Question

What is a black-start generating unit? Name three types of black-start units. Are black-start units subject to self-excitation? If so, how?

Short answer

The black start units are energy backup available during black out, they include units like hydroelectric, open cycle and diesel plants. The black start unit are self-starting with the energy like from coal and water heads.

Step-by-step solution

Define the black start generating unit.

The black start generating unit is the generating unit that is small in size like the diesel generator that is used to provide the backup energy in the generating station in case there is total power blackout with no other power source available for support. The black start unit can give power support without the support from the grid.

Determine the answer

The main type of the black start unit are as follows:

1. Hydroelectric generation dams
2. Diesel generator plants
3. Open cycle gas plants

The black start units are self-starting as their operation do not depend on the grid support and they are still available during the blackout. From the types of the black start units it is clear that black start unit can be made self-start by employing DC battery bank support, water potential and coal energy.