Synchronous

generators control
Chemical Engineering Department

Submitted to:
Dr. Kareem Aboras


Presented By:

 Salma Hani Mohamed Ali 21010622

 Radwa AbdulNasser Fikry 21010520

 Mariam Khaled El-sayed 21011324

 Yasmine Yasser Al-sayed 21011549

 Fatima Al-Zahraa Mohammed 21010938

 Youssef Taher Ali shalaby 21011599

 Mohamed Kamel Al-sayed 20011688

 Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed 21011074

 Mohamed Ahmed Galal 21011060

 Moamen Samir Ibrahim 20011417

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………………4

1.CONSTRUCTION OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR ……………………………………………5

2.THE OPERATION PRINCIPLE …………………………………………….………………………….6

…………………………………………………………………….……………………….…………………7

3.TYPES OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CONTROL…………………………….……………..8

4.THE CONTROL SYSTEMS USED IN SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR…………………………..9

5.SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE……………………….……10

6.SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR LOAD CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTION……………………….12

7.SYSTEM FREQUENCY CONTROL……………….………………………………………….……….13

8.POWER QUALITY CONTROL……………………………………………………………..……….…..14

9.INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES………………………………………………………………….15

CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………………………..16

REFRECES………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
 INTRODUCTION

Synchronous generator systems are systems that require the use of several generators
operating in sync with each other to divide the electrical energy of the grid. This
multidisciplinary system is among the most modern in electrical networks, allowing the
adoption of synchronous power sources. Therefore, the synchronous generator system is the
ideal solution to achieve higher performance, safety, flexibility, economic efficiency and
effective energy distribution within electrical networks.
Controlling synchronous generators in the electrical power system is crucial for maintaining
grid stability and reliability. These generators play a central role in generating electricity by
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. By controlling parameters such as
voltage, frequency, and reactive power, operators can ensure the proper functioning of the
grid, prevent blackouts, balance supply and demand in real-time. Essentially, synchronous
generators act as the backbone of the power system, providing essential services to meet the
ever-changing needs of consumers and industries.

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1. CONSTRUCTION OF SYNCHRONOUS
GENERATOR

The rotor and stator are the rotating and the stationary part of the synchronous generator.
They are the power generating components of the synchronous generator. The rotor produces
the main field flux and the stator consists of the armature winding in which the voltage is
generated. The output of the alternator is taken form the stator. The relative motion between
the rotor and the stator induces the voltage between the conductors.
The stator of the alternator includes several parts like the frame, stator core, stator or armature
windings, stator terminal box, neutral CT, and its terminal box and cooling arrangement. The
rotor core is keyed to a rotor shaft, which is connected to a prime mover like a turbine, engine,
etc. This whole internal assembly is enclosed in a hollow cylindrical cover to provide
mechanical strength to the machine and protect it from external impacts.

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2. THE OPERATION PRINCIPLE
The operation principle of synchronous generator control involves regulating the generator's
output voltage and frequency to maintain stability and meet the power demand of the electrical
system to which it is connected. The principals involved:

 Synchronization: Before connecting a synchronous generator to the electrical grid, it

must be synchronized with the grid's voltage and frequency. This ensures that the
generator's output waveform is in phase and synchronized with the grid.

 Excitation Control: The excitation control system regulates the magnetic field strength in
the generator's rotor. By adjusting the field current, the excitation control system
maintains the generator's terminal voltage within the desired range. This voltage
regulation is crucial for maintaining a stable power supply to the connected electrical
system.

 Voltage Regulation: The voltage regulator monitors the generator's terminal voltage and
adjusts the field current to maintain a constant voltage output. It continuously compares
the actual terminal voltage with the desired setpoint and adjusts the excitation system
accordingly.

 Frequency Regulation: The frequency of the generator output is directly related to the
speed of rotation. Therefore, to regulate the frequency, the prime mover (such as a
turbine or engine) that drives the generator is controlled. The control system adjusts the
prime mover's speed based on the grid frequency and the load demand, maintaining the
generator's output frequency within acceptable limits.

 Load Sharing: In multi-generator systems, load sharing control is necessary to distribute

the power between the generators. Load sharing control ensures that the connected
generators share the total load proportionally, preventing overloading of any individual
generator.

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  Protection Systems: Synchronous generators are equipped with various protection
systems to safeguard them against abnormal operating conditions, such as overvoltage,
overcurrent, and loss of excitation. These protection systems monitor the generator's
parameters and initiate protective actions, such as tripping the generator offline, in case
of abnormal conditions.

Overall, the control of synchronous generators involves regulating the excitation, voltage,
frequency, and load sharing to maintain stable operation, provide reliable power supply, and
protect the generator from harmful operating conditions.

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3. TYPES OF SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
CONTROL
 Voltage Control: This method adjusts the excitation level of the synchronous generator
to control the terminal voltage. By increasing or decreasing the excitation level, the
generator can regulate its output voltage.

 Frequency Control: This method adjusts the mechanical input to the generator to control
the output frequency. By increasing or decreasing the mechanical input (such as
adjusting the turbine speed in a hydroelectric generator), the generator can regulate the
output frequency.

 Reactive Power Control: This method controls the reactive power output of the
generator by adjusting the excitation level. By varying the excitation level, the generator
can provide or absorb reactive power to help stabilize the grid voltage.

 Power Factor Control: This method adjusts the generator's power factor by controlling
the reactive power output relative to the real power output. Maintaining a desired power
factor helps optimize the efficiency and stability of the generator.

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4. THE CONTROL SYSTEMS USED IN
SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR:

 Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR): This system is responsible for regulating the
excitation level of the generator to maintain a constant output voltage under varying
load conditions.

 Governor Control*: This system adjusts the mechanical input to the generator to control
the output frequency by regulating the speed of the prime mover.

 Power System Stabilizer (PSS): PSS is used to enhance the stability of the power
system by providing additional control signals to the excitation system of the generator.

 Load Shedding System: This system is designed to shed non-critical loads in the event
of a system disturbance to prevent a cascading failure and maintain system stability.

 Frequency Control: This system ensures that the generator output frequency remains
within acceptable limits by adjusting the mechanical input or excitation level.

 Reactive Power Control: This system regulates the reactive power output of the
generator to maintain system voltage stability and p ower factor.

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5. SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE

Synchronous generator control and performance standards are crucial for ensuring the safe,
stable, and reliable operation of power systems.

 Control Standards: Frequency Response: Generators must be able to respond to

changes in system frequency by adjusting their active power output. This helps maintain
the overall system frequency within a tight range (typically 50 or 60 Hz).

 Voltage Control: Generators need to contribute to maintaining stable voltage levels at

designated points within the power grid. This involves adjusting their reactive power
output.

 Transient Response: Generators must be designed to withstand and quickly recover

from system disturbances like faults or sudden load changes. This ensures system
stability and prevents cascading failures.

 Islanding Capability: In case of a grid disconnection, some generators might need to

operate independently to supply critical loads within an isolated "island." Standards
define the requirements for stable operation in islanding mode.

Performance Standards:

Active Power Range: Generators must be able to operate within a specified range of active
power output, allowing for load following and system balancing.

Reactive Power Capability: Generators have limitations on their reactive power output, which
defines their ability to contribute to voltage control.

Efficiency: Standards may specify minimum efficiency requirements for generators to promote
economical operation and reduce fuel consumption.

Environmental Impact: Emissions regulations often dictate standards for acceptable pollutant
levels emitted by generators.

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6. SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR LOAD
CONTROL AND DISTRIBUTION

Synchronous generators play a crucial role in maintaining a stable and reliable power grid.
Effective control and distribution of their load are essential for achieving this goal.

Load Control Mechanisms:

 Governor Control: This feedback system senses changes in generator speed. When
load increases, speed drops slightly. The governor automatically adjusts the prime
mover's (turbine) fuel/steam input, restoring speed and maintaining system frequency.

 Excitation Control: Regulating the field current in the rotor's field winding influences the
generator's internal voltage and reactive power output. This helps control voltage levels
and power flow within the network.

Control Strategies:

 Automatic Generation Control (AGC): Modern systems often utilize sophisticated AGC
systems. These leverage communication networks and control algorithms to
automatically adjust governor setpoints of multiple generators, actively managing load
distribution based on real-time system conditions.

 Manual Intervention: In special cases, system operators may manually adjust generator
outputs to achieve the desired load distribution, particularly during emergencies or
planned maintenance.

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7. SYSTEM FREQUENCY CONTROL

System frequency control is crucial in an electrical power system, where synchronous

generators must operate at a constant and stable frequency.

The system frequency is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of synchronous

generators. When the frequency is higher than the target value, the load on the generators is
increased to reduce their speed. Conversely, when the frequency is lower than the target
value, the load is reduced to increase the generator speed.

Advanced automatic control systems are used to precisely adjust the generator speed based
on frequency variations in the system. These systems rely on monitoring and measuring the
frequency and adjusting control signals to achieve a stable frequency.

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8. POWER QUALITY CONTROL

Synchronous generator control plays a significant role in improving the quality of generated
power and ensuring the efficient operation of the power system.

Power quality control involves reducing electrical distortions such as harmonic distortions,
voltage distortions, and current distortions, which can cause issues in power systems and
connected devices.

Modern control techniques such as active control and harmonic filters are used for power
quality control. Electrical distortions generated by the generators are monitored, analyzed, and
then control signals are used to adjust voltage and current and correct the distortions.

Effective control of power quality through synchronous generators enhances the stability of the
electrical system and improves the performance of connected loads. Additionally, it helps to
avoid problems such as excessive heat in devices, damage to sensitive equipment, and
operational interferences.

Please note that the precise details and techniques used in system frequency control and
power quality control may vary depending on the application and the technology employed.
Consulting technical sources and other research materials for more detailed and up-to-date
information on these aspects is advised.

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 9.INNOVATIONS AND CHALLENGES
New innovations in the field of synchronous generators are focused on improving efficiency,
output capabilities, and grid stability. Manufacturers are continuously working on reducing
electrical losses and enhancing heat dissipation to enhance overall performance.
Some of the new innovations in synchronous generators include:
1.Improved Efficiency: Manufacturers are innovating designs to reduce electrical losses and
improve the overall efficiency of synchronous generators.
2.Enhanced Heat Dissipation: Efficient heat dissipation is crucial for the optimal performance
and longevity of synchronous generators. Innovations in cooling systems and materials help in
dissipating heat more effectively.
3.Flexibility in Operational Profiles: The development of modular synchronous generators
allows for flexibility in operational profiles. These generators can be configured for various
modes of operation.
4.Grid-Code Compliance: Synchronous generators need to meet specific grid code
requirements before they can be connected to electricity networks.
5.Increased Inertia: Inertia plays a crucial role in maintaining grid stability, especially during low
voltage or short-circuit events. Innovations in synchronous generators include the incorporation
of flywheels to increase available inertia.

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In conclusion the report on synchronous generators has provided valuable insights into the
operation and characteristics of these devices. Synchronous generators play a crucial role in
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy in various applications, including power
generation, industrial processes, and renewable energy systems. The report discussed the
fundamental principles of synchronous generators, including their construction, working
principle, and key parameters such as voltage regulation and power factor control. It also
highlighted important considerations such as excitation systems, synchronization, and parallel
operation of multiple generators. Overall, the report has deepened our understanding of
synchronous generators and their significance in the field of electrical engineering.

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REFRENCES
F. Blaabjerg, R. Teodorescu, M. Liserre and A. V. Timbus "Overview of control and grid
synchronization for distributed power generation systems" IEEE Trans. Ind. Electron., vol. 53,
no. 5, 2006.

K. Debrabandere, B. Bolsens, J. Van Den Keybus, A. Woyte, J. Driesen and R. Belmans "A
voltage and frequency droop control method for parallel inverters" IEEE Trans. Power
Electron., vol.22, 2007.
Anderson, P., and Foad, A. (2003). Power System Control and Stability. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-
IEEE Press.

Wang, F., Zhang, L., Feng, X., & Guo, H. (2018). An adaptive control strategy for virtual
synchronous generator. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 54(5), 5124-5133.

Jadric, I., Borojevic, D., & Jadric, M. (2000). Modeling and control of a synchronous generator
with an active DC load. IEEE transactions on Power Electronics, 15(2), 303-311

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016823002028

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2022.842318/full

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