The redundancy inherent in parallel operation of multiple generators provides greater reliability than is offered by a single generator unit for critical loads. If one unit fails, the critical loads are redistributed among other units in the system on a priority basis. In many environments, the critical loads that need the highest degree of reliable backup power usually account for only a fraction of the overall power generated by the system. In a parallel system, this means that the most critical elements will have the redundancy necessary to maintain power even if one of the units goes out.

When sizing generators to match your load requirements, it is often difficult to accurately project increases in load and adequately plan for anticipated additional requirements. If load projections are aggressive, your initial investment in a generator may be higher than necessary. On the other hand, if load projections are inadequate, you may be left without reliable standby power or may have to resort to expensive generator upgrades, or even purchasing another unit altogether.

By operating systems in parallel, it is easier to allow for variations in load without overrunning your budget or piling up expensive units that rarely get used. If necessary, generators can be added for additional power supply when required. Similarly, redundant generators can be detached from the unit and can be used separately at other sites.

Using multiple units in parallel offers greater flexibility than using a single large-sized generator of a high capacity. Multiple smaller generators operating in parallel do not need to be grouped together and can be located in a distributed fashion lessening the need for one very large footprint for a single, larger generator.

Rooftop installations or setting up small-sized generators in limited areas are just a few ways you can creatively find ways to make them fit. Since the units do not require a collective large space that has to be side by side, these can often be installed in small facilities or whenever space is a restricting factor.

If a generator in the system breaks down or requires maintenance, individual units can be dismantled and serviced without disrupting the functioning of other units. The redundancy inherent in a parallel system provides multiple layers of protection and ensures an uninterrupted supply of power for critical circuits.

Parallel operation of generators allows for a much higher power performance with individual units of small capacities that usually costs less than a single high-capacity generator model. Combined with a supervisory solution such as Denyo Remote Monitoring, usage and performance data can be monitored for further analysis and informed decision-making on the most optimal setup of generators in the parallel operation, further improving the total cost of operations over the entire duration of the project or application.

Below are some other factors that need to be taken into account.

Speed Control. Each individual generator operates at its own specified engine speed and frequency. When individual generators are coupled together, their engine speeds are locked into the overall speed of the entire system.

Load Balance.The load shared by each generator determines the speed of its engine. In a parallel system, the entire load is shared by all generators. Synchronisa

Voltage Regulation. As in the case of engine speeds of individual generators, the voltage of each unit is locked into that of other units in the system. When any unit has a slightly higher voltage set point than other generators in the system, it will end up bearing the entire voltage load of the system. Voltage regulators of individual generators are interconnected in a reactive cross-current system, which regulates the voltage set points of individual generators by collecting input from all the transformers controlling individual voltages.

Genset Controller. A controller can be installed to allow automatic parallel operation, enhancing the ease and speed of checking parameters of the engine and alternator of each generator unit in the system. To further enhance the oversight and control of the system. an added remote monitoring capability should be considered, which allows for efficient monitoring of the performance of each generator in the setup and facilities quick response and effective troubleshooting should any issue arise.

As you can see, running generators in parallel has clear advantages and should be a serious and viable option for any company looking to achieve high-level, redundant, backup power for its projects.

However, strong technical expertise and appropriate generator equipment are required to make a parallel operation come together nicely that delivers the performance that you want.

Denyo generators are built with parallel operations in mind, and – coupled with our in-house remote monitoring system – can be readily assembled to suit your specific needs. Talk to us today to find out more about what Denyo can do for you.