Slide 1 Describe the generator and distribution systems including switchboard

construction and configuration. Short circuit protection such as: fuses and
main circuit breakers.

Slide 2
GROUP 3
(Group members…)

Slide 3

WHAT IS A GENERATOR?

Generator is a machine which converts any type of energy into electrical energy in places
where power cuts occur. It is used as an alternate energy source. Rotator gasoline or diesel
engine is the general name given to the group composed of a panel, chassis and an
alternator rotated by the engine. It comprises of two main parts: alternator and engine. The
alternator can be used with or without a brush. On the other hand, the systems driven by wind
are called wind turbine or wind generator except the generators operating on liquid fuels or
natural gas.

Generators are manufactured in varying sizes and capacities from the smallest facilities to the
biggest ones. The generators which produce alternating current are called alternator while the
ones producing direct current are called direct current generators or dynamo. In conclusion,
whether the current obtained is AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current), source of the
electrical energy is identical. Only the machine design differs. The mechanical energy
required to operate a generator is supplied by devices which provide the first drive such as
water turbine, steam turbine, internal combustion engine or gas turbine.

Slide 4

OPERATION PRINCIPAL

Operation principle of most electric generators is based on Faraday’s law. When the number
of magnetic flow lines (Maxwell) that surrounds a wire coil is changed, an electromotor power
emerges in the coil which is proportionate to the number of turn that varies according to
magnetic flow.

Voltage spike value is E = -n (df)/dt) 10-8 volt. Here, n represents the number of turns; f
represents the magnetic flow as Maxwell while t is time in seconds. The minus sign indicates
that the voltage induced counters the force that generates it. When one part of the generator
is moved mechanically relative to the other one, voltage is induced in generator windings. In
this way, magnetic flow occurs around the coil, which is called armature winding. Magnetic
flow can constantly be obtained from DC field winding or AC source of the magnet.

Slide 5

We can think of generators as instruments working in reverse to electric engines. The

electrical energy we use in our daily life is produced with the help of generators in power
plants (electric plants).
 The motion energy required in order for generators to generate electrical energy in
electric plants is supplied through different ways.
  In thermal power plants, such fossil fuels as coal and fuel oil are burnt and the water
in the boiler is turned into vapor. The high pressure water vapor that is formed
enables the turbine to move and electrical energy is generated.
 In nuclear power plants, the water in the boiler evaporates through nuclear energy.
 In hydroelectric power plants, the water accumulating in the dam flows rapidly from
height and falls on turbine blades. In this way, electrical energy is supplied from the
generator connected to the turbine.

Slide 6

SAFETY MEASURES

In the case that necessary safety measures are taken, it is highly unlikely that
generator poses danger. Ersel Engineering assembles and maintains the generator in a
completely safe manner.

Our personnel, who will make the technical interventions when required, are trained and
experienced in all processes related to generators.

In case failure occurs in the generator;

 Stop its operation by cutting the energy connection of the generator.
 The room where the generator is used should be resistant to fire at least 1.5 hours
and in case of a possible fire, it should be positioned in such a way that it does not
block the fire exit.
 In generator use, changes in regulation input voltage of a generator should be
checked. Voltage stability should be measured (the feature of output voltage
remaining stable under changing conditions).
 It should be ensured that the voltage remains stable despite the changes in loads.

Slide 7
SWITCHBOARD

A switchboard is a large floor-mounted panel or assembly of panels in which electrical

switches, OCPDs, buses, and instruments are mounted. Switchgear is any high-powered
electrical device that switches or interrupts devices or circuits in a building distribution
system.

Figure 1
Slide 8

The terms switchgear and switchboards are often used interchangeably or when referring to
both switchgear and switchboard equipment. A switchboard is typically the link between the
power delivered to a building or property and the start of the building’s power distribution
system. The switchboard may be the last point on the power distribution system for the utility
and the beginning of the distribution system for the building electrician. Switchboards are
rated by the manufacturer for a maximum voltage and current output. For example, a
switchboard may have a 50 V rating and a bus rating up to 5000 A

In addition to dividing the incoming power, a switchboard may contain all the equipment
needed for controlling, monitoring, protecting, and recording the functions of the substation.
Switchboards are designed for use in service-entrance and distribution.
A service-entrance switchboard has space and mounting provisions for metering equipment
(as required by the local power company), overcurrent protection, and a means of disconnect
for the service conductors. Provisions for grounding the service neutral conductor when a
ground is needed are also provided.

Slide 9
SWITCHBOARD DISTRIBUTION

A distribution switchboard contains the protective devices and feeder circuits required to
distribute the power throughout a building. A distribution switchboard may contain either
circuit breakers or fused switches.

A distribution switchboard has space and mounting provisions required by the local power
company. Building power distribution systems are used to deliver the required type and level
of power to the loads connected to the system.

Metering equipment for the power used by the building’s tenants is also installed at this
location. To meter the incoming power, the switchboard must have a watt-hour meter to
measure power usage. Metering equipment is always located on the incoming line side of the
disconnect. The metering equipment compartment cover is sealed to prevent power from
being tapped ahead of the power company metering equipment.

Slide 10

Figure 2
Slide 11
Other meters and indicator lights, such as voltmeters, ammeters, and watt meters, may
also be built into the meter equipment compartment. In most cases, these components are
optional, depending on the application and the plant requirements.

A voltmeter is used to indicate the various incoming and outgoing voltages to the
maintenance personnel. An ammeter is used to indicate the various current levels
throughout the system. A wattmeter is used to indicate the power used throughout the
system.

These instruments can be indicating types, record types, or a combination of both types.
Recording instruments are used to track various values during a period of time.
In addition to measuring the voltage, current, and power of a system, a switchboard also
controls the power.

Slide 12
Control is achieved through the use of switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and overcurrent and
overvoltage relays that can disconnect the power. These devices protect the distribution
system in the event of a fault. Switchboards that have more than six switches or circuit
breakers must include a main switch to protect or disconnect all circuits.

Switchboards with more than one but not more than six switches or circuit breakers do not
require the main switch. In a switchboard with more than six switches or breakers, the
service-entrance section of the switchboard may have feeder circuits added to the rated
capacity of the main.

Slide 13 (Short circuit protection such as: fuses and main circuit breakers)

Short circuit protection is protection against excessive currents or current beyond

the acceptable current rating of equipment and it operates instantly. As soon as an
overcurrent is detected, the device trips and breaks the circuit.

Protection against temperature is termed “overcurrent protection.” Overcurrents are

caused by equipment overloads, by short circuits or by ground faults. An overload occurs
when equipment is subjected to current above its rated capacity and excessive heat is
produced. A short circuit occurs when there is a direct but unintended connection
between line-to-line or line-to-neutral conductors. Short circuits can generate
temperatures thousands of degrees above designated ratings. A ground fault occurs
when electrical current flows from a conductor to uninsulated metal that is not designed to
conduct electricity. These uninsulated currents can be lethal.
 Slide 14

A. Fuse - A fuse is the simplest form of overcurrent protective device but it can be used
only once before it must be replaced.

 A fuse consists of a conducting element enclosed in a glass, ceramic or other non-

conductive tube and connected by ferrules at each end of the tube. The ferrules fit into
slots at each end to complete a split in a circuit.
 Excess current flowing through the fuse melts the device’s conducting element and
interrupts current flow. Fuses are rated by the amperage they can carry before heat
melts the element. The fuse is ideal for protection against short circuits.
 Short circuits produce enough amperage to vaporize a fuse element and break
connection in one cycle of a 60-cycle system. Fuses are more commonly used in devices
connected to a system than within the system’s circuit.

Slide 15

Slide 16

B. Circuit Breakers - Circuit breakers are essentially resettable fuses that are
automatically operated electrical switches that cut off the circuit whenever the current
jumps above a safe level, avoiding overheating, melting, and potential fires.
Slide 17

Fuse vs. Circuit Breakers

 The main difference between fuse and circuit breakers is that fuses cannot be reused while
circuit breakers can be reused over and over again. Circuit breakers are used to protect
homes and devices against overloading and short-circuiting while fuses protect devices and
homes against overloading only.
 They each prevent this from happening through different ways: circuit breakers
automatically flip, “breaking” the circuit. Fuses, on the other hand, have a filament that
physically melts, preventing the current from continuing to flow. Each one does its job,
but they don't work interchangeably for everyone.
 Fuses offer circuit protection that is inexpensive, straightforward and fast protection. Their
faster circuit protection time is perhaps their biggest benefit over circuit breakers. This is
important when protecting sensitive electronic equipment. Circuit breakers provide better
protection for three-phase applications.