Generator Synchronization for dummies

Need to synchronize

  • We synchronize two or more generator to meet the increasing load ( maneuvering, loading/discharging) 
  • To achieve a smooth transition without blackout ( changing over generator for maintenance etc...) 
  • To test the safeties on the alternator side without causing a blackout

Terminologies

  • A generator connected to the bus bar is known as running generator 
  • The generator to be synchronized is known as an incoming generator. 

Synchronizing manual generator using  synchronoscope

  1. After starting the incoming generator check the voltage, frequency on the incoming generator bus bar panel
  2. To achieve a smooth operation make sure the incoming generator speed is slightly faster than the running generator (about 3-5 rpm higher than the running generator)
  3. Speed of the generator can be adjusted by the governor/speed controller placed on the generator panel 
  4. Turn the knob of the synchronoscope selecting the incoming generator 
  5. The synchroscope starts to rotate in the clockwise direction as at about 5 sec per revolution as the incoming generator rpm.speed is higher than the running generator
  6. If the synchronoscope rotates in the anti-clockwise direction that means the incoming generator is slower than the running generator  this can be corrected by increasing the generator rpm/speed
  7. As the synchroscope rotates in the clockwise direction close the breaker when the pointer points to 11 'O' clock.
  8. Share the load on both the generator by using governor controller (increase the load in the incoming generator and decrease the load in the running generator simultaneously)
  9. Turn the knob of synchroscope to the off position

Synchronizing generator using Auto synchronoscope

This is used on most of the new UMS ships 

  1. After starting the incoming generator check the voltage, frequency on the incoming generator bus bar panel
  2. after  confirming all parameter press the auto synchronize button
  3. the breaker will close automatically after adjusting the phase sequence
  4. load sharing is done automatically