Comparação técnica e análise do desempenho eletroenergético de grupos geradores com motores a diesel e convertidos para etanol sob diferentes condições de carga

Abstract

This work presents a technical-economic comparison and an electroenergetic performance analysis of generator sets equipped with diesel engines and engines converted to operate with ethanol under different load conditions. The study was based on field data collected from both units during three operating tests: load reduction, load removal, and successive load steps. Electrical variables, including frequency, phase voltages, phase currents, active power, reactive power, and apparent power, were acquired at a sampling rate of $2~Hz$. In addition, the specific fuel consumption of each generator set was considered in the assessment of operational viability. The results showed that both systems were able to operate satisfactorily under the imposed conditions, maintaining electrical energy supply, stable phase voltages, and low voltage unbalance. However, the ethanol-powered unit exhibited greater dynamic variability, with more noticeable oscillations in frequency, current, and active power, especially during severe transient events. In contrast, the diesel generator showed greater robustness and better transient damping. Despite this difference, the converted ethanol generator demonstrated technical feasibility from the electroenergetic point of view, indicating potential for stationary power generation applications, particularly in contexts where the use of renewable fuel and environmental requirements are relevant decision factors.