TITLE:
Reciprocating Engine Step Load Response in Islanded Power Generation
AUTHORS:
Yun Tian, Rudie Crous
KEYWORDS:
Step Load; Islanded Power Generation; Reciprocating Engine; Power Frequency Control
JOURNAL NAME:
Energy and Power Engineering,
Vol.5 No.4B,
October
16,
2013
ABSTRACT: The step load response of reciprocating engines is one of the key characteristics when considering its application in medium to large scale stationary power generation especially with islanded generation. This paper discusses the impacts of power frequency deviation on the generators and electrical equipment in the network and presents the relationship between step load capabilities and generator operating parameters. For a power plant consisting of a number of generators both step load and power output requirements must be satisfied. An analysis method is proposed to facilitate the development of an operation strategy which can meet both step load and power demand requirements in the full load range. Typical reciprocating engine step load curves are used to demonstrate the analysis method and the results are further optimised for lower operational cost. This analysis method provides a general approach to operation strategy of large reciprocating engines used in islanded power generation.