On the Use of Load Agreement Module in Excitation Systems of Gas-Reciprocating Generator Sets at Distributed Generation Facilities

The paper presents an analysis of the current situation and prospects for the use of gas-reciprocating generator sets (GRGSs) at the distributed generation facilities. The study focuses on the specific features of the GRGS operation in the off-grid power supply systems at large load surges due to disturbances. The causes of the load surges and methods used by the GRGS manufacturers to limit their magnitude, including the use of the Load Agreement Module (LAM), are presented. The calculations of electromechanical transient processes have indicated the scheme and operating conditions under which the LAM provides a significant positive effect. The findings also have shown that the LAM operation can be unacceptable when it leads to disconnections of electricity consumers at the nodes with industrial load due to a voltage decrease and provokes a voltage avalanche. The decision on whether or not the LAM can be used in the excitation systems of GRGSs in the specific scheme and operating conditions should be made only based on the calculations of electromechanical transients.