Basic System Components of Generator Human Machine Interface Panel

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) panel can be used for various generator configurations. All individual generator set operator panels communicate with the HMI panel. These panels can simultaneously monitor and control up to five individual generators, and can be equipped with parallel capabilities.

Multiple generator set components

There are many types of components available for generator setup and configuration. The system can be basic or complex, including remote monitoring and router settings. Here is an example of a basic system component:

Generator set - composed of engine, generator, and operation panel.

Operation panel - communicates with automatic transfer switch, engine, and generator. Control startup, operation, alarm, and monitoring activities.

Automatic transfer switch - monitors the power supply of the switch panel. When there is a significant decrease or loss of power, switch the HMI signal to the appropriate generator set operation panel to start the engine.

Control and Parallel Panel - Install HMI panels, circuit breakers, and switches for distributing power to various circuits.

By using basic system components, the generator can be set up and configured in two different ways. The following are examples of redundant and parallel configurations. The possibility of configuration is only limited by the device's capabilities.

Redundant configuration

When a constant emergency power supply is crucial for facility operation, use redundant configurations. Redundancy can be established through two or more generators. The main generator must be able to support facility load requirements. When the main generator fails, the capacity of the auxiliary generator must be able to meet the load requirements.

Power outage redundancy configuration

Generator set (A) and generator set (B) are the main generators. The generator set (C) is a redundant generator.

When the main power supply is lost or degraded and the generator set (A) malfunctions during operation, the following events will occur:

1. The automatic transfer switch sends a signal to the HMI panel to start the generator set (A) and generator set (B) through the generator operator panel.

2. The HMI panel monitors the operation of the main generator set and parallels them with the system operation.

3. Assign designated emergency power to the switch panel.

4. The generator set (A) has an active shutdown warning.

5. The HMI panel starts the generator set (C), removes the generator set (A) from the configuration, and performs cooling/shutdown operations.

6. The HMI panel parallels the generator set (C) with the generator set (B), monitoring the system load and alarm conditions of the online generator.

When the main power supply is available, the automatic transfer switch disconnects the generator set and connects it to the main power grid.

8. The HMI panel sends signals to the operating panels of the generator set (B) and generator set (C) to perform cooling/shutdown operations.

Generator parallel configuration

Parallel configuration is more cost-effective than redundant configuration. In parallel configuration, the generators are all main generators, and their size meets the load requirements without any redundancy. In this configuration, if any generator malfunctions, the circuit must be isolated to reduce load requirements.

Power loss parallel configuration

The generator set (A), generator set (B), and generator set (C) are all primary generators.

When the main power supply is lost or degraded and the generator set (C) malfunctions during operation, the following events will occur:

1. The automatic transfer switch sends a signal to the HMI panel to start the generator set (A), generator set (B), and generator set (C) through the generator operator panel.

2. The HMI panel monitors the operation of the generator set and connects them in parallel to the system to receive loads.

3. Assign designated emergency power to the switch panel.

4. The generator set (C) has an active shutdown warning.

5. The HMI panel initiates the shutdown of the generator set (C) and removes it from the cooling/shutdown operation configuration.

6. The circuit must be isolated to reduce load requirements.

When the main power supply is available, the automatic transfer switch disconnects the generator set and connects it to the main power grid.

8. The HMI panel sends signals to the generator set (A) and generator set (B) to perform cooling/shutdown operations.

Dingbo Power was founded in 1974 and is one of the earliest manufacturers of generators and diesel generator sets in China. If you want get more information, please feel free to send email to sales@dieselgeneratortech.com we will pay highly attention on your question.