Remote - Fall 2016 - 16

Feature Article CHP Installations in Remote Locations Christian Mueller, Sales Engineer MTU Onsite Energy In remote locations where the utility is either not available or not preferred, combined heat and power (CHP) systems can provide significant advantages. Under these conditions, the generator sets run in "Island Operation" as the only source of power, working in complete isolation from the utility to meet the heating and electrical requirements of the facility. Installing CHP systems in island operation safely requires well-designed systems and advanced electronic controls to manage engine and generator performance and ensure reliable operation. CHP System Controls There's more to operating a successful cogeneration plant than installing a properly specified CHP generator set and turning it on. To ensure safe and reliable operation, every piece of equipment needs to work together seamlessly, from the generator set and mechanical "balance of plant" systems (pumps, valves, radiators and heat exchangers) to the facility's HVAC system and electrical systems. This makes CHP installations far more complex than a typical standby/ backup diesel generator installation. Vital equipment data and operating parameters such as pressure, temperature and filling levels need to be continuously monitored and transmitted throughout the system - and made easily accessible and understandable to the plant's operators. Controls provide the brains to make all of this possible. An effective CHP system control must be fully customizable in order to work optimally with a wide range of equipment. Module controls provides numerous customizable input/outputs to control balance of plant systems, including: * * * * * Heat Recovery/Hot Water Circuit - Controls how much additional engine heat is recaptured by heat exchanger for use in the facility by measuring water temperature in the heat recovery circuit and activating associated pumps, three-way control valves and radiators to attain desired temperature and flow. Lubrication System - Automatically monitors engine oil levels via sensor (no dipstick) and activates fresh oil pump to replenish engine's lube oil supply as needed from an external tank. Engine Cooling and Air/Gas Mixture Cooling Circuits - Controls how heat from the cooling circuits is used in the facility by measuring water temperature in the cooling circuits and activating associated pumps, three-way control valves and dump radiators to regulate temperatures and flow levels. Also monitors system data (ex. pressure and temperature) and provides status signals and alarms if expected limits are exceeded. Air Monitoring and Room Ventilation Controls - Measures room temperature and controls ventilation fans to maintain optimal air flow based on external air temperatures and optimal temperatures for engine surface heat removal. Safety Functions - Critical input/outputs for smoke and gas leak detection systems, which can safely shut down the engine to avoid potential damage and risk. Consolidating essential monitoring and control functions into one easy-to-use control helps operators keep the CHP installation running safely and reliably. Touchscreen interfaces with IPC and a customized, menu-based graphic user interface (GUI) help them be even more effective. Island Operation There are two modes of island operation, each placing slightly different requirements on the controls. "Single island" operation refers to an installation relying on one generator set, whereas "island parallel" operation refers to an installation utilizing multiple units running in parallel. In a single island installation, operators must carefully observe specific steps when loading the genset in order to avoid an overload. Without a supplemental source of utility power, an overload would result in a complete power outage. Additionally, the maximum power output of a generator set is highly dependent on gas quality, which can fluctuate. 16 www.RemoteMagazine.com http://www.RemoteMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Remote - Fall 2016