Generator synchronizing check protective function (ANSI

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electrical-engineering-portal.com /generator-synchronizing-check-protective-function

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Synchronizing operations
One of the easiest way to damage a generator is to synchronize or parallel out of phase with the electrical
system. Out-of-phase synchronizing operations can damage or reduce the remaining life of generator rotors and
stationary components.

Angular differences as little as 12 degrees can instantly apply 1.5 per unit or 150% of full load torque on the
generator shaft system.

The 1.5 per-unit value was measured by a shaft torsional monitoring data acquisition system (EPRI project) at a
large coal plant that was paralleled to the 500 kV bulk power electrical system with a 12-degree angular
difference during synchronization. Plant operations acknowledged that the turbine deck really shook.

Although turbines are generally built to with- stand angular differences above 10 degrees, most manufacturers
recommend limiting out-of-phase synchronizing operations to no more than 10 degrees maximum.

Generator sync-check relays should supervise both manual and automatic modes of operation to prevent
generator damage from operator errors or from malfunctioning automatic synchronizing relays.

For this reason, it is normal practice to have the sync-check relay function provided in a different package than
the automatic synchronizing relay to avoid failure modes that can impact both functions.

A clockwise rotation of the synchroscope in the majority of designs indicates that the generator
has a higher speed or frequency than the electrical system. This condition is desirable to
reduce the possibility that the unit will be in a motoring mode of operation and trip on reverse
power protection when the breaker is closed.

The voltages should be matched during synchronizing with a slightly higher generator voltage to ensure var ow
into the system instead of the generator.

Figure 1 provides suggested settings for generator sync-check relays. The proposed default angles are 5
degrees advance and 5 degrees late. The calculations consider circuit breaker closing times and maximum
allowable slip rates and determine the minimum seconds per scope revolution and the worst-case angle. The
minimum seconds per scope revolutions is provided as a guide for operations or for setting auto synchronizing
relays. The scope revolutions cannot go faster and be within the operating range of the sync-check relay.

The worst-case angle assumes the breaker close signal is dispatched at the maximum late angle and that
the breaker XY control scheme seals in. It then looks at the maximum allowable slip frequency (proposed
setting of 0.05 Hz) and calculates the worst-case out-of-phase angle when the breaker contacts actually close.

In this case, the worst-case angle of 8.6 degrees complies with manufacturer’s recommendations not to parallel
if the angle exceeds 10 degrees. Experience has shown that the proposed settings are practical and within the
operating capability of most turbine-governor control systems.

Other available settings in the newer digital relays might include ratio correction factors for step up transformer
taps because generator potentials are normally compared to switchyard high voltage potentials and allowable
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percent voltage mismatches.

However, plant operators should limit voltage mismatches to less than 5% despite they do not represent real
power and the shaft torques are minimal.

Slow breaker protection

Some of the newer digital sync-check relay functions also include slow breaker protection. Once the breaker
control signal is dispatched, it seals in, and there is no way to abort the close operation because there is a 52a
contact in series with the trip coil that prevents the coil from being energized until the breaker is actually
closed.

The slow breaker function could be set to operate breaker failure relaying to clear the adjacent breakers if the
angular differences reach 10 degrees or more, indicating that the breaker is slow to close for mechanical
reasons.

Maximum
amount of
symmetrical
AC current

The max.
amount of
symmetrical AC
current
that flows
during
synchronizing
at rated
frequency can
be
approximated
by the
expression in
Figure 2 below.

Generator side
voltage and
Figure 1 – Synchronizing check relay settings
ohms from
Figures 1 and
2 (from previous article) were used in the calculation and reflected to the 765 kV side. The system three-phase
765 kV short circuit ohms were transferred from Figure 3.

Figure 2 shows that the 765 kV current would be approximately 983 amps and the generator amps would be
approximately 32,348 at 30 degrees. At 60, 90, and 180 degrees, the approximated 765 kV currents for the
parameters presented in the figure would be 1897, 2682, and 3793 amps, respectively. The generator side
current at 180 degrees out would be around 124,767 amps.

This does not include the DC component or peak asymmetrical current, which will also be present.

Obviously, the generator and transformer windings need to be able to handle the peak electromechanical
forces. The event is transitory in nature as the asymmetrical current decays and the generator pulls into step

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with the system and the power angle becomes congruent with the prime mover.

The air gap torque is difficult to calculate and depends on electromechanical forces, circuit resistance, and the
amount of power transfer from angular differences.

Possible damage assessment is particularly complicated and associated with the peak torques and the natural
frequencies of the shaft and other mechanical components as the event decays. The associated apparatus
may have reduced life from other events or excursions, startup/shutdown cycles, or design or repair oversights,
and major equipment damage may occur if the incident is severe enough.

Ηow to
synchronize
DG1 and DG2
simulator

Reference //
Electrical
calculations for
generating
stations by
Thomas E. Baker
(Purchase
hardcopy from
Amazon)

Figure 2 – Maximum symmetrical synchronizing current

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