Synchronous Generators
WHAT IS SYNCHRONIZATION IN GENERATORS AND WHY IS IT PREFERRED?
With the growth of businesses and industries today, the increasing demand for electrical energy has led to the search for new strategies in energy production. This situation has resulted in an increase in the power and size of diesel engine generators, bringing with it a number of challenges. The use of large-power generators entails disadvantages such as high fuel consumption, increased operational costs, large space requirements, and risks associated with single-point failures. To overcome these challenges, the synchronization of small-power generator sets has become an increasingly preferred solution.
The process of connecting multiple generators together to supply electrical power to a common load system is called “synchronization.” This process requires aligning critical electrical parameters such as frequency, phase, and voltage between generators. Synchronization is an important technique that improves the efficiency and reliability of power generation systems. Today, synchronization operations have been largely automated thanks to advanced microprocessor-based control panels. This technological progress has significantly enhanced the efficiency, reliability, and flexibility of power generation and distribution systems. Microprocessor-based control panels can manage complex synchronization processes simply and accurately.
The synchronization device checks the generators’ frequencies, voltages, and phase angles before they are connected to the system. This ensures that the generators are synchronized correctly and safely with the electrical network or with other generators. The main steps of the process are as follows:
- Data Collection: The synchronization device gathers critical electrical parameters such as voltage, frequency, and phase angle from current transformers and other sensors.
- Load Detection and Management: The microprocessor analyzes the collected data to determine the current load demand. When demand increases, it decides whether synchronized generators should be activated. When demand decreases, it disconnects and stops unnecessary generators.
- Automatic Synchronization: When power demand rises, the synchronization device automatically adjusts the generators’ frequencies, voltages, and phase angles to ideal levels, ensuring efficient and safe synchronization without system damage.
- Circuit Breaker Activation: The synchronization device activates the appropriate circuit breakers, allowing generators to operate in synchronization with the system. This ensures continuous and reliable power generation.
Advantages of the Synchronization System
Low Operating and Installation Costs
• Economies of Scale: Using several small generators is often more economical than a single large one. Smaller units are generally cheaper and easier to install.
• Flexible Installation: Smaller generators can fit into tight spaces or existing structures more easily, reducing structural modification costs.
Longer Service Life
• Load Sharing: Operating multiple synchronized generators allows each to work under lower load, reducing wear and extending lifespan.
• Optimized Operation: Generators can be started or stopped according to demand, maintaining ideal operating conditions.
Lower Maintenance Costs
• Balanced Wear and Tear: Using multiple generators distributes wear evenly, reducing maintenance needs.
• Flexible Maintenance Schedules: While one generator is under maintenance, others can continue running, ensuring uninterrupted power supply.
Operational Flexibility and Reliability
• Load Management: Activating or deactivating generators according to load improves energy efficiency.
• Backup and Redundancy: If one generator fails, others continue supplying power, increasing overall system reliability.