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GENERATOR

A generator is a machine that can produce electricity, either DC or AC. It

includes the prime mover such as diesel engine and an alternator. The
basic principle of a generator is, if a conductor or coil is moved through a
magnetic field, an electrical voltage is generated. The magnitude of
induced voltage is directly proportional to the rate of change and the
strength of the magnetic field.

1. Single Engine / Single Alternator Configuration

The usual diesel-generator set consists of one diesel engine coupled

directly, without gearing, to one alternator. The two are mounted and
aligned on a rigid base made of steel I-beam or channel.

The generator rotor is supported in the generator frame by either one

bearing or two. The single bearing type saves cost and space.

The two bearing type has one bearing supporting each end of its rotor,
properly centering the rotor within the stator. The rotor shaft is connected
to the engine flywheel by a flexible coupling.

The single bearing type has a bearing supporting the rear end of the rotor,
with the opposite end attached to the engine flywheel through a flexible
disc coupling. It is necessary for the engine and generator to be aligned
so that the generator rotor is properly centered within the stator.
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Usually the proper alignment is assured by an adapter, that connects the

generator frame to the flywheel housing of the engine. Since one end of
the rotor is supported by the engine’s rear bearing, a very heavy rotor
might impose an undesirable bending load on the engine crankshaft. In
such a case, a two bearing generator would be preferred. The electric set
supplier can be relied on to select the type best suited to the conditions
and the engine.

2. Generator Capacity

The basic requirement of a generator is to provide enough KW capacity

to serve the peak load. The peak load or maximum demand is the
maximum load in KW that the generator set will be expected to serve. It
may be total KW load connected to the generator, but it is often less than
this total because there will never be a time during the day when all
connected loads are operating.

The total load connected to the generator set may be the complete load in
a building or complex, or it may be selected essential loads connected
into an emergency circuit separate from other load circuit.

3. Specifying Load Requirement

The following information is important to determine the size of the

generator:

a. Application (standby, prime power, peaking power or

continuous)
b. Peak load in KW
c. Power factor of load
d. Voltage and phase (single or three phase0
e. Ambient condition (temperature and altitude, humidity and
other environmental conditions if unusual or severe)
f. Limit of frequency variation and respond to load transients
g. Limit of voltage dip and recovery time
h. List of motor sizes and starting characteristics
i. Information as to amount of load that could be on the line when
any of the large motor is started
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4. Alternator

An alternator consist of either rotating field (rotor) and stationary coil

(stator) or rotating coils and stationary field, but for reasons of efficiency
and economy, the typical modern alternator has a rotating field, and the
power-generating coils are stationary or it is called stator. The coils,
which have many windings, are connected together to obtain a desired
generator terminal voltage. The coils are placed into a slotted laminated
steel core, with good magnetic properties. The number of slots is
generally based upon a symmetrical polyphase winding where the coils
of the winding are displace by 120 electrical degrees.

The field of the alternator is referred to as the rotor. Rotation of field flux
past the stationary coils generate a voltage under all operating loads,
there must be adequate and this is maintained by supplying DC current to
the field by means of an exciter. The exciter may be static, or it may be a
small rotating DC generator. The revolving magnetic field is designed for
standard DC voltages of 63V, 125V, 150V and on very large alternator,
375V.

The two magnetic elements, the fixed stator and the rotor, are linked by a
small air gap. A mutual flux developed across the gap, link these two
components and causes an interaction necessary to produce an EMF.
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5. Alternator Speed and Frequency

An alternator operates at a single synchronous speed to produce a

specified alternating current frequency. For normal application the
frequency is either 50Hz or 60Hz. For communication, radar or aircraft
application, a frequency 400Hz is used.

The frequency of an alternator’s output depends on the rotating speed and

the number of poles. A typical aircraft ground power alternator has 24
poles and rotates at 2000 rpm to generate a frequency of 400Hz.
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Synchronous Speed of Alternators

Synchronous speed = 120 x Frequency

No of poles

No of poles 60Hz RPM 50Hz RPM 400Hz RPM

2 3600 3000 24000

4 1800 1500 12000

6 1200 1000 8000

8 900 750 6000

10 720 600 4800

12 600 429 4000

14 514 375 3429

16 450 333 3000

18 400 300 2667

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6. Excitor

Included as part of the generator is an exciter, which supplies direct

current to the generator field windings to magnetize the rotating poles.
There are three types of exciter, namely

a. Brushless
b. Brush
c. Static
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Brushless exciter is a small rotating alternator with a rotating rectifier

that is direct connected to the rotor shaft of the generator. The exciter
field is stationary, and its armature rotates. So the exciter armature, the
rectifier and the alternator field are a unit by itself.

The exciter output is controlled by a voltage regulator, which diverts

current from the power generator output, rectifies it and supplies it to the
exciter field. When there is any variation in power generator voltage, the
voltage regulator changes exciter field current, causing the exciter to
increase or decrease generator field current to maintain rated voltage.

The exciter with rotating rectifier does not require brushes to connect
exciter output to the generator field since the field, rectifier and exciter
armature rotate together as a unit. A generator equipped with this type of
exciter is called as a “Brushless Generator”. This system replaces
brushes, brush holders, commutators and slip ring, thus reducing
maintenance and noise while improving reliability.

Other types of exciters are static exciters and small rotating DC

generators. Both require brushes. A static exciter incorporates a static
voltage regulator and a static amplifying section and thus has no moving
parts. It rectifies current drawn from the power generator field. A static
exciter thus performs the function of a voltage regulator as well as an
exciter and is called an exciter-regulator. In the past, static exciters
offered performance advantage. However, with the development new
features, the performance of brushless generators is now claimed to equal
or exceed that of static-excited generators.

When a generator first begin to rotate, it depends on residual magnetism

in its field poles to generate enough voltage to excite the field of the
exciter so the latter can generate excitation current for the field of the
power generator. By this means, both fields build up until the power
generator is producing its rated voltage. If there is not enough residual
magnetism to get this cycle started, “field flashing” must be employed. If
the exciter is the rotating type, a battery or other power source is
connected to the exciter field to give it enough initial strength so the
exciter can begin to build up the field strength of the power generator. If
the exciter is the static type, the battery is connected to flash the field of
the power generator. The flashing power source is disconnected after
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generator voltage rises to some predetermined percentage voltage rises to

some predetermined percentage of rated value.

7. Generator Cooling and Protection

Generator copper and iron core losses are converted into heat. Copper
losses are I2R losses and vary with load. Core losses vary with voltage,
but not with load. Winding temperature depends on the ambient
temperature plus the temperature rise caused by the copper and core
losses. To keep winding temperatures below a level that would shorten
insulation life, a generator is equipped with a fan that draws air into the
generator housing at one end and expels it at the other end.

An open-ventilated generator has large air opening at each end and

minimum flow restriction. In an open-guarded generator, the air opening
are covered by screening. A drip-proof generator has its ventilation
openings so constructed that drops of liquid falling on the generator will
not enter the housing if they fall at an angle not greater than 15 degrees
from vertical. A generator may be totally enclosed so that air, water or
dust cannot enter. In this case, the fan draws cooling air through an
enclosed space around the outside of the housing, or the generator is
liquid-cooled.
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The open-ventilated or open guarded types cost less and are easiest to
cool, but should only be used in a clean environment where there is little
chance that dust or liquid will enter the generator. The totally enclosed
type provide the maximum protection from water, dirt and foreign
materials, but it is most expensive to cool.

Generators operating in the tropics are apt to encounter excessive

moisture, high temperature, fungus, vermin, etc. such conditions may
require special tropical insulation or preservative on the windings.

Standby generators operating in the tropics should have electrical heaters

to keep windings dry.

8. Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR/VCU)

Generator voltage could be regulated manually by controlling a rheostat

in the exciter field circuit but this is rarely practical because of widely
fluctuating loads. Therefore, a generator normally incorporates an
automatic voltage regulator/voltage control unit that control voltage
automatically. The voltage regulator holds the generator output voltage at
its rated value within a specified narrow range, and when load transients
cause a change of voltage, it acts to return the voltage to this range as
quickly as possible.
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While mechanical regulators are sometimes used, the quality of voltage

necessary for the loads served by a generator usually requires a static
voltage regulator of the transistorized or controlled-rectifier type.

A voltage regulator employs an error-sensing circuit that compares the

generator terminal voltage, either directly or indirectly, with a reference
voltage and uses the error signal to control the excitation level of the
generator. The regulator holds generator voltage at any desired level
within the limits of the generator-exciter design capability.

When field excitation of the generator, is provided by a rotating exciter,

the voltage regulator operates indirectly by controlling current in the field
of the exciter instead of the field of the generator itself. The voltage
regulator senses generator voltage and regulate the flow of rectified
current to the field of the exciter.

When there is a sudden increase in load, for example, causing a drop in

generator output voltage, the regulator senses this change and boosts the
exciter field current to a high level for quick recovery. The resulting
increased exciter output strengthens the generator field and thus rises
generator output voltage. As the generator voltage rises towards normal,
the regulator cuts back the exciter to minimize voltage “overshoot”.

A voltage regulator may be sensitive not only to voltage but also to

current output of the generator. Under large load transients, when there is
a rush of current through the generator cables, a large current is
automatically induced in the exciter field, greatly increasing its output to
combat the voltage dip of the generator. This effect, called field forcing,
speeds voltage recovery.

When field excitation of the generator, is provided by a static exciter, the

generator output is sensed, rectified and amplified to supply DC directly
to the generator field through slip rings.

All voltage regulators include a voltage-adjusting rheostat for manual

setting of the desired voltage range.

9. Voltage Stability and Regulation

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A generator equipped with an automatic voltage regulator maintains

approximately constant voltage at any steady load, but the voltage may
vary slightly above or below the average. This slight variation is referred
to as voltage stability or modulation, and is usually stated as a plus-or-
minus percentage of rated voltage.

For most generator-regulator systems, the average voltage is not the same
at one steady load as at another. Usually voltage droops with load, being
higher at light loads and lower at heavy loads. However some regulator
increase voltage with load.

The difference in voltage from one steady load to another is referred to as

regulation. Specifically, regulation is defined as the difference between
the average steady voltage at no load and at full load. It is usually
expressed as a percentage of rated voltage.

Regulation of 4% is adequate for many installations and can be achieved

with some mechanical regulators and economy model static regulators.

Extremely tight regulation, on the order of 1% or 1.5% is provided by the

most expensive static voltage regulators and is required where the load
includes electronic equipment, lighting, or instrumentation which
becomes inefficient or shortlived if voltage is below or above normal.
Generator-regulator systems commonly have a stability of plus minus 2%
and 0.5%, may be provided by the most sensitive regulators.

10. Voltage Dip and Recovery

Sudden load change causes a momentary voltage deviation. The voltage

then recovers and settles out near its former level. The momentary dip or
rise as load is applied or removed often must be limited to avoid light
flicker or malfunction of sensitive equipment. Both the magnitude of the
deviation and the recovery time may be of concern. Voltage dip limit is
usually expressed as a percentage of rated voltage, and recovery time is
stated as the time in seconds to recover to and remain within a specified
steady-state band.
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The most severe voltage dip condition usually occurs when a large
amount of low-power factor load is suddenly applied. An example would
be the starting of a large induction motor.

A generator with adequate capacity will respond to the large current

requirement during motor starting without permitting excessive voltage
dip. A high performance voltage regulator, by responding quickly, limits
the magnitude of the dip as well as shortening recovery time.

When a step load (large load) is applied, the voltage dip abruptly, rises
again under the influence of the voltage regulator, overshoots the
regulation band slightly, decreases and settles out within the band. Its
new average steady value may be slightly different from its original
value, depending on the regulation characteristic of the regulator.

When loads are sensitive to voltage variations, a generator-regulator

system with fast response may be required to shorten voltage dips or rises
and speed recovery after load transients. An example would be in hospital
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where light flicker must not occur and where X-ray equipment would be
affected by voltage variations. If light flicker is merely an annoyance
rather than a critical condition, it may be ignored, especially for a
generator, which is connected to the load only a small percentage of the
time.

While this discussion has centered mainly on voltage dip, voltage rise or
overshoot could be equally objectionable if there is sensitive equipment
in the load circuit. Although a large rise would occur when all load is
suddently removed, this would not be of concern because the sensitive
equipment is removed from the line. A large, abrupt part-load removal,
with sensitive equipment remaining on the line, is a situation in which
severe voltage rise might be of concern.

Voltage regulators generally are designed to respond more positively to

load application than to load removal. A special voltage regulator may be
required if voltage rise limit is critical.

The response of the voltage regulator should be reasonably matched to

the response of the speed-regulating governor that control engine speed.
When a large load is applied, there is a momentarily reduction of speed
and the governor responds to restore frequency to or near its original
value just as the regulator responds to restore voltage.

To restore speed fast, the engine must have enough power for the KW
load plus a margin of power for acceleration. Since, for a given
impedance, KW is proportional to E2, quick restoration of voltage
increases load and leaves less power margin for acceleration. Therefore,
if the voltage regulator is too stiff respond too abruptly while speed is
falling off, a greater load is imposed on the engine during the time that its
speed is reduced, and thus, acceleration is delayed. On the other hand, if
the regulator responds at a rate to raise voltage as the governor is
restoring speed, both respond smoothly.

Typical Voltage Regulation Characteristic of Diesel Generator

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Characteristic General Application Precise Application

Voltage Regulation 4% 1.5%

Maximum voltage 2% 0.5%

variation at constant
load (stability)
Maximum voltage dip – 30% 10%
step application of full
load at 0.8 P.F
Maximum voltage 4 sec. 1 sec.
recovery time - step
application of full load
at 0.8 P.F
Minimum range of 10% 10%
voltage adjustment at
no load
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11. Types of Static Voltage Regulators

There are basically two types of static regulators for controlling

excitation current. These are silicon control rectifiers (SCR) regulators
and transistorized regulators. Each is a completely static electronic
device, which uses no moving parts to perform the regulating function.
Electronic component switching functions are performed almost
instantaneously, enabling the regulator to respond rapidly to any voltage
fluctuation.

11.1 Silicon Controlled Rectifier Voltage Regulator (SCR)

In a SCR voltage regulator, voltage from the output terminals of the

generator (usually sensed through a potential transformer), is converted
from AC to DC by silicon rectifiers. The DC output from the rectifiers is
filtered and applied to a voltage comparison circuit, which compare the
output voltage of the generator with a reference voltage output.

Typically, the voltage reference is a zener diode bridge, which has the
characteristic of maintaining an essentially constant voltage. The
difference between the reference and the sensed voltage constitutes an
error signal that controls the firing time of the SCR, enabling it to
conduct long enough during each cycle to supply the required exciter
field excitation. When the generator load changes, causing a voltage rise
or dip, the regulator changes the conducting time of the SCR to supply a
new level of exciting current to the exciter field.

11.2 Transistorised Voltage Regulator

A transistorized regulator employs a potential transformer and rectifier

for voltage sensing and a zener diode bridge for a reference voltage, as is
done in controlled-rectifier regulators, the error voltage is applied to
switch one or more control transistors which in turn control a power
transistor that controls the current in the exciter field.

11.3 Current Transformer Boost

To minimize voltage dip when motors are started or heavy load is

abruptly thrown on the line, the voltage regulator must respond quickly
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and drive the exciter to high output until the governor voltage nears
normal. High-performance voltage regulators employ current
transformers to obtain this field-forcing effect.

The current transformer is used in addition to the normal potential

transformer. Sometimes a current-potential transformer is used.
Connected to an output lead of the generator, the current transformer
senses the sudden rush of current when a motor is started or load added.
It thus makes the regulator load-sensitive as well as voltage sensitive so it
responds instantly and more vigorously to load changes.

Another function of the current transformer is to supply fault current in

case of a short circuit in the load. When a short circuit or overload
occurs, generator voltage drops. If the voltage regulator employs only a
potential transformer, it cannot supply adequate excitation to the exciter
field to maintain generator output. The generator thus will not supply
fault current to the load circuit.

This situation may be desirable in some cases because it protects the

generator and load from excessive current. However, load usually are
protected by circuit breakers, and normally it would be desired that the
generator supply fault current until one or more circuit breakers open,
taking the fault circuit off the line. Then the generator can continue to
serve the balance of the load.

If the regulator is equipped with a current transformer, the regulator

specification should state if it is desired that the generator be able to
support fault currents or overloads.

12. Static Exciter-Regulator

A typical static exciter-regulator incorporates a magnetic amplifier

exciter and a semiconductor regulator. Three magnetic amplifiers supply
the required level of field excitation current that otherwise would be
supplied by a rotating exciter.

The regulator functions by sensing generator voltage through a potential

transformer. The AC voltage of the transformer is rectified and compared
with the voltage of a zener diode reference bridge. The derived error
signal, which is the difference between the reference and the sensed
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voltage, is used to control the relative resistance of a transistor. The

transistor is part of an R-C network, and its variable resistance provides a
variable time constant that control the triggering point in each cycle of a
silicon controlled rectifier. The SCR control the amount of energy
supplied to the control winding of the magnetic amplifiers. The amount
of control energy supplied depends on the firing time of the SCR in each
cycle. The earlier it fires, the more energy is supplied.

In addition to the potential transformer, the exciter-regulator includes a

current transformer that applies additional flux in the magnetic amplifier
(saturable reactor). This flux adds vectorially in determining the voltage
applied to the generator field. With unity power factor loads, the vector
additions are approximately at right angles, resulting in only a slight
increase in field excitation voltage. With zero power factor, the vector
addition is approximately arithmetic, resulting in a large excitation
voltage. Thus, generator field current is boosted under the conditions
when it is most needed, such as the low power factor and high current
draw that occur when large motors are being started.

13. Field Build-Up

When a generator begins to rotate, its ability to generate voltage is

minimal. The exciter must build up magnetism in the generator field in
order to generate voltage that permits the voltage regulator to supply
current to the field of the exciter. Without excitation from the exciter, the
generator can’t generate and without generator output, the exciter can’t
excite. It looks like a vicious circle.

Although the residual magnetism usually is capable of providing field

build-up without any auxiliary devices, regulators may incorporate a field
build-up relay or semi-conductor build-up device to hurry the build-up.

The build-up device bypass regulator action until generator voltage has
reached a predetermined percentage of rated voltage. Then the build-up
device connects the regulator in its normal operating mode.

The static device offers greater reliability than an electro-mechanical

field build-up relay.
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A static exciter normally requires flashing of the generator field from an

auxiliary power supply to provide positive build-up of generator voltage.
Auxiliary power for field flashing may be obtained from the electric set’s
cranking batteries or from a control battery. Flashing power must not be
applied except when the generator is rotating.

14. Underspeed Protection

Voltage output of a generator is proportional to speed as well as to field

flux. If the generator rotates at less than rated speed, voltage decreases
and the voltage regulator will increase field excitation in an attempt to
maintain voltage at the normal level. Therefore, prolonged operation at
reduced speed may cause excessive output of the regulator and exciter,
resulting in increased heating and possible failure of the regulator and the
exciter field or alternator field.

A generator normally will always operate at rated speed except during

starting and stopping when the load is disconnected. Of course, an
overload or mechanical failure in engine or generator might slow down
the generator. Some voltage regulator incorporates underspeed
protection.

15. Voltage Control Back-up

Failure of a voltage regulator could stop generator output or permit

voltage to vary widely over the load range. If the regulator does not have
a current boost transformer, failure of the regulator would permit
excitation to decay so that generator output would go to zero.

Manual control system are available as backup for the voltage regulator.
Maximum back-up reliability is afforded if the back-up control is
separate from the regulator. Thus, the manual control incorporates its
own rectifiers and power transformer, which is a variable-ratio
transformer. In case of regulator failure the transformer ratio is adjusted
manually to control excitation and compensate for load changes.

A manual backup is practical only if the loads will operate with low-
quality voltage regulation. Obviously, a manual control cannot be fast
enough to prevent large voltage dips or rises during abrupt load changes.
If the load varies continuously, it would be a full-time job for an operator
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to repeatedly adjust the rheostat, and it would be virtually impossible to

maintain steady voltage within a band of a few percent.

If tight voltage control is essential, the only practical back-up system is

another regulator that has the same performance as the prime regulator.
Often, this is less expensive than a manual back-up system. In case of
regulator failure, control is switched to the back-up regulator either
manually or automatically.

16. Frequency Control

To produce alternating current at a specified frequency, the engine must

drive the alternator at a corresponding “synchronous speed”. Common
synchronous speed is 1500 rpm for 50Hz A.C. The speed of the engine
and alternator is controlled by a speed-regulating governor, that
automatically adjusts the engine fuel control linkage as the load varies,
increasing or decreasing engine power as necessary to maintain steady
speed.
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Depending on the requirement of the load, the governor may hold the
same average frequency at all steady loads or may permit the frequency
to be higher at light loads than at heavy loads. At any steady load, there is
a slight, random frequency variation. When load is applied or removed,
there is a momentarily drop or rise in frequency, and the governor
responds to change the engine fuel rate and restore frequency.

The amount of frequency variation that is acceptable depends on the

requirements of the critical load.

The difference between the average steady speed or frequency at no load

and at full load is termed “regulation”. It is expressed as a percentage of
full-load speed. The speed vs load characteristic of some governors,
always permit the engine’s steady speed to be slightly higher at no load
than at full load. These are termed “droop type” or “drooping” governors,
and their engine speed regulation range normally is 3% – 5%. At full load
the speed is 1500rpm, 50Hz, whereas at no load the speed is 3 to 5
percent higher than at full load.

Some governors may be adjusted to maintain the same steady speed at

any load up to full load. These are termed “isochronous” or “zero droop”.

A typical generator governor maintains frequency within a bandwidth of

±¼ %.

17. Types of Governors

The two types of governors commonly used for diesel generator set are
hydraulic and electric. A hydraulic governor senses speed with revolving
flyweights and employs a hydraulic actuator to operate the engine fuel
control linkage.

An electric governor senses speed electrically and also employs a

hydraulic actuator to operate the fuel control linkage. By using electrical
rather than mechanical speed sensing, the electric governor can be made
sensitive to smaller variations in engine speed and normally achieves
very fast engine response. Either type may employ electric load sensing
to quicken response and to provide a means of load sharing during
isochronous operation of parallel generators. Some hydraulic governors
and most electric governors can be adjusted for zero speed regulation.
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18. Hydraulic Governor

In a hydraulic governor, rotating centrifugal flyweights control a pilot

valve, which in turn controls the position of a power piston that actuates
the fuel control linkage. At steady speed, the flyweights and pilot valve
are in a neutral position, with the flyweight force balanced by a speeder
spring. The pilot valve is positioned to shut off oil flow to or from the
power piston so that trapped oil holds the power piston in a fixed
position.

When load is removed and speed increases, the flyweights lean outward
and displace the pilot valve to permit some trapped oil to escape so that
the power piston moves in a direction that reduce fuel flow to the engine.
Displacement of the power piston moves a lever that compresses the
speeder spring to return the flyweights and pilot valve to their neutral
position, again trapping oil and holding the power piston in its new
position.

When load is added and speed decreases, the flyweights lean inward and
displace the pilot valve to admit oil pressure to the end of the power
piston. The power piston moves the fuel control linkage to increase fuel
flow. Displacement of the power piston lever decompresses the speeder
spring to permit the flyweights and pilot valve to return to their neutral
position, trapping oil to hold the power piston to its new position. An
adjustable stop limits maximum displacement of the power piston and
thereby limits fuel flow to the engine.

19. Electric Governor

Electric governor senses speed by sensing alternator frequency or the

frequency of a magnetic pick-up. Voltage spikes derived from the
generated frequency are rectified and filtered to provide a DC voltage
level proportional to the frequency. An adjustable constant voltage source
serves as a speed reference. The frequency signal and reference signal are
summed algebraically to produce an error signal that is applied to a
solenoid to control the pilot valve of a hydraulic actuator.

The power supply for the reference signal transforms power from the
alternator output and rectifies it. Zener diode circuitry in the power
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supply maintains constant voltage to the reference circuit, which also

contains a zener diode for further refinement of the signal. A voltage
divider permits manual adjustment of the reference signal level to
establish the speed setting of the governor.

Sensing frequency from a magnetic pickup has the advantage that the
pickup generates a measurable voltage through the full speed range from
start-up to synchronous speed, whereas alternator excitation normally
does not take effect on start-up until the generator set reaches 85% of
rated speed. Therefore an electric governor that senses alternator
frequency normally must have a mechanical-hydraulic governor backup
that senses speed mechanically until the generator speed is high enough
to provide voltage for alternator frequency sensing. Otherwise the engine
might overspeed on accelerating from startup, and actuate the overspeed
trip, causing the engine to shut down.

The mechanical-hydraulic section of the governor also serves as a safety

backup to provide automatic speed control if the electrical signal is
interrupted. The flyweight speed setting is above the normal operating
range and the backup does not function to govern speed unless there is an
electrical failure. Even without failure of the electric speed sensing, the
governor can be operated as a hydraulic governor, if desired, simply by
lowering the mechanical-hydraulic speed setting and raising the electrical
speed setting so the hydraulic section has complete control.
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Terminology

Standby An emergency electric power system, which

normally stands unused: it starts and assumes
the load when the normal power supply fails.

Supplementary standby An engine or electric set that normally drives a

given piece of equipment and is used to supply
power to the other load when the normal power
supply fails.

Peaking power An electric power system, which is used to

supplement the normal electric power source
during periods of peak demand.

Prime power An electric power system that is the sole power

source, or provides a special type of power.

Total energy An electric power system that is the sole

electric power source and also a heat source.