Lesson 2

Synchronous
Generators
Module 2J
Synchronization of Alternators
in Parallel
Synchronization of Alternators
▪ Synchronization means
connecting an alternator into
grid in parallel with many other
alternators, that is in a live
system of constant voltage and
constant frequency.
▪ It is also said that the alternator
is connected to infinite bus-
bar.
Synchronization of Alternators
▪ Successful synchronization for large generators is accomplished
by closing the generator output circuit breaker only while
meeting certain conditions.
▪ It is crucial to match voltages on both sides of the circuit
breaker before closing.
▫ If synchronizing process is not done correctly, a power system
disturbance will result and equipment (including alternators)
can be damaged.
Synchronization of Alternators
▪ In order to synchronize properly, three different aspects of the
voltage synchronizing variables across the circuit breaker must
be closely monitored:
▫ the voltage magnitudes
▫ the frequency of the voltages
▫ the phase angle difference between the voltages.
Voltage Magnitude Synchronizing Variable
▪ If the voltage magnitudes are not closely matched, a sudden
rise in reactive power (MVAR) flow will appear across the
circuit breaker as it is closed.
▪ The allowable voltage magnitude differences across the open
circuit breaker are system specific.
▫ a difference of a few percent is unlikely to cause any
serious problem.
Frequency Synchronizing Variable
▪ If the frequencies on either side of an open circuit breaker
are not matched prior to closing, a sudden change in real
power (MW) flow will appear across the circuit breaker as it is
closed.
▪ The allowable frequency difference is system specific.
▫ a general guideline would be to have the frequencies
within 0.1 Hz of each other prior to closing.
Phase Angle Synchronizing Variable
▪ The most important synchronizing variable.
▪ If the phase difference between the voltages on either side of
the open circuit breaker is not reduced to a small value, a
large real power (MW) flow increase will suddenly occur once
the circuit breaker is closed.
▪ Ideally, the voltage phase angle should be as close to zero
degrees as possible before closing the circuit breaker
Synchronizing of Single Phase Alternators
Dark Lamp Method
▪ If the frequencies of the alternators 1 and 2
are not equal, the current through the lamps
and local series circuit will be changing,
resulting in the flickering of lamps.
▫ Lamps will dark out and glow up alternately
▪ The speed of the alternator 2 is adjusted until
the flickering of lamps is very slow. The
voltage is also made equal to the incoming bus-
bar voltage by changing field excitation.
▫ Switch is closed in the middle of the dark period
of the flickering lamps.
▫ Hence it is known as the dark lamp method.
Synchronizing of Single Phase Alternators
Bright Lamp Method
▪ A sharper and more accurate method of
synchronization.
▪ The same process as in dark lamp method is
repeated for synchronization of two
alternators in bright lamp method.
▫ the lamp will glow brightest when the
two voltages are in phase with the bus
bar voltage because the voltage across
them will be twice the voltage of each
alternators.
▫ Synchronizing is done at the middle of
bright period.
Synchronizing of Three Phase Alternators
Two Bright and One Dark Method
▪ The excitation of the incoming
Alternator 2 is adjusted in such a way
that the incoming machine induces the
rated voltage, which is equal to the Bus
bar voltages.
▪ Synchronization of alternators is
obtained at the instant when the straight
connected lamp(L2) becomes dark, and
the cross connected lamps(L1 and L3)
are equally glow bright.
▫ If the phase sequence is incorrect all the
lamps will be dark simultaneously.
Synchronizing of Three Phase Alternators
Synchroscope Method
▪ A synchroscope is a simple piece of equipment
that is used to monitor the three synchronizing
variables.
▪ A basic synchroscope inputs voltage waveforms
from the two sides of the open circuit breaker:
▫ at the same frequency, the synchroscope will
not rotate.
▫ at a different frequency, the synchroscope will
rotate in proportion to the frequency
difference.
▫ The synchroscope needle always points to the
voltage phase angle difference.
Synchronization Equipment or Panel
▪ At power plants, synchroscopes are
routinely installed to permit manual
closing of a circuit breaker.
▪ In addition, synch-check relays can be
used to "supervise" the closing of the
circuit breaker and prevent distracted
or inexperienced operator from
initiating a bad close.
Synchronization Equipment or Panel
▪ Modern power plants typically utilize automatic synchronizers.
Automatic synchronizers send pulses to the generator exciter and
governor to change the voltage and frequency of the unit.
Synchronizing Power
▪ The varying of the synchronous power P on varying in
the load angle δ.
▪ It is also called the Stiffness of Coupling Stability or
Rigidity factor.
▪ Synchronous Power Coefficient is the measure of the
stiffness between the rotor and the stator coupling.
▫ A large value indicates that the coupling is stiff or
rigid.
▫ Too rigid coupling means the machine will be
subjected to shock, with the change of load or supply.
These shocks may damage the rotor or the windings.
Synchronizing Power
Synchronizing Power
Synchronizing Torque
▪ The torque at which synchronous speed gives the
synchronizing power.
Sample Problem 2J.1
Sample Problem 2J.1
Sample Problem 2J.1
Sample Problem 2J.1
Sample Problem 2J.2
Sample Problem 2J.2
Sample Problem 2J.2
 Thank you!

Gabriel M. Salistre, Jr.