Ensure that watch standers keep their spaces clean and orderly. Impress on them the importance of keeping tools and auxiliary equipment in their proper places when not in use. Store clean waste and oily waste in separate containers. OILY WASTE CONTAINERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE KEPT COVERED. Care given to the station floor will be governed by its composition. Generally, it should be swept down each watch. Any oil or grease that is tracked around the floor should be removed at once.

Plant Equipment

Setting up a power generator is only one phase of your job. After the plant is set up and ready to go, you will be expected to supervise the activities of the operating personnel of the generating station. In this respect, your supervision should be directed toward one ultimate goal-to maintain a continuous and adequate flow of electrical power to meet the demand. That can be accomplished if you have a thorough knowledge of how to operate and maintain the equipment and a complete understanding of the station's electrical systems as a whole. Obviously, a thorough knowledge of how to operate and maintain the specific equipment found in the generating station to which you are assigned cannot be covered here; however, general information will be given. It will be up to you to supplement this information with the specific instructions given in the manufacturers's instruction manuals furnished with each piece of equipment.

Similarly, familiarity with the station's electrical system as a whole can be gained only by a study of information relating specifically to that installation. This information can be found to some extent in the manufacturer's instruction manuals. You can obtain the greater part of it from the station's electrical plans and wiring diagrams. Remember, however, to sup- plement your study of the electrical plans and diagrams with an actual study of the generating station's system. In that way, the generators, switchgear, cables, and other electrical equipment are not merely symbols on a plan but physical objects whose location is definitely known and whose functions and relation to the rest of the system are thoroughly understood.

Single Plant Operation

Connecting an electric plant to a de-energized bus involves two general phases: (1) starting the diesel engine and bringing it up to rated speed under control of the governor and (2) operating the switchboard controls to bring the power of the generator onto the bus.

Different manufacturers of generating plants require the operator to perform a multitude of steps before starting the prime mover; for example, if a diesel engine is started by compressed air, the operator would have to align the compressed air system. This alignment would not be necessary if the engine is of the electric-start type. It is important that you, as the plant supervisor, establish a prestart checklist for each generating plant. The prestart checklist provides a methodical procedure for confirming the operational configuration of the generating plant; following this procedure assures that all systems and controls are properly aligned for operation.

The checklist should include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Align ventilation louvers.

2. Check lube oil, fuel oil, and cooling water levels.

3. Ensure battery bank is fully charged.

4. Align electrical breakers and switches for proper operation of auxiliary equipment.

5. Check control panel and engine controls.

6. Select the proper operating position for the following controls for single plant operation.

Voltage regulator switch to UNIT or SINGLE position.

Governor switch to ISOCHRONOUS or SINGLE position.

NOTE: Adjust hydraulic governor droop position to 0.

Voltage regulator control switch to AUTO position.

The prestart checklist should be completed in sequence before you attempt to start the generating plant.

Start the generating plant and adjust the engine rpm to synchronous speed. Adjust the voltage regulator to obtain the correct operating voltage. Set the synchronizing switch to the ON position and close the main circuit breaker. Adjust the frequency to 60 hertz with the governor control switch. Perform hourly operational checks to detect abnormal conditions and to ensure the generating set is operating at the correct voltage and frequency.