APPLICATIONS

The synchronous motor has a wide range of applications. Its constant speed
operation (even under load variation and voltage fluctuations) and high
efficiency(92-96 percent , the highest of all motors)make it most suitable for
constant- speed, continuous running drives such as motor- generator sets, air
compressors, centrifugal pumps, blowers, crushers, and many types of continuousprocessing mills.
A unique feature of synchronous motors is their power factor control
capabilities. If the motor is over excited, it draws leading reactive current. The over
exited synchronous motor can be used to compensate for a large number of
induction motors that draw lagging reactive current. The leading reactive drawn by
the synchronous motor can improve the plant power factor, while at the same time
such motors can act as prime movers for some drives in the plant . An unloaded
synchronous motor maybe used as a synchronous condenser (over exited) or
reactor (under exited) to regulate the voltage at the receiving end of long power
transmission line.
Because of their higher initial cost compared to induction motor, synchronous
motor is not suitable at high speed or below 50 hp in the medium- speed range. For
low-speed and high-hp applications, the induction motor is not cheaper than the
synchronous motor, because a large amount of iron is required to establish a high
air gap flux density, in the neighborhood of 1 tesla. In a synchronous motor,
because of separate excitation by the rotor field, a value almost twice the figure is
permissible. Furthermore, the advantages of constant-speed operation, power factor
control, and high efficiency may override the disadvantage of higher initial cost for
some hp and speed ranges.
In low speed and high hp drives, some typical applications where
synchronous motors are used are large low -head pumps, flour mills, line shafts,
ship propulsion, rubber mills and mixers, and pulp grinders.
In variable speed drive systems synchronous motors with solid state control
are being considered seriously. The converters in the self controlled synchronous
motor drive systems are simple and inexpensive, because commutation of thyristors
is provided by the synchronous machine itself. This system is a series contender for
application as variable speed drive. In urban transient system or locomotive drives,
dc motors have been used for years. However, dc motors require frequent
maintenance and are expensive. Induction motors with inverter control have been
tried with limited success. Although induction motors are rugged, the complexity
o0f the inverter control circuit, the relatively poor efficiency and the poor power
factor associated with these motors have not made them attractive. The
synchronous motor has less maintenance than the dc motor and has higher power
factor and efficiency than the induction motor. Solid state power conditioners for

synchronous motors can be simpler and less expensive than those required for
induction motors. Consequently the self controlled synchronous motor drive system
is being considered as a viable alternative for transient system and locomotive
drives.