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Generator Neutral Reactor


kana

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Hi,

 

I'm working in small power plant where 4 low voltage generators rated at 625kVA, 415V, 50Hz will operate in parallel. The neutral of each generator is connected via a reactor (reactance 86ohm) to common neutral busbar. Can someone please tell me what is the use of this reactor?

 

 

 

Regards,

 

Kana

 

 

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Hi Clayts,

 

Thanks for the information. It was stated that the neutral reactor is used to reduce earth fault and 3rd harmonics current. Isn't this applicable only for high voltage generators? I'm not sure with this.

 

If the phase voltage of a 3 phase low voltage generator is 240V and the neutral reactance is 86 ohms, the fault current would be 240/86 = 2.79A. This fault current is too low that a 6A MCB could not even trip. How can a 1000A Air Circuit Breaker with an earth fault relay set at 10% of rated current trip for such a small fault current? Isn't that going to be dangerous to operate?

 

Regards,

Kana

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Hi Kana.

 

Sorry, I don't know the specifics of your reactor and can't give you an answer.

I thought your generator/s where greater than 400VAC and in parallel.? Why bring up 240V and a 1000A ACB?

 

This topic is out of my league, I'm quite specific to electric motors in a very practical sense. Hopefully somebody else can answer your question.

Maybe I'll learn something new also. After all, thats why I frequent this site.

 

Clayts

 

 

 

 

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  • 6 years later...

The neutral reactances are used to prevent circulating currents in the neutrals of generators operating in parallel. Circulating currents are caused basically by different winding pitches.The best answers you can get is to "Google" "Neutral Reactor". You will find an entire education on neutral reactors with excellent "White Papers".

 

Tioga "USS Hornet"

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