Generator Option - Bottarini GDP21 Maintenance And Operating Manual

11. Generator option

11.1 Introduction
This manual describes the operation
and maintenance of synchronous
generators with switchboxes.
All information relates to data available
at the time of going to press.
The manufacturer reserves the right to
make changes at any time, without prior
notice or obligation. It is therefore always
advisable to check for updates.
No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or
by any means, without the prior written
consent of the manufacturer.
Synchronous generators may only be
used as such. No other form of use is
permitted.
11.2 Generator safety precautions
Danger
Do not top up current-generating units
(generators) with fuel during operation!
Follow the additional fire and explosion
protection regulations in the case of
installation in enclosed spaces.
Attention! Exhaust gases are toxic!
Do not operate generators in non-
ventilated, enclosed spaces!
Check that electrical loads and their
connections are in perfect condition.
Synchronous generators operate
safely and reliably. Before commis-
sioning, read through the safety
precautions in this manual carefully.
* Ensure that children under the age
of fourteen and animals do not have
access to the generator while it is
running.
* To avoid endangering people or
animals, or causing accidents or
damage to the machine, always
carry out the usual checks before
switching the generator on.
* There is always a risk of electric
shock if a generator is used
improperly. Never touch the
generator, or equipment connected
to it, with wet hands.
* When using several generators, or if
the public mains is available, do not
interconnect these systems.
* Caution! Connecting the generator
to the public mains can damage it
and severely endanger personnel.
* The IP 54 protection means the
generator is protected against
splashes, spray and other foreign
bodies. Do not, however, clean the
38
generator with high-pressure
equipment.
* Generators may only accept up to
their nominal load if operated
according to the standard tempera-
ture range and cooling conditions
specified. If installed under different
conditions, or if cooling of the
engine or generator is impaired, for
example in confined spaces or
under unfavourable circumstances,
their output must be reduced.
* Do not modify the generator/ switch-
box. Such changes, or the use of
unsuitable parts, will invalidate
approval under machinery safety
legislation and certification to
EU/EEC Directives.
Opening of the terminal box / fuse box
only by trained, qualified staff. Opening
of the terminal box not earlier than
5 seconds after motor shutdown.
Observe the following safety rules:
* Disconnect the system from the
power supply.
* Secure the system against being
switched on again.
* Ensure that the system is de-
energised.
* Earth the system and short-circuit it.
* Cover or cordon off neighbouring
energised parts.
11.3 Operating principle
The generator is a self-excited brushless
synchronous internal pole generator which
is controlled electronically. It consists of
the main machine, exciter, rotary rectifiers
and generator regulator assemblies,
housed in a common enclosure. The main
machine of the synchronous 3-phase
generators has various design features,
including a damping cage and balancing
system, which allow it to handle an
extremely asymmetrical load. All of the
other equipment required for safe
electrical operation is accommodated in
the unit (generator - switchbox).
The splashproof and dustproof
generator is driven by the engine using V-
belts. Over the range from no-load to
nominal output, the voltage it supplies is
controlled by a highly integrated electronic
regulator, which is fully encapsulated in
the cover of the switchbox, so that the
output voltage over this range complies
with IEC 38 requirements. This standard is
comparable with the public mains.
The stability of the output frequency is
entirely dependent on that of the speed of
the combustion engine. You must there-
fore ensure that this engine is serviced,
maintained and operated properly.
If the generator is overloaded briefly (for
less than the thermal response time of the
circuit breaker), or devices with excessive
startup consumption levels are connected,
the regulator automatically limits the
output/startup consumption (through the
excitation current). This leads to a
(desired) withdrawal of the output voltage.
Please take account of this when
operating several devices simultaneously
on your generator.
Note
Switch devices (loads) on one after the
other, starting with that with the least
favourable startup characteristics.
If the generator is extremely dirty,
insufficiently ventilated, or operating under
otherwise unacceptable conditions, to
prevent it or the regulator being damaged
by overheating, the output voltage is
reduced to about half its nominal value if the
temperature inside the switchbox exceeds
80 °C. This compromises the connected
devices, which must be switched off or
unplugged immediately.
Always avoid operating the generator
under such conditions, and keep it clean
(particularly fan cowl air inlets, cooling
fins).
The generator is fitted with a thermal-
magnetic circuit breaker, which not only
protects against overloads, but also
switches off in the event of an insulation
fault on a connected device. Interruption of
power distribution during operation may be
caused by an insulation fault on a device
(in which case an indicator lamp comes
on), or an overload (when it does not). If
an overload has occurred, eliminate its
cause, wait for a short time, then reset the
circuit breaker. On generators with a
hinged glass cover over the circuit
breaker, open the cover, grasp the
breaker's operating handle and push
upwards (always in the centre = yellow
mark, not on one side!). Then carefully
close the cover again, and tighten its
knurled screws, without exerting force.
After the circuit breaker has released due
to an overload (indicator lamp off), wait for
a short time until it can be reset. The
thermal-magnetic or thermal circuit breaker
is designed in accordance with
machine specifications, particularly in
relation to shock and vibration resistance,
and ambient temperature. Only use an
original part if replacements are needed.
the