Synchronizing generators

The DEV Galena has four generator sets. Three running under normal operating
conditions. It is, on some occasion, necessary to service a running generator set.
This requires the engineer to bring on line the fourth generator, then taking the
desired generator off line. This is done as follows:

1) Bridge should be notified of intended action.

2) ME start. Prime engine with fuel by hand pump. Turn off engine block heater,
flick engine control switch to ‘on’ . Turn on air valve, and depress air control
valve. Engine should start. Check oil pressure, check for circulation of cooling
water (by feeling pipes). Close air valve. Repeat procedure for next two engines.

3) Synchronizing of generators. Check control room engine gauges. When

satisfied, turn to generator control panel. Ground lights should be checked for
equal brightness, and reverse relays reset if need be. The lead generators should
already be set at the desired Voltage (480V) and Hertz (60), if this is the case,
the generator being brought on line will adhere to these parameter (via the
AVR).Once those checks have been performed, proceed to the next step.

4) Switch synchronizing relay to ‘on’, adjust generator speed to obtain a steady

slow movement of the needle in a clockwise fashion. When the needle has
travelled 3/4 of the way, depress breaker close button. The breaker should
energize when the needle reaches the 11 oclock position on the synchroscope
guage. The on-coming generator should now be taking load with the same
parameters as the other generators on the bus (ie: volts @ 480, hertz @ 60).

5) At this point, governor controls should be switched to the desired generator.

The load, indicated by gauges, should be slowly removed from desired generator
until it is not contributing to the bus of the system. At that point, quickly trip
breaker before the desired generator becomes a load to the system -reverse
power.

6) With the desired generator off-line, the engine may now be stoped using
toggle switch. The engine block heathers should be turned on at this point. A
final check should be made to the control panel to assure proper settings, even
production, and distribution from the generators. You are now ready to service
the desired generator.

Martin Leduc 1998

The DEV Galena is a double ender ferry operating on the upper Arrow Lakes near Revelstoke BC.
It connects highway 23 across the lake created by the Hugh Kenleyside dam in Castlegar.