Synchronous Machine:
Introduction
By : Dr. Atul R. Phadke
Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering Pune
SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR:
The most commonly used machine for generation of electrical
power is the synchronous generator.
It is also called as an alternator because it generates alternating
voltage.
Synchronous generators are connected in parallel to form a large
power system (Grid).
Like all other rotating machines, it has two parts, stator and rotor.
The part of machine in which voltage is induced is called armature.
A synchronous machine works as a generator when its rotor is
rotated by a prime mover.
2
SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS:
Synchronous machine rotates at a speed called synchronous speed
(Ns) which is fixed by the supply frequency (f) and the number of
poles (P).
120𝑓
Synchronous speed Ns is given by 𝑁𝑠 =
𝑃
Construction of a synchronous generator depends upon the type of
prime-mover used.
In thermal or nuclear power stations a steam turbine is used to drive
the alternator.
Steam turbines are designed to rotate at a high speed (3000 rpm)
because at high speeds its efficiency is high.
As required frequency is 50 Hz, an alternator driven by a steam
turbine will have only two rotor poles.
A steam turbine-generator set is mounted horizontally. 3
SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS:
In hydel power stations hydraulic turbines of different types are used
depending upon the water head available.
The speed of these prime-movers is in the range of 50 to 500 rpm.
Therefore, the rotor will have a large number of poles.
The water turbine-generator set is mounted vertically.
Diesel engines are used as prime-mover for low rating synchronous
generators.
Speed of diesel engines is low as compared to steam turbines.
The generators used in DG sets have more than two poles and
these are mounted horizontally.
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SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS:
The same machine works as a motor when voltage is applied
across the armature winding.
Synchronous motor always operates at a constant speed called its
synchronous speed.
Hence it is called as a constant speed motor.
Synchronous motor has a variable power factor characteristics
whereas induction motor always works at lagging power factor.
It works like a variable capacitor when its field is over-excited and
works like a variable inductor when its field is under-excited.
Hence it is used for reactive power control in power system.
An over-excited synchronous motor can be used for power factor
correction (synchronous condenser).
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GENERATION OF SINGLE PHASE EMFS:
A2 A1
N S N A1 A2 S N S
A1 A2
_ + _ _
+ +
A2 e
N A2 A1 S N S
A1 time
+ _ _
+
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SINGLE PHASE AC GENERATOR WITH ONE ARMATURE COIL :
Coil Brushes
(Armature
winding) N
Bearing
Load
Shaft Armature
Air gap Slip rings
S Field winding
Field poles
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GENERATION OF THREE PHASE EMFS:
R Y B
R2
Y1 B1 e
N Y2 S
B2
R1 time
+ _
8
Thank You