Paralleling Generators – When Two Perfect Machines Refused to Share

Synchronising and load-sharing between generators should, in theory, be a textbook procedure. Yet, in practice, “perfect” machines sometimes refuse to cooperate. This webinar unravels a real-world case where identical generators failed to share the load equitably. Participants will explore the subtle interplay between governor characteristics, voltage regulators, system impedance, and control loops that can lead to instability or the generation of circulating currents. The discussion emphasises analytical reasoning, control coordination, and field calibration to achieve stable parallel operation.

• The webinar will be recorded and will be sent out to registered attendees afterwards.
• A certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees who request one near the end of the live webinar session.
• Please note: the time stated on this event is in UTC. You will need to convert this to your own time zone.

Key takeaways from this webinar

• Analyse the principles of generator synchronisation, droop characteristics, and reactive power sharing.
• Identify root causes of unequal load sharing and voltage instability during parallel operation.
• Learn practical field-testing and tuning methods to ensure balanced generator performance.
• Understand the role of communication and control systems in coordinated power generation.

Related courses

This webinar/topic relates to our school of Electrical Engineering and is particularly found in the following courses:

• 52892WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Circuit Breakers, Switchgear & Power Transformers
• UET60222 Advanced Diploma of ESI – Power Systems (Australia & New Zealand Only)
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Power Distribution
• Online – Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering)

To learn more about tuition fees, please click here.

About the presenter

Emeritus Professor Akhtar Kalam

BSc, BScEng, MS, PhD, FIET, CEng, FAIE, FIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE(Aus), PEV, MCIGRE, Life Senior Member of IEEE.

Professor Akhtar Kalam is a supervisor of EIT’s Doctoral students. He has worked at Victoria University since 1984 and recently associated with the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. He is the Editor in Chief of Australian Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Further, he has Distinguished Professorship position in many national and international institutions. He has been recognized internationally and nationally for his research. He is regularly invited to deliver lectures, work on industrial projects, and examine external theses overseas. Professor Kalam is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Victoria (PEV), Fellow of EA, IET, AIE, a life Senior Member of IEEE, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aus) and a member of CIGRE AP B5 Study Committee.