Dynamic Load Testing of a Diesel Generator Using Power Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

This paper summarizes the preparation and outcomes of testing a 3.15 MVA medium voltage diesel generator with a power amplifier based test setup. The main objective was to evaluate the generator performance at this increased rated active power level at the expense of a reduced power factor. The test approach was chosen due to its flexibility in achieving test conditions beyond the conventional resistive-inductive load bank testing. The test conditions applied included unbalanced load, varying power factor, and varying ramp rates and step power loads. Beyond dynamic load characteristics, tests based on emulated loads with a constant power characteristic were of prime interest. This Power Hardware-in-the-Loop based test was a first-of-its-kind and successfully demonstrated the advanced testing capabilities available today. This paper provides a summary of test preparations, setups, conditions, and results.