System integration of a Variable Speed Generator Set: Challenges and system design

Complex systems where multiple physical phenomena occur in the transformation of energy from one source to another are hard to design and model, such as in the generation of electrical energy from combustible fuel. Even when the principles of the system are clear several questions arise at the time to integrate such system; the designer has multiple design choices and most usually the performance of a newly integrated system will vary greatly from the performance of its individual components. This paper deals with the system integration challenges in the design of a Variable Speed Generator Set. In particular it shows how a novel formal methodology of system integration can help the designer to analyze the integration of such complex system from all different perspectives. We call these perspectives design domains, which are pertinent to the system, namely the thermal, electrical, volumetric and mechanical design domains.