Black out test for emergency generator in ship | How to turn on the main generator?
Emergency generator maintenance is subject to various regulations, and one important requirement is the regular performance of routine checks and black out test. According to these regulations, a mandatory routine check must be conducted every Saturday to ensure compliance and verify the optimal functioning of the emergency generator. The routine check comprises the following essential procedures:
- Verify the proper functioning of the emergency generator.
- Inspect the lube oil level to ensure it is within the specified range.
- Assess the fuel level in the tank to ensure an adequate supply.
- Examine the radiator water level to ensure it is at an appropriate level.
Every three months, we conduct a black out test on board the ship to simulate a complete power failure scenario. During this test, we deliberately deactivate the ESP (Emergency Switchboard Power) breaker located in the Engine Control Room (ECR). Interestingly, when we subsequently deactivate the ESB (Emergency Switchboard) breaker, even though the main generators continue to run and provide power, the emergency generator automatically starts functioning.
         In the normal operating mode, all the generators, including the emergency generator, supply power to both the Main Switchboard (MSB), which caters to general equipment, and the Emergency Switchboard (ESB), which supplies power to critical emergency equipment. However, during the blackout test, the ESB breaker is turned off to assess the emergency generator’s ability to take over and provide power exclusively to the ESB.
During the black out test simulation, we intentionally switch off the breaker connected to the ESB, creating an impression that the emergency equipment is not receiving power or experiencing a loss of supply. This triggers the automatic response of the emergency generator system, which activates and starts providing power within 45 seconds.
When the ESB breaker is turned off, noticeable changes occur in the ECR (Engine Control Room). Several emergency lights marked with red indicators are switched off, including various emergency equipment. Additionally, alarms are triggered to alert the crew. However, within a period of 45 seconds, the emergency generator automatically starts and comes online to provide power.
The purpose of this procedure is to mimic a blackout scenario and test the response and performance of the emergency generator. By creating a simulated power loss for the emergency equipment, we ensure that the generator automation recognizes the situation and promptly starts the emergency generator to restore power. This helps validate the system’s capability to react swiftly and provide a reliable power source during actual blackout situations.
How to turn on the main generator?
When the breaker is turned on, the main generators swiftly start and assume the load almost instantaneously. Once the ESB breaker is activated, the emergency generator takes over the load and operates for approximately 2-3 minutes before shutting down.
What is the use of Quick closing valve in emergency generator?
Quick closing valve is fitted in outside the engine room in the emergency generator room but what if there is a fire in a generator room and a lot of fuel is present there, we don’t want to take risk. So a wire is connected to the closing valve and this wire goes outside so that in case of emergency somebody can pull the wire from outside the emergency generator room that will trip the closing valve.
How to reset quick closing valve in emergency generator room?
Following are the steps to reset the quick closing valve:
- To reset the closing valve, the lever must be manually pushed down, effectively restoring its position.
- After resetting the closing valve, the next step is to rotate the valve in order to open it.
- After operating the closing valve, it is essential to perform a test on the emergency generator to verify that the valve has indeed opened correctly.
Note:
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