Generation System Protection – PROT 409

Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generation System
Protection

Generating Station
Arrangements

Copyright © SEL 2004

The protection scheme for a generator is influenced to some extent by the generating
station arrangement.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generating Station Arrangements

Objectives
z Describe
 Unit generator-transformer configuration
 Multiple generators with common unit
transformer
 Cross-compound generators
 Generators connected directly to a distribution
system

The list shown here represents the most widely used generator connections.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generator-Transformer Unit

Resistor

Unit Auxiliaries

A generator and associated step-up transformer can be connected as a unit. One or

two unit auxiliary transformers (UAT) may also be present.

Note that the UAT will influence the number of restraint windings necessary for
overall differential protection. The generator neutral grounding method and
transformer winding configurations shown are typical for this arrangement.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generators Sharing a Transformer

Step-up
Transformer

Auxiliaries
Transformer

Resistor or Reactor

Two or more generators share a unit transformer in this arrangement. This and the
next page show two approaches.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generators Sharing a Transformer

Reactor or
Resistor

Either of the two approaches shown is typically found with small hydroelectric or
combustion-turbine generators. The neutral grounding method in use for the
generators affects selective relaying for generator ground faults.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Cross Compound Generators

This is the most common neutral grounding method used for cross-compound
generators. One should ground only a single HP/LP neutral, typically using a high-
resistance grounding method.

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 Generation System Protection – PROT 409
Section 5 - Generation Station Arrangements

Generators Connected Directly to a

Distribution System

Reactor or
Resistor

This arrangement is typical for small generators connected directly to a distribution

system. IEEE 1547-2003, “IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources
with Electric Power Systems,” applies to aggregate capacity of 10 MVA or less.

The generator neutral grounding depends on the system grounding, which may, or
may not, be grounded effectively. There may also be special operating and
performance requirements because of the interconnection at distribution level.

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