Department of Electrical Engineering

Electrical Power Systems Lab Manual

Prepared by

Eng: Zeyad Othman Al-lababneh

2023-2024
Abstract
The electrical power systems laboratory
designed to directly apply theory learned in lectures to devices that will be studied in
the laboratory. The Lab focuses on all aspects of electrical power systems: power
generation, transmission and distribution lines, protection systems, electric power
management systems and a wide range of electrical measurement systems. Research
projects carried out in this laboratory include generation, transmission and distribution
of electrical energy and all facilities that guarantee the safe supply of electrical energy.
In addition to the monitoring, control and supervision systems that are studied and
followed in this laboratory.

Objectives
The laboratory course is intended to provide practical understanding of power system
operation, control and protection. The main goal is to enable students to apply and test
theoretical knowledge they mastered in previous years of studies. The laboratory
course enables them to develop practical skills in various fields of power engineering

The Laboratory covers all phases for the:

- Electrical power generation;
- Electrical power distribution, transformers and high voltage lines . Use of the power
(Load);
- Power factor correction, with synchronous condenser (typical of the power factor
correction performed in power plants or distribution power plants), power factor
correction with (typical of power factor correction carried out in the customer);
- Measurement instruments typical of this field;

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOS)

Knowledge and Understanding
1. Understand the behavior and the performance of synchronous generators under
various operating conditions.
2. Understand how a transmission line behaves under different operating conditions.
3. Understand the operation of a transmission line.
4. Understand the various methods to improve the system power factor.
5. Understand the operation of overall power system from generation to load.
Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
1. Be able to perform experiments which are necessary to determine the performance
and the behavior characteristics of the power system components;
2. Be able to understand the concept the generators

. Subject Specialization and Practical Skills

1. Identify and formulate engineering problems to solve problems in the field of
electrical power engineering;
2. 2. Specify and evaluate manufacturing of components and equipment related to
electrical power and machines.

General and Transferable Skills

1. Work in a group and evaluate the results to prepare the report.
2. Find information independently

References
1- Glover, J. D., Sarma, M. S., & Overbye, T. (2012). Power system analysis & design, SI version.
Cengage Learning.
2- 2- Saadat, H. (1999). Power system analysis (Vol. 2). McGraw-hill.
3- 3- Horowitz, S. H., & Phadke, A. G. (2014). Power system relaying. John Wiley & Sons
 Chapter 1

Synchronous Generator Experiments

 Synchronous Generator Operating Alon

 The Alternator Under Load
 Alternator Synchronization

- Parallel operation of two Synchronous Generators

- Parallel operation of a Synchronous Generator with Infinite Bus

Synchronous Generator Operating Alone
Objectives:
1. To master the exact procedures required for generator‟s starting and stop and their exact
sequence.
2. To understand how terminal voltage and frequency varies with the load in a synchronous
generator operating alone.
3. To measure the voltage regulation of a synchronous generator under different loads.
4. To learn how to use manual and automatic techniques to compensate the voltage of a
synchronous generator loaded with various loads.

Theory and Concepts

The Alternator (Three-Phase Synchronous Generator) is mainly a machine absorbing mechanical
power from a prime mover and transforming it into electrical power. An Alternator is an electrical
machine that has two differentiated parts in its construction: the stator and the rotor. The stator
includes three-phase windings, shifted of 120 electrical degrees, star or delta connected. From the
stator terminal you can take the outgoing three phase power. The rotor, moved by the prime mover,
at fixed speed, contains the d.c. excitation winding. The excitation can be provided by a variable
independent source or by a d.c. (exciter) generator, coaxial to the rotor and so moved by the prime
mover. The operating principle is based on the rotor magnetic field, that, although fixed (it comes
from a d.c. source), induces some voltages in the statoric windings by effect of the rotation. So, on
each statoric phase, we will have 2 voltages, one induced by the rotor and one called „rotor reaction‟
that will be produced by the current flowing across the phase. We can sum up these voltages into a
single call “E”, which effective value (RMS) is given by:

From equation, it is seen that given a particular alternator operating at synchronous speed, the single
factor under the user‟s control is Φ (rotoric excitation).
The rate of rotation of the magnetic fields in the machine is related to the stator electrical frequency
by the following Equation:

The prime mover of the alternator has two purposes:

1. To provide the alternator with the mechanical power necessary to the electrical request;
2. To keep the speed constant of any electrical change condition of the alternator. This purpose is
given to the automatic speed control operating directly on the prime mover.

The voltage induced in a given stator phase depends on the flux Ф in the machine, the frequency or
speed of rotation, and the machine's construction by the following Equation :

EA = K Ф ω
Synchronous Generator Equivalent Circuit
The per-phase equivalent circuit of this machine is shown in the Figure below
If more load is added at the same power factor, then |IA| increases but remains at the same angle ϴ
with respect to VФ. It is seen that as the load increases, the voltage VФ decreases rather sharply.

Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) The generator excitation system maintains generator voltage
and controls the reactive power flow. The automatic voltage regulator (AVR) takes the fluctuate
voltage and changes them into a constant voltage. The fluctuation in the voltage mainly occurs due
to the variation in load on the supply system. The variation in voltage damages the equipment of the
power system.

Tests on the Alternator:

External characteristics:
detection of the phase voltage VФ with variation of the load current.
 Conditions for this test: speed, load power factor and If (excitation) must be constant.
Regulation characteristics:
detection of the excitation current If necessary to keep phase voltage VФ, at variation of the
electrical load on the alternator (current IL).
 Conditions for this test: speed and load power factor must be constant.
Parallel Operation of Two Synchronous Generators

Objectives:

1. To understand the conditions required to parallel two synchronous generators.

2. To understand the procedures for paralleling two synchronous generators.
3. To understand the effect of increasing the frequency of one of the generators on the system
. 4. To understand the effect of increasing the field current of one of the generators on the
system.
5. To understand how the real power sharing between two generators can be controlled
independently of the system frequency and vice versa
. 6. To understand how the reactive power sharing between two generators can be controlled
independently of the terminal voltage and vice versa.

Theory and Concepts:

Figure 1 shows a synchronous generator G1 supplying power to a load, with another generator G2,
about to be paralleled with G1, by closing the switch S1. If the switch is closed arbitrarily at some
moment, the generators are liable to be severely damaged, and the load may lose power. If the
voltages are not exactly the same in each conductor being tied together, there will be a very large
current flow when the switch is closed. To avoid this problem, each of the three phases must have
exactly the same voltage magnitude and phase angle as the conductor to which it is connected. In
other words, the voltage in phase a must be exactly the same as the voltage in phase a', and so forth
for phases b-b' and c-c'.
The conditions required for paralleling two Alternators:
1. Equal phase sequence: the voltage triads of the
generators must run in the same direction. The direction is pre-set by the proper
connections and checked with the
- lamp method. If the 2 triads do not run in the same direction, the 3 lamps never
light off simultaneously.

2. Equal frequencies: This can be seen in the frequency meters of each generator.
Actually, G2 is set at a little higher speed than G1 (this because when “taking
load”, the prime mover will naturally drop the rpm).

3. Equal effective voltages: this occurs in the voltmeters of each generator.

4. Equal phase angles: the phase angles of the two a phases must be equal. It is
obvious that if the rotation speeds of both machines are exactly equal, the phases
will be never be equal.
Parallel Operation of a Synchronous Generator

Objectives:
1. To understand the conditions required to parallel synchronous generator with mains.
2. To understand the procedures for paralleling synchronous generator with mains.
3. To understand the effect of increasing the frequency of the generator on the system.
4. To understand the effect of increasing the field current of the generator on the
system

Theory and Concepts:

When a generator is connected in parallel with another generator or a large system as

shown in Figure.1, the frequency and terminal voltage of all the machines must be the
same, since their output conductors are tied together. When a generator operated in
parallel with an infinite bus, the frequency and terminal voltage were constrained to be
constant by the infinite bus, and the real and reactive powers were varied by the
governor set points and the field current. The basic constraint is that the sum of the real
and reactive powers supplied by the generator and the infinite bus must equal the P and
Q demanded by the load. The total power Ptotal (which is equal to Pload) is given by:

Ptotal = Pload = PG + PIB

And the total reactive power is given by

Qtotal = Qload = QG + QIB

 ‫ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ اﻟﺒﻠﻘﺎء اﻟﺘﻄﺒﻴﻘﻴﺔ‬
‫ﻛﻠﻴﺔ اﻟﺤﺼﻦ اﻟﺠﺎﻣﻌﻴﺔ‬

Electrical Power system

lab
Chapter 1

Experiment (1)
Synchronous Generator Operating Alone

prepared by :

Eng.Zeyad AL- Lababneh

Experimen :1

Synchronous Generator Operating Alone

OBJECTIVE

• To obtain the no-load saturation curve of the alternator.

• To obtain the short-circuit characteristics of the alternator.

DISCUSSION

The terms alternating current generator, synchronous generator,

synchronous alternator, and alternator are commonly used interchangeably
in engineering literature. Because synchronous generators are so much more
commonly used than induction generators, the term alternator, as often
used, and as used here, applies only to synchronous generators.

Alternators are, by far, the most important source of electric energy.

Alternators generate an AC voltage whose frequency depends entirely
upon the speed of rotation. The generated voltage value depends upon the
speed, the DC field excitation and the power factor of the load.

As the DC field excitation of an alternator is increased, its speed being

held constant, the magnetic flux, and hence, the output voltage, will also
increase in direct proportion to the current. However, with progressive
increases in DC field current, the flux will eventually reach a high enough
value to saturate the iron in the alternator.

Saturation in the iron means that there will be a smaller increase in flux for
a given increase in DC field current. Because the generated voltage is
directly related to the magnetic flux intensity, it can be used as a measure
of the degree of saturation.

The three phases of the alternator are mechanically spaced at equal intervals
from each other, and therefore, the respective generated voltages are not in
phase, but are displaced from each other by 120 electrical degrees.

When an alternator delivering full rated output voltage is suddenly

subjected to a short-circuit, very large currents will initially flow. However,
these large short-circuit currents drop off rapidly to save values if the
short- circuit is maintained.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Refer to the figr (56-1) , to obtain the list of equipment required to perform this exercise

PROCEDURE

CAUTION!

High voltages are present in this Experiment! Do not make any

connections with the power on! The power should be turned off
after completing each individual measurement!

G 1. Using your Three-Phase Synchronous Motor/Generator, Four-Pole

Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor, Power Supply, AC Voltmeter and
DC Voltmeter/Ammeter, connect the circuit shown in Figure 56-1.
The squirrel-cage motor will be used to drive the synchronous
motor/generator as an alternator. Its speed will be assumed constant
during this Experiment. Note that the squirrel-cage motor is
connected to the fixed 380 V 3ph output of the power supply,
terminals 1, 2 and 3. The rotor of the alternator is connected to the
variable 0-220 output of the power supply, terminals 7 and N.

Figure 56-1.
G 2. a. Couple the squirrel-cage motor to the alternator with the timing belt.

b. Set the alternator field rheostat at its full cw position (for zero
resistance). Open switch S.

c. Set the power supply voltage control at its full ccw position (for zero DC
voltage).

G 3. a. Turn on the power supply. The motor should be running.

b. With zero DC excitation measure and record E1, E2, and E3 (use thelowest
ranges of the voltmeters).

E1 = V ac, E2 = V ac, E3 = V ac
c. Explain why there is an AC voltage generated in the absence of DC
excitation.
G 4. a. Close the switch S.

b. Gradually increase the DC excitation from zero to 0.50 A dc.

c. Measure and record in Table 56-1 the three generated voltages E1, E2and E3.

d. Repeat (b) for each of the DC current listed in Table 56-1.

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

I1 E1 E2 E3 Eac
(amps) (volts) (volts) (volts) (avg.)

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

0.40

0.50

Table 56-1.
G 5. Calculate and record in Table 56-1 the average output voltage of the
alternator for each of the listed DC currents.

G 6. a. Turn on the power supply and adjust the DC excitation

until E1 = 380 V ac. Measure and record E2 and E3.

E1 = 380 V ac, E2 = V ac, E3 = V ac

b. Turn off the power supply without touching the voltage adjust control.

c. Reconnect the three AC voltmeters so they will measure the voltages

across each of the three stator windings.

d. Turn on the power supply. Measure and record the generated voltages
across each of the wye connected stator windings.

E1 to 4 = V ac, E2 to 5 = V ac

E3 to 6 = V ac

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

f. Compare the results of (a) and (d). Do the results correspond to what
you would expect to find coming from a normal three-phase power
supply?

G Yes G No
G 7. Using your Synchronizing Module, connect the circuit shown in Figure
56-2.Note that the switch is wired to present a dead short across the
alternator windings when it is closed.
 Figure 56-2.

G 8. a. Set the synchronizing switch to its open position.

b. Turn on the power supply and adjust the DC excitation until E1 =

380 V ac. The motor should be running and the three lamps on the
synchronizing module should be illuminated.

c. Measure and record the DC exciting current I1.

I1 = A dc

d. Apply a short-circuit to your alternator by closing the synchronizing

switch and note the behavior of the AC current I2.

e. To what approximate peak value did I2 increase?

I2 = A ac

f. What is the final steady-state value of I2 and I1?

I1 = A dc, I2 = A ac

g. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.
REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. a) Plot your recorded average voltage values vs DC current values from

Table 56-1 on the graph of Figure 56-3.

b) Draw a smooth curve through your plotted points.

c) Up to what voltage is the curve a reasonably straight line?

E= V ac

d) Where would you say is the knee of the saturation curve?

E= V ac

e) Explain why the voltage increases less rapidly as the DC current increases.
Figure 56-3.
 2. Comment on the reasons for not operating an alternator near the knee of its
saturation curve.

3. An alternator is much less likely to burn out on a sustained short-circuit than a

separately-excited DC shunt generator. Explain.

The voltage regulation of an alternator or synchronous generator is defined as the rise in the terminal voltage when the
load is decreased from full-load rated value to zero. The speed and field current of the alternator remain constant.

In other words, the voltage regulation of the alternator can be defined as the change in terminal voltage from no-load
to full load rated value divided by the full-load rated voltage, i.e.,

Per unit voltage regulation =| |−| |/| |

Also, the percentage voltage regulation of the alternator is given by,

Percentage voltage reregulation=| |−| |/| |×100%

Where,

 | | is the magnitude of generated voltage (or no-load voltage) per phase

 | | is the magnitude of full-load rated terminal voltage per phase
The voltage regulation is like the figure-of-merit of an alternator. The smaller the value of the voltage regulation of a
synchronous generator or alternator, the better is the performance of the alternator. For an ideal alternator, the value
of the voltage regulation is zero.

The voltage regulation of an alternator depends upon the power factor of the load, i.e.,

 An alternator operating at a unity power factor has a small positive voltage regulation.
 An alternator operating at a lagging power factor has a large positive voltage regulation.
 An alternator operating at lower leading power factors, the voltage rises with increase of the load and hence, the voltage regulation is
negative.
 For a certain leading power factor, the full-load voltage regulation is zero. In this case, both the full-load and no-load terminal voltages are
the same.

Voltage Regulation of Alternator using

Direct Loading Method
In the direct load test, the alternator is run at synchronous speed and its terminal voltage is adjusted to its rated value
(V). Now, the load is varied until the ammeter and wattmeter connected in the test circuit indicate the rated values at
determined using these values as follows −

Percentage voltage regulation=|Ea|−|V|/ |V|×100%

The direct load test of alternator for determining the voltage regulation is suitable only for small alternators of power
rating less than 5 kVA.

For large alternators, the following three indirect methods are used to determine the voltage regulation of the
alternator, which are given as follows −

 Synchronous impedance method or EMF method.

 Synchronous Impedance Method (EMF Method) for Finding Voltage Regulation of
Alternator

The synchronous impedance method or EMF method is used to determine the voltage regulation of the larger alternators. The
synchronous impedance method is based on the concept of replacing the effect of armature reaction by an imaginary
reactance

For an alternator,

= − = − ( + )…( )

At first, the synchronous impedance ( ) is measured and then, the value of actual generated EMF ( a) is calculated.
Thus, from the values of ( a) and V, the voltage regulation of the alternator can be calculated.

Measurement of Synchronous Impedance

In order to determine the value of synchronous impedance, following tests are performed on an alternator

 DC Resistance Test
 Open-Circuit Test
 Short-Circuit Test

DC Resistance Test
The circuit diagram for the DC resistance test is shown in Figure-1.

Consider the alternator is star-connected with the field winding open-circuited. Now, measure the DC resistance
between each pair of terminals either by using Whetstone’s bridge or ammeter-voltmeter method. The average of
three sets of resistance values Rt is taken. This value of Rt is divided by 2 to obtain the DC resistance per phase.
While performing the test, the alternator should be at rest, because the AC effective resistance is greater than DC
resistance due to skin effect. The AC effective resistance per phase may be obtained by multiplying the DC resistance
by a factor 1.20 to 1.75 depending upon the size of the alternator.

Open-Circuit Test
To perform the open-circuit test, the load terminals are kept open and the alternator is run at rated synchronous
speed. The circuit diagram of the open-circuit test is shown in Figure-2.

Initially, the field current is set to zero. Then, the field current is gradually increased in steps and the open-circuit
terminal voltage Et is measured in each step. The field current may be increased to obtain 25 % more than rated
voltage of the alternator.

A graph is plotted between the open-circuit phase voltage (( ℎ= /√3)) and the field current ( ). The obtained
characteristic curve is known as open-circuit characteristic (O.C.C) of the alternator (see Figure-3).

The shape of O.C.C. is same as a normal magnetization curve. When the linear portion of the O.C.C. is extended, it
given the air-gap line of the characteristic.
 Short-Circuit Test
For performing the short-circuit test, the armature terminals are short-circuited through three ammeters as shown in
Figure-4.

Before starting the alternator, the field current should be decreased to zero. Each ammeter should have a range more
than the rated full-load value. Now, the alternator is run at synchronous speed. Then, the field current is gradually
increased in steps and the armature current is measured at each step. The field current may be increased to obtain
the armature currents up to 150 % of the rated value.

The field current ( ) and the average of the three ammeter readings is taken at each step. A graph is plotted between
the armature current ( a) and the field current ( ). The obtained characteristic is known as short-circuit characteristic
(S.C.C.) of the alternator and this characteristic is a straight line as shown in Figure-5.

Calculation of Synchronous Impedance ( )

In order to calculate the synchronous impedance of the alternator, the O.C.C. and the S.C.C. are drawn on the same
curve sheet, as shown in Figure-6.

Then, determine the value of short-circuit current ( ) at the field current that gives the rated voltage per phase of the
alternator. The synchronous impedance ( ) will then be equal to the ratio of the open-circuit voltage to the short-
circuit current at the field current which gives the rated voltage per phase, i.e.,

Zs=open circuit voltage per phase / short circuit armature current…(2)

From the figure-6, the synchronous impedance can be written as

⇒Zs=AB(volts) / AC(amperes)…(3)

Also, the synchronous reactance of the alternator is

=√ ²− ²…(4)

Therefore, the percentage voltage regulation of the alternator will be,

Percentage voltage regulation =( Ea−V) /V ×100…(5)

Numerical Example
A 400 V, 35 kVA single-phase alternator has an effective armature resistance of 0.3Ω. An excitation current 15 A
produces 250 A armature current on short-circuit and an EMF of 380 V on open-circuit. Calculate the synchronous
impedance and synchronous reactance of the alternator.

Solution

Synchronous impedance of the given alternator is,

 Zs=Open circuit voltage / Short circuit armature current =380/250=1.52Ω

The synchronous reactance of the alternator is,

Xs=√Z²s−R²a
=√1.52²−0.3² =1.49Ω

The circuit model of a cylindrical rotor synchronous generator or alternator is shown in Figure-1.

Let,

 = Terminal voltage per phase

 = Excitation voltage per phase
 = Armature current
 = Load angle (between and )

By applying KVL in the circuit, we get,

= + …(1)

∴ = − …(2)

Where,

Synchronous impedance , = + = ∠ …(3)

Also, for a synchronous generator the excitation voltage ( ) leads the terminal voltage (V) by the load angle ( ).
Thus,

V=V∠0°then Ef=Ef∠δ
 ‫ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ اﻟﺒﻠﻘﺎء اﻟﺘﻄﺒﻴﻘﻴﺔ‬
‫ﻛﻠﻴﺔ اﻟﺤﺼﻦ اﻟﺠﺎﻣﻌﻴﺔ‬

Electrical Power system

lab
Chapter 1

Experiment (2)
The Alternator Under Load

prepared by :

Eng.Zeyad AL- Lababneh

Experiment: 2
The Alternator Under Load

OBJECTIVE

• To determine the voltage regulation characteristics of the alternator withresistive,

capacitive and inductive loading.

• To observe the effect of unbalanced loads on the output voltage.

DISCUSSION

The output voltage of an alternator depends essentially upon the total flux in
the air-gap. At no-load, this flux is established and determined exclusively
by the DC field excitation.

Under load, however, the air-gap flux is determined by the ampere-turns of

the rotor and the ampere-turns of the stator. The latter may aid or oppose
the MMF (magneto motive force) of the rotor depending upon the power
factor of the load. Leading power factors assist the rotor, and lagging
power factors oppose it.

Because the stator MMF has such an important effect upon the magnetic
flux, the voltage regulation of alternators is quite poor, and the DC field
current must continuously be adjusted to keep the voltage constant under
variable load conditions.

If one phase of a three-phase alternator is heavily loaded, its voltage will

decrease due to the IR and IXL drops in the stator winding. This voltage
drop cannot be compensated by modifying the DC field current because
the voltages of the other two phases will also be changed. Therefore, it is
essential that three-phase alternators do not have loads that are badly
unbalanced.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Refer to the figr (57-1) , to obtain the list of equipment required to perform this exercise
PROCEDURE
CAUTION!

High voltages are present in this Experiment! Do not make any

connections with the power on! The power should be turned off
after completing each individual measurement!

G 1. Using your Three-Phase Synchronous Motor/Generator, DC

Motor/Generator, Resistive Load, Power Supply, AC Ammeter,
AC Voltmeter and DC Voltmeter/Ammeter, connect the circuit
shown in Figure 57-1. Note that the balanced resistive load is wye-
connected to the three-phase output of the alternator. The alternator
rotor is connected to the variable 0-220 V dc output of the power
supply, terminals 7 and N. The DC shunt motor winding is
connected to the fixed 220 V dc output of the power supply,
terminals 8 and N.

Figure 57-1.
G 2. a. Couple the DC motor to the alternator with the timing belt.

b. Set the DC motor field rheostat at its full cw position (for minimum
resistance).

c. Set the alternator field rheostat at its full ccw position (for maximum
resistance).

d. Adjust each resistance section for a resistance of 1100 Ω.

G 3. a. Turn on the power supply and, using your hand tachometer,

adjust the DC motor rheostat for a motor speed of 1500
r/min.

Note: This speed must be kept constant for the remainder of this
Experiment!

b. Close the switch S.

c. Adjust the DC excitation of the alternator until the output voltage E1 =

380 V ac. Measure and record the full load I1 and I2.

I1 = A ac, I2 = A dc

d. Open the three resistance load switches for no load on the alternator
and measure and record the no load E1 and I2. Remember to check the
motor speed and readjust to 1500 r/min if required.

E1 = V ac, I2 = A dc
 e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

f. Calculate the alternator regulation with resistive loading.

VNL- VFL
Regulation '
VFL
x 100%

= %

G 4. a. Using your Inductance Module, replace the resistive load

with an inductive load.

b. Adjust each inductance section for a reactance XL of 1100 Ω.

c. Repeat procedure 3 and record the full load values of I1 and I2.

I1 = A ac, I2 = A dc

d. Measure and record the no load values of E1 and I2.

E1 = V ac, I2 = A dc

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.
 f. Calculate the alternator regulation with inductive loading.

= %

g. With an inductive load, does the stator MMF aid or oppose the rotor
MMF?

G 5. a. Using your Capacitance Module, replace the inductive load

with a capacitive load.

b. Adjust each capacitance section for a reactance XC of 1100 Ω.

c. Repeat procedure 3 and record the full-load value of I1 and I2.

I1 = A ac, I2 = A dc

d. Measure and record the no load values of E1 and I2.

E1 = V ac, I2 = A dc

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

f. Calculate the alternator regulation with inductive loading.

= %
 g. With an inductive load, does the stator MMF aid or oppose the rotor
MMF?

G 6. a. With a capacitive reactance load of 4400 Ω per phase, turn on

the power supply and adjust for a motor speed of 1500
r/min.

b. Adjust the DC excitation of the alternator until the output

voltageE1 = 380 V ac.
 c. Increase the capacitive loading by placing an additional reactance of
2200 Ω in parallel with each of the 4400 Ω sections and observe
what happens.

d. Increase the capacitive loading further by placing an additional

reactance of 1100 Ω across each section and observe what happens.

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

f. Explain, if you can, the phenomenon you have just observed.

G 7. a. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 57-2. Note that only one
of the alternator phases has a load.
Figure 57-2.
 b. Turn on the power supply and adjust the DC motor rheostat for a motor
speed of 1500 r/min.

c. Adjust the DC excitation of the alternator until the voltage across the
2200 Ω load E1 = 380 V ac. Measure and record the two other phase
voltages E2 and E3.

E2 = V ac, E3 = V ac

d. Turn off the power supply without touching any of the variable controls.

e. Reconnect the three AC voltmeters so they will measure the voltages across each
of the three stator windings.

f. Turn on the power supply. Measure and record the voltages across each of the
alternator windings.

E1 to 4 = V ac

E2 to 5 = V ac

E3 to 6 = V ac

g. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

h. Did the single-phase load produce a large unbalance?

G Yes G No

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Explain why the alternator output voltage increases with capacitance loading.

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 2. Could it be dangerous to connect an alternator to a long transmission line, if the line
looks like a capacitor? Explain.

G Yes G No

3. The rotor of an alternator, at rated power, dissipates more heat at a low power
factor (lagging) load than a high power factor load. Explain.

4. If an industrial customer of an electrical power company connects a large single-phase

load to a three-phase power line, then every other user on that power line will have
unbalanced three-phase power, even if their loads are balanced. Explain why.

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 ‫ﺟﺎﻣﻌﻪ اﻟﺒﻠﻘﺎء اﻟﺘﻄﺒﻴﻘﻴﺔ‬
‫ﻛﻠﻴﺔ اﻟﺤﺼﻦ اﻟﺠﺎﻣﻌﻴﺔ‬

Electrical Power system lab

Experiment (3)
Chapter 1

Alternator Synchronization

prepared by :

Eng.Zeyad AL- Lababneh

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh
OBJECTIVE

• To learn how to synchronize an alternator to the electric power utility system.

• To observe the effects of improper phase conditions upon the synchronizing

process.

DISCUSSION

The frequency of a large electric power utility system is established by the speed of
rotation of many powerful alternators all connected by various tie-lines into the
total network. The collective inertia and power of these generators is so great that
there is no single load or disturbance which would be large enough to change
their speed of rotation. The frequency of an electric system is, therefore,
remarkably stable.

An alternator can only deliver power to an existing electric power system if it

operates at the same frequency as the system. A system whose frequency is 50 Hz
cannot receive power from an alternator operating at 50.001 Hz. They must both
operate at exactly the same frequency. This is not as difficult to realize as may first
appear, because automatic forces come into play when an alternator is connected
into an existing system to keep its frequency constant.
Synchronization of an alternator with a large utility system, or “infinite buss” as it
is called is analogous to meshing a small gear to another of enormous size and
power. If the teeth of both gears are properly synchronized at the moment of
contact, then the meshing will be smooth. But should tooth meet tooth at the
critical instant, shock will result with possible damage to the smaller gear.
Smooth synchronization of an alternator means first that its frequency must be equal
to that of the supply. In addition, the phase sequence (or rotation) must be the
same. Returning to our example of the gears, we would not think of trying to
mesh two gears going in opposite directions, even if their speeds were identical.

The next thing to watch for when we push gears together is to see that the tooth of
one meets the slot of the other. In electrical terms the voltage of the alternator must
be in phase with the voltage of the supply.

Finally, when meshing gears we always choose a tooth depth which is compatible
with the master gear. Electrically, the voltage amplitude of the alternator should be
equal to the supply voltage amplitude. With these conditions met, the alternator is
perfectly synchronized with the network and the switch between the two can be
closed.

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

. Refer to the figr(58-1) , to obtain the list of equipment required to perform

this exercise

PROCEDURE

CAUTION!

High voltages are present in this Experiment! Do not make any

connections with the power on! The power should be turned off
after completing each individual measurement!

G 1. Using your Three-Phase Synchronous Motor/Generator, DC

Motor/Generator, Synchronizing Module, Power Supply, AC
Ammeter and AC Voltmeter, connect the circuit shown in Figure
58-
1. Note that the output of the alternator is connected through the
synchronizing switch to the fixed 380 V 3ph output of the power
supply, terminals 1, 2 and 3. The rotor of the alternator is
connected to the variable 0-220 V dc output of the power supply,
terminals 8 and N. The DC shunt motor is connected to the fixed
220 V dc output of the power supply, terminals7 and N.

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 Figure 58-1.

G 2. a. Couple the DC motor to the alternator with the timing belt.

b. Set the DC motor field rheostat at its full cw position (for

minimum resistance).

c. Place the synchronizing switch in its open position.

G 3. a. Turn on the power supply and, using your hand tachometer, adjust the
power supply output for a motor speed of approximately 1500 r/min.

b. Measure the power company supply voltage E2.

E2 = V ac

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 c. Close the switch S.

d. Adjust the DC excitation of the alternator until the alternator

output voltage E1 is equal to the power company voltage E2.

Note: These two voltages must be kept equal for

the remainder of this Experiment.

e. The three synchronizing lights should be flickering on and off.

G 4. a. Carefully adjust the DC motor speed until the beat frequency becomes
quite low.

b. Do all three lights become bright and then dark, at the same time?

G Yes G No

c. If they do not all become dark and then bright simultaneously, the
phase sequence is wrong. Turn off the power supply and interchange
any two of the leads coming from the stator.

d. Carefully adjust the motor speed until all three lights slowly darken and
then slowly brighten. Your alternator frequency is very nearly equal
to that of the power company.

e. When all of the lights are completely dark, the alternator and supply
voltages are in phase.

f. When all of the lights are fully bright, the alternator and supply voltages
are 180˚ degrees out of phase. (This is the “tooth-to-tooth”
condition, and the synchronizing switch should never be closed under
these conditions).

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 g. Check to see that the two voltages E1 and E2 are equal. If not, readjust
the DC excitation to the alternator.

G 5. a. Close the synchronizing switch when all three lights are dark and note
the behavior of I1 at the moment of closure.

b. Close the synchronizing switch when all three lights are dim and
note the behavior of I1 at the moment of closure.

c. Close the synchronizing switch when all three lights are partially
bright and note the behavior of I1 at the moment of closure.

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

G 6. a. With the synchronizing switch open, adjust the DC excitation to the
alternator until the output voltage E1 = 450 V ac.

b. Adjust the motor speed until all three lamps are synchronized.

c. Close the synchronizing switch when all three lights are dimmest and
note the effect upon I1 at the moment of closure and after closure.

I1 at closure =

I1 after closure =

d. Open the synchronizing switch.

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

G 7. a. Reverse the rotation of the DC motor by interchanging the shunt field.

b. Attempt to synchronize the alternator as before.

c. How do the lights react?

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

d. What does this indicate?

e. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply.

f. How can you remedy this situation without again reversing the
DC motor?

ENG: Zeyad Al-lababneh

 REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What conditions must be met to synchronize an

alternator to an existing three-phase power line?

2. An alternator could be severely damaged mechanically

in attempting to synchronize it with the power line.
Under what two conditions could this happen?

3. An alternator generating a different value of voltage also

may not be exactly in phase with the power line, but
one condition must be met in order for it to deliver
power. What is that condition?

‫ زياد عثمان اللبابنة‬:‫م‬

‫م‪ :‬زياد عثمان اللبابنة‬