Evaluate the electrical sources available to provide black start DC and AC power, e.g.

:
o Station battery
o Black start diesel generator (note: not emergency diesel generator) and fuel supply
o Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
o Other sources of stored energy
o Station service electrical system configuration
o Etc.
Determine the critical loads that must be running to enable the first generator to be put on line
and supply the remaining station service loads, e.g.:
o Black start diesel generator
o Electrical protection and control
o Plant control system
o Compressed air
o Lube oil
o Cooling water pumps
o Cooling tower
o Water treatment
o Fuel gas compressor
o Purification equipment
o Turbine-generator or engine-generator packaged controls
o Air blowers
o Generator excitation
o Emissions scrubbers
o Etc.
Identify the power source for each of the critical loads and evaluate their capacities to supply
them in terms of voltage, power, period of autonomy, motor starting, etc.
In plants with multiple generators, evaluate the generator units to determine the first generator
to be started. For example, an aeroderivative gas turbine generator takes less power to start
than a larger gas turbine generator, and should be started first. Note: asynchronous generators
cannot be used alone for black start or islanded operation.
Determine the fuel source for the first generator to be started. If it is normally natural gas co-
fired with biogas, it can be started on natural gas alone. Can it be started on an alternate fuel,
then once other generators are running, shut down and restarted on the primary fuel? Is there a
path for combustion exhaust if needed (e.g., bypassing a HRSG)?
Develop a procedure for bringing the first generator online, including electrical load lineups,
valve lineups, etc. Evaluate effects on electrical system as large motor loads are started.
Develop a procedure, once the first generator is online, for synchronizing with and paralleling
with black start AC sources and taking existing station service load onto the generator, and
shutting down the other AC sources if required, e.g., the black start diesel generator.
Develop a procedure for starting additional station service load from the running generator to
start other generators as needed to supply the island load in a bootstrap fashion, e.g., start
loads required to run a steam cycle like condensate and feedwater pumps. Evaluate effects on
electrical system as large motor loads are started.
 Develop a procedure for running islanded for an extended period of time and for synchronizing
with and paralleling with utility power once it becomes available. Ensure generator controls in
both isochronous and droop modes.
Evaluate electrical system design for both islanded and grid-synchronized conditions based on
above procedures.