Synchronizing and Synchronizing Equipment

1. Synchronizing and Synchronizing Equipment 1.1 Theory of Synchronizing When closing a circuit breaker between two energized parts of the power system, it is crucial to match voltages on both sides of the circuit breaker before closing. If this matching or "synchronizing" process is not done correctly, a power system disturbance will result and equipment (including generators) can be damaged. In order to synchronize properly, three different aspects of the voltage across the circuit breaker must be closely monitored. The three aspects of the voltage are called the synchronizing variables and are: 1. The voltage magnitudes 2. The frequency of the voltages 3. The phase angle difference between the voltages 1.1.1 Voltage Magnitude Synchronizing Variable If the voltage magnitudes are not closely matched, a sudden rise in Mvar flow will appear across the circuit breaker as it is closed. For example, if a 345 kV circuit breaker were closed with a 20 kV difference in voltage across the open circuit breaker, a large Mvar flow would suddenly occur upon closing. The allowable voltage magnitude differences across the open circuit breaker are system specific. However, for general guidance, a difference of a few percent is unlikely to cause any serious problem. 1.1.2 Frequency Synchronizing Variable If the frequencies on either side of an open circuit breaker are not matched prior to closing, a sudden change in MW flow will appear across the circuit breaker as it is closed. The sudden MW flow change is in response to the initial frequency difference as the system seeks to establish a common frequency once the circuit breaker is closed. The allowable frequency difference is again system specific. However, a general guideline would be to have the frequencies within 0.1 Hz of each other prior to closing. 1.1.3 Phase Angle Synchronizing Variable The third synchronizing variable - and likely the most important of the three - is the voltage phase angle difference. If the phase difference between the voltages on either side of the open circuit breaker is not reduced to a small value, a large MW flow increase will suddenly occur once the circuit breaker is closed. The voltage phase angle difference is the difference between the zero crossings of the voltages on either side of the open circuit breaker. Ideally, the voltage phase angle should be as close to zero degrees as possible before closing the circuit breaker.

1.2 Synchronizing Examples The importance of synchronizing cannot be overstated. All system operators should understand the theory and practice of synchronizing. If two power systems are synchronized via an open circuit breaker, and the synchronizing process is not done correctly, generators can be severely damaged. Two scenarios for synchronizing follow to further describe the synchronizing process. 1.2.1 Scenario #1: Synchronizing Two Islands The first scenario assumes that two islands are about to be connected together using the open circuit breaker as illustrated in Figure 1. The two islands, since they are independent electrical systems, will have different frequencies so all three of the synchronizing variables must be monitored to ensure they are within acceptable limits prior to closing the open circuit breaker. The system operators for the two islands will likely have to adjust generator MW output levels (or adjust island load magnitudes) in one or both islands to achieve the desired adjustment in frequencies and phase angles. Voltage control equipment (reactors, capacitors, etc.) may also be used as necessary to change voltage magnitudes to within acceptable levels.

Figure 1 Synchronizing Two Islands 1.2.2 Scenario #2: Establishing the Second Tie Once the first transmission line is closed interconnecting the two islands, the frequency will be the same in the two areas. Therefore, one of the three synchronizing variables (the frequency) is no longer a factor. However, as illustrated in Figure 2, the other two synchronizing variables must still be monitored. Generation and/or voltage control equipment may be to be utilized to ensure

the phase angle and voltage magnitude differences are within acceptable limits prior to closing the second circuit breaker. This process should be easier than closing the first transmission line (Scenario #1) as frequency is no longer a factor.

Figure 2 Establishing the Second Transmission Tie 1.3 Synchronizing Equipment 1.3.1 Synchroscope A synchroscope is a simple piece of equipment that is used to monitor the three synchronizing variables. A basic synchroscope (illustrated in Figure 3) inputs voltage waveforms from the two sides of the open circuit breaker. If the voltage waveforms are at the same frequency, the synchroscope does not rotate. If the voltage waveforms are at a different frequency, the synchroscope rotates in proportion to the frequency difference. The synchroscope needle always points to the voltage phase angle difference. A synchroscope is a manual device in that an operator must be watching the "scope" to ensure they close the circuit breaker at the correct time. The synchroscope is normally mounted above eye level on a "synch panel". The synch panel also contains two voltmeters so that the voltage magnitudes can be simultaneously compared. The synchroscope in Figure 3 reflects a slight voltage magnitude mismatch, and a stationary synchroscope with a phase angle of approximately 35. The fact that the synchroscope needle is not rotating indicates frequency is the same on either side of the circuit breaker.

Figure 3 Synchroscope in a Synch Panel 1.3.2 Synchro-Check Relays A synchro-check or synch-check relay electrically determines if the difference in voltage magnitude, frequency and phase angle falls within allowable limits. The allowable limits will vary with the location on the power system. Typically, the further away from generation and load, the more phase angle difference can be tolerated. Synch-check relays typically do not provide indication of the voltage magnitude, frequency or phase angle. A synch-check relay decides internally whether its conditions for closing are satisfied. The synch-check relay will either allow or prevent closing depending on its settings. A typical synch-check relay may allow closing if the voltage angle across the breaker is less than 30. 1.3.3 Application of Synchronizing Equipment At power plants, synchroscopes are routinely installed to permit manual closing of a circuit breaker. In addition, synch-check relays can be used to "supervise" the closing of the circuit breaker and prevent distracted or inexperienced operator from initiating a bad close.

Modern power plants typically utilize automatic synchronizers. Automatic synchronizers send pulses to the generator exciter and governor to change the voltage and frequency of the unit. The synchronizer will automatically close the breaker when it is within an allowable window. Substations on the transmission system have traditionally had synchroscopes installed. However, few substations are now manned due to the availability of powerful SCADA systems. Because of this development, newer substations may or may not have a synch panel, depending on the transmission company procedures. Since most circuit breaker operations are done remotely, transmission companies often rely on synch-check relays to supervise closing of breakers. Figure 4 illustrates a possible synchronizing system for substation breakers. Note the use of a synch scope and a synch-check relay. Electrical contacts can be opened or closed to rearrange the synchronizing system as desired.

Figure 4 Synchronizing System for a Substation Breaker

Synchronization (alternating current)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search 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. A DC generator can be connected to a power network by adjusting its open-circuit terminal voltage to match the network voltage by either adjusting its speed or its field excitation; the exact engine speed is not critical. However, an AC machine must match both the amplitude and the timing of the network voltage, which requires both speed and excitation to be systematically controlled for synchronization. This extra complexity was one of the arguments against AC operation during the War of Currents in the 1880s. In modern systems, synchronization of generators is carried out by automatic systems.

Conditions
There are five conditions that must be met before the synchronization process takes place. 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. Waveform and phase sequence are fixed by the construction of the generator and its connections to the system. During installation of a generator, careful checks are made to ensure the generator terminals and all control wiring are correct so that the order of phases (phase sequence) matches the system. Connecting a generator with the wrong phase sequence will result in a short circuit as the system voltages are opposite to those of the generator terminal voltages.[1] The voltage, frequency and phase angle must be controlled each time a generator is to be connected to a grid. Generating units for connection to a power grid have an inherent droop speed control that allows them to share load proportional to their rating. Some generator units, especially in isolated systems, operate with isochronous frequency control, maintaining constant system frequency independent of load.

Process

The sequence of events is similar for manual or automatic synchronization. The generator is brought up to approximate synchronous speed by supplying more energy to its shaft - for example, opening the valves on a steam turbine, opening the gates on a hydraulic turbine, or increasing the fuel rack setting on a diesel engine. The field of the generator is energized and the voltage at the terminals of the generator is observed and compared with the system. The voltage magnitude must be the same as the system voltage. If one machine is slightly out of phase it will pull into step with the others but, if the phase difference is large, there will be heavy cross-currents which can cause voltage fluctuations and, in extreme cases, damage to the machines.

The synchroscope at the top of this set of instruments has a pointer that rotates at a speed proportional to the difference between the system and the generator frequency. When the pointer is stationary, the two sources are synchronized and the generator may be switched onto the system.

Synchronizing lamps
Formerly, three light bulbs were connected between the generator terminals and the system terminals (or more generally, to the terminals of instrument transformers connected to generator and system). As the generator speed changes, the lights will flicker at the beat frequency

proportional to the difference between generator frequency and system frequency. When the voltage at the generator is opposite to the system voltage (either ahead or behind in phase), the lamps will be bright. When the voltage at the generator matches the system voltage, the lights will be dark. At that instant, the circuit breaker connecting the generator to the system may be closed and the generator will then stay in synchronism with the system.[2] Synchronizing on "dark" lamps was preferred over "bright" lamps because it was easier to discern the minimum brightness; however, a lamp burnout at the wrong time could cause synchronization errors.

Synchroscope

From top to bottom: synchroscope, voltmeter, frequency meter. When the two systems are synchronized, the pointer on the synchrosope is stationary and points straight up. Main article: Synchroscope

Another manual method of synchronization relies on observing an instrument called a "synchroscope", which displays the relative frequencies of system and generator. The pointer of the synchroscope will indicate "fast" or "slow" speed of the generator with respect to the system. To minimize the transient current when the generator circuit breaker is closed, usual practice is to initiate the close as the needle slowly approaches the in-phase point. An error of a few electrical degrees between system and generator will result in a momentary inrush and abrupt speed change of the generator.

Synchronizing relays
Synchronizing relays allow unattended synchronization of a machine with a system. Today these are digital microprocessor instruments, but in the past electromechanical relay systems were applied. A synchronizing relay is useful to remove human reaction time from the process, or when a human is not available such as at a remote controlled generating plant. Synchroscopes or lamps are sometimes installed as a supplement to automatic relays,for possible manual use or for monitoring the generating unit. Sometimes as a precaution against out-of-step connection of a machine to a system, a "synchro check" relay is installed that prevents closing the generator circuit breaker unless the machine is within a few electrical degrees of being in-phase with the system. Synchro check relays are also applied in places where several sources of supply may be connected and where it is important that out-of-step sources are not accidentally paralleled.

Synchronous operation
When the generator is synchronized, the frequency of the system will change depending on load and the average characteristics of all the generating units connected to the grid. Large changes in system frequency can cause the generator to fall out of synchronism with the system. Protective devices on the generator will operate to disconnect it automatically.

Synchronous speeds
Synchronous speeds for synchronous motors and alternators depend on the number of poles on the machine and the frequency of the supply. The relationship between the supply frequency, f, the number of poles, p, and the synchronous speed (speed of rotating field), ns is given by:

. In the following table, frequencies are shown in hertz (Hz) and rotational speeds in revolutions per minute (rpm): No. of poles Speed (rpm) at 50 Hz Speed (rpm) at 60 Hz

2 4 6 8 10 12

3,000 1,500 1,000 750 600 500

3,600 1,800 1,200 900 720 600