The Importance of Generator Synchronization

Summer time has a way to make people lose sync, especially when they forget to adjust their clocks. Just as people need to synchronize their clocks with the rest of the world, if a generator is taken out of service and reconnected to the power system during load changes, emergency power outages, maintenance, and other situations, then the generator also needs to synchronize. This useful article from Woodstock Electric explains what you need to know about generator synchronization.

What is generator synchronization?

Generator synchronization is the process of matching parameters, such as the phase angle, phase sequence, and waveform of AC generators (generators) or other power sources with healthy or operational power systems. This was completed before the generator was reconnected to the power system. Once the parameters of one generator are synchronized with those of another generator, AC generator, or busbar, the system can run smoothly again.

The synchronization between the generator and the power system must be carefully carried out to prevent damage to the unit and the power system itself. When the generator is synchronized with the power system, the frequency and voltage of the generator must closely match. Before closing the generator circuit breaker and connecting the isolated generator to the power system, the rotor angle and instantaneous power system phase angle must be close.

In most cases of generator synchronization, the synchronization process is automatically carried out through an automatic synchronizer with manual control capability, which can be used in standby situations. The synchronization panel typically indicates any adjustments that the operator should make to the governor and excitation, as well as when it is believed that the circuit breaker can be closed.

Why do we need generator synchronization?

Unless all the above parameters match the grid parameters perfectly, the generator cannot deliver electricity to the power system. When two or more AC generators supply power to the load together, synchronization is required. Due to the non constant power load, two or more generators providing electricity need to be connected and operated in parallel to handle larger loads.

Replacing a single generator with a series of small units is called parallel operation. Synchronization is crucial for parallelization, and many commercial factories prefer this setting because it:

Reliability: For multiple AC generators, parallel operation is more reliable than a single generator. In a unit system, if the AC generator malfunctions, the entire system will shut down. In a parallel system, one AC generator may malfunction while the other will maintain system operation.

Continuity: If one unit needs maintenance, other systems can remain running to prevent your entire operation from stopping.

Load: Your load requirements may vary throughout the day. Adjust your parallel system to accommodate higher or lower loads through more or fewer active systems.

Efficiency: The generator has the highest efficiency when operating at rated load. By adapting to load changes, your system can always remain efficient.

Capacity: Larger operations require greater power. With more generators, the system has more AC generators to increase capacity.

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