Synchronizing

25

Providing Security Against

Faulty Synchronization and
Attendant Damage

Synchronizing

Introduction
As protection practitioners, we spend the majority
of our time designing protection systems to trip
Designing a protection system to close requires
careful attention to security
You want to provide security against improper
closure of two electrical sources
What defines proper closure?

Synchronizing

Introduction
Protect against harmful effects of closing two ac
electrical sources with excessive:
-

Phase Angle Difference ()

Slip Frequency (F or S)
High or Low Voltage (UVL, LVL)
Voltage Difference (V)

Synchronizing is Used in Generator Synchronizing

and System Line Restoration Applications

Synchronizing

Asynchronous Sine Waves

Phase Angle
in 1cycle

f1
f2

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Phasor Representation
Phase Difference 0

VA
VA

VC

P=

VB

E1 E2
Z

---------------------------------------------------------------

sin 0

Synchronizing

Phasor Representation
Phase Difference 80
VA
P=

VA
VC

VB

E1 E2
Z

---------------------------------------------------------------

sin 80

Synchronizing

Phasor Representation
Phase Difference 160
VA
P=

VB

VC

VA

E1 E2
Z

---------------------------------------------------------------

sin 160

Synchronizing

Synchroscope
Display of
Phase Angle

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Schematic of a Model System

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Effects of Synchronizing Errors

Excessive Phase Angle Machine Issues
Excessive Phase Angle - Closing at a static angle as low as
15 degrees can cause as large a power swing as closing at 0
degrees with an excessive slip frequency of 0.5 Hz (2-second
scope).
Tends to sharply bump the generator
Mechanical shock can cause extensive damage to the rotor
Though mechanical damage may not be significant
cumulative fatigue damage on the shaft will ultimately reduce
the life expectancy of the generator
This cumulative fatigue damage on the shaft is often
expressed as a loss-of-life value.
High stator currents cause deformation of generator-endturns and eventual winding failure
Faulty synchronizing subjects the windings of the power
transformer to stress

Synchronizing

Effects of Synchronizing Errors

Excessive Phase Angle System Issues
Causes Instantaneous Power and VAr
Flows
May cause transient high voltage
May cause stability issue
ZA
ZC

VC

VC

VA
VA
VB

ZB

VB

Synchronizing

Phase Angle Difference: Power Flows

A 12 degree close hard-loads a machine to 30% of full-load shock !
Even a small angle (12 degrees) can cause
large instantaneous power flows

1 PU

P= E1 * E2 (sin0)
Z
0O

90O
Even a small angle (12 degrees) can cause
large instantaneous power flows

180O

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Excessive Frequency Difference

Known as hard loading
Causes power flows
- Power out if slip is positive
- Power in if slip is negative
Cumulative mechanical stress on rotating machinery
Excessive frequency difference errors can cause a
disturbance when the power swing exceeds stability
limits

Synchronizing

Excessive Voltage Difference

If the generator voltage is higher than the system
voltage, the generator will supply Vars
May cause transient high voltage
If the generator voltage is lower than the system
voltage, the generator will sink Vars
May trigger system instability as excitation
systems react and cause power oscillations

Synchronizing

The Cost of Faulty Synchronization

Machine repair costs
Down Time
Lost Revenue
Lost of Interest on Investment

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Faulty Generator Synchronizing

Synchronization of Generator 5-AT

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Faulty Generator Synchronizing

Synchronization of Generator 6 at Avon

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References

[1] Robert W. Beckwith, "Calculations of Circuit Breaker Closing Criteria for

Synchronizing a Generator." Beckwith Electric Company, August 1979.
[2] I. M. Canay, H. J. Rohrer, K. E. Schnirel, "Effect of Electrical Disturbances,
Grid Recovery Voltage and Generator Inertia on Maximization of Mechanical
Torques in Large Turbogenerator Sets." IEEE Transactions on Power
Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-99, No.4, July/August 1980, pp. 1357-1370.
[3] H. H. Chen, G. E. Jablonka, J. V. Mitsche, J.B. Lewis, "Turbine-Generator
Loss-of-Life Analysis Following a Faulty Synchronization Incident." American
Power Conference, Chicago, Illinois, April 21-23, 1980.
[4] R. D. Dunlop, A. C. Parikn, "Verification of Synchronous Machine Modeling
in Stability Studies: Comparative Tests of Digital and physical Scale Model
Power System Simulations. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and
Systems, Vol. PAS -98, No.2, March/April 1979, pp. 369-378.
[5] D. R. Green, et al, "IEEE Screening Guide for Planned Steady-State
Switching Operations to Minimize Harmful Effects on Steam TurbineGenerators." IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS99, No.4, July/August 1980, pp. 1519-1521.

Synchronizing

References

[6] T. J. Hammons, "Stressing of Large Turbine-Generators at Shaft Couplings

and LP Turbine Final-Stage Blade Roots Following Clearance of Grid System
Faults and Faulty Synchronization." IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and
Systems, Vol. PAS -99, No.4, July/ August 1980, pp. 1652-1662.

[7] M. C. Jackson, S. D. Umans, "Turbine-Generator Shaft Torques and Fatigue:

Part III -Refinements to Fatigue Model and Test Results IEEE Transactions on
Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-99, No.3, May/ June 1980, pp. 12591268.
[8] John S. Joyce, Dietrich Lambrecht, "Status of Evaluating the Fatigue of
Large Steam Turbine-Generators Caused by Electrical Disturbances." IEEE
Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-99, No. 1, Jan./Feb.
1980, pp. 111-119.
[9] John S. Joyce, Tadeusz Kulig, Dietrich Lambrecht, The Impact of HighSpeed Reclosure of Single and Multi- Phase System Faults on TurbineGenerator Shaft Torsional Fatigue. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus
and Systems, Vol. PAS- 99, No. 1, Jan./Feb. 1980, pp. 279-291.
[10] J. V. Mitsche, P. A. Rusche, Shaft Torsional Stress Due to Asynchronous
Faulty Synchronization. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems,
Vol. PAS-99, No.5, Sept./act. 1980, pp. 1864-1870.

Synchronizing

References
[11] D. G. Ramey, G. C. Kung, Important Parameters in Considering
Transient Torques on Turbine-Generator Shaft Systems. IEEE Transactions
on Power Apparatus and Systems, Vol. PAS-99, No. 1, Jan./Feb. 1980, pp.
311-317.
[12] P. A. Rusche, P. C. Krause, W. C. Hollopeter, Results of an Investigation
into the Torsional Shaft Failure of a 21 MW Combustion Turbine. IEEE
Publication No. CH1523-4/80/1172.
[13] Jan Stein, Horst Fick, The Torsional Stress Analyzer for Continuously
Monitoring Turbine-Generators. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and
Systems, Vol.. PAS-99, No.2, March/April 1980, pp. 703-710.
[14] United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver,
Colorado, Power O and M Bulletin. No.27, June 1957.

Synchronizing

Synchronizing Elements
Sync Check (25SC, 25SC+)
Automatic Synchronizer (25A)
Speed (Frequency) Matching (15)
Voltage Matching (90)

Synchronizing

Synchronizing Elements
SYNC
CHECK

SYNC
CHECK
PLUS

AUTO
SYNC

GEN
CONTROL

25SC

25SC+

25A

15/90

PHASE ANGLE () LIMIT

AUTO

PHASE ANGLE TIME DELAY (TSC)

FREQUENCY DIFFERENCE (F)

LIMIT

BREAKER CLOSING TIME (TBC)

UPPER VOLTAGE LIMIT (UVL)

LOWER VOLTAGE LIMIT (LVL)

VOLTAGE DIFFERENCE (V) LIMIT

DEAD LINE/BUS CLOSE

GEN SPEED RAISE/LOWER

GEN VOLTAGE RAISE/LOWER

DEVICE
DEVICE NUMBER

Synchronizing

Sync Check Logic

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Sync Check Plus

Classic sync check relays use phase angle/time
- This is done so an inferred slip limit can be realized
Modern sync check relays use phase angle/slip
- Using slip frequency directly is better than using
time
- Do not have to widen the angle setting
- Do not have to have a deliberate delay
Affords faster restoration on tie line applications
Affords tighter angle settings for generator
applications

Synchronizing

Sync Check Plus Logic

Slip Frequency Limit OK

Synchronizing

= 360 S T

25A
25SC
Start 3
25SC+
Close 3

Auto Sync,
Sync Check &
Sync Check +
with Rotating
Phase Angle

25SC
Close T

Synchronizing

Sync Check Plus Applications

Generation
- Used to supervise an operator or automatic
synchronizing relay
Tie Line
- Used to verify static phase angle or extremely
low slip between systems
- Used to supervise a SCADA or automatic
synchronizing relay

Synchronizing

Automatic Synchronizing Relays

Used to connect two electrical systems that are
separated
Have the ability to calculate an advance time to
close a breaker that takes into account the slip
frequency between the two systems
= 360 S T
Applications
- Connect a generator to the grid
- Tie systems when one is islanded

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Generator Synchronizing

Generator

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Generator Synchronizing DC Control

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Auto Sync
Maximum Advance Angle Calculation

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Sync Check Plus

Phase Angle Limit Calculation

Synchronizing

Electromechanical Sync Check

in Series with Operator
**** WARNING ****

Close Characteristic
- Time Delay Cannot Be Adjusted to Zero
- Phase Angle Setting Varies with Applied Voltage

Blocking Characteristic
- Once Made Up, Opens at Large Angles Exiting
Zero Degrees ! ! !

Synchronizing

Electromechanical Sync Check

in Series with Operator

Causes a
Late Close !

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Electromechanical Sync Check

in Series with Operator
Synchronism-Check Relay Test
General Electric Type IJS52
The purpose of this test was to determine the blocking characteristics of the IJS Relay
set for 20 and minimum time delay. Tests were run for the following conditions:
With the initial phase angle at 0 and both inputs at 60Hz, increase the line frequency
to create a slip frequency (F) and measure the blocking time and blocking angle.
TEST DATA

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Manually Supervised
Automatic
Synchronizing

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Classical Method

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Auto Sync in Series with Operator

52
CS

Closing
Circuit

25A

Autosync

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Auto Sync in Series with Operator

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Operator Window Concept

52
CS

Closing
Circuit

25A

Operator
Window

Autosync

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Operator Window

Synchronizing

Operator Window with Backup Sync

Check
52
CS

Closing
Circuit

25A

25

Operator
Window

Autosync

Sync
Check

Synchronizing

Auto Sync with Operator Window and

Backup Sync Check: Failure Analysis
Failed Sync Check Relay &
Improper Operator Action
52
CS

Denotes Elements
Failed Closed

25A

LEGEND:
25A Autosynchronizer
25SC Sync Check Relay

52 Circuit Breaker Control Switch

CS

25SC

Synchronizing

Auto Sync with Operator Window and

Backup Sync Check: Failure Analysis
Failed Autosynchronizer &
Improper Operator Action
52
CS

Denotes Elements
Failed Closed

25A

LEGEND:
25A Autosynchronizer
25SC Sync Check Relay

52 Circuit Breaker Control Switch

CS

25SC

Synchronizing

Auto Sync with Operator Window and

Backup Sync Check: Failure Analysis
Failed Autosynchronizer &
Sync Check Relay
52
CS

Denotes Elements
Failed Closed

25A

LEGEND:
25A Autosynchronizer
25SC Sync Check Relay

52 Circuit Breaker Control Switch

CS

25SC

Synchronizing

Auto Sync / Sync Check in Parallel with

Backup Sync Check

Synchronizing
Line

Ring Bus
2

1
G

(a) Circuit breakers 1 and

4 are open; generator is
ready for sync.

Line

Line

Line

Line

1
G

(b) Circuit breaker 1

closes on rotating
phase angle. The
autosync closes the
breaker.

Line

Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

1
Line

Line

Line

(c) Circuit breaker 4

is closed on the
static angle. The
sync check relay
closes the breaker.

NOTE: All lines are energized and tied.

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

1
G

Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

Line

(a) Circuit breakers 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 are open;

circuit breakers 4, 6, 7 and 9 are closed.

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

4
G

G
2

Closed

Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

Line

(b) Circuit breaker 5 ties buses 1 and 2 on a rotating

or static phase angle, or hot/dead depending on
line conditions.

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

1
G

Closed

Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

Line

(c) Circuit breaker 8 closed on the static phase angle.

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

Closed

Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

(d) Circuit breaker 1 closed on the

rotating phase angle.

Line

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

G
2
3

Closed

Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

(e) Circuit breaker 3 closed on the

rotating phase angle.

Line

Synchronizing

Breaker and 1/2

Line

Bus 1

G
2

Closed

3
Line

Bus 2
Closed Breaker
Open Breaker

Line

Line

(f) Circuit breaker 2 closed on the static angle.

Station is synchronized.

Synchronizing

Speed & Voltage Matching Relays

Generation
- Speed matching is required to bring a generators
frequency equal to the grid frequency
- Voltage matching is required to bring a generators
voltage equal to the grid voltage

Synchronizing

Application: Generation

Supervise and control generation coming onto bus

(system)
- Control generator so ideal synchronizing conditions
occur
Speed match
Voltage match
- Properly close the breaker

Synchronizing

Speed Matching

Difficulties are often encountered

operators and speed matching relays

that

affect

- High inertia of turbine-generator causes response lags

- Governor control systems take time to physically
move, causing a response lag
The speed matching algorithm has to take the lags
into account or control overshoot will result

Synchronizing

Proportional Pulse Frequency :

Ideal Response

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Proportional Pulse Frequency :

Actual Response

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Proportional Pulse Width: Ideal Response

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Proportional Pulse Width: Actual

Response

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Proportional Pulse Width: Real World

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Application: System Restoration

Supervise connection of two electrical systems

- Synchronous Tie: Systems are connected together at
some other location
- Asynchronous Tie: Systems are not connected anywhere
This is sometimes referred to as connected islanded
systems together

Synchronizing

Synchronous Tie

System
A

System
B

25

Synchronizing

Asynchronous Tie

System
A

System
B

25

Synchronizing

System Restoration Synchronizing

Tie Line

Synchronizing

System Restoration Synchronizing DC

Control
Auto Sync: Max F Limit
Sync Check: Angle Limit, Low F Limit
Provisions to Jump
Sync Check Angle
Under Certain System
Conditions

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System Restoration:
Element Applications

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Synchronizing

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Providing Security Against

Faulty Synchronization and
Attendant Damage
2008 Beckwith Electric Co., Inc.