Hyundai DHY12500SE Generator Problems
Generators play a crucial role in ensuring a stable power supply, especially in situations where electricity from the grid may not be readily available. However, these machines are not immune to issues, and one Hyundai generator owner sought help in a forum when encountering a puzzling problem. In this article, we’ll explore the issue of a Hyundai generator unexpectedly shutting down due to high voltage and discuss potential solutions.
Identifying the Problem
The user in the forum explained that they were using a Hyundai diesel generator, specifically a 12.5kVA, 230V, 50Hz model, to power a floodlit area at their local rugby club. The generator was providing electricity for three 12-meter columns, each fitted with a Philips 1000W metal halide floodlight.
Initially, everything seemed fine during testing, but after approximately two minutes, the generator shut down, triggering a high voltage alarm set at 250V. Upon restarting the generator for further observation, the user noted that the starting current was 18 amps, which later reduced to around 12 amps. However, they observed that the voltage dropped to 225V before gradually increasing back to 250V, causing the generator to trip with the high voltage alarm.
Potential Causes and Solutions
1. Power Factor: One forum member suggested that the issue might be related to the power factor of the load. A low power factor could affect the generator’s performance. The user was encouraged to consider the load’s power factor, particularly if it was leading, which could disrupt the generator’s voltage regulation.
2. Voltage Verification: It was recommended that the user double-check the voltage readings using a trusted multimeter or MFT (Multi-Function Tester). Sometimes, onboard voltage meters may not provide entirely accurate readings. Accurate voltage measurements are crucial for diagnosing and troubleshooting generator issues.
3. Frequency Monitoring: Monitoring the generator’s frequency, especially during periods of increased voltage, could provide valuable insights into the problem’s nature. If the frequency is unusually high, it may impact the generator’s behavior, and addressing this could be part of the solution.
4. Capacitors Check: If the floodlight fittings contained parallel correction capacitors, disconnecting them might help resolve the problem. These capacitors can affect the generator’s power factor and voltage regulation, contributing to voltage instability.
5. Load Adjustment: Adding a resistive heating load, such as fan heaters, to the system might stabilize the generator’s performance. While not a precise solution, it can help absorb excess output resulting from self-excitation of the generator’s output winding.
Conclusion
Experiencing a high voltage shutdown issue with a Hyundai generator can be perplexing, but it’s essential to explore various factors that may contribute to this problem. Monitoring power factor, verifying voltage and frequency, and considering the impact of correction capacitors on the load are steps toward identifying and addressing the issue. While adding resistive loads may provide temporary relief, seeking professional assistance may ultimately be necessary for a comprehensive solution.
