Synchronous Generator Working Principle And Applications

Electrical Electronics Engineering

A synchronous generator, also known as an alternator, operates based on the principle of Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through the rotation of a conductor within a magnetic field. As the rotor, typically wound with coils, spins within the stator’s magnetic field created by a DC excitation source or permanent magnets, an alternating current is induced in the stator windings. This alternating current matches the frequency of the rotor’s rotation, resulting in a synchronized output. Synchronous generators find widespread application in various sectors, including power generation in thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable energy plants, where they provide stable and synchronized electrical power essential for grid operations. They are also utilized in standalone systems such as diesel-electric generators, providing backup power in case of grid failure or remote areas lacking access to centralized power grids. Additionally, synchronous generators play a crucial role in industrial applications, powering large-scale machinery, and in the transportation sector, where they serve as power sources for locomotives and ships.

ABSTRACT

The electrical machine can be defined as a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electrical generator typically consists of two parts; stator and rotor. There are various types of electrical generators such as direct current generators, alternating current generators, vehicular generators, human powered electrical generators, and so on. However, in this work, a synchronous generator, working principle and its applications is discussed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL PAGE

DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

AIM OF THE PROJECT
OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
ADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT
DISADVANTAGES OF THE PROJECT

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
REVIEW OF PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
CLASSIFICATIONS OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR OPERATION
DAMPENING WINDING FUNCTION IN SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
FREQUENCY OF A SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
ROTATING ARMATURE AC SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR WORKING
ROTATING-FIELD AC SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR WORKING
APPLICATIONS OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR

CHAPTER FOUR

TESTING

OPEN CIRCUIT TEST
SHORT CIRCUIT TEST
CALCULATION OF ZS
CALCULATING THE SPEED OF A SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The electrical machine can be defined as a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy or mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electrical generator can be defined as an electrical machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. An electrical generator typically consists of two parts; stator and rotor. There are various types of electrical generators such as direct current generators, alternating current generators, vehicular generators, human powered electrical generators, and so on. In this article, let us discuss about synchronous generator working principle.

The rotating and stationary parts of an electrical machine can be called as rotor and stator respectively. The rotor or stator of electrical machines acts as a power-producing component and is called as an armature. The electromagnets or permanent magnets mounted on the stator or rotor are used to provide magnetic field of an electrical machine. The generator in which permanent magnet is used instead of coil to provide excitation field is termed as permanent magnet synchronous generator or also simply called as synchronous generator.

In general, synchronous generator consists of two parts rotor and stator. The rotor part consists of field poles and stator part consists of armature conductors. The rotation of field poles in the presence of armature conductors induces an alternating voltage which results in electrical power generation.

1.1 AIM OF THE PROJECT

The main aim of this work is to write on the working principle of synchronous generator and its application.

1.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

At the end of this work students involved shall be able to understand how synchronous generator operates, its advantages, problem and application of the device.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

In industries, Synchronous generators are employed mostly because of less cost, rugged construction, good starting torques and very less maintenance. Synchronous generators are rarely used in industries for drive applications. They are generally used as power factor correction device. In industries they are employed to improve the power factor of the system.

1.5 ADVANTAGES OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR

Being power factor improvement appliance synchronous machines posses lots of positive points. Some very important advantages are: –

There motors can be made to operate at a leading power factor and thereby improve the power factor of an industrial plant from lagging to one that is close to unity.
It gives constant speed from no load to full load.
Electra-magnetic power varies linearly with voltage.
These motors can be constructed with wider air gaps than induction motors, which make then better mechanically.
These motors operates at higher efficiency, especially in the low speed unity power factor range.

1.6 DISADVANTAGES OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR

Everything has its own advantages and disadvantages and Synchronous machine is not an exception. Synchronous machines have some disadvantages. Some of noticeable disadvantages or demerits of synchronous machines are as : –

It cannot be used for variable speed job as there is no possibility of speed adjustment.
It requires d. c. excitation which must be supplied from external source.
It cannot be started under loaded condition. Its starting torque is zero.
It has a tendency to hunt.
It is not possible for places where frequent starting is required.
It may fall out of synchronism and stop when over loaded.