Starting current of container generator

How do you start a generator?

Let’s begin with a common generator rental application, running large inductive motors. These motors draw high in-rush current when started at full rated voltage applied directly to the motor terminals. This type of starting method is commonly referred to as direct online (DOL) or across the line starting.

What happens if a generator starts a large motor?

large motor is started on a generator, the high start-up current can result in high voltage and frequency dips or sags which can inhibit the motor from reaching its optimum operating speed causing additional heating in the motor, generator windings and cause power quality issues with other connected loads.

How do you size a generator set?

Accurate sizing of a generator set requires consideration of initial voltage dip, and recovery of the nominal voltage delivered to the load to at least 85 to 90% of nominal voltage as the motor is accelerating, and the ability of the generator set as a system to pick up the kW load demand applied.

What determines a generator sizing?

Where AC induction motors are a sizable part of a generator’s loading, the energy required to start the motor will be a major factor in determining generator sizing. With respect to the alternator, the full voltage start current of a motor will typically be six to nine times higher than its running current.