Synchronous Generator System

Synchronous Generator

Most of us know what generators are. Generators are (in terms of power generation) electrical machines that generate or produce electricity. However, most people do not know what synchronous generators are. Synchronous generators are machines that produce or generate Alternating Current (AC) when the unit’s turbines are rotated by a motor. The yield frequency of the synchronous generator is the precisely comparative to the speed at which the motor is powered.

Synchronous generators are powered at constant rate and pull its excitation from outside or external power source, or separate of the load or conduction grid it is supplying. A component called “exciter” enables the synchronous generator to generate its own reactive energy. The exciter also regulates its own power. Synchronous generators can either be operated from utility grids or unconnected.

Synchronous generators produce power by rotating electromagnetic fields surrounded by coils that generate a “three phase alternating current”. Synchronous generators are not commonly used because permanent magnets are apt to become “demagnetized” by the strong magnetic fields inside the synchronous generator. Another reason is that potent magnets that are made of rare metal are expensive.

Synchronous Generator Curves Voltage

Most of the wind turbines that are available nowadays utilize electromagnets in their engines. These types of wind turbines are plugged directly from the electric grid. These electric grids supply alternating current (AC), the synchronous generator must first convert the AC into DC (direct current) before it goes to the coils that wind the electromagnets of the turbines. These electromagnet turbines are plugged to the current by way of slip rings on the axle of the unit.

The difference between a synchronous generator and an induction generator is that induction generators generate only “one third” of the total amount of power requirement of a facility, while synchronous generators can generate or produce as much as a hundred percent of the total power of a facility. Synchronous generators are ideal for those who are worried on the subject of blackout and long power disruptions. These types of power generating machines are also excellent for increasing the power consumption of industries.

Synchronous generators can generate or produce active and reactive energy autonomously. The synchronized torques within the power generator provides huge amount of power. The revolution speed of these power generators determines the amount of power it generates.

However, on small scale synchronous generators, the current are supplied from an external source by installing insulated copper rings on the units’ generator shaft.