Experiment No: 04
Experiment name: Synchronization of a 3-phase alternator with an infinite bus using 3 lamp
method; and observing the active and reactive power sharing.
Objectives:
Understand how an infinite bus constrains voltage and frequency, influencing generator
output behavior.
To use the three-lamp approach to synchronize a three-phase alternator with an infinite
bus.
To observe the power sharing by varying the field current and field resistance.
Investigate how changes in alternator prime mover input (mechanical power) and
excitation (field current) affect active (P) and reactive (Q) power contribution.
Theory: Synchronization is the process of connecting an alternator to a power system (infinite
bus) such that it operates in parallel with it. For successful synchronization, the following
conditions must be met between the alternator and the infinite bus:
Fig 4.1: Parallel operation of a generator and a power system
1. Terminal voltage of the generator must be equal to the infinite bus voltage.
2. The phase sequence of the generator must be same to infinite bus.
3. Phase angle of two a phase must be equal.
4. Frequency should be slightly greater than the infinite bus frequency.
Fig 4.2: (a) The two possible phase sequences of a 3-phase system
(b) The three-light-bulb method for checking phase sequence.
Fig 4.3: curves for an infinite bus: (a) frequency versus power & (b) terminal voltage versus
reactive power
If speed is n & P is the number of poles in the armature, then frequency,
nP
f=
120
And the generated voltage,
Ea=kϕɷ
On the other hand, when we vary the field current there will be a change in reactive power
sharing, not in the terminal voltage.
Fig 4.4: The frequency-versus power diagram for a synchronous generator in parallel with an
infinite bus.
Fig 4.5: Curve of Speed(ns) vs Power (KW) of generator
The three-lamp method is a visual technique used to verify the synchronization conditions. Three
identical lamps are connected between the corresponding phases of the alternator and the bus
(e.g., A-A', B-B', C-C'). Their behavior gives information about synchronization readiness:
*If all lamps flicker simultaneously: The phase sequence is correct.
*If lamps brighten and darken together uniformly: Frequencies are close but not synchronized.
*If all lamps go dark at the same instant: This indicates that voltage magnitudes and frequencies
are matched, and the phase difference is nearly zero — ideal for closing the breaker.
If the lamps go dark one after another in sequence, the phase sequence is incorrect and must be
corrected
Required Apparatus:
Table 4.1: Apparatus needed for the Experiment
Circuit Diagram:
Fig.4.7: Experimental setup for synchronization of a 3-phase alternator with a infinite bus
Data Table:
Table 4.2: Data table for active power and reactive power when IF is fixed, and NS is changing
Field Rheostat,Rf Active Power,P Reactive Power,Q S= √ P2 +Q2
Change (w) (VAR)
1 18.6 17.5 25.53
2 63.2 17 65.44
3 106 -16.2 107.23
4 140 -18.5 141.21
5 159 -22.5 160.58
Table 4.3: Data table for active power and reactive power when is nS fixed, and IF is changing
Field Current (If) Active Power (p) Reactive Power (Q)
(Amp) change (W) (VAR)
1 144 3
2 124 74.5
3 120 170
4 107 283
5 99 333
Discussion & Conclusion:
In this experiment, synchronization of a 3-phase alternator to an infinite bus was carried out
using the three-lamp method. This method visually indicates the phase difference and frequency
mismatch between the alternator and the bus by observing the flickering pattern of lamps
connected across corresponding phases.
When the lamps flickered simultaneously and dimmed together, it indicated that the frequency
and phase of the alternator were close to those of the bus. At the moment all lamps went dark
together, the voltage, frequency, and phase angle were nearly matched, allowing for safe
synchronization by closing the circuit breaker.
After synchronization, we observed the sharing of active and reactive power. By varying the
prime mover input, the active power supplied by the alternator changed, while the frequency
remained constant due to the infinite bus constraint. Similarly, adjusting the field excitation
affected the reactive power flow, with increased excitation leading to reactive power delivery
(overexcited generator) and decreased excitation leading to reactive power absorption (under
excited generator).
These observations confirm the theoretical concept that in a system connected to an infinite bus,
the generator cannot control voltage or frequency but can influence the real and reactive power it
delivers.
