DEVELOPMENT OF LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL USING
THE TWO EXPERIMENTAL AC
GENERATORS IN EE DEPARTMENT
JOHN CARLO MUYNA ARINGO
2005-51721
SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LOS BAÑOS,
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
MAY 2010
vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Biographical Sketch iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Contents vi
List of Figures vii
List of Tables ix
Abstract x
I. Introduction 1
A. Background of the Study 2
B. Significance of the Study 5
C. Objectives 6
D. Scope and Limitations 6
E. Date and Place of Study 8
II. Review of Related Literature 9
III. Materials and Methods 14
A. Materials and Equipment 15
B. Generator Checkup 23
C. Laboratory Exercise Design 24
IV. Discussion and Analysis 25
A. Generator Checkup and Modification 26
B. Designed Laboratory Exercises 31
B.1. Diesel Engine Generator Operation 32 B.2. Setting-up and Using the Fluke 434
Power Quality Analyzer 34
B.3. Three-Phase Circuits 35
B.4. Power Factor Measurement Using the
Two-Wattmeter Method 37
B.5. Measurements on Three-Phase Circuits with
Inductive and Resistive Loads 40
B.6. Effect of Frequency to Inductive and Resistive Loads 42 B.7. Induction Motor Inrush Current 44 B.8. Armature DC Resistance Test of
Three-Phase Alternators 46
V. Conclusion 48
VI. Recommendations 50
Literature Cited 52
Appendices 55
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Description Page
1 The Generator Room at the back of EE Building 8 2 The two 40kW diesel gensets at the EE Building Generator Room 15 3 The constructed three-phase resistive load for laboratory use 16 4 The wired three-phase induction motor provided
with banana connectors 17
5 The contactor set wired for direct on-line starting of the
three-phase induction motor 17
6 The variable DC power supply with the provided alligator probes 18
7 The Fluke 434 Power Quality Analyzer 19
8 Banana plugs with voltage probe terminals when not used
and when used 20
9 The Sanwa DCL20R clamp ammeter 20
10 The three-phase outlet 21
11 The original 225A circuit breaker replaced with a 30A
circuit breaker (both shown) 28
12 The exhaust systems of the main generator and the
experimental genset (both shown) 29
13 The readings of the decibel meter at the vicinity of the running genset 30 14 Ear plugs or ear muffs recommended to be used when operating
the genset (both shown) ` 30
15 The genset control panel 32
16 Connecting the batteries, adjusting the rotation speed, and
verifying the output voltage of the genset 33 17 Screenshot showing the correct probe connections for a
three-phase IT system 34
18 The resistive load connected in wye 35
19 The resistive load connected in delta 36
viii
20 Two-wattmeter method of determining three-phase power and
power factor 37
21 The probe connections of the analyzer for single-phase measurement 38 22 Measurement of power using the two-wattmeter method with
phase A as reference 38
23 Laboratory setup in investigating the characteristics of resistive
and inductive load system 40
24 Laboratory setup in investigating the effect of frequency
to an inductive load 42
25 Laboratory setup for inrush current measurement 44
26 Inrush current curve parameters 45
27 Connecting the DC supply and measuring the terminal voltage drop 47
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Description Page
1 Table for the recording of the electrical characteristics of a
three-phase resistive load 36
2 Table for the two-wattmeter measurements of three phase loads 39 3 Voltage, current, power, and power factor measurements for
different load setups 41
4 Current and power of a three-phase inductive load
at varying frequency 43
5 Table for armature resistance measurements and computations 47
x
ARINGO, JOHN CARLO MUYNA, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, May 2010, Development of Laboratory Instructional Material Using the Two Experimental AC Generators in EE Department.
Adviser: Prof. Roderick L. Catriz
ABSTRACT
Laboratory exercises are essential in Electrical Engineering Education. In performing lab exercises, the students are employing experiential learning method that helps them see the realization of the abstract electrical concepts that are discussed in lecture classes. Also, through lab exercises, the students acquire the essential skills of using actual electrical machines and measuring equipment, and to always keep in mind their personal safety and the safety of the equipment used. These practical skills are essential once the students become practicing engineers in the future.
It was found, however, that some of the electrical engineering concepts, especially in the field of Electric Power Engineering are not demonstrated in the laboratory exercises done in the Electrical Engineering Department of UPLB though there are two available three-phase AC generator sets or gensets that can be used. Thus, this study aimed to develop feasible laboratory exercises that will utilize the available AC generators.
The specifications and the actual condition of the generators are determined. It was found, however, that only one of the gensets can be run. Some of the components of the working genset are modified to make it suitable for laboratory use. Also, the operating environment of the genset was evaluated and it was found that hearing safety equipment is required whenever the genset is operated; and also, it is suggested that the exhaust system be modified to make the generator room safer for laboratory classes.
Laboratory exercises were designed based on the gathered generator data, the reviewed EE topics, and the available materials and equipment. The preliminary designed exercises were tested by performing them. The final exercises were timed to estimate their performance duration to serve as a guide for the laboratory instructors.
Eight laboratory exercises, in which one uses both the two gensets, were the final output of the study. Once employed, these exercises are expected to improve the Electrical Engineering Education in UPLB.
