Synchronization is a combination of two or more sources of electricity, to obtain a larger source of electricity. Synchronization can be done between Genset and Genset, Genset with PLN or synchronous at medium voltage. In order to achieve a synchronous system, generators must have the same phase sequence, frequency and voltage between one generator and another. To equalize it can be done manually or automatically. If sync is done automatically, then you have to use a synchronous module. This synchronous module has an alarm that can be activated if a sync has not occurred, so you can easily find out if the panel is out of sync. If you use manual sync, it will be more difficult to adjust the voltage and frequency and it will be more difficult to know whether the panel is in sync or not.
What needs to be considered before synchronizing is to make sure that the generator unit is ready to be synchronized or is it still a single generator model. If it is still a single generator model, it is recommended to add CT Drop to the generator. Apart from that, you also need to pay attention to the frequency (Hz) and voltage adjustment system using Analog Input or Digital Input.
Usually when doing panel synchronization, there are problems with the voltage or frequency that is not the same and other electronic constraints or from the side of the generator unit that is not ready to be synchronized. To avoid problems when synchronizing, it’s a good idea before synchronizing, between technicians communicate about synchronization matters and ensure readiness in the panel sync process.
For panels that have already been synchronized, they can be synchronized with other panels, provided that the module used must be the same. If it is done manually, then the unit needs to be added and it must be ensured that the generator is ready to be synchronized. The time needed to synchronize the panels depends on the readiness of the generator unit and the availability of tools. If the unit is ready to sync, it only takes less than 1 minute to sync. If the condition of the generator is not ready to sync, it can take about 1 to 2 minutes.
The synchronous panel system allows generators to be controlled to work simultaneously or in parallel so that they can bear the load together. For example, if an electrical installation requires 900 kilowatts of power, whereas we only have 2 units of generators with a capacity of 500 kilowatts, then to be able to accommodate 900 kW of power, we need to run 2 units of generators simultaneously to produce as much power as we need. A 500 kW generator in parallel or synchronized with a 500 kW generator will produce 1000 kW of power. Because the two generators produce 1000 kW of power, the electric power we have of 900 kW will be able to be accommodated by the two generators that have been parallelized.
In general, the Synchronous Panel has 3 functions, which are as follows:
As a PLN Power Back up
The Synchronous Panel will work as a substitute power source if the main power source (PLN) has a problem.
As an Emergency Back Up
Apart from being a replacement power source, the synchronous panel will work if the existing load approaches the capacity of the installed main source. The point is that if the PLN source is installed at 1000 kVA but the maximum load is 1500 kVA, then the generator will bear some of the load. This condition only occurs if the generator capacity is the same or greater than the capacity of the PLN source.
as the main power source
The synchronous panel is used as the main power source and works continuously.
The advantage of using a Synchronous Panel is cost efficiency. An example is if there is an increase in power, for example from 800 kw to 1000 kw, and we only have 1 unit of a 500 kw generator, then we don’t need to change the new generator to 1000 kw, but we only need to add a 500 kw generator to then synchronize with we already have a 500 kw generator. Automatically, the costs we incur are also less, so there is cost efficiency. The next advantage is fuel economy. If the load fluctuates quite high, for example during the day the load requirement is 500 KVA, but at night it is close to 900KVA, then it will be very profitable to use a Synchronous Panel. During the day, only 1 500 KVA generator is operated, while at night two 500 KVA generators are synchronized. Just imagine, if we only have 1 unit of a 1000 KVA generator, during the day there will be a waste of fuel to drive a 1000 KVA engine just to carry a 400 KVA load. Very wasteful is not it?
So, how about your electrical system? Have you chosen the right method for your electrical system?
