Franklin 2007 Use of Engine Driven Generators Single-Phase or Three-Phase, Use of Check Valves

Application – All Motors

Use of Engine Driven Generators - Single-Phase or Three-Phase

Table 5 lists minimum generator sizes based on typical 80 °C rise continuous duty generators, with 35% maximum voltage dip during starting, for Franklin’s three- wire motors, single- or three-phase.

This is a general chart. The generator manufacturer should be consulted whenever possible, especially on larger sizes.

There are two types of generators available: externally and internally regulated. Most are externally regulated. They use an external voltage regulator that senses the output voltage. As the voltage dips at motor start-up, the regulator increases the output voltage of the generator.

Internally regulated (self-excited) generators have an extra winding in the generator stator. The extra winding senses the output current to automatically adjust the output voltage.

Generators must be sized to deliver at least 65% of the rated voltage during starting to ensure adequate starting torque. Besides sizing, generator frequency is important as the motor speed varies with the frequency (Hz). Due to pump affi nity laws, a pump running at 1 to 2 Hz below motor nameplate frequency design will not meet its performance curve. Conversely, a pump running at 1 to 2 Hz above may trip overloads.

Generator Operation

Always start the generator before the motor is started and always stop the motor before the generator is shut down. The motor thrust bearing may be damaged if the generator is allowed to coast down with the motor running. This same condition occurs when the generator is allowed to run out of fuel.

Follow generator manufacturer’s recommendations for de-rating at higher elevations or using natural gas.

Table 5 Engine Driven Generators

NOTE: This chart applies to 3-wire or 3-phase motors. For best starting of 2-wire motors, the minimum generator rating is 50% higher than shown.

MOTOR RATING			MINIMUM RATING OF GENERATOR
HP	KW	EXTERNALLY REGULATED		INTERNALLY REGULATED
		KW	KVA	KW	KVA
1/3	0.25	1.5	1.9	1.2	1.5
1/2	0.37	2	2.5	1.5	1.9
3/4	0.55	3	3.8	2	2.5
1	0.75	4	5.0	2.5	3.13
1.5	1.1	5	6.25	3	3.8
2	1.5	7.5	9.4	4	5
3	2.2	10	12.5	5	6.25
5	3.7	15	18.75	7.5	9.4
7.5	5.5	20	25.0	10	12.5
10	7.5	30	37.5	15	18.75
15	11	40	50	20	25
20	15	60	75	25	31
25	18.5	75	94	30	37.50
30	22	100	125	40	50
40	30	100	125	50	62.5
50	37	150	188	60	75
60	45	175	220	75	94
75	55	250	313	100	125
100	75	300	375	150	188
125	90	375	469	175	219
150	110	450	563	200	250
175	130	525	656	250	313
200	150	600	750	275	344

WARNING: To prevent accidental electrocution, automatic or manual transfer switches must be used any time a generator is used as standby or back up on power lines. Contact power company for use and approval.

Use of Check Valves

It is recommended that one or more check valves always be used in submersible pump installations. If the pump does not have a built-in check valve, a line check valve should be installed in the discharge line within 25 feet of the pump and below the draw down level of the water supply. For deeper settings, check valves should be installed per the manufacturer’s recommendations. More than one check valve may be required, but more than the recommended number of check valves should not

be used.

Swing type check valves are not acceptable and should never be used with submersible motors/pumps. Swing type check valves have a slower reaction time which can cause water hammer (see next page). Internal pump check valves or spring loaded check valves close quickly and help eliminate water hammer.

Check valves are used to hold pressure in the system when the pump stops. They also prevent backspin, water

hammer and upthrust. Any of these can lead to early pump or motor failure.

NOTE: Only positive sealing check valves should be used in submersible installations. Although drilling the check valves or using drain-back check valves may prevent back spinning, they create upthrust and water hammer problems.

A.Backspin - With no check valve or a failed check valve, the water in the drop pipe and the water in the system can fl ow down the discharge pipe when the motor stops. This can cause the pump to rotate in a reverse direction. If the motor is started while it is backspinning, an excessive force is placed across the pump-motor assembly that can cause impeller damage, motor or pump shaft breakage, excessive bearing wear, etc.

B.Upthrust - With no check valve, a leaking check valve, or drilled check valve, the unit starts under

5