UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR-BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTIUTE

APPLICATION OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IN BUILDING

TUTORIAL 5
GENSET AND UPS
Question 1
a) Classify THREE (3) types of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and with the aid of
diagram, sketch the electrical block diagram for each UPS.

Standby or Offline UPS

Double Conversion Online UPS

Line Interactive UPS

b) Explain the functions of UPS and factors that need to be considered for selection of UPS
system.
Function of UPS:
Provide uninterrupted, reliable, high quality power for vital loads.
Protect sensitive loads against power outages, over and under voltage conditions.
Suppress line transients and harmonic disturbances.
Factors that need to be considered for selection of UPS system:
1. List of the equipment that needs protected including all individual items that have their
own power cords, such as CPU, monitor, modem, etc.
2. The wattage rating of each device.
3. The total wattage ratings for all devices to be protected
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4. The maximum back-up time needed to shut down critical equipment only, should an
outage occur.
5. Type of UPS equipment you wish to purchase with any optional (Automatic data network
shutdown, UPS performance monitoring, battery extension, manual bypass switch,
vendor support service)

c) State the benefits and drawbacks of each UPS as in Question 1 (a)

The pros and cons of the Stand By system are:
Pros: Inexpensive, low operating costs (the majority of time your
equipment is
ran by the normal power provider), lightweight, compact.
Cons: Will pass spikes, noise, and harmonics from normal power
provider, no
Voltage regulation in normal mode, slow activation time typically 4
milliseconds.
The pros and cons of the Line Interactive system are:
Pros: Moderate pricing, voltage regulation that gives brownout
protection,
efficient, compact, quicker activation (2 milliseconds).
Cons: Will still pass spikes, noise, and harmonics from normal power
provider.
Slow activation time compared to the next system.
The pros and cons of the On Line system are:
Pros: Excellent voltage regulation and power conditioning, brownout
protection,
no lapse in power output, isolation from normal power provider.
Cons: the addition of all the above comes with a cost, however, it is the
best
solution if the uninterrupted operation of your equipment is critical.

d) State the advantages and disadvantages of gas engine generator and diesel engine generator.
Cost: A gas engine set costs approximately 1.8 times more than a diesel
engine.
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Cost of fuel: both fluctuate, gas even more so.

Availability and reliability: gas cannot be stored pipeline, diesel from
tankers, can be stored.
Step loading gas engine loading is longer compared to diesel
e) Draw the block diagram and electrical diagram for Generator that has a maximum power of
i.
ii.

<1000 KVA
>1000 KVA

f) What are the factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding in installing genset.
Total loads
Cost
Reliability (redundancy)
Geographical layout
Space availability
Type of load and load step
Light load period
Rated speed
Rated voltage
g) What are the standard components of a generator set.

Components :
Engine
Two strokes or four strokes
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 Governor
Control fuel input to control its speed
Alternator
Lubrication
Fuel system
Cooling system
Starting system
Local control panel, air intake system, exhaust system
h) What happens if the generator set is overload and underload during running operation.
Underload:
Oil in the cylinder that is normally burnt is heated and a lacquer is formed on the
cylinder liner.
If the light loading continues, visible blue smoke will appear.
Engine will require service work to deglaze the liner or replace it
Overload:
Overheating of the coolant system.
Overheating of the alternator windings.
Oil viscosity (thickness) break down resulting in low oil pressure.
A shortening of the working life of the generator.

i) List four conditions for synchronizing two or more generators and explain what will happen
if the synchronizing process is not properly done.
four conditions for synchronizing two or more generators
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1) Similar voltage
2) Similar phase angle
3) Similar phase sequence
4) Similar frequency
if the synchronizing process is not properly done:
1) Damage the generator and the prime mover because of mechanical
stresses caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration, bringing the
rotating masses into synchronism (exactly matched speed and rotor
angle) with the power system.
2) Damage the generator and step-up transformer windings caused by
high currents.
3) Cause disturbances to the power system such as power oscillations and
voltage deviations from nominal.\
4) Prevent the generator from staying online and picking up load when
protective relay elements interpret the condition as an abnormal
operating condition and trip the generator.