Reliability of an existing stand-by power Generator

[Nightwolf]

I am currently working on a project taht calls for replacing an existing emergency generator unit with a loarge rated one. This unit is anywhere between five to fifteen years old and has roughly 487 hours of runtime.
The problem comes in the fact that the unit has experienced several thermal trips cause by personall trying to run too much on an older unit. The unit runs for roughly 30 minutes before any trouble signs show up. I was wondering if there are anyways/test that can be performed to ensure the alternator still functions properly and there are no residual effects on this unit?

 

[Hertz]

Contact the generator manufacturer. They have peocedures for inspecting and testing the generator utilizing load banks.

 

[edison123]

What is the capacity of your generator and what is the load you are pulling ? Since you mentioned replacing with a bigger genny, may be you are overloading the present one and causing thermal trip?

 

[alehman]

When you say thermal trip, do you mean the output circuit breaker tripped or was it actual winding overtemp?

If it was just tripping of the circuit breaker, check that it is set correctly (if adjustable). You may want to have the circuit breaker tested. If you suspect thermal damage to the generator, you might want to do an insulation resistance test test. As Hertz said, consult the manufacturer.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Adhere to some suitable industry standards, e.g.

http://www.easa.com/indus/ar100-2001.pdf

etc.