Usage:
Introduction
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When servicing or repairing electric power generation equipment, do the following:
When power generation equipment must be in operation to make tests and/or adjustments, high voltage and current are present. Make sure the testing equipment is designed for and correctly operated for the high voltage and current tests being made. Improper test equipment may fail and present a high voltage shock hazard to its user. |
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Do not connect the generator to a utility electrical distribution system, unless it is isolated from the system. Electrical feedback into the distribution system can occur and could cause personal injury or death. Open and secure the main distribution system switch or, if the connection is permanent, install a double throw transfer switch to prevent electrical feedback. Some generators are specifically approved by a utility to run in parallel with the distribution system and isolation may not be required. Always check with your utility as to the applicable circumstances. |
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Test Equipment
6V7070 Heavy Duty Digital Multimeter
Caterpillar Digital Multimeters measure voltage, resistance, or current up to 10 amps. The diode function checks rectifiers. See Special Instruction SEHS7734 for the operation of 6V7070.
4C4693 Regulator Tester
The 4C4693 Regulator Tester is a bench top instrument used to test VR3 regulators. This provides a way to check a regulator without using a generator set.
Schematics - 4/6 Pole Self-Excited Generators
VR3 With Power Transformer And Sensing
Troubleshooting
Introduction
Check for loose or corroded terminals. Make sure wire connections are correct. Check power transformer PT2 fuses. Check accuracy of voltmeter and frequency meter/tachometer.
To reduce troubleshooting time, simplify the system or circuit by eliminating non-essential components such as remote voltage control, manual control, etc. If, at this point, it is determined that the basic system is functioning, the circuits or components can be added back in, one at a time until the problem is located.
If elimination of non-essential components does not correct the problem, the troubleshooting procedure will check components in the basic system. If all other basic components (i.e. rotating field assembly, exciter stator, etc.) are operating correctly, then replace the VR3 regulator. As a last step after confirming correct operation under no load conditions, operate the generator under a load.
The VR3 regulator is serviced as a complete unit. Its fuses are the only replaceable part. VR3 regulators must be checked through the bench test before making a claim on warranty (see Bench Test).
Problem List
- Problem 1 - No AC Voltage.Problem 2 - Low AC Voltage.Problem 3 - High AC Voltage.Problem 4 - Unstable AC Voltage.
Problem 1 - No AC Voltage
Procedure A - Check AC Voltage At Regulator Between Terminals 20 And 22
* If above 390 volts:
Check meters.
* If 0 volts:
Flash the field; see SR4 Generator Service Manual, SENR3985.
* If 0 to 15 volts:
Go to Procedure B.
Procedure B - Check Power Transformer PT2 Fuses
* If fuse(s) have failed:
Look for possible short circuits that could cause fuse failure such as shorted field L1, etc. Make sure the minimum operating speed for the four pole generator is 1200 rpm or the six pole generator is 800 rpm.
* If fuse(s) are okay:
Go to Procedure C.
Procedure C - Isolate Regulator
Disconnect leads from regulator terminals F1 and F2. Connect a 12 volt automotive type battery across exciter leads F1 (+) and F2 (-). Operate generator at half of the rated speed. Then slowly increase rpm.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20 and 22 is 0 to 15 volts (AC), shutdown the generator and:
a. Check exciter stator L1 continuity.
b. Check rotating rectifiers CR1-6 (rotating rectifier block).
c. Check surge suppression diodes CR7-8 (varistors).
d. Check main rotor L3 continuity.
e. Check exciter rotor L2 continuity.
NOTE: For more information, see SR4 Generator Service Manual, SENR3985.
* If balanced AC voltage between regulator terminals 20-22-24 that increases with rpm:
Go to Procedure D.
Procedure D - Isolate Attachments
Reconnect leads to regulator terminals F1 and F2. Disconnect all attachments such as manual voltage control, remote voltage control, droop transformer, etc. Do not disconnect the power transformer PT2.
NOTE: If remote mounted voltage adjustment is disconnected, connect jumper across terminals 4 and 7.
Check all connections to regulator and the power transformer fuses.
* If generator output voltage is normal:
Check attachments.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20 and 22 is 0 to 15 volts:
Go to Procedure E.
Procedure E - Check Connections And Continuity Of Power Transformer PT2 Wiring
Remove PT2 secondary fuses. Check continuity of secondary fuses.
Isolate PT2. Disconnect wire 20GEN, from PT2 terminal 20.
Check continuity of wires 20GEN and 24GEN from PT2 to stator L4.
Check wire 30 continuity; from the wire 30 secondary fuse to the transformer.
Check wire 31 continuity; from the wire 31 secondary fuse to the transformer.
Check continuity of wire 30; from wire 30 fuse to regulator terminal 30.
Check continuity of wire 31; from wire 31 fuse to regulator terminal 24.
* If no continuity:
Repair or replace wires or fuses.
* If continuity is okay:
Go to Procedure F.
Procedure F - Power Transformer PT2 Typical Resistances
Reinstall the PT2 secondary fuses. Wire 20GEN remains disconnected. Disconnect VR3 wires 30 and 31 from PT2 terminals 30 and 31.
Measure the primary winding resistance; between terminals 20 and 24.
Measure the secondary winding resistance; between terminals 30 and 31.
The resistances must be as per the Power Transformer PT2 Typical Winding Resistance chart.
* If the resistance measurements are not correct:
Replace PT2.
* If the resistance measurements are correct:
Go to Procedure G.
Procedure G (For VR3 With Power And Sensing) - Check Wiring Connections And Wiring Continuity Of Isolation Transformer Assembly T2
Remove T2 secondary fuse. Check continuity of fuse.
Isolate the isolation transformer assembly T2. Disconnect and isolate wires 20GEN, 22GEN and 24GEN from terminals 1, 2 and 3 of isolation transformer assembly T2. Check continuity of wires 20GEN, 22GEN and 24GEN; from isolation transformer assembly T2 to main stator L4.
Disconnect and isolate wires 20, 22, 24 and 30 from terminals 20, 22, 24 and 30 of T2. Check continuity of wires 20, 22, 24 and 30; from the isolation transformer assembly T2 to VR3 terminals.
* If no continuity:
Repair or replace wires or fuse.
* If continuity is okay:
Go to Procedure H.
Procedure H - Isolation Transformer Assembly T2 Typical Resistances
Reinstall T2 secondary fuse. Wires 20GEN, 22GEN and 24GEN remain disconnected from terminals 1, 2 and 3 of isolation transformer assembly T2. Wires 20, 22, 24 and 30 remain disconnected from terminals 20, 22, 24 and 30.
Check the winding resistance of isolation transformer assembly T2. The resistance must be as per the Isolation Transformer Assembly T2 Typical Winding Resistance chart.
* If the resistance measurements are not correct:
Replace isolation transformer assembly T2.
* If the resistance measurements are correct:
a. Replace VR3 regulator.
b. Bench test the regulator. See Bench Test.
Problem 2 - Low AC Voltage
Procedure A - Check Engine RPM (Frequency)
Procedure B - Adjust Voltage Level With Gain Adjustment Full Counter-Clockwise
The voltage level adjustment range must be within +10 to -25% of rated voltage.
* If the voltage level can not be adjusted as described:
a. Check accuracy of voltmeter.
b. Go to Procedure C.
Procedure C - Check AC Voltage Between Regulator Terminals 20 And 22
* If lower than 390 volts:
Go to Procedure D.
* If lower than 390 volts:
Go to Procedure D.
Procedure D - Isolate Regulator
Disconnect leads from regulator terminals F1 and F2. Connect a 12 volt automotive type battery across exciter leads F1 (+) and F2 (-). Operate generator at half of the rated speed. Then slowly increase RPM.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20 and 22 is less than 100 volts, shutdown the generator and:
a. Check rotating rectifiers CR1-6 (rotating rectifier block).
b. Check surge suppression diodes CR7-8 (varistors).
c. Check exciter stator L1 resistance between F1 and F2 leads. Exciter stator resistance should be approximately 3 to 5 ohms.
NOTE: For more information, see SR4 Generator Service Manual, SENR3985.
* If balanced AC voltage between regulator terminals 20-22-24 that increases with RPM:
Go to Procedure E.
Procedure E - Isolate Attachments
Connect exciter stator L1 leads to regulator terminals F1 and F2. Disconnect all attachments such as manual voltage control, remote voltage control, droop transformer, etc. Do not disconnect power transformer PT2 or isolation transformer assembly T2, if provided.
NOTE: If remote mounted voltage adjustment is disconnected, connect jumper across terminals 4 and 7.
Check all connections to: VR3 regulator, regulator fuses, power transformer PT2 or isolation transformer assembly T2, if provided.
* If generator output voltage is normal:
Check attachments.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20 and 22 cannot be adjusted to rated voltage and rated frequency at no load:
a. Replace regulator.
b. Bench test the regulator; see Bench Test.
Problem 3 - High AC Voltage
Procedure A - Check Engine RPM (Frequency)
Procedure B - Adjust Voltage Level With Gain Adjustment Full Counter-Clockwise
The voltage level adjustment range must be within +10 to -25% of rated voltage.
* If the voltage level can not be adjusted as described:
a. Check accuracy of voltmeter.
b. Go to Procedure C.
Procedure C - Check Connections To Regulator
* If connections are correct:
Go to Procedure D.
Procedure D - Isolate Attachments
Disconnect attachments such as manual voltage control, etc. Do not disconnect power transformer PT2 or isolation transformer assembly T2, if provided. Operate at rated rpm.
NOTE: If remote mounted voltage adjustment is disconnected, connect jumper across terminals 4 and 7.
* If generator output voltage is normal:
Check attachments.
* If voltage cannot be adjusted to rated voltage at rated frequency:
a. Replace regulator.
b. Bench test the regulator; see Bench Test.
Problem 4 - Unstable AC Voltage
Procedure A - Check Engine RPM
* If governor operation is unstable.
a. Correct engine problem. Reference engine service manual.
b. Go to Procedure B.
Procedure B - Check For Loose Connections
* If connections are okay:
Go to Procedure C.
Procedure C - Isolate Regulator
Disconnect leads F1 and F2 from their respective terminals on the regulator. Connect a 12 volt automotive type battery across exciter leads F1 and F2. Operate at half of rated speed and then slowly increase rpm.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20-22 is unstable, shutdown the generator and:
a. Check connections to rotating rectifiers, main field poles and other connections on the rotating (revolving) field.
b. Check connections to excitor stator L1.
* If stable balanced AC voltage between regulator terminals 20-22-24 that increases with rpm:
Go to Procedure D.
Procedure D - Isolate Attachments
Reconnect leads to regulator terminals F1 and F2. Disconnect all attachments such as manual voltage control, remote voltage control, droop transformer, etc. Do not disconnect power transformer PT2 or isolation transformer assembly T2, if provided.
NOTE: If remote mounted voltage adjustment is disconnected, connect jumper across terminals 4 and 7.
Check all connections: VR3 regulator, regulator fuses, power transformer PT2 or isolation transformer assembly T2, if provided.
* If generator output voltage is normal:
Check attachments.
* If voltage at regulator terminals 20-22 is unstable at rated frequency with no load:
a. Replace regulator.
b. Bench test the regulator; see Bench Test.
Bench Test
NOTE: Before making a warranty claim, use this Bench Test procedure to check VR3 regulators.
NOTE: The 4C4693 Regulator Tester with NEHS0535 Operating Manual is available for bench testing regulators. The following procedure is an alternate method of bench testing regulators.
Bench Test Circuit
(1) Voltage level rheostat. (2) Jumper - remote voltage control. (3) Voltage gain rheostat. (4) Jumper - single phase sensing. (5) 100W Light bulb. (6) AC power source. (7) On/Off switch.
1. Construct and connect the bench test circuit.
2. Install jumper (4). This sets the regulator for the required single phase sensing. Install jumper (2). Jumper (2) is always present unless a remote voltage control is attached.
3. Turn switch (7) to the OFF position. AC power source (6) must be:
60 Hz units ... 220 to 240 VAC
50 Hz units ... 180 to 200 VAC
4. Remove protective screws from rheostats (1) and (3).
5. Turn voltage level rheostat (1) and voltage gain rheostat (3) counterclockwise until the rheostat ratchets.
NOTE: Voltage level rheostat (1) and voltage gain rheostat (3) are multiple turn rheostats. The adjusting screw on the rheostat does not have a fixed stop. When the rheostat reaches the end of adjustment, a ratchet action begins; this can be felt with the adjusting tool. The adjusting screw can be turned past the rheostat stop (ratchet action) without further changing the rheostats setting.
6. Turn switch (7) to the ON position.
NOTE: If an isolation or step-down transformer is used between AC power source (6) and the regulator, it must have sufficient capacity. Measure the AC voltage between terminals 20 and 24 of the regulator. If this voltage changes more than 0.5 ACV when light (5) turns ON, a bigger transformer is required.
7. Turn voltage level rheostat (1) clockwise until light (5) first turns ON (approximately ten turns). The light should increase and decrease in intensity as rheostat (1) is turned clockwise and counterclockwise respectively. After 10 to 15 seconds at maximum intensity, light (5) should go OFF.
* If light (5) operates as described:
Regulator is okay.
NOTE: To retest the regulator, if light (5) operated as described, turn switch (7) to the OFF position for 15 seconds. If this is not done light (5) will not turn back ON.
* If light (5) reacts different than described:
Replace VR3 regulator.