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ELECTRICAL MACHINES LAB REPORT-03
Experiment Title: Alternator Synchronization

Abstract:
The process of connecting an AC generator (alternator) to other AC generators is known as
synchronization and is crucial for the generation of AC electrical power.
Synchronization of an alternator with a large utility system, or "infinite bus' as it is called is
comparable to matching a small gear to another of enormous size and power. If the teeth of
both gears are properly synchronized upon contact, then the matching will be smooth. But
should the teeth edges meet shock would 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.

Introduction:

For parallel operations of alternators alternator synchronization is very important. In this lab
the objectives were to learn how to synchronize an alternator to the electric power utility
system and to observe the effects of improper phase conditions on the synchronizing process.
Theory and Methodology:

In an alternating current electric power system, synchronization is the process of matching

the speed and frequency of a generator or other source to a running network. An AC
generator cannot deliver power to an electrical grid unless it is running at the same frequency
as the network. If two segments of a grid are disconnected, they cannot exchange AC power
again until they are brought back into exact synchronization.

The frequency of a large electric power distribution system is established by the speed of
rotation of many powerful alternators all connected by various tie-lines in 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 50,000 Hz cannot receive power
from an alternator operating at 50,001Hz. They must both operate at exactly the same
frequency.

This is not as difficult to achieve as may appear at first because (when an alternator is
connected into an existing system) automatic forces come into play to keep its frequency
constant.
Synchronization of an alternator with a large utility system, or “infinite bus” as it is called is
comparable to matching a small gear to another enormous size and power. If the teeth of both
gears are properly synchronized upon contract, then the matching will be smooth. But should
the teeth edges meet shock would 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 teeth of one meet
the slots of the other. In electrical terms the voltage of the alternator must be in phase with the
voltage of the supply.

Finally, when matching 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 turned on.
To connect two alternators in parallel, the two alternators must be synchronized. The
synchronization process must be performed also when connecting an alternator to the grid.
The purpose of synchronization is to ensure that at the moment of closing the circuit breaker
(closing the 3-pole single throw switch to connect the alternator to the grid in this
experiment), the voltages across the three phases of the breaker are as close to zero as
possible and remain so after the switch is closed. To ensure that, the following conditions
must be met:

a) The generated voltage must be approximately equal to the grid voltage.

b) The frequency of the generated voltage must be equal to that of the grid.

c) The phase sequence of the generated voltage must be the same as that of the grid.

d) The phase of the generated voltages relative to some reference must be very close to the
phase of grid lines.

These conditions can be understood by considering the voltage of one line of the grid vg1, to
be connected to one line of the alternator va1. The voltage can be expressed in

Vg1 = vg1(t) = Vmg sin (ωg1t + φg1) equation-1

Va1 = va1(t) = Vma sin (ωa1t + φa1) equation-2

The voltage across the switch is Vg1-Va1. It is obvious that for this voltage to be close to
zero and remains close to zero, the above four conditions must be met. In short, the above
two voltage waveforms must be on top of each other if seen on the oscilloscope.
The voltage Vg1-Va1 can be seen by applying this voltage to a light bulb. The brightness of
the bulb is an indication of the voltage across it. When the light bulb is totally dark, the
voltage across it is zero.

Pre-Lab Homework:

1) What are the conditions of synchronization?

Ans: The source (generator or sub-network) must have equal line voltage, frequency, phase
sequence, phase angle, and waveform to that of the system to which it is being synchronized.
Apparatus:

Description Model
DC Motor/Generator 8211
Synchronous 8241
Motor/Generator
DC Voltmeter/Ammeter 8412
AC Ammeter 8425
AC Voltmeter 8426
Synchronizing Module 8621
Power Supply 8821
Hand Tachometer 8920
Connection Leads 8941
Timing Belt 8942

Precautions:

As high voltages were present in the laboratory experiment, we did not make any connections
with the power on. Before turning on the power supply, we made sure that all apparatus were
connected correctly .We turned off the power after completing each individual measurement.
We had tried avoiding parallax error while taking the readings.

Experimental Procedure:

1) At first we had used our Synchronous Motor/Generator, DC Motor/Generator,

Synchronizing Module, Power Supply, DC Voltmeter/Ammeter, AC Ammeter and AC
Voltmeter to connect the circuit shown in Figure 12-1. We had noted that the alternator output
was connected through the Synchronizing Module to the fixed 415 V, 3-phase output of the
Power Supply, terminals 1, 2 and 3. We connected the rotor of the Synchronous
Motor/Generator to the fixed 240 V dc output of the Power Supply, terminals 8 and N. The dc
shunt motor (DC Motor/Generator) was connected to the variable 0-240 V dc output of the
Power Supply, terminals 7 and N

2) a) We Couple the DC Motor/Generator to the alternator (Synchronous Motor/ Generator)

with the Timing Belt.

b) We had set the field rheostat of the DC Motor/Generator at its full clockwise position (for
minimum resistance).

c) We placed the synchronizing switch in its open position.

3) a) We turned on the Power Supply and using our Hand Tachometer, we adjusted the
rheostat of the DC Motor/Generator for a motor speed of 1500 r/min.

b) We measured the Power Supply fixed ac voltage E2.

E2 = 390 V ac

c) We had closed the toggle switch of the alternator circuit and adjusted the DC excitation of
the alternator until the alternator output voltage E1 is equal to E2.
d) The three synchronization lights were flickering on and off.

4) a) We carefully adjusted the DC motor/Generator speed until the beat frequency became
quite low.

b) Did all the three lights become bright and dark, at all the same time?
□ No

c) The lights did not all become dark and then bright simultaneously because the phase
sequence was wrong. We turned off the Power Supply and interchanged the two of the leads
coming from the stator.

d) The motor speed was carefully adjusted until all the three lights slowly darkened and then
slowly brightened. Our alternator frequency was very nearly equal to that of the power
company.

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

f) When all of the lights were fully brightened, the alternator and supply voltages were 1800
out of phase.( This was the “tooth-to-tooth” condition, and the Synchronizing Module should
never be closed under these conditions).

g) We checked to see that the two voltages E1& E2 were equal, if not, we readjusted the dc
excitation to the alternator.

5) a) We close the switch of the Synchronizing Module when all three lights were dark, we
noted that the behavior of I1 at moment of closure. We returned the switch to its “OFF”
positions.
I1=0.25 A
b) We closed the switch of the Synchronizing Module when all three lights were dim and
noted the behavior of I1 at moment of closure. Return the switch to its “OFF” positions.
I1=0.4A

c) We closed the switch of the Synchronizing Module when all three lights were partially
bright and noted the behavior of I1 at moment of closure. We returned the switch to its “OFF”
positions.

I1= 0.65A

6) a) With the switch of the Synchronizing Module in the “ON” position, we adjusted the dc
excitation to the alternator until the output voltage E1 = 450 V ac.

b) We adjusted the motor speed until all the three lamps were synchronized.

c) We turned on the Synchronizing Module when all three lights are dimmest and noted the
effect on I1 at the moment of closure and after closure.

I1 at closure: 0 A
I2 after closure: 0.4 A

d) We opened the synchronizing switch.

e) Then we returned the voltage to zero and turned off the Power Supply.

7) a) We Reversed the rotation of the DC Motor/Generator by interchanging the shunt field.

b) Attempt to synchronize the alternator as before.

c) How did the lights react?

Ans: They were turning on and off but not simultaneously
.
d) What does it indicate?

Ans: Either the phase sequence is not the same or the rotation is not in the same direction.

e) We returned the voltage to zero and turned off the Power Supply.

f) How could we remedy this situation without again reversing the dc motor?
Ans: By interchanging the wires in the port 1 and 2 in the synchronous generator/motor,
which would reverse the stator field.

Questions for report writing:

1) What condition must be met to synchronize an alternator to existing three-phase power

line?
Ans: The conditions are:
a) The generated voltage must be approximately equal to the grid voltage.
b) The frequency of the generated voltage must be equal to that of the grid.
c) The phase sequence of the generated voltage must be the same as that of the grid.
d) The phase of the generated voltages relative to some reference must be very close to the
phase of grid lines.

2) An alternator could be severely damaged mechanically in attempting to synchronize it with

the power line. Under what two conditions this happen?
Ans: 1. If there is frequency difference between the alternator and power line.
2 .If they not not be in same phase sequence.

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?
Ans: The phase sequence must be same.

.
Reference(s):

[1]​ B.L.Theraja, A.K.Theraja,: A textbook of Electrical Technology, Volume- II, S. Chand

& company Ltd.
[2]​Lab volt lab manual.