Generator periphery – Parallel connection of two asynchronous generators


Note: This function is not available with every generator. Check in each individual case whether the function can be used with your generator.

Content

Introduction to the topic

Two Fischer Panda generators with xControl or with fpControl system can be connected in parallel.


Note: With the xControl system, only two generators with the same power can be connected in parallel. With the fpControl system it is possible to connect two generators with different power in parallel.

Note: It is not possible to connect a generator with xControl system and a generator with fpControl system in parallel.
Functional description

For paralleling of two asynchronous Generators only the »fpControl Paralleling Device« (fpControl PD-A) is necessary. This device ensures the parallel connection of two asynchronous generators. It is connected to the two generators via the fpCAN and switches in phase and at the zero crossing. The »fpControl PD-A« allows a black out free changing of the generator.

Hardware Requirements

For the Generators
For the parallel connection

Software Requirements

  • »xControl Generator Control – Servo« (fpControl GC-S): 4V43 or higher
  • »fpControl Generator Control – Servo« (fpControl GC-S): V000R06 or higher
  • »fpControl Control Panel – Generator« (fpControl CP-G): V005R04 or higher
  • »fpControl Paralleling Device« (fpControl PD-A): V003R01 or higher

For operation mode »AUTO« (available only with fpControl):

  • »xControl Generator Control – Servo« (fpControl GC-S): not available
  • »fpControl Generator Control – Servo« (fpControl GC-S): V000R12 or higher
  • »fpControl Control Panel – Generator« (fpControl CP-G): V005R06 or higher
  • »fpControl Paralleling Device« (fpControl PD-A): V003R02 or higher

Connection of the system components

Schematic diagram: Parallel connection of two generators
Schematic diagram: Parallel connection of two generators
1Generator 1 (with xControl GC-S / fpControl GC-S)
2Control Panel of Generator 1 (fpControl CP-G) and terminating resistor
3Generator 2 (with xControl GC-S / fpControl GC-S)
4Control Panel of Generator 2 (fpControl CP-G) and terminating resistor
5Paralleling Device (fpControl PD-A)
6fpCAN (FP CAN BUS 1)
7fpCAN (FP CAN BUS 2)

Settings for the system components

Settings for the »xControl GC-S« / »fpControl GC-S«

Activating the parallel mode

The setting of the mode for the parallel operation may only be changed when the generators are in standby mode.

In order to connect the generators in parallel, the »xControl GC-S« / »fpControl GC-S« must be switched to »parallel mode«.

This is done using the service menu of the »xControl CP-G« / »fpControl CP-G«.

Different operation modes

At the fpControl system there are three different operation modes: »OFF«, »ON« and »AUTO«. The xControl systems offers the modes »OFF« and »ON«.


The setting of the mode for the parallel operation must be the same for both generators of the parallel connection.

In parallel operation, the mode »OFF« must not be set for any of the generators. Only the modes »ON« and »AUTO« are allowed.

Parallel mode deactivated – »OFF«

  • Only single generator 1 OR single generator 2 is in operation.
  • A load contactor release test is performed for single generator 1 / single generator 2.
  • The load contactor is switched on directly.
  • If there is a paralleling device active in the fpCAN bus, even though the parallel mode of the »fpControl GC-S« is deactivated (OFF), the error event 141 »Synchronization mode deactivated« is generated.

Parallel mode activated – »ON«

  • Generator 1 AND generator 2 can be operated in parallel.
  • A load contactor release test is performed for parallel mode.
  • This test evaluates whether the fpCAN bus of the second generator is online.
  • If so, the system waits for the parallel device »fpControl PD-A« to enable the load contactor.
  • If the fpCAN bus of the second generator is offline, the warning event 168 »Bus #1 dead« is generated.
  • In this case the load contactor can be enabled on the panel:
Enabling the load contactor on the panel

Automatic parallel mode – »AUTO«

  • In the automatic parallel mode, it is first checked whether a paralleling device »fpControl PD-A« is active in the fpCAN bus or not.
  • If there is a paralleling device active in the fpCAN bus, a load contactor release test is performed for parallel mode.
  • The procedure is then the same as described in the »ON« mode above.
  • If there is no active paralleling device in the fpCAN bus the load contactor of single generator 2 basically has to be enabled on the panel:
Enabling the load contactor on the panel

Requirement: You must enter the service password while the function is being called.

Function call: service > parallel mode

Step by step guide

  • Open menu “service”.
  • Enter the service password.
  • Select “parallel mode” and confirm.
  • Select “on” or “auto” and confirm.

Result: The »fpControl GC-S« is set to »parallel mode« (ON or AUTO).

Settings for the Paralleling Device »fpControl PD-A«

If a Paralleling Device is connected to the fpCAN bus, you will see the menu item »paralleling-device« in the main menu of the panel.

Note: This menu item and all its sub-items are only displayed if the Paralleling Device is present in the fpCAN bus.

Operating Mode

Setting the Operating Mode for paralleling two generators.

Function call: paralleling-device > mode of operation > synchronize

Step by step guide

  • Select “mode of operation” and confirm.
  • Select “synchronize” and confirm.
  • Select “confirm”.

Result: The Operating Mode of the Paralleling Device is set to synchronize for paralleling two generators.

Selecting the wake-up function of the paralleling device

The wake-up function of the paralleling device makes it possible to wake-up the »fpControl GC-S« of the generator connected in parallel. The wake-up function offers different operating modes:

ModeWake-up function
offNo wake-up function active. »fpControl GC-S« of single generator 1 and single generator 2 can only be switched on / off separately.
1 controls 2Switching the »fpControl GC-S« of single generator 1 on / off causes the »fpControl GC-S« of single generator 2 to be switched on / off at the same time.
2 controls 1Switching the »fpControl GC-S« of single generator 2 on / off causes the »fpControl GC-S« of single generator 1 to be switched on / off at the same time.
each otherSwitching one of the two »fpControl GC-S« on / off also switches the other »fpControl GC-S« on / off.

Function call: paralleling-device > auto on/off

Step by step guide

Example for selecting the function “1 controls 2”:

  • Select “auto on/off” and confirm.
  • Select “1 controls 2” and confirm.
  • Select “confirm”.

Result: The wake-up function of the Paralleling Device is set to mode “1 controls 2”.

FAQs to parallel connection

How to remove the parallel operation mode?

If only one generator of two generators operating in parallel is required because the power consumption has been reduced, the second generator can be stopped on the control panel. The parallel mode of the fpControl remains activated. It doesn´t have to be deactivated on the panel.

What happens if one of the two generators working in parallel fails?

The remaining second generator takes over the load of the failed generator. However, if in this case the total load exceeds the maximum power of the remaining generator, this generator is also stopped due to overload.

Does the parallel mode have to be activated on the »fpControl GC-S« of both generators? And how does it work concerning the paralleling device?

Yes, on both generators. The operating mode of the paralleling device »fpControl PD-A« can once be set using one of the panels on the fpCAN bus.