How to Connect 2 Generators in Parallel? 【Complete Guide】

Sometimes when the shortage of electricity is faced, then people use a double generator system, or it is also called parallel generators. Two electric generators are connected in the circuit in a similar way, which helps increase electricity production. When the two generators operate together, they grow the capacity and power of the current supplied and made it easy for the appropriate function of the electrical appliances. Another advantage of this circuit is that it helps in the excellent load management and its division with sufficient voltages.

Contents

How generators can be added parallel?

In this parallel circuit, two or they can be more two generators are connected physically, and then their output current is supplied to the electrical controller for suppling further. Like the output voltage of both the generators, the waveform should be controlled and matched as well with each other.

Different factors necessary to judge and understand before connecting the two generators in parallel are capacity, protection, redundancy Etc. No doubt they are a good source of generating electricity, but there is also a reason for sometimes they don’t produce or provide the sufficient or the required amount of the electricity. So, to solve this issue, generators can be added in parallel to have the appropriate electrical supply.

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Different generators in Parallel:

Now, there is a thing that is necessary to consider is that whether the parallel-connected generators should be of the same category or they can be different than how to control that varying factor among both generators. So, if they both are the same, then it is well and good, but if there is any difference between these two, what should we have to do? When we connect two different generators in parallel, we should make sure that their frequencies and voltages should be the same at the connecting point. It is necessary to have the appropriate generators of the same type and category, but if there is a difference in size or the electric generator model, they both can be adjusted in the parallel circuit if they can be in parallel with each other.

The important thing that is necessary to be sure that both electricity generators should be inverter generators. Now, for joining those two generators in parallel successfully, a person needs a parallel kit whose proper function with explanation will be discussed further. The power kit has six terminals; among those, four are considered power connectors, while the remaining two are referred to as ground connectors. The following process is to join the ground cables with the generator’s ground.

For suppose there is also a possibility for one or both generators of not being parallel. There may be one or both non-parallel, then what should be done? First of all, we have to join the output side of one generator (which is parallel) to the ingoing side of the second generator, which is non-parallel. When this whole circuit is obtained, an operator has to start or switch on the non-parallel generator first and, after that, the parallel generator.

There is another possibility as well of being both generators as parallel capable. This usually occurs when both generators are of the same models, making the process paralleling the generators easier. Usually, such parallel generators are not available in large sizes in the markets, but only small-sized and medium-sized generators are available. This feature is just installed in such sized generators, and the operator does not have to stick with the meter of electricity production, and there is no need to monitor or control it continuously. The built-in phenomenon increases to decrease the electrical capacity or power according to the usage and utilization.

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Different size generators in parallel:

There is also another central question arises that can you parallel two different size generators? So, it is evident that we can parallel two different size generators, but there are some requirements required; if those should be considered, then it would be so smooth. First of all, it is necessary to make sure that whether both the generators are parallel compatible or not. If they are capable then well and good otherwise we have to make some changes for it. The other that is necessary to check is that the connection points of both generators should contain equal voltages and frequency; otherwise, some issues may occur. There is another compulsion that both the generators should be the inverter.

Generator parallel kits:

Generator parallel kits are usually used between the two generators to connect them in parallel with each other. It helps us to increase the capacity or energy according to the required statistics and usage. For suppose; if before paralleling the total output power is 2000 at the start and 1800 in the running, it will be increased up to 4000 at the beginning and 3600 in the running watts. Parallel kits available in the market come with 120 voltage, 30 ampere, RV cable port that makes it easy for the customer or an operator to plug into the generator without any particular changes directly. The designing of parallel kit specifically done for 2800 watt or higher generators. The renowned company among them, Champion, with its model 75537i, is highlighted and popular among the people.

Comparison of two parallel generators and one large generator:

Usually, people think that if a large size generator is available in the market, what is the need to have small inverter generators and add them in a parallel circuit? So, I will answer the question 2 generators in parallel vs 1 large, here that the small inverter generators are portable, light in weight, with good capacity, and easy to carry. As this day the trend of mobile houses is arising so for that a large generator is not easy to carry along with the family whereas, inverter generators that are small in size can be moved easily. Another factor is noise proof, the sound of the small inverter is not as must as of a large generator. If we talk about the fuel consumption, then it is also better comparatively of the smaller invertor. So, after all, pros and cons, a small inverter generator seems much beneficial rather than a large one.

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Generator paralleling and load sharing:

When we add generators in parallel, it is necessary to share the load properly and accordingly to the power production of the generators. Generator paralleling and load sharing result in better outputs. The success of this parallel generator system also lies in proper load sharing of the generators. Load sharing uses different methods for load sharing: droop load sharing, cross-current compensation, isochronous kW, and kVAR load sharing, using other load-sharing methods. The necessary thing of load sharing is that the production of energy, capacity, and voltages strength does not decrease or fall, but the generators connected in parallel series carry the loads on them by distributing among each other that results in its smooth running.

Paralleling non-inverter generators:

Sometimes, when a customer buys an electric generator with such perspectives, then a question arises in their mind that can we parallel non-inverter generators? No doubt it’s a reasonable question for first-time buyer customers, so for that, the things that are required are; a voltmeter and tiebreaker. After that, the two non-inverter generators can be matched. This is a complete setup of parallel, but there are several drawbacks, and always a danger of severe errors, which can damage the connected appliances and both generators. So, it is always at risk and remembers this setup will not give us the proper cent percent results. That’s the actual reason for what the advisors do not recommend this setup.

In contrast to the non-inverter generators, a pair of inverter generators, if paralleled then it will give much better results instead. The communication between them concerning frequency and synchronization is much better than the firstly discussed pair.

Synchronization of two generators:

The way how to synchronize two generators is discussed here below in detail. But first, it is necessary to know what synchronization is, so in a few words, synchronization matches the frequencies of the two electric generators before their paralleling. It is a significant step, and the synchronization of the generator can be done using the synchroscope, or the other method is three bulb method used in emergency cases. It is the basic and the essential step which is necessary to do before paralleling.

How to synchronize two generators?

Now we come to the way how this synchronization is done; the proper pattern is drawn here step by step; first of all, the synchroscope which is consisted of a little motor along with the coils on both poles that are directly linked with the two phases, suppose if it is linked in red and yellow phases of the in-side coming of the machine and the winding of armature is given the current from red and yellow phases from bus bars of the switchboard. Here bus bar is composed of inductors and resistors that are in the connection in parallel. Circuit of induction delays current at ninety degrees according to resisted current.

Then this double-sided current is sent inside the synchroscope through slip rings towards windings of the armature that produces rotation in the magnetic field. The rotation in the field will allow the poles to turn rotor rotate whether in the clockwise direction or anticlockwise direction. When the rotor rotates in the direction like the clock, then we come to know that the machine is running faster, but when anticlockwise, then it would be slower than bus bars. Usually, the speed of the alternator is fixed a little higher, which will help in the movement of the pointer of the synchroscope in the clockwise direction. This is the by which we will be able to synchronize the generator successfully.