Black Start Diesel Generator — Oman IBRI 23MW Power Plant
Ibri, Oman — 23 MW Black Start (BSDG)
Project Overview
The IBRI Independent Power Plant in Oman required a black start diesel generator (BSDG) system to restore its gas turbines and auxiliary systems following a total grid blackout. Without black start capability, a plant cannot re-energise its own equipment after a complete shutdown, leaving the grid unable to recover.
H&C delivered a 23 MW black start diesel generator system consisting of multiple high-output units, each built around a large MTU engine and Leroy-Somer alternator, configured for fast start and sequenced load pickup. The system provides the initial power needed to restart the plant's auxiliaries and turbine systems, enabling a controlled return to the grid.
Challenge & Requirements
Black start duty is among the most demanding generator applications. The units must start from cold within minutes, accept large block loads from motors and transformers, and coordinate through a plant control system to bring the facility back online in the correct sequence. Reliability under infrequent-but-critical use was the overriding requirement, alongside full compliance with the utility's technical specifications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generator Model | HC-BSDG Multi-Unit System (8 × 2,875 kW) |
| Rated Power (Standby) | 23,000 kW (23 MW) Total |
| Rated Power (Prime) | N/A — Black Start Emergency Duty |
| Engine | MTU 20V4000G63 (per unit) |
| Alternator | Leroy-Somer LSA 53 (per unit) |
| Controller | ComAp InteliSys (PLC-based) |
| Voltage / Frequency | 11 kV |
| Rated Speed | 1500 RPM |
| Cooling Method | Water-Cooled Radiator |
| Starting Method | 24V DC Electric Start |
| Fuel Tank | Per-Unit Integral Tank + Common Bulk Storage |
| Enclosure / Noise Level | Containerized — ≤85 dBA @ 1m |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | Per Unit ≈ 7,000 × 2,440 × 2,590 mm |
| Dry Weight | Per Unit ≈ 22,000 kg |
| Compliance | ISO 8528-5, ISO 3046-1, Utility Specification |
Solution & Implementation
H&C configured the black start diesel generator system as multiple parallel units totalling 23 MW, each with a large MTU 20V4000 engine driving a Leroy-Somer alternator. A PLC-based ComAp control and synchronising system manages fast start, load sequencing, and island-mode operation in coordination with the plant's distributed control system.
Each unit was assembled and factory-tested, including block-load acceptance tests that simulate the inrush of transformer and motor loads typical of a black start sequence. Testing confirmed the units' ability to start from cold and accept load within the utility's specified time.
H&C managed export logistics to Oman and supported on-site installation and commissioning alongside the plant contractor. Integrated testing validated the full black start sequence, from cold start through auxiliary energisation to turbine restart, before final handover and operator training.
Project Gallery
Robotic welding of the generator base frame in the H&C factory
CNC press brake forming enclosure panels in the H&C factory
Full-load factory testing before shipment
Project Results
The black start diesel generator system passed all commissioning and reliability tests and remains available for grid-restoration duty at the IBRI plant, providing the utility with a dependable path to recovery after a total blackout.
The project strengthened H&C's credentials in utility-scale generation, with the client citing the system's fast start performance and compliance with its stringent technical specification.
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