Operation modes of Alternator or generator – Grid mode & Island mode
Operation
modes of Alternator
When
the alternator supplies power to the load or consumer directly, the criteria of
the load affects the alternator. We cannot control the load (KW or MW) and
power factor but the terminal voltage and frequency can be controlled. This is
called ISLAND mode.
When
the alternator is connected to the Grid, in fact synchronized with the grid-
alternator swings with the grid. The frequency, voltage we cannot control but
the load in KW or MW supply we can control. This is called GRID mode.
So
the operation mode of alternators primarily divided in to two general group.
One is Island mode and the second is grid mode.
Island
mode of Alternator:
In
Island mode there is no grid connected, only a certain isolated area is
covered. This happens in case of marine or ship and factories with own supply
& own consumption. The amount of load supplied we cannot control as it
totally depends on load demand in the covered area, but the voltage and
frequency we can control.
In
case of Island mode-
- · Frequency and voltage of the bus bar we are able to control.
Grid
mode of power generation:
In
grid mode the power generation station or power plant is in parallel with the
grid. As the total plant is connected to grid- the frequency & voltage is
uncontrollable, depends on the grid voltage & frequency. But the load is
controllable, so is power factor, as we can set the load of an unit to 5MW or
8MW and set the power factor to .80 and alternator will generate power following
the commands.
In
grid mode-
- · Frequency and voltage depends on grid
- · Active and reactive power supplied to the grid we are able to control
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