square of
voltage)
The LAM then allows, either to decrease the engine speed variation and its duration for a
given applied load, or to increase the possible applied load for a same speed variation
(turbocharged engines).
The 13% LAM position is advised when the ISO 8528 class G2 voltage dip criteria is required
on site.
The 25% LAM position must be kept for very large load impacts (>60% SN ) in order to avoid
the engine to collapse when the load is applied nor to oversize the engine; the 25% voltage
dip corresponding to this position can be incompatible with acceptable limits for protective
devices or relays used on site.

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13%

8%
17%

LAM characteristics

P/PN

25%

LAM typical effects on a generator set

Example with LAM adjusted at 13%

The digitisation of the LAM has allowed an improvement of its performance with a better
accuracy ; The LAM effects are much improved thanks to a faster activation and the progressive
return effect:
- Removal of potentiometer for U/f knee adjustment (factory adjusted threshold)
- For variable speed applications (Tractelec ), with a U/f law up to 65hz.

3- R250 & R251 : New design with a Frequency Selector

The aim of this frequency selector is to facilitate the adjustment selection of the LAM and U/F
function, in a more user-friendly and reliable way.
General view of R250/251 with various adjustments and connections :

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Frequency Selector detail :

The threshold position and LAM fonction settings are done through the selector ; 9 different
settings are accessible, according to the load impact level compared with the nominal power of
the alternator:
Operating at 50hz ( U/F gradient) : 3 settings
o Position 0 : without LAM threshold 48hz for impacts from 30 to 40% of the rated load
o Position 1 : LAM 13% - threshold 48hz for impacts from 40% to 70% of the rated load
o Position 2 : LAM 25% - threshold 48hz for impacts > 70% of the rated load
Operating at 60hz ( U/F gradient) : 3 settings
o Position 3 : without LAM threshold 58hz for impacts from 30 to 40% of the rated load
o Position 1 : LAM 13% - threshold 58hz for impacts from 40% to 70% of the rated load
o Position 2 : LAM 25% - threshold 58hz for impacts > 70% of the rated load
Specific operatings : 4 settings
o Position 6 : 60hz without LAM threshold 57hz for speed variations at steady state > 2hz
o Position 7 : without LAM - threshold 65hz for variable speed and Gearlec / Tractelec
o Position 8 : for specific applications with plant settings
o Position 9 : 50hz without LAM threshold 47.5hz for speed variations at steady state > 2hz
Warning : the selector settings must correspond to the rated operating frequency (risk of
destruction for the alternator).

4- R250 & R251 : More user-friendly and more reliable

More user-friendly : Markings for adjustments and connections are visible from the top of
R250/251 (they were previously on the sides for R230/231)
More reliable : connection errors between the 2 supply wires 0V/110V and excitation wires
E+/E- is no longer possible, thanks to the use of specific connectors.

5 R250 & R251 : Availability on Alternators

R250

R251

Shunt

Shunt

37 - 42,2 - 43,2 - 44,2 - 46,2 - 47,2

43,2 - 44,2 dedicated 1 phase

Availability

june 07

june 07

Maintenance manual ref.

4067a

4092a

Excitation
Alternators Range

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