Synchronous machines

A synchronous machine is an AC rotating machine whose speed under steady state

condition is proportional to the frequency of the current in its armature.
One of the common examples of synchronous machines are the AC generators called the
alternators that produce AC voltage with frequency proportional to the speed at which it
is rotated.

Synchronous motors

According to the definition of synchronous machines, synchronous motors rotate with its
speed proportional to the supply frequency.

Construction

In synchronous motors rotors are magnets with fixed pole that rotates under the influence
of rotating magnetic field created by the stator windings. A typical construction of the
synchronous motor is given below

A Synchronous motor.

For small motors, the field winding can be permanent magnet, but for large machines, the
fields are electromagnets. Supply to the field winding comes through brushes connected
to slip rings in rotating part.

Operation

Synchronous motors are not self-starting. A synchronous motor cannot start in

synchronous mode since the inertia and the mechanical load prevent the rotor to catch up
with the rotating magnetic field at the synchronous speed. There are several methods to
start the motor. One of the simplest methods is to use a switch in the supply path of the
field. The switch makes the field winding shorted at the beginning. Whenever a rotating
magnetic field is created in the core, the short circuited field winding generates a
circulating current and the core of the rotor becomes magnetized. Then, the rotor starts to
rotate in the direction of the rotating field similar to induction motor. When the speed
reaches close to the synchronous speed with minimum slip, then the field shorting is
opened and the dc supply to the field is turned on. Immediately the rotor speed increases
and ultimately gets locked with the rotating magnetic field.

Advantages

Power factor of the synchronous motors can be adjusted to unity by using a proper field
current relative to the load. Hence synchronous motors can be very efficient compared to
other motors.

If the motor is operated under over excited field and very light loading, a leading power
factor can be achieved for a better power factor correction of the whole installation (e.g.
factory). At this mode, the synchronous motor is called a synchronous capacitor.

Synchronous motors can rotate at constant speed even under variation of load, provided
that the load does not exceed specified limit.

Uses

Speed is constant. Small motors are used for electric clocks.

Processes where several operations are synchronized, such as in textile mills,

synchronous motors are the best choice.

Synchronous capacitors are used to improve the power factor of an installation and are
more economical in the large sizes than static capacitors.

Their construction allows for increased electrical efficiency when a low speed is required
as in ball mills.