Synchronous Generators

Instructional Objectives
Introduction
Construction
Principle of operation
Equation of Induced E.M.F
Voltage Regulation
Determination of Voltage Regulation
- MMF method
- EMF method By
P.Anitha,Lecturer
EEE Dept
 Synchronous Generators
Are the primary source of all electrical energy
Commonly used to convert the mechanical
power output of steam turbines, gas turbines,
reciprocating engines, hydro turbines into
electrical power for the grid
Can be extremely large power ratings up to
1500MW!!!
Are known as synchronous machines because
they operate at synchronous speed (speed of
rotor always matches supply frequency)
 The rotor is mounted on a shaft driven by mechanical
prime mover

A field winding (rotating or stationary) carries a DC

current to produce a constant magnetic field.

An AC voltage is induced in the 3-phase armature

winding (stationary or rotating) to produce electrical
power.

The electrical frequency of the 3-phase output

depends upon the mechanical speed and the number
of poles
 Advantages of Keeping armature winding in
stator:

Easyto insulate stationary

windings
Stator can be directly connected
to load without Slip rings &
Brushes.
Due to Simple & robust
construction of rotor, highest speed
is possible. So increases the
output.
 Construction: Stator
From an electrical standpoint, the stator of a synchronous generator
is identical to that of a 3-phase induction motor (cylindrical
laminated core containing slots carrying a 3-phase winding).

The armature winding of a conventional synchronous machine is

almost invariably on the stator and is usually a three phase winding.

The nominal line voltage of a synchronous generator depends upon

its kVA rating the greater the power, the higher the voltage

The nominal line voltage seldom exceeds 25kV, since the increased
slot insulation takes up valuable space at the expense of copper
conductors
 Construction : Rotor
The field winding is usually on the rotor and excited by dc current, or
permanent magnets. The dc power supply required for excitation usually is
supplied through a dc generator known as exciter, which is often mounted on
the same shaft as the synchronous machine.

Salient-pole rotors
Used for low speed applications (<300rpm) which require
large number of poles to achieve required frequencies
(e.g. hydro turbines)
Cylindrical rotors
Used for high-speed applications (steam/gas turbines).
Minimum number of poles is 2, so for 50Hz the maximum
speed is 3000rpm.
High speed of rotation produces strong centrifugal forces,
which impose upper limit on the rotor diameter
Synchronous Generator: Rotor
Flux density distribution in air gap and
induced emf in the phase
winding
Armature Windings
EMF Equation of an alternator
d PN
Avg .emf / conductor Volts
dt 60
PN PZ P 120 f
Avg .emf / Phase ZP
60 60 P
Avg .emf / Phase 2 fZ PVolts
R.M .S .emf / Phase Avg .emf / Phase FormFactor

R.M .S .emf / Phase 2 fZ 1.11 2.22 fZVolts

E R.M .S / Phase 4.44 K p K d fT (Volts )
Per Phase Equivalent Electrical Circuit
Model
 Experimental Determination of Circuit
Parameters
There are three parameters need to be determined:
winding resistance Ra,
synchronous reactance Xs,
and induced emf in the phase winding Ea.

The phase winding resistance Ra can be determined by

measuring DC resistance of the winding using volt-ampere
method, while the synchronous reactance and the induced emf
can be determined by the open circuit and short circuit tests.
 Open Circuit Test
Drive the synchronous machine at the synchronous
speed using a prime mover when the stator windings
are open circuited.

Vary the rotor winding current, and measure stator

winding terminal voltage.

The relationship between the stator winding terminal

voltage and the rotor field current obtained by the
open circuit test is known as the open circuit
characteristic of the synchronous machine.
 Short Circuit Test
Reduce the field current to a minimum, using the field
rheostat, and then open the field supply circuit breaker.

Short the stator terminals of the machine together through

three ammeters; Close the field circuit breaker; and raise the
field current to the value noted in the open circuit test at which
the open circuit terminal voltage equals the rated voltage,
while maintain the synchronous speed.

Record the three stator currents. (This test should be carried

out quickly since the stator currents may be greater than the
rated value).
THANK YOU