ENGINE

GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
IN

LS 671A

E R N A TIO

N A L

SECTION EG 70-10

PRECISE LOAD SHARING

MODULE

""

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
ir-_

LS 671A

T E R N A T I O N A L

SECTION

EG 70-10

INTRODUCTION
The LS 671A Precise Load Sharing Module is an accessory
device used in conjunction with the AMBAC International
Engine Governing system. It measures the true power
output of an AC generator and converts this output to a
proportional DC voltage. By proper connections of the

outputs, a multiple arrangement of generator sets can be

connected in parallel to share load equally. The module
can also be used to control the power output of one or
more generator sets delivering power to an infinite bus.

SPECIFICATIONS
LS 671A PRECISE LOAD SHARING MODULE
--Load Sharing ....................................................
--Performance ...........................................
POWER

PERFORMANCE

CHARACTERISTICS
Adjustable to within +2% between sets
Isochronous or droop paralleling and power control

INPUT

--AC Signal ...........................................

208 or 416 volt (nominal) line-to-line, 5 amp., CTS,

with minimum 12.5 VA rating (internal 0.5 ohm
burden resistors).

--Supply .........................................
--Line-to-Line Voltage .....................................

10 VDC from terminal K of "C"

HZ

_'_

*50
*60
50
60
400

series speed control unit

LOW RANGE

ItIGIt

RANGE

Min

Max

Min

Max

70
85
140
170
170

104
130
208
260
260

140
170
280
340
340

208
260
417
500
500

*Low range input voltages can be accepted as long as CT

secondary current is limited to 3 amps at maximum rated
load. If higher voltages must be used, external PT's can be
added. The transformer burden capability is insignificant.

ENVIRONMENTAL
--Temperature Range .................................................
--Relative Humidity .......................................................................
--Case ..............................................................
PHYSICAL
--Dimensions

............................................................................

--Weight ............................................................................
--Mounting ........................................................

-550 to + 85C (-650

to + 185F)
up to 100%
Fungus proof and corrosion resistant

See Figure 1
1.5 kgs (3.3 lbs)
Any position (See Installation Page 6)

RELIABILITY
--Tested ......................................................................................
100%
--Vibration ...................................
All printed circuit boards are conformally coated on both sides.

Printed=nLJSA

Page 1

IssuedAu_4usl!989

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
ET'_T

LS 671A

E R N A T I O N A L

SECTION

EG 70-10

TEST
185mm
7.2812"

I'_

10ram
O.375"

II

,ql--

52mm _[
2.0625"

0.5"
13mm

F
LOAD SHARING
SENSITIVITY
DROOP
O
ADJUST

LOAD
ADJUST
ANTIC('_

PARALLEL
416

JUMP FOR

2osl

1
1

2
2

CT
1

CABLE

TO

oRooP r-]

CT
2
8

10

11

CT
3

12

13

OVE..O.
I
-

414

15

16

17

18

152mm
6"
m

t-'11" _ I" "_ I" pu--|_'

"t'l--i_

_T J-I't

TI--I

1- ,'-I -r I_'-_JT ,-1 Tl--i'-I-r'l--I

P'__ F-,_ F,_ _q P_ F_I F'_Pq F:,,

_-;I
Fq P_ P-,,p_0p_ rr_ P_ r_
LJL

IL

IJ

JL

UJ

LIJ

J__I.L

LI

J.L

jL.

IJ.

J. L LI -I1

8mm
0.3125" TYP.

"_

207mm
8.1562"
0.2056"

7mm
DIA. -4 HOLES

Figure 1. LS 671A precise load sharing module dimensions

DESCRIPTION
A single engine generator set operating on an isolated load
may run well isochronously. Thus, under all load conditions, the steady state frequency of the generator is the
same. The only deviations from this steady state frequency
are caused momentarily by sudden load changes or transients. However, if two engine generator sets are used to
supply power in parallel to a single load, the two generators
are forced to run at exactly the same speed and in phase
with each other. When two generators are connected in
parallel and supplying a common load, any tendency of one
unit to get out of phase with the other is resisted by the
magnetic forces (synchronizing torques) within the
generators as if they were connected together with a chain
drive,

Pnnted *n U S A

If each of the two engines in parallel was controlled by an

isochronous governor each would try to force its speed to be
the same as its reference. Although two isochronous governors could be set to nearly the same frequency, it is not
possible for their references to be exactly the same. Under
these circumstances the two engines must run at some average
speed. The first engine whose governor reference is at a
slightly higher frequency will try to increase its power
generation. On the other hand, the second engine with its
governor set slightly below the average speed, will keep
decreasing throttle in order to slow down. The net result is
that in a short time, the first engine will be taking all the load
it can and the second engine will be dropping off as much as it
can until its generator begins acting as a motor which will
drive the second engine.

Page

Issued August, 1989

T
!

ENGINE
GOVERNING
!_1_=_

SYSTEMS
[

LS 671A

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

SECTION EG 70-10

To force the engines to carry equal loads, true power

measuring devices, called Precise Load Sharing Modules (LS
671A or LS 672A), are used (see Figure 2).

Line current inputs are usually from existing CT's which

may be part of the ammeter circuits. Accurate instrument
CT's with secondary ratings of 5 amps and a minimum voltamp rating of 12.5 VA should be used. Due to wire
resistance in the CT lines to the load sharing unit, the voltamp rating of the CT must be increased accordingly. Output
of the load sharing unit is a DC voltage proportional to real
load. This voltage can be measured at terminals 14 and 15
(15 negative) or test points shown in Figure l and ranges
from 0 to about 8 volts depending on engine load and CT
ratios.

This module takes the voltage and current of each of the

three phases of the generator and develops a DC voltage
proportional to true power. The voltages of the several sets
are averaged and the voltage difference between the average
power and the actual power of each set is sent to the
reference point of each speed control unit. Thus, if a given
engine generator set tends to generate at a power level different from its proportionate share, a correction voltage is
sent to its governor reference to correct its power. Since
there is as much positive as negative correction, the overall
system remains isochronous. This system is very accurate
and is independent of actuator and throttle characteristics,
However, it can be applied only where each set has as its
principal load, a single generator.

Maximum voltage measurement will be obtained when the

sensitivity control is full CW. All the load sharing units are
connected in parallel via the parallel cable (terminals 14
and 15). If any voltage difference between paralleled units
exists, a small DC current will flow in the parallel cable.
This current will cause the respective speed control units
references to be set to a slightly different speed; some
raised, some lowered. Since the increases in reference speeds
are balanced by the decreases, the system speed remains unchanged. Only the load will change in the direction to

Load Sharing
The load sharing unit is an electronic equivalent of the wattmeter (see Figure 3). The inputs to the load sharing unit are
line
to line
voltage,
line volts
currents
andvolts
battery
supply, from
Nominal
voltages
of 208
or 416
(measured
line to line) can be used. Lower voltages can be accepted by
adjusting the CT ratios (See specifications on page 1). If
higher voltages must be used, external PT's will be required.
Battery supply is for operation of the relay circuits.

FLYWHEEL
THROTTLE
/ .....

/,
",

/GEAR
,

=] I

PRIME
MOVER

, !-J
f=

.t

I
MAIN
GENERATOR

=l/

"ir
I .....
,

_-I MAGNET-IC
LJ"SPEED

_._
)111i/

SENSING

GEAR

CIRCUIT
BREAKER
,_x

f
[

CIRCUIT
BREAKER

,
I

0/-',
I

CURRENT

" [
|

31
CURRENT

"

I 3e
I CURRENT

I SENSING
l

|
|

I
_

=
I

_
I

II

.,

SENSING

I
--

....

THROTTLE

_
I_:

I....
I ......

"_="
"_-I
GENERATOR
I

,I
;I

Mr;VER

II
C ._O

TRANSFORMER
77
ri
.
,
I t
l= -_---,_
I
I

!
|

IVOLTAq

L_

SENSING
I-_
//
I ue

MAGNETIC._'_
SPEED
t_J

1
I

SENSOR
/r
"----_. "
/I

! NSING

--A ',TUATOR
--- I

LOAD_
o----o
LOAD
i I SPEED
SPEEDI_--_I SHAR,NG
PARALLEL
CAD'E _
SHAR,_r--_
CONTROL
I I COmOLI-----O_'%
C_O_____I
CONTROL
I I coNTRL
UNIT

'

FLYWHEEL

h-ITRANSFORMER
:b
':i
I
i
IVOLTAG_-I

---/

_"*RENT

J[ I

' _ - - - -ITSENSOR|
,4 _
/
]3e
.......
LRt_/uPt/

reduce
the control
paralleling
current
to a the
minimum.
sensitivity
can cable
be used
to match
generatorThe
power output of each unit to others.

t (TRUE
POWER
t

(TRUE
POWER)
I

[ MEASUREMENT) 1

1MEASUREMENT)I

UNIT

Figure 2. Functional schematic of two engines in parallel

Printed in U S A

Page

Issued Augusl 1989

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
I_

LS 671A

T E RN A TIO

SECTION

N A L

EG 70-10

_'_

TERMINALS

DROOP

I
SENSITIVITY
30VOLTAGE

+!

ADJUST

-=

JUMPER

_
l

I "

15

_.__
I

DROOP

CABLE

:'-i-18_J
I+

I_

FOR

IOK
CW

3, CURRENT

_1

10V

FROM

WATTMETER
I
/
__ 1J.
DIFFERENTI--_ _
AMPLIFIER

__,_,

REF

(TERMINAL "K")

OUTPUT (TO TERMINAL "R")

I

'1

OF
SPEED
"C" CONTROL
SERIES
UNIT

17 _1 GROUND (FROM TERMINAL "H")

I
I
Figure 3. Power measuring circuit

Load Anticipation
A load anticipation signal is included in the module to
minimize speed transients. An internal control is provided to
adjust the sensitivity of the load anticipation signal. CW
rotation of the adjustment increases sensitivity.

unit will be reset back to synchronous speed, thus limiting the

load. The engine load level can be adjusted by using the
power bias control to any level from zero to full load.

Droop
When paralleing with an infinite bus, droop is often used.
An internal control is provided for droop adjustment and is
located under the dot plug on the cover.
POWER CONTROL -- SINGLE GENERATOR
Control of the power output from a generator that is
operated in parallel with an infinite bus can be accomplished
by using the load sharing unit to provide power control to
the speed control unit. An engine generator system which
will operate under isochronous speed control in standby

A single power and load transfer control for several

generators paralleled to the utility main can be added by
following the connections and circuits shown in Figure 5.
The circuit depicts load sharing connections for two
generators but additional generators may be added with
more respective connections of 30K resistors to terminal
"R" of the speed control units and terminals 14 and 15 of
all LS 67 IA load sharing modules connected in parallel. Terminal 16 of the additional LS 671A load sharing modules
should also be connected to terminal "R" of their corresponding speed control units. The load transfer control

operation and under load control when in parallel with a

main bus automatically is shown in Figure 4. Many variations of the power control circuit can be constructed, but the
principle is usually the same. The load sharing is connected
to the generator as shown in Figure 4. The generator is synchronized and connected in parallel to the main with no
load on the generator. As soon as the auxiliary contacts are
closed, the load sharing unit's output voltage is zero (units
sensing no load). The speed control units speed setting will
automatically be set higher than the synchronous speed. The
engine load will quickly rise along with the voltage output of
the parallel cables. When the parallel cable voltage has
reached the power control bias voltage, the speed control

including the 100K droop resistor remains unchaged as

additional units are added. The power level accepted by all
generators can be set by closing the load transfer switch and
manually adjusting the load transfer control. The power
transferred from the utility mains will be shared by the
generators to the proportion previously set for each LS
671A load sharing module. Refer to "Adjustments, l.oad
Sharing". Full load from the utility main can be transferred
by moving the adjustment of the load transfer control
toward the maximum position until the utility main is carrying no load. The utility main can be disconnected tom the
generators once full load is transferred with minimum electrical disturbance. Once separated, the unloading swilch

POWER & LOAD TRANSFER

SEVERAL GENERATORS

CONTROL

FOR

ENGINE
GO VERNING

SYSTEMS

IL

[INTERNATIONAL

LS 671A

SECTION EG 70-10

should be turned off to eliminate any droop. The separation

of the utility main from the generators allows the load
transfer control to be used as a frequency control for all the
engine/generator sets. Speed changes can be made

engine/generator sets are synchronized to the utility mains

by using the load transfer control to match the generator
frequency by changing engine speed. The main breakers can
now be closed and the load transfer control moved toward

simultaneously without affecting load sharing adjustment,

Load can be transferred manually to the utility main from
the generators by closing the unloading switch. The

the minimum position until the generators are carrying no

load. When the engine/generator sets are delivering no
power, they can be removed from service.

LS 671A

I,f I01
'J',J,I,0r,ll;J+r,
1,
J
I II
I
I

I
I

208 VOLTS

J_

I_

i._

LINE 2,
TO4 LINE
USE
& 6

[Iv

[i

LINE
416
USE VOLTS
1,3
TO LINE
& 5

-=ll

III =-' IIII

I ' I

I
I
i

i
4
L

REF IN

I _

5K

_.e"T"e
v

25K_'_

SKt

POWER
-IcONTROL
BIAS

CLOSES WITH

JI H -

MAIN BREAKER

i
"

(GROUND)

,_.-_
-=
Till,
__--_J

BREAKER

'

I_._

CURRENT /_U_uv
TRANSFORMERS

Figure

._. R
(JON-23)
K + 10.2 VDC

--"Ill
=

cs--CON,O,uN

4. Wiring

for single

GENERATOR
PHASE

generator

power control

bias adjustment

circuit

.L
MIN
SPEED
CONTROL
r'K _

MAX
UNIT
H--I

SPEED
CONTROL UNIT

LOAD
ITRANSFE R

-J

Ic"'"L
I

UNLOADING
SWITCH

[
_PARALLEL
ISOLATED

LS 671A

"_'
14

PARALLEL

15

CABLE

Figure
Prr_tF,;

; ' '*'

100K

_.

LS671A

5. Load transfer
Page 5

schematic
Issued AuousI 1989

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
ENTE

LS 671A

RNATIONAL

SECTION EG 70-10
INSTALLATION
t

The LS 671A Precise Load Sharing Module is wired to the

ing have 0.1 ohms resistance, this will raise the demand on

generator and to the speed control unit as per wiring

diagram (see Figure 6). The module is typically found in the
control cabinet with the instrumentation and controls. The

the CT's by 20%, based on 0.5 ohm burden resistors. Thus

it is recommended that the resistance of each wire be held
below 0.1 ohm. The parallel cable operates with low voltage

power resistors will dissipate up to 40 watts, so the natural

flow of cooling air must not be obstructed,

and low current so almost any cable typically used on

engines will suffice. It is recommended that some care be
taken not to allow leakage currents between the parallel
cables or from the parallel cables to ground or other circuits. Such leakage can cause unwanted droop.

The wiring to the generator must be of appropriate size to

carry the voltage and current to the load sharing units. The
voltage sensing connections 1 thru 6 require low currents
(less than 200 mA), so wire size and quality consistent
with good mechanical installation is recommended.

The output (terminal 16) which connects to the speed control unit terminal "R", may require a shielded cable if this is
not a direct connection of short length. The speed control

Terminals 7 thru 12 are part of the CT circuits and require

currents up to 5 amps to operate the load sharing. If the
resistance of the cables connecting the CT's to the load shar-

unit connection (terminal "R") is quite sensitive, so care

must be taken on leads attached to terminal "R" that stray
fields of leakage to other terminals are not present.

_'_TO "R"
FOR

II1=13141'.].,
,

l_J 1. lj"

["

USE 2.4 & 6

]_,_

USE 1, 3 & 5

I
I

COMMON TO ALL

Figure 6. Wiring

to LS 671A precise

Page

MAIN CIRCUIT

]
MAIN

3 PHASE

I
CURRENT/_
TRANSFORMERS

_n U S A

LOAD SHARING ASSYS

--

Printed

PARALLEL CABLE

.=

, , __

""OPEN FOR SINGLE _

AUXILIARY
UNIT OPERATION
CONTACTS
CLOSES WITH

I
I
"-

UNIT

,,II,I-H
_

I
I

_) OF "C" SERIES

I _

2(_8VOLTS

LINE TO LINE

-__FROM "K" (+10V REF)

\
+
DROOP

LS 671A

(TO "J" ON-23)

load sharing

GENERATOR

module

issued

August,

1989

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
_ATIONAL

LS 671A

SECTION EG 70-10
ADJUSTMENTS
CAUTION:

With the system at no load, adjust each generator set for

zero real power output reading on the generator set wattmeter using the speed trim adjustment. Then adjust the

THE ENGINE SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH AN

INDEPENDENT OVERSPEED SHUTDOWN
MECHANISM TO PREVENT RUNAWAY WHICH
CAN CAUSE EQUIPMENT DAMAGE OR
PERSONNEL INJURY.

voltage regulators to trim the reactive current on the

generator set ammeter to zero. Load can now be applied to
the system. If instability occurs, see "Troubleshooting".
Load Sharing

CAUTION:
HIGH VOLTAGE PRESENT ON TERMINALS 1-6.
DO NOT
OPEN CIRCUIT CT's AS HIGH VOLTAGE
WILL BE PRESENT.

_'/

Once the system has load applied, it is important that each

engine share the system load proportionally. Check the
power output of each generator set that is reflected by each
generator set wattmeter. Turn the Load Sharing Sensitivity
Adjustment CCW. The generator set carrying least load can
be adjusted by turning the engine's Load Sharing Sensitivity
Adjustment CCW until its share of the load has been picked

Preset the sensitivity control on each load sharing unit to the

up.

full CW position. Set the load anticipation adjustment full

CW. All the engine-generator set speed control units should
be adjusted to the desired speed before load sharing is
attempted. Use the speed trim to accomplish this. With a DC
voltmeter, measure the voltages across terminals 14 (+) and

Changing the speed trim adjustment of any individual unit

will have the effect of adding or subtracting power from
that particular unit and raising or lowering the system
frequency slightly.

15 (-) with a load applied to the generator. A voltage of

about + 8 volts will represent full load with 5 amps CT
input. Instrument polarity must be observed. Momentarily,
short the individual CT's (7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12) one at a
time with an insulated lead. The voltage read on the
voltmeter will fall by about 1/3for each individual shorting
of a CT. If these voltage drops do not occur, it indicates
improper phasing of the CT's and/or voltage connections
which must be corrected. Make sure power is off before

Load Anticipation
The load sharing units have a load anticipation circuit to
improve transient response. The load anticipation adjustment
is factory set at zero sensitivity (full CW). The load anticipation should be adjusted while the engines are in parallel.
Carefully advance the control CCW while occasionally poking the throttle or changing load. Instability or overshoot
may result if the control is advanced too far.

making corrections. During CT phasing, voltage

measurements, while individual CT's are being shorted, can
be conveniently made at test points shown in Figure 1 with
right hand test point being (+) positive.

Droop
After disconnecting the parallel cable, 5 % adjustable droop
with load is obtainable by adding a jumper from terminal
13 to 14. The jumper applies a direct short circuit to
the parallel cable connection. Adjust the droop control to
the desired droop level. It is linear and may be set at any
load.

Once the proper CT phasing has been verified, the generator

sets may then by synchronized manually with the speed trim
control or with the AMBAC automatic phasing synchronizer.
Once synchronized, the generator sets can be paralleled.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Instability, when the units are paralleled, may occasinally

result. The instability can be caused by the sensitivity of the
load sharing being too high. Turn all the sensitivity controls
CCW proportionately until stability is restored. The system

If instability is still present, the gain adjustment on the speed

control unit may be reduced slightly or it is possible that the
voltage regulator is marginally stable and adjustment of the
voltage regulator is required. Refer to the voltage regulator

should stabilize with the controls no more than 75% CCW.

manufacturer's instructions for adjusting the regulator for

parallel operation.

Pnnled tn U S A

Page

Issued Augusl 1989

ENGINE
GOVERNING

SYSTEMS
INTERNATIONAL

LS 671A

SECTION

EG 70-10

"-"

TROUBLESHOOTING
If the load sharing function does not operate properly,
STEP

TERMINALS

the fault may be found by performing the following tests.

NORMAL VALUE

PROBABLE CAUSE OF ABNORMAL READING

18,17

10.2 _+ 0.5 VDC

(reference input)
(6.2 VDC with ECQ series
speed control.)

1. Speed Control Unit not turned on.

2. Error in wiring to speed control unit.
3. Defective speed control unit.

14,15

8 VDC at full load with

the sensitivity control CW.
(Parallel Cable)

1. Improper relative phasing at A.C. inputs.

2. Used the high voltage range inputs (terminals 1, 3, 5)
instead of low range (terminals 2, 4, 6).
3. Execessive resistance (>0.1 ohm) in wiring to
current transformers (C.T.).
4. Improper C.T. ratios.

SYMPTOM

PROBABLE

NEGATIVE DROOP

1. Improper relative phasing at A.C. inputs.

2. Wiring to current transformers reversed.

UNEQUAL

1. Improper
2. Excessive
to current
3. Excessive

or ERRATIC LOAD SHARING

TROUBLE

adjustment of Load Sharing Sensitivity Control.

(>0.1 ohm) or unequal resistance in connections
transformers.
noise on A.C. line.

4. Adjustment required at generator set's voltage regulator.

Pr,nled *n U S A

Page 8

issued AugHs; 1989