Generators, Switchgear and Paralleling

DCF 110 offers a comprehensive exploration of distributed electrical power generation, focusing on the principles and applications of standby power systems. Students will delve into the construction, operation, and common troubleshooting techniques for prime mover-driven alternators, essential for maintaining continuous service during utility outages. The curriculum also extensively covers automatic transfer switch (ATS) mechanisms, their control logic, and integration within electrical distribution networks. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to paralleling switchgear, examining its function in synchronizing multiple generation units and managing load distribution. Furthermore, students will gain practical experience in evaluating system performance through various load bank testing methodologies, preparing them for real-world scenarios in commercial and industrial settings.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

DCF 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Standby Power Generation Systemslecture

02Lesson 2: Principles of Alternator Design and Operationlecture

03Lesson 3: Prime Mover Fundamentals and Control Systemslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Alternator Inspection and Basic Troubleshootinglab

05Lesson 5: Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Types and Operationlecture

06Lesson 6: ATS Control Logic and Interconnection Diagramslecture

07Lesson 7: Introduction to Paralleling Concepts and Synchronizationlecture

08Hands-on Lab: ATS Functional Testing and Sequence Verificationlab

09Lesson 9: Paralleling Switchgear Components and Architecturelecture

10Lesson 10: Load Sharing and System Protection in Paralleled Operationslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Generator Controller Configuration for Parallelinglab

12Lesson 12: Load Bank Testing Principles and Procedureslecture

13Lesson 13: System Maintenance, Safety, and Regulatory Considerationslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Standby System Commissioning and Testingassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Standby Power Generation Systems","Week 2: Lesson 2: Principles of Alternator Design and Operation","Week 3: Lesson 3: Prime Mover Fundamentals and Control Systems","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Alternator Inspection and Basic Troubleshooting","Week 5: Lesson 5: Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Types and Operation","Week 6: Lesson 6: ATS Control Logic and Interconnection Diagrams","Week 7: Lesson 7: Introduction to Paralleling Concepts and Synchronization","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: ATS Functional Testing and Sequence Verification","Week 9: Lesson 9: Paralleling Switchgear Components and Architecture","Week 10: Lesson 10: Load Sharing and System Protection in Paralleled Operations","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Generator Controller Configuration for Paralleling","Week 12: Lesson 12: Load Bank Testing Principles and Procedures","Week 13: Lesson 13: System Maintenance, Safety, and Regulatory Considerations","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Comprehensive Standby System Commissioning and Testing"]