Dead Bus Synchronising

DESCRIPTION
Generator set specifications often contain the requirement for the set to be on load within 15
seconds of a mains supply failure. This is easily achievable in single set applications. However in
the current era of fuel conservation, multiple sets are often used to provide the backup power
solution for many applications. This gives challenges in starting and synchronising the required
sets before they can be used to power the load.
The solution to this is a longstanding one, having being used for many decades. However modern
digital communications such as the DSE MSC link has vastly improved the control and hence
safety of the system operation. The solution is called Dead Bus Synchronising

OPERATION
Before the generator sets are started, the load switches are closed. This requires DC controlled
breakers. Next, the alternator excitation field is disconnected from the AVRs and the engines are
started.
Once running satisfactorily, the AVR is reconnected to the excitation field and load sharing begins.
The MSC link is used to ensure all sets excite the alternator at exactly the same time. Any sets not
up to speed before the end of the Excitation Delay timer are instructed to open their breakers. A
short time later, these sets synchronise to the bus in the traditional manner.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

DSE8610 V5.0 controller or higher.

DC controlled generator breaker.
Auxiliary contact to feed back generator breaker status to the DSE controller.
External relay driven by the DSE module to control the excitation of the alternator.

056-072 Dead Bus Sync Issue 1 A.D.Manton

 DSE MODULE CONFIGURATION

Enable

Sync Mode

Excitation Speed

Start Delay
Excitation Delay

Excitation Ramp
Time

The Dead Bus Synchronsing feature is activated as configured below.

 All synchronising is performed the traditional way by achieving a slip
frequency and waiting for the voltage, frequency and phase to be within
configured windows.
Always - Dead bus sync is always used when the generators are required
to be on line and in the Auto mode (Dead bus sync does not operate in
Manual mode in any circumstance.
Disabled The feature is not active
On Input - Dead bus sync is used when a digital input is active :

On Request From 8660 The feature is only used when a start request is
received from a DSE8660 controller
The speed at which the engine is deemed to be running fast enough for
the excitation to be energised :
Any sets not reaching this speed by the end of the excitation delay open
their breakers and are removed from the Dead Bus Sync System.
Time delay used at start up to ensure the start request is not simply a
fleeting request.
During engine run up, if the Excitation Speed is not achieved by the end of
the Excitation Delay, the set is removed from the Dead Bus Sync system
and will attempt to synchronise in the traditional way.
The time allowed for the excitation field to build after being energised.
At the end of this time, all frequency and voltage alarms are active.

056-072 Dead Bus Sync Issue 1 A.D.Manton