AC Machinery Laboratory Experiment No.

9
EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

EXPERIMENT NO. 9

The Synchronous Motor

OBJECTIVES

1. To examine the construction of the three-phase synchronous motor

2. To obtain the starting characteristics of the three-phase synchronous motor

DISCUSSION

The synchronous motor gets its name from the term synchronous speed, which is the natural speed
of the rotating magnetic field of the stator. As you have learned, this natural speed of rotation is
controlled strictly by the number of pole pairs and the frequency of the applied power.

Like the induction motor, the synchronous motor makes use of the rotating magnetic field. Unlike the
induction motor, however, the torque develop does not depend on the induction currents in the rotor.
Briefly, the principle of operation of the synchronous motor is as follows: A multiphase source of AC is
applied to the stator windings and a rotating magnetic field is produced. A direct current is applied to
the rotor windings and a fixed magnetic field is produced. The motor is so constructed that these two
magnetic fields react upon each other causing the rotor to rotate at the same speed as the rotating
magnetic field. If a load is applied to the rotor shaft, the rotor will momentarily fall behind the rotating
field but will continue to rotate at the same synchronous speed.

The falling behind is analogous to the rotor being tied to the rotating field with a rubber band. Heavier
loads will cause stretching of the band so the rotor position lags the stator field but the rotor continues
at the same speed. If the load is made too large, the rotor will pull out of synchronism with the rotating
field and, as a result, will no longer rotate at the same speed. The motor is then said to be
overloaded.

The synchronous motor is not a self-starting motor. The rotor is heavy and, from a dead stop, it is not
possible to bring the rotor into magnetic lock with the rotating magnetic field. For this reason, all
synchronous motors have some kind of starting device. A simple starter is another motor which brings
the rotor up to approximately 90% of its synchronous speed. Then a direct current is applied to the
rotor windings. After which, the starting motor is then disconnected and the rotor locks in step with the
rotating field. The more commonly used starting method is to have the rotor include a squirrel cage
induction winding. This induction winding brings the rotor almost to synchronous speed as an
induction motor. The squirrel cage is also useful even after the motor has attained synchronous
speed, because it tends to dampen the rotor oscillations caused by sudden changes in loading. Your
synchronous motor/generator module contains a squirrel cage type rotor.

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

APPARATUS REQUIRED

1 unit Equipment 8241: Synchronous Motor/Generator Module

1 unit Equipment 8911: Electrodynamometer Module
1 unit Equipment 8821: Power Supply Module (0 – 120 / 208 V, 3-phase)
1 unit Equipment 8621: Synchronizing Switch Module
1 unit Equipment 8426: AC Voltmeter Module (250 V)
1 unit Equipment 8425: AC Ammeter Module (8 A)
1 unit Equipment 8920: Hand Digital Tachometer
25 pcs. 8951: Connecting Wires
1 unit 8942: Connection Belt
1 unit Electronic Multi-tester

CHECKING ACTIVITIES
CAUTION!

High voltages are present in this experiment!

Do not make any connections with the power on!

Make sure that the

1. main switch of the Power Supply module is in the 0 position;
2. its variable supply knob is set to MINIMUM; and
3. the set is unplug.

Electronic Multi-tester

1. Check battery level by turning the device on

2. Check calibration for voltage AC reading by observing a zero reading. If not, inform the
instructor

8941: Connecting Wires

1. Check each wire for continuity using the continuity test function of the electronic multi-tester
2. Check for visible sign of insulation tear or damage

Equipment 8241: Synchronous Motor/Generator Module

1. Check the fiber glass protection panel for any break or damage
2. Open the fiber glass protection panel and check smooth rotation of roller bearing assembly
mounted at the side of the module
3. Visually check the visible part of the stator and rotor copper windings for evidence of burn or
insulation breakdown. If there is, inform the instructor. If none, proceed.
4. Check for smooth rotation of the rotor
5. Check for a good connection of the wires coming from inside the machine and into the
connector leads mounted on the fiber glass protection panel
6. Close the fiber glass protection panel and perform continuity test for the three windings
(terminal pairs 1-4, 2-5, and 3-6) of the Synchronous Motor
7. Set rheostat knob to minimum setting. Close switch S1 and connect the multi-meter tester at
terminal pair 7-8. Set instrument to measure resistance. Rotate rheostat knob to increase
resistance. Observe multi-tester resistance reading if it increases. Open switch S1.

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

Equipment 8911: Electrodynamometer

1. Check the fiber glass protection panel for any break or damage
2. Open the fiber glass cover and check brush and its good contact against the copper rheostat
element
3. Check smooth rotation of roller bearing assembly mounted at the side of the module
4. Check the good connection of the wires coming from inside the Electrodynamometer and into
the connector leads mounted on the fiber glass protection panel
5. Slide the equipment at the middle part of the workstation, between the Power Supply module
and the Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor module
6. Check if its shaft pulley groove aligns with the shaft pulley groove of the Squirrel-Cage
Induction Motor module. If not, inform the instructor
7. Set the control knob to zero (full counter-clockwise)

Equipment 8426: AC Voltmeter and Equipment 8425: AC Ammeter

1. Check the good connection of the wires inside the meter modules and into the connector
leads mounted on the panel
2. Slide the AC Voltmeter at the top of the Power Supply module and the AC Ammeter module
at the top of the Squirrel-Cage Induction Motor module
3. Set all meter needles to zero. Adjust plastic screw on the front panel below the meter view
screen for each meter instrument using a screw driver if necessary

Equipment 8821: Power Supply module

1. Set the variable control knob to zero (minimum or full counter-clockwise), the 24V AC red
translucent switch to off (0 position), the main POWER switch to off (0 position), and selector
switch to 4-5
2. Connect each of the AC Voltmeter across terminals 1-N, 2-N, and 3-N
3. Check the firm connection of the main power cord at the back of the module
4. Plug the power cord of the Power Supply to an outlet and turn on the POWER switch (I
position). Observe uniformity of the lights of all three amber pilot lamps on the front panel
labelled, L1, L2 and L3. If not, inform the instructor.
5. Observe the three AC volt meters if each will indicate a value of 120V AC thereabouts. If not,
inform the instructor.
6. Rotate the control knob to 100 (maximum)
7. Observe if meter on the Power supply module will indicate a value of 208V AC thereabouts. If
not, inform the instructor. Repeat for terminals 5-6 and 6-4. Return the control knob to zero
(minimum)
8. Turn off the Power Supply Module but do not unplug yet the module
9. Disconnect the voltmeters from the Power supply module

Equipment 8621: Synchronizing Switch Module

1. Check for a good connection of the wires inside the switch module and into the connector
leads mounted on the panel
2. Check the toggle switch for any loose part when you toggle the switch

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

Equipment 8920: Hand Tachometer

1. Check the rubber cone at the tip of the apparatus

2. Slide the switch to Contact position
3. Press the black button on the right side and check if a number zero is indicated in the view
screen.

8942: Connection Belt

1. Check for visible signs of wear and tear

MODULES SET UP ACTIVITIES

1. Place the Synchronous Motor/Generator Module at the lower center slot (beside the Power
Supply Module) of the Mobile Workstation
2. Place the Electrodynamometer Module at the lower right slot of the Mobile Workstation
3. Place the Synchronizing Switch Module on top of the Power Supply Module
4. Place the AC Ammeter Module on top of the Synchronous Motor/Generator Module
5. Place the AC Voltmeter Module on top of the Electrodynamometer Module

PROCEDURE

1. Examine the construction of the Three-Phase Synchronous Motor/Generator, paying particular

attention to motor, slip rings, rheostat, connection terminals and the wiring.

2. Viewing the motor from the rear of the module:

a. Identify the two slip rings and brushes.

b. Can the brushes be moved? No
c. Note that the two rotor windings are brought out to the two slip rings through a slot in the rotor
shaft.
d. Identify the DC damper windings on the rotor. (Although there are only two windings, they are
connected so that their magnetomotive forces act in opposition, thus creating four poles.
e. Identify the four salient poles just beneath the damper windings.
f. Identify the stator winding and note that it is identical to that of the three-phase squirrel cage
and wound rotor motors.

3. Viewing the front face of the module:

a. The three separate stator windings are connected to terminals 1 and 4; 2 and

5 , 3 and 6. (1 point)

b. What is the rate voltage of the stator windings? (1 point) 120 V AC

c. What is the rated current of the stator windings? (1 point) 1 A AC

d. The rotor winding is connected through the 150 Ω rheostat and a toggle switch S1 to

terminals 7 and 8. (1 point)

e. What is the rated voltage of the rotor winding? (1 point) 120 V DC

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

f. What is the rated speed and output power of motor? (1 point)

Speed = 1800 rpm PRATING = 175 W

Starting Characteristics

4. Using your Three-Phase Synchronous Motor/Generator, Power Supply, AC Ammeter, connect

the circuit shown in Figure 9.1. Note that the three stator windings are wye-connected to the
fixed 208 V 3-phase output of the power supply, terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Figure 9.1.

5. a. Turn on the power supply. Note That the motor starts smoothly and continues to run as an
ordinary induction motor.

b. Note the direction of rotation. (1 point)

Rotation = Counter-clockwise I1 = 1.25 A AC

c. Turn off the power supply and interchange any two of the leads from the power supply.

d. Turn on the power supply and note the direction of rotation. (1 point)

Rotation = Clockwise I1 = 1.27 A AC

e. Turn off the power supply.

6. Using your Electrodynamometer and Synchronizing Module, connect the circuit shown in Figure
9.2. Couple the motor to the electrodynamometer with the connection belt.

7. a. The synchronizing switch module will be used as an on-off switch for the three-phase power to
the stator windings. Set the switch in its off position.

b. The electrodynamometer is connected to the fixed 120 V AC output of the power supply
module terminals 1 and N. Set the dynamometer control knob for approximately 40%
excitation.

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

Figure 9.2

c. The rotor of the synchronous motor is connected to the fixed 120 V DC output of the power
supply module terminals 8 and N. Set the field rheostat for zero resistance (full counter
clockwise).

d. Close the switch S1 in the synchronous motor module.

8. a. Turn on the power supply. Then apply three-phase power by closing the synchronizing switch
and observe what happens. Observe the average reading in the ammeter. DO NOT LEAVE
THE POWER ON FOR LONGER THAN 10 SECONDS! Turn off the power supply.

b. Describe what happened. (2 points)

ANSWER:

The current in the ammeter remains at 5A and the machine is producing

vibrations and loud sound and also has slow motor speed.

c. What did the ammeter indicates? (2 points)

ANSWER:

The ammeter indicates 5A.

d. Should a synchronous motor, under load, be started with DC excitation on its field? No

9. a. Connect the rotor of the synchronous motor to the variable 0-120 V DC output of the power
supply module terminals 7 and N. Select 7-N in the meter selector switch on the power supply
module. Do not disturb any of the other connections or change any control settings.

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b. With the variable output voltage control at zero, turn on the power supply. Apply three-phase
power by closing the synchronizing switch and observe what happens.

c. Describe what happened to the rotation and the starting and running currents. (2 points)

ANSWER:

Rotation of the motor : Clockwise

Starting Current : Spikes at 4A
Running Current : 1.5 A

d. Is your motor operating as an induction motor? Yes

e. Carefully adjust the power supply output to 120 V DC as indicated on the power supply meter.

f. Described the changes in the values of the stator current. (2 points)

ANSWER:

When the rotor voltage is set to 120 V and the exciter switch is ON, the stator
current reading decrease to 0.3 A.

g. Is your motor operating as a synchronous motor? Yes

h. Return the voltage to zero and turn off the power supply. Open switch S 1 in the synchronous
motor.

10. a. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 9.3. Note that the synchronous motor is wired in its
normal starting configuration (as a three-phase squirrel-cage induction motor).

b. Set the dynamometer control knob at its full clockwise position (to provide a maximum starting
load for the synchronous motor)

c. Close the Switch S1 in the synchronous motor.

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

Figure 9.3

11. a. Turn on the power supply and quickly measure E1, E2, I1 and the developed starting torque.
Turn off the power supply. (4 points)

E1 = 208 V AC E2 = 229 V AC I1 = 4 A AC

Starting torque = 21 lbf-in

b. Calculate the apparent power to the motor at starting torque. (2 points)

S = 3 (208)(4) = 1,441.07 VA SSTARTING = 1,441.07 VA

c. Calculate the full load torque corresponding to 175 W at 1800 rpm. (2 points)

T FULL LOAD = 8.12 lbf-in

(175/746) = (1.59 *(1800)(T))/100,000

T = 8.12

d. Calculate the ratio of starting torque to full load torque. (2 points)

21 / 8.12 = 2.618
T RATIO = 2.586

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e. Explain why a large AC voltage E2 was induced in the rotor windings. (2 points)

ANSWER:

The large AC voltage E2 was induced in the rotor windings because the rotor
has squirrel cage induction windings which produce a magnetic field that is
pushed and pulled by the stator magnetic field in order to start the motor.
Additionally, there is a greater magnetic reaction between the stator and rotor
fields which causes a stronger or higher torque.

12. a. With your circuit unchanged, turn on the power supply and slowly turn the dynamometer
control know counter clockwise to reduce the loading. The motor will come up to full speed
and run as a squirrel cage induction motor. Note the effect upon the induced voltage E2.

b. Why does E2 decrease as the motor speed increases? (2 points)

ANSWER:

E2 decreases as the motor speed increases because the torque is

decreasing as well as the current. In this situation, there is a less load on the
motor so, the squirrel cage induction motor requires less voltage to get it up
the speed.

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EEC631L The Synchronous Motor

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What precaution should be taken during start-up period of a synchronous motor? (3 points)

ANSWER:

The stator must be first before you switched ON provided the rotor so that it
would be rotate closing to the synchronize speed.

2. If the squirrel cage winding were removed from a synchronous motor, could it start by itself? (1
point) No

3. State two reasons why the rotor winding of a synchronous motor usually connected to an external
resistance during start-up. (3 points)

ANSWER:

a. To reduce current so that E2 will decrease

b. To increase the torque

4. Compare the starting characteristics of the synchronous motor with those of the three-phase
squirrel cage induction motor. (3 points)

ANSWER:

In previous experiment which is squirrel cage induction motor, the amount of

starting torque is 19.2 lbf-in and starting current is 5A. In the synchronous motor,
the amount of starting torque is 21 lbf-in and starting current is 4A. Therefore, the
synchronous motor machine is better than the squirrel cage induction motor
machine.

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