<br>

11
Synchronous Motorg
INTRODUCTION
Itmay be recalled that ad.c. generator can be run as a d.c. motor. In like manner, an alternator may
operate as a motor by connecting its armature winding to a 3-phase supply. It is then called a syncht
onous motor. As the name implies, a synchronous motor runs at synchronous specd (N;=120fl P) ie,
in synchronism with the revolving field produced by the 3-phase supply. The speed of rotation is
therefore, tied to the frequency of the source. Since the frequency is fixed, the motor speed stays
constant irrespective of the load or voltage of 3-phase supply. However, synchronous motors are not
used so much because they run at constant speed (i.e., synchronous speed) but because they posses
other unique electrical properties. In this chapter, we shall discuss the working and characteristics of
synchronous motors.
11.1 CONSTRUCTION
A synchronous motor is a machine that operates at synchronous speed and converts electrical energy
into mechanical energy. It is fundamentally an alternator operated as a motor. Like an alternator, a
synchronous motor has the following two parts :
3-Phase
() a stator which houses 3-phase armature winding supply
in the slots of the stator core and receives power
from a 3-phase supply (See Fig. 11.1).
(i) a rotor that has a set of salient poles excited by
direct current to form alternate N and Spoles. The
exciting coils are connected in series to two slip
rings and direct current is fed into the winding Stator
from an external exciter mounted on the rotor
shaft.
The stator is wound for the same number of poles as
the rotor poles. As in the case of an induction motor, the
number of poles determines the synchronous speed of the Rotor
motor :
Synchronous speed, N, = 0P
where f=frequency of supply in Hz
=
P number of poles Fig. 11.1
An important drawback ofa synchronous motor is that it is not self-starting and auxiliary means
have to be used for starting it.
11,2 SOME FACTS ABOUT SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR
Some salient features ofa synchronous motor are:
() A synchronous motor runs at synchronous speed or *not at all. Its speed is consta
(synchronous speed) at all loads. The only way to change its speed is to alter the supp'y
A
synchronousmotor develops torque only when running at synchronous speed.

478
<br>

Motors
Synchronous
479
frequency (N, = 120f/P).
outstanding characteristic of a synchronous motor
(
The is that it can be made to operate over
Tange of power factors (l0gging, or
unity lcading) by adjustment of its field excitation.
motor can be made
Thereforc, a synchronous to carrythe mechanical load at constant
andi at the same time improve the power factor of the system. speed
Synchronous motors are generally offthe salient pole type.
(i) motor is not self--starting and an auxiliary means
A: synchronous has to be used for starting it.
() r
We use either induction
motor principle or a separate starting motor
used, the machine must run up
for this purpose. If the
latter method is be to synchronous speed and synchronised as
an altermator.

11.3 OPERATING PRINCIPLE

a synchronous motor has no starting torque can be easily explained.
Thefactithat
() Consider a 3-phase synchronous motor having two rotor poles N, and Sp. Then the stator
will also be wound for two poles Nç and The motor has direct voltage applied to the rotor
S
winding anda 3-phase voltage applied to the stator winding. The stator winding produces a
rotating field which revolves round the stator at synchronous speed N, (- 120 f/P). The
direct (or zero frequency) current sets up a two-pole field which is stationary so long as the
rotor is not turning. Thus, we have a situation in which there exists a pair of revolving
armature poles (i.e., Ng -S
and a pair of stationary rotor poles (i.e., Np-Sp).

A
3-PHASE 3-PHASE
SUPPLY
Ns SUPPLY

Na

Sg

Ns
S

'B B

() (i)
Fig. 11.2
as It
) Suppose at any instant, the stator poles are at positions A and B shown in Fig. 11.2 ().
1s clear that poles N, and
N, repel each other and so do the poles S and Sp- Therefore, the
rotor tends to move in the anticlockwise direction. After a period of half-cycle (or l/2f=
are reversed but the polarities of the rotor
L/i00second), the polarities of the stator poles
attract each other and so do
POies remain the same as shown in Fig. 11.2 (i). Now and N,
S

move in the clockwise direction. Since the stator

"g and S Therefore, the rotor tends to one direction and then
Poles change their polarities rapidly, they tend to pull the rotor first in
rotor, the motor fails to
ater a period of half-cycle in the other. Due to high inertia of the
start.
a motor cannot start by
lee,
itself. asSynchronous motor has no self-starting torque i.e., synchronous
<br>

Principles of Electrical Machines

480
How to gct continuous unidirectional torque? Ifthe rotor poles are rotated by some external
mcans at such a specd that they interchange their positions along with the stator poles, then the rotor
can be understood from the foll.t
will cxpericncc a continuous unidirectional torque. This
discussion :
and the rotor is also ros.
() Suppose the stator ficld is rotating in the clockwise direction
clockwise by some external means at such speed
a that the rotor poles interchange their
positions along with the stator poles. .
Suppose at any instant the stator and rotor poles are in the position shown in Fig. 11.3 (n
(ii) a the sto
is clear that torque on the rotor willbe clockwise. After period of half-cycle.,
poles reverse their polarities and at the same time rotor poles also *interchange their positiene
as shown in Fig. 11.3 (ii). The result is that again the torque on the rotor is clockwice
on the rotor and moves it in the clockue
Hence a continuous unidirectional torque acts
of oppositepolarity o
direction. Under this condition, poles on the rotor always facepoles
attraction
the stator and a strong magnetic attraction is set up between them. This mutual
locks the rotor and stator together and the rotor is virtually pulled into step with the speed
of

'revolving flux (i.e., synchronous speed).

A
A
3-PHASE
SUPPLY s
NA

S Ns

() (it)
Fig. 11.3
(i) If now the external prime mover driving the rotor is removed, the rotor will continue to
rotate at synchronous speed in the clockwise direction because the rotor poles are magneticaly
locked up with the stator poles. It is due to this magnetic interlocking between stator ad
rotor poles that a synchronous motor runs at the speed of revolving flux i.e., synchronouS
speed.
11.4 MAKING SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR SELF-STARTING
A synchronous motor cannot start by itself. In order to make the
motor self-starting, a **squirel cage winding (also called damper Damper
winding
winding) is provided on the rotor. The damper winding consists of
copper bars embedded in the pole faces of the salient poles of the
rotor as shown in Fig. 11.4. The bars are short-circuited at the ends N
to form in effect a partial squirel cage winding. The damper winding S
Since the rotor poles are being rotated by an external means at such a N.
speed that they interchange their positions along with the stator poles.
Fig. 11.4
Similar to that in an induction motor.
<br>

Synchronous Motors
481
serves to start the motor.
(n To start with, 3-phasc supply is given to the stator
winding while the rotor ficld winding is
0unenergised. The rotating stator ficld induces currents in the damper or
squirrel cage winding and
the motor starts as an induction motor.
(:a As the motor approaches the synchronous specd, the rotor is
Mowthe resulting poles on the rotor face poles of opposite
excited with direct current.
on
polarity the stator and a strong magnetic
traction is set up between them. The rotor poles lock in with the poles
ofrotating flux. Consequently.
he rotor revolves at the same speed as the stator field i.e., at synchronous speed.
(ii) Because the bars of squirrel cage portion of the rotor now rotate at
the same speed as the
Rtoting stator field, these bars do not cut any flux
and, therefore, have no induced currents in them.
Hence squirrel cage portion of the rotor is, in effect,
removed from the operation of the motor.
It may be emphasised here that due to
a svnchronous
magnetic interlocking between the stator and rotor poles,
motor can only run at synchronous speed. At any other
speed, this magnetic interlocking
(ie. rotor poles facing opposite polarity stator poles) ceases and the average torque
Consequently, the motor comes to a halt with a severe disturbance on the line.
becomes zero.
Note: It is important to excite the rotor with direct current at
the right moment. For example, if the d.c.
excitation is applied when N-pole stator
of the faces N-pole of the rotor, the resulting magnetic repulsion
will
produce a violent mechanical shock. Themotor will immediately slow down and the circuit breakers will trip.
In practice, starters for synchronous motors are designed to detect the precise moment when excitation
be applicd.
should

11.5 EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT

Unlike the induction motor, the synchronous motor is
connected to two electrical systems; a d.c.
source at the rotor terminals
and an a.c. system at the stator terminals.
1.Under normalconditions ofsynchronous motor operation, no
voltage is induced in the rotor
by the stator field because the rotor winding is
rotating at the same speed as the stator field. Only the
impressed direct current is present in the rotor winding
and ohmic resistance of this winding is the
only opposition to it as shown in Fig. 11.5 ().
2. In the stator winding, two effects are to be considered;
the effect of stator field on the stator
winding and the effect of the rotor field cutting
the stator conductors at synchronous speed.
R

+ W X

E,

Stator
Circuit Rotor
Circuit
(i)
Fig. 11.5
() The effect of statorfield on the stator (or armature) conductors is accounted for
by including
an inductive reactance in the armature winding,
This is called synchronous reactance X
A
resistance R, must be considered to be in series with this reactance to account for the copper
loSses in the stator or armature winding as shown in Fig. 11.5 (). This resistance combines
With synchronous reactance and gives the synchronous impedance of the machine.
<br>

Principlos of Electrical Machinne

482
in the stator winding by the synchronott.
Thc second cffect is that voltagc is generatcd
a
(i) generated e. m.f. E, is knovu
revolving field of the rotor as shown in Fig. 11.5 (). This upon
opposes stator voltage V. The magnitude of E, depends
back e.m.f. and the ne
is constant, the valuc of E, depends
speed and rotor flux per pole. Since rotor speed
the rotor flux per pole ie. exciting rotor
current I,.
me
one phase of a star-connccted synchronous.
Fig. 11.5 () shows the schematic diagram for
to equivalent circuit in Fig. 11 5(:
while Fig. 11.5 (i) shows its equivalent circuit. Referring the
Net voltage/phase in stator winding is ...
phasor difference
E, = V- E,
=
Armature current/phase, I,
-
where
Z,
JR+x a synchronous motor
This equivalent circuit helps considerably in understanding the operation of
is such that E, = V lf
A synchronous motor is said to be normally excited if the field excitation
to he
<V, the motor is said to be under-excited. The motor said
E is
the field excitation is such that
we shall see, for both normal and under
over-excited if the field excitation is such that E, > V. As
motor has leading
excitation, the motor has lagging power factor. However, for over-excitation, the
power factor.
Note : In a synchronous motor, the value of X, is 10 to 100 times greater than Consequently, we can
R

or
neglect R, unless we are interested in efficiency heating effects.
11.6 MOTOR ON LOAD
In d.c. motors and induction motors, an addition of load causes the motor speed to decrease. The
decrease in speed reduces the counter e.m.f. enough so that additional current drawn from the
a
source to carry the increased load at reduced speed. This action cannot take place a synchronous
in
motor because it runs at a constant speed (i. e., synchronous speed) at all loads.
What happens when we apply mechanical load to a synchronous motor ? The rotor poles fall
slightly behindthe stator poles while continuing to run at synchronous speed. The angular displacement
between stator and rotor poles (called torque angle a) causes the phase of back e.m.f. E, to change
wrt. supply voltage V. This increases the net e.m.f. E, in the stator winding. Consequently, stator
current I,(=E,/ Z) increases to carry the load.

Ng Ns

N Na

Smaller a Greater a
A
Fig. 11.6
The following points may be noted in synchronous motor operation:
() A synchronous motor runs at synchronous speed at all loads. It meets the increased load no

by a decrease in speed but by the relative shift between stator and rotor poles i.e., by ui

adjustment of torque angle a.

<br>

Synchronous
Motors
on the motor incrcascs, the torque 483
if the load anglc a also
(i) increases (i.e., rotor poles
ind the stator poles by a greatcr angle) but the motor run at synchronouslag
d
The increasc in torquc angle a causes a greater continues to
phase shifl
Ply voltage V. This increases the nct voltage E, in the stator of back e.m.f. E, w.r.d.
winding. Consequently.
armmature current
/, ( b,/ 2) incrcases to meet the load demand
on motor dccrcases,
(ii) Ifthe load the w.ri. V
the torque angle a
also decreases. This causes a smaller
phase shift E,of Consequently, the net voltage
E, in the stator winding decreases
and so does the armature current ,(=E,/ Z).

11.7 PULLL-OUT TORQUE

There is limit to the mechanical load that can be applied to a synchronous motor.
a
As the load
Tncihe torque angle a also increases so
that a stage is reached when the rotor is pulled out
of
synchronism and the motor comes to a standstill. This load torque at which motor
the
synchronism is called pull-out or breakdown torque. Its value varies from 1·5 to
pu!ls out of
3-5 times the full-
load torque.
When a synchronous motor pulls out of synchronism, there is a
major disturbance on the line
nd the circuit breakers immediately trip. This protects the motor because both squirrel cage and
tator winding heat up rapidly when the machine ceases to run at
synchronous speed.
11.8 MOTOR PHASOR DIAGRAM
Consider an under-excited star-connected synchronous motor (E, <) supplied with fxed excitation
ie, back e.m.f. E, is constant.
Let = supply voltage/phase
E, = back e.m.f./phase
Z, = synchronous impedancephase
() Motor on no load. When the motor is on no load, the torque angle a is small as shown in
Fig 11.:7 (). Consequently, back e.m.f. E, lags behind the supply voltage V bya small angle *5 as
shown in the phasor diagram in Fig. 11.7 (iii). The net voltage/phase in the stator winding is
E,
Armature current/phase, I, = E,/Z,
The armature current I, lags behind E, by0
90°. The phase angle between
tan X,/Rg Since X, >> Rg l, lags E, by nearly
and I, is so that motor power factor is cos
V
.
Input power/phase = Vl, cos ¢
E
R
!!N

Na
Vi oEb)

(it) (iüü)
Fig. 11.7
load
nus at no load, the motor takes a small power VJ, cos /phase from the supply to meet the no
losses while it run at synchronous speed.
coontinues to
nere is a definite relation between
degrees.
a and 8. Note that a is in mechanical degrees while is in electrical
<br>

Principles of Electrical Machinee

484
(ii) Motor on load. When load is applied to the motor, the torque anglea incrcases as shown in
Fig. 11.8 (). This causes E, (its magnitude is constant as excitation is fixed) to lag behind V by a
greater angle as shown in the phasor diagram in Fig. 11.8(i). The nct voltage/phase E, in the stat
winding increases. Consequently, the motor draws more armature current /, ( E,1 2,) to mcet the
applied load.

NG

() (ii)

Again I, lags E, by about 90° since X

Fig. 11.8
>> Rg The power factor of the motor is cos .
Input power/phase, P, = Vl, cos¢
Mechanical power developed by motor/phase
Pm = E, x I, x cosine of angle between E, and I,
= E, I, cos (8- )

11.9 EFFECT OF CHANGING FIELD EXCITATION AT CONSTANT LOAD

In a d.c. motor, the armature current /, is determined by dividing the difference between V and E, by
the armature resistance R, Similarly, in a synchronous motor, the stator current () is determined by
dividing voltage-phasor resultant (E,) between Vand E, by the synchronous impedance Z,.
One ofthe most important features ofa synchronous motor is that by changing the field excitation,
it can be made to operate from lagging to leading power factor. Consider a synchronous motor having
fixed supply voltage and driving a constant mechanical load. Since the mechanical load as well as
the speed is constant, the power input to the motor (-3 VI, cos ¢) is also constant. This means that
the in-phase component I, cos ¢ drawn from the supply will remain *constant. If the field excitation
is changed, back e.m.f. E, also changes. This results in the change of phase position ofl, w.r.t. Vand
hence the power factor cos of the motor changes. Fig. 11.9 shows the phasor diagram of the
synchronous motor for different values of field excitation. Note that extremities of current phasor ,
lie on the straight line **AB.
() Under excitation. The motor is said to be under-excited if the field excitation is such tht
E,< Under such conditions, the current 1, lags behind V so that motor power factor is lagging as
V.
shown in Fig. 11.9 (). This can be easily explained. Since E, < V, the net voltage E, is decreased and
turns clockwise. As angle 0 (-90") between E, and I, is constant, therefore, phasor I, also turns
clockwise i.e., current 1, lags behind the supply voltage. Consequently, the motor has a laggng
power factor.

Input power cos

=3 Vl,
Since and input power are constant, I, cos must be constant.
V

Since I, cos is constant, component of !, along V is fixed.

0= tan'XJR,. Since X, >> R, and both are fixed, =90° and is fixed.
<br>

Synchronous Motors
485
Normalexcitation. The motor is said to be normally excited ifthe field excitation is such that
E,=V. This shown in Fig.
is: 11.9 (i). Note that the effect of increasing
excitation (.e., incrcasing E,)
the phasor E, and hence I, in tthe anticlockwise direction
is to turm i.e., I, phasor has come closer to
Therefore, p.f. increases though still lagging. Since input power
phasor I.
must with
(- 3 VI, cos ) is unchanged,
*decrease increase in
the stator currentI,
p.f.
V

A
Er

E
E, E

E,< V V=E E, > V E,>V

Under excitation Normal excitation Unity p.f. Over-excitation
() (ii) (ii) (iv)
Fig. 11.9
Suppose the field excitation is increased until the current I, is in phase with the applied voltage ,
making thep.f. ofthe synchronous motor unity [See Fig. 11.9 (ii)]. For a given load, at **unity p.f. the
resultant E, and, therefore, I, are miniumum.
(i) Over excitation. The motor is said to be overexcited if the field excitation is such that
,
E,> V. Under such conditions, current 1, leads V andthe motor power factor is leading as shown in
Fig. 11.9 (). Note that E, andhence furtherturn anticlockwise from the normal excitation position.
Consequently, !, leads V.
From the above discussion, it is concluded that if the synchronous motor is under-excited, it has
a laggingpower factor. As the excitation is increased, the power factor improves till it becomes unity
at normal excitation, Under
such conditions, the current drawn from the supply is minimum. If the
excitation is further increased (i.e., over excitation), the motor power
factor becomes leading.
Note. The armature current (I ) is minimum at unity p.f. and increases as the power factor becomes poor,
either leading or
lagging.
I1.10 PHASOR DIAGRAMS WITH DIFFERENT EXCITATIONS
Fig. 11.10 shows the phasor diagrams for different field excitations at constant load. Fig. 11.10 ()
Shows the phasor diagram for normal excitation
aagram for under-excitation. In
(E, = ), whereas Fig. 11.10 (i) shows the phasor
both cases, the motor has lagging power factor.
Fig. I1.10 (ii) shows the phasor diagram when field excitation is adjusted for unity p.f. operation.
Onder this condition, the resultant
voltage E, and, therefore, the stator currentI, are minimum. WNhen
ie motor is overexcited, it has leading power factor as shown in Fig. 11.10 (iv). The following points

Va
decreasc.
cos ) +
(, sin ). Since , cos is constant, the lagging reactive component , sin will

ty p.f., E, > Vbut the difference is very small so that E, = V. Therefore, unity p.f. also corresponds
to normal excitation.
<br>

486 Principles of Electrical Machines

may be
remembered:
E Eb

=0°

E,= V
E,<V E, > V E, >V
Lagging p.f. Lagging p.f. Unity p.f. Leading p..
() (i) (ii). (iv)
Fig. 11.10
a
() For given load, the power factor governed by the field excitation ; a weak field produces
is
the lagging armature current and a strong field produces a leading armature current.
(iD The armature current () is minimum at unity p.f. and increases as the p.f. becomes less,
either leading or lagging.
11.11 POWER RELATIONS
Consider an under-excited star-connected synchronous motor driving a mechanical load. Fig. 11.11

() shows the equivalent circuit for one phase, while Fig. 11.11(i) shows the phasor diagarm.
Ra E

() (ii)
Fig. 11.11
() Input power/phase, P, = V, cos
(i) Mechanical power developed by the motor/phase,
Pm = E, x I, x cosine of angle between E, and ,
=E; !, cos (8- )
(ii) Amature Cu loss/phase - IR,=P,-P.
(iv) Output power/phasor, Pout -
P, Iron, friction and excitation loss.
Fig. 11.12 shows the power flow diagram of the synchronous motor.
Electrical power inputvphase
(VI, cos )

Armature Cu loss Mechanlcal power

developed per phase
-
P= EI, cos (8 ¢)
0
Iron, frictlon Output power
Fig. 11.12 and excitation loss Pout
<br>

Motors
9nchronoUS 487
MOTOR TORQUE
I1.12
Gross torque, 7. 9-55N-m
N,
P. = Gross motor output
where
in watts = E, 1, cos (6-)
N, = Synchronous speed in r.p.m.
=
Shaft torque, Tyh 955 aut N-m
N,
may be
seen that torque is directly proportional to the mechanical power because rotor
It speed
fixed.
(ie, N,) is
MECHANICAL POWER DEVELOPED BY MOTOR
11.13
(Armature resistance neglected)
Fig.11.13 shows the phasor diagram of an under-excited
a mechanical
synchronous motor driving load. Since armature
assumed *zero, tan =X/R,=o and hence
resistance R, is
8=90°.
Input power/phase = I, cos ¢
/e= 90°
Since R, is assumed zero, stator Cu loss ( R,) will be
Tero, Hence input power is equal to the mechanical power
motor.
P developed by the
Mech. power developed/ phase, =
VI cos ...) P
Referring to the phasor diagram in Fig. 11.13, Fig. 11.13
AB = E, cos = I X, cos
Also AB = E, sin &
L,X, cos = E, sin &

= E, sin 8
cos
Or l, x,
Substituting the value of
l, cos in exp. () above,
VE, S ..per phase
P. sin
3 V Eb.sin
.for 3-phase
Itis clear from the above relation that mechanical power increases with torque angle (in electrical
degrees) and its maximum value is reached when 8= 90° (electrical).

P.max ..per phase

of the rotor will be mid-way between Nand S poles of the stator.
Under this condition, the poles
Example 11.1. A
2000 V, 3-phase, star-connected motor has resistance and synchronous'
ance per phase of0 2 92 and 1-9 respectively. Calculate the generated (back) e.mfper phase
with an input 2
800kW at p.f. 0:8 lagging.
of

Solution.

Supply voltage/phase, V = 2000/V3 = 1155 volts

Practical motor, the value of X, is 10 to 100 times greater than R

Consequently, we can neglect R,
without significant error.
<br>

488 Principles of Electrical Machinoe

Line current, , =
800 x 10
x
Ebk
V3x 2000 0-8
= 288 A
Armature current/phase, I, =1, = 288 A
tan-! 1·9/02
= -
84°
= cos 0-8 = 36-8°

Z, = Vo-2)' + (1-9? = 1-91 Q

= 550 V
E, = I,Z, = 288 x 1-91
Refer to the phasor diagram of the motor shown in Fig. Fig. 11.14
11.14. Applying rule oftrigonometry to A AOB,
AB = OA+ OB-2 x OA x OB x cos (0 ) -
- x cos (84°- 36-8°)
or E, =(550) + (1155) 2x 550 x 1155
= 773296
E, = V773296 = 879 V/phase
,
Example 11.2. A 3980 50 Hz, 4-pole, star-connected synchronous motor generates back
per phase are 2:2 Q and 22 o
e.mf. of1790 Vper phase. The resistance and synchronous reactance
respectively. The torque angle is 30° electrical. Calculate (i) the resultant armature voltage/phate
(i) armature current/phase (ii) power factor of the motor (iv) gross torque developed by the
motor. A
EbE
Solution. Fig. 11.15 shows the phasor diagram of the
motor. Since V> E, the motor power factor willbe lagging.
= 3980//3
Armature voltage/phase, V
= 2300 V
§= 30 30°
Back e.m.f./phase, E, = 1790 V
B
VE, cos 8
() E +E, -2
-
= (2300) + (1790) 2 x 2300 x 1790 x cos 30o
=, 1363000
Fig. 11.15
E, = V1363000 = 1167 V
(i) Z, = JR+X; - y2-2)' + (22)?
= 22•1 2
1, - E/Z, -
1167/22-1 = 52-8 A
(ii) e = tanX/R, =tan 22/2-:2 = 84-3°
In right angled ABO, LAOB =0-.
A

E, sin 30°
tan (0- ) = AB
OB V- E, cos 30°
1790 sin 30º
= 1·193
-
2300 1790 cos 30°
Or
8$3 = tan 1·193 = 50°
= 0- 50º = 84-3°
or -50° = 34-30
Motor p.f. = cos o = cos 34-3o = 0-826 lag
(iv) Motor input power, P.= V3 V,I, cos
V3 x3980 × 52-8 x0-826 =
300647 W
Armature Cu loss = 3 R, = 3x (52-8) x 2-2 = 18400 W
1
<br>

Motors
synchronous
Mechanical I power developcd, P = 489
300647-18400 282247 W

Synchronous specd, N, = 120J7P= 120 x

50/4 = 1500rom
Gross torque, T. = 9.55m
N,
= 9:55 282247 =
1797 N-m
1500
Example 11.3. 3-phase synchronous motor has
A

12 poles and operates from 440

Calculate its speed. Ifit takes a line current of
V,

l00 A
at 0-8 power 50 H:

willl be developing ? Neglect losses. factor lead, what torque

motor
the
Solution.
Motor speed, N. = 20 f
=
120x 50 =
P 500 r.p.m.
12
Input power, P; = V3 V,I, cos
= J3 x 440 x 100 x
0-8 = 60966 W
As losses are neglected,
Output power,
P= P
=60966 W
Motor torque, T = 9.55out =9.5s 60966 = 1165 N-m
N, 500
Example 11.4. A 3-phase, 6000 kW, 4 kV, 180 rp.m.,
reactance ofl-2 S2. 50 Hz motor has per phase synchronous
Atfull load, the torque angle is 20° electrical. Ifthe generated
it 2-4 kV.calculate the back e. m.f.phase
mechanical power developed. What will be the maximum
developed ?
mechanical power
Solution.
= = 2-3 kV
V
4/3
Pm = sin &
x,
3x(2-3x10') x (2-4 x 10')
x sin 20°
1·2
= 4-71 x 10° W =
471 MW
The mechanical power developed will be maximum
when & =90°,
3V E, 3x(2-3x1o') x(2-4x1o')
Pmar
X,
1·2
= 13-8 x 10° W = 13+8 MW
EXample 11.5. 400 V 10 H.P. (7-46 kW), 3-phase synchronous motor
A

resistance has negligible armature

and a. synchronous reactance of Determine the minimum armature current
10 2phase.
d the corresponding e.m.f. for full-load conditions. Assume an efficiency of 85%.
Solution. The
factoris unity armature current will be minimum whenthe power
will be as
i.e., when cos =1. Under this condition, the phasor diagram
shown in Fig. 11.16.
Voltage/phase, V = 400/N3 = 231 volts Eb
Motor input, P, = 7460/0-85 = 8775 W
Motor line current, 8775
Ia = 12-67 A
J3x 400 x1
Fig.11.16
Impedance drop =.X= 12-67 x 10 = 126-7 volts
<br>

490 Principlos of Eloctrical Machines

- + 126-7)
J2 +,
E, x, y(23)?
e.m.t/phase,
= 263•4 volts
synchronousmolor is 60 A. The
EXample 11.6. The input to an 11000 3-plhase, star-connected
per phase are respectively I 2 and 30 2. Find ()
jectve resistance and synchronous reactance (ii) induced e. m.f. for a power factor of 08
the power supplied to the motor at 0-S p.f. lagging
leading (ii) the induced e. mf. for a power factor of08 lagging.
Solution.
() Input current, 1, 60 A x
x
cos = V3x11000 60 0-8
Power supplied to motor =
3 V,,
= 915 x 10° W = 915 kW

(i) Induced e.m.f. for 0-8 p.f. leading.

V = 11000/W3 = 6351 volts
Supply voltage/phase,
Synchronous impedance/phase,
Z, - /R+(X' =
)' + (30) =302
,
= tan-! = tan -l 30 = 88-10
Internal angle, R, 1

p.f. angle, = 0-8 = 36-9°

cos
= 60 x 30 = 1800 volts
Impedance drop, E, = 1,2,
a power factor of 0-8 leading.
Fig. 11.17 () shows the phasor diagram of the motor for

E, = Jv'+ E-2 V E, cos (0 + $)

J(6351)+(1800)-2x 635lx 1800 cos (88-1° + 36.90)
= 7529 volts
= 13040 volts
Line value of induced e.m.f. = V3 x 7529

E.=
E-1800 volts
18 1800
\0=88.1° =
volts
5=36.9° Ke=88.1°
V=6351 volts =36.9° V=6351 volts

() (it)
Fig. 11.17
(ii) Induced e. mf for 0-8 pf. lagging. Fig. 11.17 (i) shows the phasor diagram of the motor for
a
p.f. of 0-8 lagging.
E, =Jv2 + E-2V E, cos(- )
= V(6351) + (1800) 635 1 x 1800 cos (88-1°- 36-9°)
-2x
= 5408 volts

Line value of inducede.m.f. = 3x 5408 = 9367 volts

Example 11.7. The synchronous reactance per phase of a 3-phase, star-connected, 6600
synchronous motor is 102 For a certain load, the input is 900 kW andthe induced e.m,f. is 8900
<br>

Motors 491
9nchronous
power factor.
value Find the line current and eglect resistance.
ire
Solution.
= =
Supply voltage/phase, V
6600/ W3 3810 volts

Back e.m.f./phase, E, = 8900/ /3 = 5140 volts

induced e.m.f. is greater than the supply
Since the
B

a
motoris operating with leading
power factor.
voltage,,the
diagram of the motor.
l1.18.shows the phasor
Fig.
Input power J3 x6600 x I, x cos E, 5140
900 x 10 = V3x6600 ×
=
cos 90°
or
I, volts
900 x 10 A
1, cos = 78-74 A V=3810 volts
J3x 6600
Fig. 11.18
Referring tothe phasor diagram in Fig. 11.18, we have,
OB = I, X, = 1, x 10 = 101,
Also BC = OB cos ¢ = 10 1, cos = 10 x 78-74 = 787-4 volts
Now
(AB)' = (ACÝ + (BC
(S140) = (AC' + (787-4) .:.
AC = 5079 volts
OC = =
AC- A0 5079 -3810 = 1269 volts
In right angled A OCB, we have,

tan OC 1269 l·612

BC 787.4=
= tan 1-612 = 58-20
p.f. of motor = cos = cos 58:20 = 0-527 lead

Line current, 1, a Cos

78-74 =
149-4 A
cos 0-527
Example 11.8. An &-pole, 3300 V, S0 Hz, 3-phase, star-connected
synchronous motor has
armature resistance per
on no-load, the
0-5
2of
phase and synchronous reactance off5 S2/phase. Whille running
excitation has been adjusted so as to make the e.mf. numerically
antiphase with the terminal voltage. With
equal to and
certain load torque applied, the rotor gets retarded by 3
mechanical degrees. Calculate the armature
current and power factor of the motor.
Solution.
Applied voltage/phase,
E,=
1905
3300/N3 = 1905 volts volts
Back e.m.f./phase,
E, = 190S volts
S= 12°(
Load angle, & = P Xangle of retardation in mech. V= 1905 volts
A

degrees
= >x =
(8/2) 30 12° (elect.)
Fig. 11.19 shows
the phasor diagram of the motor. Fig. 11.19
E, = Jy+ E-2V E, cos &

J1905) + (1905) -2x 1905 x 1905 x cos 12°

400 volts
<br>

492 Principles of Electrical Machinee

Synchronous impedancc/phase is
Z, = VR+ x?
- yo-5)? + (5)' 5025 2
Amature current is I. = E/Z, 400/5-025 = 79-6A
Referring to Fig, 11.19, from A OAB,we have,
AB OB
sin AOB sin ZOAB
E E,
or
sin (0– ¢) sin
= 1905 xsin 12° = 099
Or sin (0 -¢) = Pbx sin 8 400
E,
= = 82°
0- sin' 0-99
Now 0 = tan R,
-1
As = tan -1 5 = 84.3°
0-5
= 0– 82° = 84-3° 82° = 2-3° lag
Motor p.f. = cos = cos 2:3° = 9992 lag
,
Example 11.9. A 500 1-phase synchronous motor is developing 10 H.P. and operates at W
0-9

PJ. lagging. The effective resistance of armature is 0-8 2. Iron andfrictional losses amount to 500
and excitation losses are 800W. Find () armature current (ii) totalpower supplied (ii) commercial
efficieny.
Solutoin.
Motor input = VI, cos ; Armature Cu loss = IR,

IfP, is the total mechanical power developed (includes iron and friction losses), then,
Pm
= VI, cos ¢ -I R
cos =
or I,R- VI, +P 0
cos + v² R, P,
() I, =
V
cos-4
2 R,
10 746+ 500 =7960 W;R, =
= ×
0-82; cos = 0:9;
Here P
V = 500 volts

500x 0-9± J(500>x0-9) –4 x0-8×7960

1, =
2x0-8
450 ± y(4so)? 25472 450 ±420-7
1-6 1-6
29-3 =
18-31 A
1·6
(i) Power supplied to stator = Vl, cos S00 × 18-31 x 0-9 = 8240 W
Total power supplied to stator and rotor
8240 + 800 = 9040 N
(ii) Commercial efficiency, n, = 7460 × 100 = 82:5 %
9040
Example 11.10. A 6-pole, 400 V,
3-phase, 50 Hz, star-connected synchronous motor has a
resistance andsynchronous impedance of05 2 and 4 S2 per phaserespectively. It takes a current of
15A at unity p.f when operating with a certain field current. Ifthe load torque is increased until the
line current is increased to 60 A, the field current remaining unchanged, calculate the gross torque
developed and the new power factor.
<br>

Motors
Synchronous 493
Solution.
casc, Fig. 11.20shows the plhasor diagram the motor for the first
of
case.
First
Supply voltage/phase, 1 - 400/ W3 231
volts
Synchronous reaclance/ plase, X, = -n = - 3-968)
tan-!
Z 4
-(0-5
Intemal angle, 0 tan-! 3968 = 82:8
05
Impedance drop, E, = ,Z, =
1Sx4 = 60 volts
Back c.m.f./phasc, E, = Jv2+ E-2V E, cos 0
J(23I 4+
(60) -2x 231x 60x cos 82·8° = 231
volts
Since the p.f. is unity, the armature current is minimum

B
volts
volts
E,= 240
E60
231
volts
A

a15 = 231 volts

A

V=231 volts
a=60 A
Fig. 11.20 Fig.11.21
Second case. When load on the motor is increased, the load angle is increased to 8. The
phasor diagram for this case is shown in Fig. 11.21.
Input current, I,= 60 A
Supply voltage/phase, V = 231 volts same as before
...
Back e.m.f./phase, E, = 231 volts excitation is same
Impedance drop = I,2, = 60 x 4 = 240 volts
Referring to the phasor diagram in Fig. 11.21, we have,
=
E +
E,-2 VE, cos LAOB
or (231)? = (231) + (240) 231 x 240 x cos ZAOB
-2x
(231) -(231)' -(240) =
coS ZAOB = 0:5195
-2x 231l× 240
LAOB = cos 0-5195 = 58-7°
,-1X = 82-80
Internal angle, 0 = tan
...same as before
R,
= = 82-8° - 58-7° = 24-1°
p.f. angle, -ZAOB
= cos 24-1° = 0-913 lag
New p.f. = cos
x x = 38000 W = 38 kW
New motor input = /3 x 400 60 0913
= = 5-4 kW
Total armature Cu loss
= 3
1'R, = 3 x (60) x 0:5 5400 W
Total mechanical power developed

P =38 5-4 = 32:6 kW -

= 120 x 50/6 = 1000 rp.m.
Synchronous speed, N, = 120 f/P
= 9.55xm = 9.55 x
20x10 = 311 N-m
torque developed, T, 1000
Oss N,
<br>

494 Principles of Electrical Machines

Example I1.11. Consider a 3300 V delta connected synchronous motor having a synchronous
reactance per phase 18 S2. It operates at a leading p,f. of0: 707 when drawing 800 kWfrom mains.
of

Calculate its excitation e.m.f. and load angle.

Solution. Fig. 11.22 shows the phasor diagram of the
motor. Since R, is negligible internal angle 0 90°. The
motor p.f. is 0-707 leading so that = 45°, The linc current /,.
is given by: 0 =90°
× 10 )= 45°
800
V=3300 volts
V3x3300 x 0-707
Fig. 11.22
= 198A

Phase current, /, = 198/N3 l14:3 A xit h

x = 2058 volts
Impedance drop, E, = 1,X, 114:3 18
=

Supply voltage/phase, V = 3300 volts

Referring to the phasor diagram in Fig. 11.22, we have,

Jr²+E- 2VE, cos (0

+
= )
E
J3300) +(2058) -2x 3300 x 2058 cos (90° + 45°)
4973 volts

Also
E, .. sine rule
sin sin 135°
sin 135° = sin 135° =
sin 8 = E, x 2058x 0-293
4973
Load angle, 8 = sin' 0-293 = 17°

TUTORIAL PROBLEMS
1. A 2200 V, 3-phase, 50 Hz, star-connected synchronous motor has a resistance of 0:6 2/phase and a
synchronous reactance of 6 2 per phase. Find the generated e.m.f. when the input is 200 kW at (i) a
power factor of unity (ii) a power factor of 0-8 leading. I() 2200 V (i) 2640 V]
2. A 3-phase, star-connected synchronous motor takes 20 kW at 400 V from 50 Hz supply. The synchronous
reactance/phase is 4 2/phase and the effective resistance is negligible. If the exciting current is so
adjusted that back e.m.f. is 550 V, find the power factor of the motor. [0-872 lead]
3. In a 3-phase, star-connected, 660 V synchronous motor, the synchronous reactance is 2 2/phase. When
a certain load is applied, the input is 90 kW and the backe.m.f. is 890 V. Neglecting resistance, calculate
the power factor. [0-824 lead]
4. A 6600 V, 3-¢, star-connected synchronous motor draws a full-load current of 70 A at 0:8 p.f. leading.
The armature resistance/phase is 2 2 and synchronous reactance/phase is 20 Q. The stray losses
amount to 30 kW. Find () the induced e.m.f. (i) output power of the machine and (ii) efficiency.
I() 8134V (i) 580-6 kW (ii) 90-72 %o]
5. A synchronous motor having 40 % reactance and negligible resistance is to be operated at rated load at
) unity p.f. (i) 08 p.f. lag (ii) 08 p.f.lead. What are the values of induced e.m.:?
I() 108 V (i) 82-5 V (iin) 128 VI
6. A 220 V, single-phase synchronous motor has a synchronous impedance of 5
2 and an effective armature
resistance of0:5 2. Calculate (i) the minimum armature curent (ii) the angle of retard for a total load
(including iron and friction losses) of5 kW. () 24-04 A (i) 29-9°]
7. n 2300 V, 3-phase, star-connected synchronous motor has a resistance of0-2 S2 per
phase and a synchronous
reactance of 2:2 S2 per phase. The motor is operating at 0-5 power factor leading with a
line current of
200 A. Determine the value of generated e.m.f. per phase. [1708 V]
<br>

Motors
Synchronous 495
A 2000
3-phase, star-connccted synchronous motor has an cffcctive pcr phasc armature
V.

Q nnd 2:2 S2respectively. The input is resistance and

Synchronous rcactancc of0-2
8.
800 kW at normal voltage and thc
2500 Calculate the linc currcnt and power
V.

induced linc c.m.f. is factor. (254-15 A ;0-909 lead)

11.14
POWER FACTOR OF
SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS
one winding
induction motor, only (.e., stator winding) produces the necessary flux in
the
In an must draw power from
machine.
Thee stator winding reactive the supplyto set up the flux. Consequently,
motor must operate at lagging power factor.
induction
a synchronous motor, there aretwo possible sources
of excitation , alternating current
But in in
current in the rotor. The required flux may
statorror *direct be produced either by stator or rotor
the
or both.
A IEthe rotor exciting current is of such magnitude that it produces all the required flux, then
no magnetising current or reactive power is needed in the stator. As a
result, the motor will
operate at unity power factor.
(in Ifthe rotor exciting current is less (.e., motor is under-excited), the deficit in flux is made up
by the stator. Consequently, the motor draws reactive power to provide for the remaining
flux. Hence motor willoperate at a lagging power factor.
(iD If the rotor exciting current is greater (i.e., motor is over-excited), the excess flux must be
counterbalanced in the stator. Now the stator, instead of absorbing reactive power, actually
delivers reactive power to the 3-phase line. The motor then behaves like a source of reactive
power, as ifit were a capacitor. In other words, the motor operates at a leading power factor.
To sum up, a synchronous motor absorbs reactive power when it is under-excited and delivers
reactive power to Source when it is over-excited.

1.15 SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSER

A synchronous motor takes a leading current when over-excited and, therefore, behaves as a capacitor.
Anover-excited synchronous motor running on no-load in known as synchronous condenser.
When such a machine is connected in parallel with induction motors or other devices that operate
at low lagging power factor, the leading kVAR supplied by the synchronous condenser partly neutralises
the lagging reactive kVAR of the loads. Consequently, the power factor of the system is improved.
Fig. 11.23 shows the power factor improvement by synchronous condenser method. The 3 -
load takes Current I, at low lagging power factor cos ,.
The synchronous condenser takes a current
Im which leads the

lags
an
behind the voltage by an angle .
voltage by angle **, The resultant current I is the vector sum ofl, and I, and
It is clear that ¢ is less than
, so that cos is greater than
cOS Oz- Thus the power factor is increased from cos ¢, to cos $. Synchronous condensers are generally
Used at major bulk supply substations for power factor improvement.
Advantages

) By varying the field excitation, the magnitude of current drawn by the motor can be changed
by any amount. This helps in achieving steplesst control of power factor.

Ihe rotor produces a d.c. magnetomotive force (m.m.f). However, as far as the stator is concermed, d.c.
m.m.i appears as an a.c. m.m.f. because the rotor is constantly turning. Moreover, rotor m.m.f. has the
Same frequency as the stator m.m.£ because the rotor turms at synchronous speed. The total flux in the
nachine is, therefore, due to the combined action of the two m.m.f.s.
motor is ideal i.e., there are no losses, then =90°. However, in actual practice, losses do occur in
he motor even at no load., Therefore, the current leads the voltage by an angle less than 90°.
Pi mprovement with capacitors can only be done in steps by switching
on the capacitors in various
can be provided by
Pngs. However, with synchronous motor, any amount of capacitive reactance
changing the field excitation.
<br>

496 Principles of Eloctrical Machinos

() The motor windings have higlh thernal stability to short circuit currents.
(iii) The faults can be removed casily.

3-Load

3- synchronOUs motor
(i) (0)
Fig. 11.23 128j00
Disadvantages
() There are considerable losses in the motor.
(ii) The maintenance cost is high.
(iii) It produces noise.
(iv) Except in sizes above 500 kVA, the cost is greater than that of static capacitors
of the same
rating.
(v) As a synchronous motor has no self-starting torque, therefore, an auxiliary equipment has to
be provided for this purpose.
Example 11.12. A synchronous motor improves the power factor ofa load of 200 kW from 0-8
lagging to 09 lagging. Simultaneously the motor carries a load of 80kW. Find () the leading
kVAR supplied by the motor (i) kVA rating of
the motor and (ii) the power factor at which the
motor operates.
Solution. P1
A t
P

Load, P, = 200 kW +kW

Motor load, P, = 80 kW
p.f. of load, cos
p.f. of combined load, cos ,,=0:8 lag
= 0-9 lag
Combined load, P = P, +P,
= 200 + 80
= 280kW Fig. 11.24
In Fig. 11.24, A OAB is the power triangle for load, A ODC
for combined load and A BEC for the
motor.
() Leading kVAR supplied by the motor
= CE = -
DE
DC = AB- DC
(': AB = DE)
<br>

Synchronous Motors
497
- P tan ,-P tan ,
- 200 tan (cos0-8)- 280 tan
= 200 x 0-75
(cos0-9)
-280 × 0-4843 = 14-4 kVAR
(in kVA rating ofthemotor BC = VDEY' + (EC) = Jc8o+(14.4) 81-28 kVA
p.f. of motor, cos m
Motor kW 80
(ii) Motor kVA 0-984 lead
81-28
Example 11.13.
A
factoryy load consists of the following:
motor of 50.) H.P. (37-3 kiW) with
(i) an induction 08 pf. and efficiency 0-85.
motor of 25 H.P.
(i) a. synchronous (1865 kW) with 0-9 p,f leading and efficiency 0-9.
(ii) lighing load of 10 kW at unity p.f
Cwd the annual electrical charges if
the tariff is Rs 60 per kVA of maximum demand per annum
plus 5 paise
per kWh; assuming the load to be steady for 2000 hours in a year.
Solution.
() Input power to induction motor
=37:3/0-85 = 43-88 kW
Lagging kVAR supplied by induction motor
= 43-88 tan (cos 0-8) = 32-91
(i) Input power to synchronous motor
= 18-65/0:9 = 20-72
kW
Leading kVAR supplied by synchronous motor
= 20-72 tan (cos 0-9) = 10
(it) Since lighting load works at unity p.f., its lagging kVAR = 0
-
Net lagging kVAR =32-9] 10 = 22-91.
Total active power = 43·88 + 20-72 + 10 = 746kW
Total kVA = J74-6 + (22·91° = 78
Annual kVA demand charges = Rs.60 x 78 =
Rs.4,680

Energy consumed/year =74-6x 2000 = 1,49,200 kWh

Annual Energy charges = Rs. 005 x 1,49,200 = Rs. 7,460
Total annual bill kVAdemand charges + Energy charges
= Rs.(4680+ 7460) = Rs. 12,140
Example 1.14, A supply system feeds the following loads () a lighting load of s00kW a
()
load of 400 kW at ap,f. of0-707 lagging (ii) a load of800 kW at apf. of0-8 leading (in) a load of
00 kP at apf 06 lagging () a synchronous motor driving a 540 kW de. generator and having an
Overall efficiency of 90%. Calculate the power factor of synchronous motor so that the station
power factor may
become unity.
Solution. The lighting load works at unity p.f. and, therefore, its lagging kVAR is zero. The
ngkVAR are supplied by the loads (i) and (iv), whereas loads (ui) and (v) supply the leading
YAK, For station power factor to be unity, the total lagging kVAR must be neutralised by the total
leading kvAR. Weknow that
kVAR =kW tan 9.
i Total lagging kVAR supplied by loads (i) and (iv)
In right angled A OAB, AB =
P,lan , , , ,
Inright angled A ODC, DC = ODtan = (P, + P,) tan = P lan
<br>

498 Principles of Electrical Machines

400 tan (cos0-707) 500 tan (cos'0-6)

+

= 400 x ]+500 x 1:33 = 10666

Leading kVAR supplied by the load (ii)
= 800tan (cos0-8) = 800x 075 = 600
Leading kVAR to be supplicd by synchronous motor
=
= 1066-6-600 466-6kVAR
= 600 kW
Motor input = output/efficiency= 540/0-9
If¢ isthe phase angle of synchronous motor, then,
tan = kVAR/kW = 466-6/600 = 07776
= tan0-7776
=
37-87°

p.f. of synchronous motor = cos cos 37-87° = 0-789 leading

motor
Therefore, in order that the station power factor may become unity, the synchronous
should be operated at a p.f. of 0-789 leading.
Example 11.15. An industial load consists of () a synchronous motor of 100 metric h.p.
(ii)

induction motors aggregating 200 metric h.p., 0-707 power factor lagging and 82 % efficiency and
per annum per kVA maximum demand plus
(i1) lighting load aggregating 30 kW. The tariff is rs 100
6 paise per kWh. Find the annual saving in cost if the synchronous motor operates at 08 p.f.
leading, 93 % eficiency instead of 08pf lagging at 93 % eficiency.
Solution. The annual power bill willbe calculated under two conditions viz., (a) when synchronous
motor runs with lagging p.f. and (6) when synchronous motor runs with a leading p.f.
and
(a) When synchronous motor runs at p.f. 0-8 lagging. We shall find the combined kW
:
then calculate total kVA maximum demand using the relation
+ (kVAR)
kVÀ = Jckw'
= 100x 746 79 kW
Inputto synchronous motor
0.96x 1000
*Lagging kVAR supplied by the synchronous motor
= 79 tan (cos-1 0-8) = 79 x 0-75 = 59-25 kVAR

Input to induction motors

200× 746 ~ 179-4 kW
×
0-82 1000
Lagging kVAR supplied by induction motors
= 179-4 tan (cos0-707) = 179-4 = 179-4 kVAR
xl
Since lighting load works at unity p.f., its lagging kVAR is zero.
Total lagging kVAR = 59-25 + 179-4 = 238-65
Total active power = 79 + 179-4 + 30 = 288-4 kW
Total kVA = J(238-65)'
+
(288-4) 374-4
Annual kVAdemand charges = Rs. 100 x 374.4 = Rs. 37,440
Energy consumed/year = 2884 x 8760 = 25,26384 kWh
Annual energy charges = Rs. 0-06 x 25,26,384 = Rs. 1,51,583
Total annual bill= Rs. (37,440 + 1,51583) = Rs. 1,89,023
(b) When synchronous motor runs at p.f. 08 leading. As the synchronous motor runs at
leading p.f. of 0:8(instead of 0-8 p.f. lagging), therefore, it supplies now 59-25 leading kVAR. The
lagging kVAR Supplied by induction motors are the same as before i.e.. 179-4.
Since the synchronous motor in this case runs at lagging p.f., it supplies lagging kVAR.
<br>

Synchronous Motors 499

Net lagging kVAR = 179-4 - 59-25 = 120-15
Total active power = Same as before i.e., 288-4 kW
Total kVÁ = V120-15)* + (288-4) 312:4
Annual kVA demand charges = Rs 100 × 312-4 = Rs 31,240
Annual energy charges = Same as before i.e., Rs 1,51,583
Total annual bill = Rs. (31,240 + 1,51,583) = Rs. 1,82,823
-
Annual saving = Rs. (1,89,023 1,82,823)) = Rs. 6200
TUTORIAL PROBLEMS
.A station supplies 250 kVA at a lagging power factor of 0-8. A synchronous motor is connected in
parallel with the load. If the combined load is 250 kW with a lagging p.f. of 0-9, determine:
() the leading kVAR supplied by the motor.
(i) kVA rating of the motor.117 9g
at
(ii) p.f. which the motor operates.
I) 28-9 kVAR () 57-75 kVA (n) 0-866 lead.]
2.A generating station supplies power to the
:
following
() a lighting load of 100 kw. to le
(i) an induction motor 800 h.p. (596-8 kW). p.f. 0-8 lagging, efficiency 92 9%.
(ii) a rotary convertor giving 150 A at 400 V at an efficiency of 0-95.
What must be the powcr factor of the rotary convertor in order that power factor of the supply station
may become unity ? [0-128 leading]
3. A 3-phase, 400 V synchronous motor having a power consumption of 50 kW is connected in parallel
with an induction motor which takes 200 kW at a power factor of 0-8 lagging.
() Calculate the current drawn from the mains when the power factor of the synchronous motor is unity.
() At what power factor should the synchronous motor operate so that the current drawn from the mains
is minimum ? I() 421 A () 0:316 leading]
11.16 APPLICATIONS OF SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS
(9 Synchronous motors are particularly atractive for *low speeds (<300 rp.m.) because the
power factor can always be adjusted to unity and efficiency is high.
(i) Overexcited synchronous motors can be used to improve the power factor of a plant while
carrying their rated loads.
(in) They are used to improve the voltage regulation of transmission lines.
() High-power electronic converters generating very low frequencies enable us to run
synchronous motors at ultra-low speeds. Thus huge motors in the 10 MW range drive
crushers, rotary kilns and variable-speed ball mills.
11.17 CoMPARISON OF SYNCHRONOUS AND INDUCTION MOTORS
s.No. Particular Synchronous Motor 3-phase Induction Motor
Speed Remains constant (i.e., N) from Decreases with load.
no-load to full-load.
2. Power factor Can be made to operate from Operates at lagging power
lagging to leading power factor. factor.
3. Excitation Requires d.c. excitation at the rotor. No excitation for the rotor.

At low speeds, induction motors become heavy, costly and have relatively low power factor and low
efficiencv,
<br>

500 Principles of Electrical Machines

4. Economy Econdmical for specds below Econornical for spceds

300 r.p.m. above 600 r.p.m.
5. Self-starting No self-starting torque. Auxiliary Self-starting
means have to be provided for starting.
6 Construction Complicated Simple
1. Starting torque More less

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

Q.1. How does a synchronous motor start-up ?
cage winding (i.e. damper winding)
Ans. A synchronous motor cannot start by itself; the squirel
on the rotor makes it self starting.
supply is given to
) To start the synchronous motor, the rotor is de-energised and 3-phase up as a
the stator. Due to the presence of damper winding, the motor starts
3-phase
induction motor.
with direct
(ii) As soon as the motor approaches synchronous speed, the rotor is energised
current. Now the opposite polarity poles on the stator and rotor will attract. The mutual
at
attraction locks the rotor and stator together and the rotor is literally pulled round
synchronous speed. The motor now runs at synchronous speed.
be applied?
Q. 2. During starting of synchronous motor, when should the rotor excitation
a

speed,
Ans. When the synchronous motor starts up as an induction motor upto nearly synchronous
effects. For
its pull-in torque is quite powerful but d.c. excitation must produce the best
are opposite to N-S poles of
example, if excitation is applied when the N-S poles of the rotor
a The motor
the stator, the resulting magnetic repulsion produces violent mechanical shock.
come to halt.
will immediately slow down and circuit breakers will trip, causing the motor to
In practice, starters for synchronous motors are designed to detect the precise moment when
excitation should be applied. The rotor then pulls automatically and smoothly into step with
the rotating field.
Q.3. How doesa synchronous motor behave while in operation?
Ans. A synchronous motor operates as under:
() When the synchronous motor is on no load, the rotor poles are directly opposite to the
opposite-polarity poles of the stator and their axes almost coincide.
(i) When we apply a mechanical load, the rotor poles fall slightly behind the stator poles,
while continuing to run at synchronous speed. The mechanical anglea between the
poles increases as we increase the load. Nevertheless, the magnetic attraction keeps the
rotor locked to the revolving field (.e., motor continues to turn at synchronous speed)
and motor develops more power torque. This is expected because a large angle
corresponds to a bigger mechanical load and the increased power can only come from
the a.c. source (i.e. stator winding).
Q.4. How does the behaviour of a synchronous motor differ from that of a 3-phase inducion
motor ?
Ans. A symchronous motor cannot start by itself; consequently the rotor is equipped with a squirel
cage winding (i.e., damper winding) so that it can start up as a 3-phase induction motor. Once
the synchronous motor runs at synchronous speed, no voltage is induced in the squirrel-cage
winding. Consequently, the behaviour ofa synchronous motor is entirely different from that
of3-phase induction motor. Basically, a synchronous motor rotates because of the magnetie
attraction between the poles of the rotor and the opposite poles of the stator.
<br>

Synchronous Motors
501
What is the origin of the namne synchronous motor ?
0.5.
A synchronous motor moves in synchronism(L.e., in timc) with
Ans.
ather words, the motor rins at the spccd of hc rotating flux i.e.,
the rotating magnetic ficld. In
synchronous speed. Hence
the name synchronous motor.
Whv is the field winding of a synchronous motor
shorted through a resistor at starting ?
1f voltage is impressed on the armature winding
Ans. when the motor is at standstill with field
winding unexcited, the revolving ficld produccd by stator currents will cut across
the field
vinding, thereby inducing a high voltage in the field winding. This induced voltage would be
dangerous and would often result in the breakdown of insulation of field winding. Therefore,
in starting a synchronous motor, the field winding is
shorted through a suitable resistance.
Consequently, the induced voltage is distributed throughout the whole winding and no part is
subjected to high voltage. The resistance is removed and excitation applied to rotor when the
motor attains 90-95%% of synchronous speed.
Note: Under normal operating conditions, there is no relative motion between the stator flux and rotor
flux. Consequently, no e.m.f. is induced in the field winding.
o.7. What is the procedure of starting a synchronous motor ?
Ans. The starting procedure of a synchronous motor is as under:
() Short the field winding through a suitable resistance.
(i) Apply 3-phase supply to the stator winding. Since the rotor is equipped with squirrel
cage winding, the motor will start as a 3-phase induction motor.
(ii) When the motor approaches synchronous speed, remove the resistance and excite the
field winding from d.c. supply. The rotor and stator poles will be locked, forcing the
motor to run at synchronous speed.
(i) Adjust the field current to give the desired power factor of operation of the motor.
Q.8. What happens when the mechanical load on a synchronous motor exceeds its pull-out torque?
Ans. Ifthe mechanical load exceeds the pull-out torque of a synchronous motor, the rotor is pulled
out ofsynchronismi.e., magnetic locking between rotor and stator poles ceases. Consequently,
the motor comes to a halt. A synchronous motor that pulls out of synchronism creates a major
disturbance on the line and circuit breakers immediately trip. This protects the motor because
both damnper and stator windings overheat rapidly when the machine ceases to run at
synchronous speed.
Q.9. Show that synchronous motor is a variable power factor motor.
Ans. The resultant flux ¢ in a synchronous motor fixed in value because the stator voltage is
fixed. The m.m.f. needed to create constant flux may be produced either by the stator or
the rotor or by both.
() If the rotor excitation is zero, all the flux has to be produced by the stator. The stator
must then absorb considerable reactive power from the 3-phase line. Consequently, the
motor will have a low lagging power factor. If we excite the rotor with direct current, the
rotor m.m.f. helps to produce part of the flux ¢. Now the motor will draw less reactive
power from the line and the motor will operate at improved lagging power factor. This
condition is called under-excitation.
(i) If we gradually increase the excitation, the rotor will eventually produce all the flux
required by itself. The stator then draws no reactive power and the motor power factor
becomes unity. This value of field excitation is called normal ercitation.
more
than the required value
.
(ii) If we excite the synchronous motor above normal excitation, the resultant flux is
Consequently, the induced e.m.f. in the armature winding
power to the
exceeds the applied stator voltage. The stator must now deliver reactive
In other words, the motor now
.

line to restore the resultant flux to the original value

operates at leading power factor. This condition is called over-excitation,
<br>

502 Principles of Electrical Machines

Thus with the adjustment of ficld excitation, it is possible to make the synchronous motor to
(a) draw reactive power from the line Le., operate at lagging power factor (h) draw no
power to the line i.e., operate
reactive power i.e. operate at unity p.f. and (c) deliver reactive
at leading p.f. Thus synchronous motor is a variable p.f. motor.
Q. 10. What is a synchronous capacitor ?
Ans. An over-excited synchronous motor running on no load is knowm as a synchronous capacitor.
no
Under such conditions, the motor will take a leading current, though it is performing shaf
work.
an overall
Most of the loads on the electric system are inductive in nature. This results in in
ir lagging power use factor which may often be of quite low value. Low lagging p.f. results
improve the
uneconomical of copper of the system and poor voltage regulation. To system.
power factor, over-excited unloaded synchronous motors are connected to the The
system,
leading kVAR ofthe synchronous mnotor partly cancels the large laggingkVAR the
of

thus improving the p.f.

Q. 11. How are large synchronous motors stopped?
may take several minutes to
Ans. Due to inertia of the rotor and load, large synchronous motors we use
stop after they are disconnected from the line. In order to reduce the stopping tme,
the following braking methods:
() Maintain full d.c. excitation with armature in short circuit.
(ii) Maintain full d.c. excitation with armature connected to three external resistors.
(iii) Apply mechanical braking.
as an altermator, dissipating
In methods (i) and (i), the motor slows down because it functions
energy in the resistive elements of the armature circuit. Mechanical braking is generally
wear and tear of
applied after the motor has reached half speed or less to prevent undue
shoes.
Q. 12. How does a synchronous motor differ fron a d.c. motor
a respects :
Ans. A synchronous motor differs from d.c. motor in the following
a source to supply
()
A
synchronous motor requires two sources of supply viz., 3- phase a
power to armature and a d.c. source to eXcite the field. However, a d.c. motor requires
as armature current.
single d.c. source to supply the field exciting current as well
(i) In a synchronous motor, the stator current is directly proportional to the phase difference
between the applied voltage and counter e.m.f. produced in the armature winding.
However, the counter e.m.f. in a d.c. motor is approximately equal to the applied voltage;
armature
the smalldifference being necessary to drive current through the resistance ofthe
winding.
synchronous motor rotates because of the magnetic attraction between the poles of
the
(iii) A
on
rotor and the opposite poles of the stator. However, a d.c. motor operates the principle
a
that a mnechanical force acts on a current carrying conductor placed in magnetic field.
a in
(iv) In a synchronous motor, the speed is constant (i.e., synchronous speed) and change
d.c. field excitation produces a change in counter e.m.f. in the armature winding. However,
a
in a d.c. motor, the counter e.m.f. is practically constant and change in field excitation
produces a change in speed.
). 13. What are the causes offaulty starting
of a
synchronous motor ?
Ans. It can be due to the following
causes:
() Voltage may be too low.
(i) There may be open-circuit in one phase due to which motor may heat up.
<br>

Synchronous Motors 503

(i) Static friction may be large. This may be either due to high belt tension or too tight
bearings.
(iv) Stator windings may be incorrectly connected.
(v) Field excitation may be too strong.
o.
14. What could be the reasons ifa synchronous motor fails to start ?
Ans. It may be due to the following reasons
:

() Voltage may be too low.

(i) Some faulty connection in auxiliary apparatus.
(ii) Too much starting load.
(iv) Open-circuit in one phase or short-circuit.
(v) Field excitation may be excessive.
o 16. Under which conditions a synchronous motor will fail to
pull into step ?
Ans. This may be due to the following reasons:
(i) No field excitation.
(i) Excessive load.
(iii) Excessive load inertia.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. The rotor of a synchronous motor is (ii) has a damper winding
(iv) none of the above
() salient-pole type 6. The speed of a synchronous motor can be
(i) nonsalient-pole type changed by varying.
(iii) identical to that of a d.c. motor () mechanical load (ii) field excitation
(iv) none of the above G
(ii) supply frequency(iv) none ofthe above
2. The full-load slip of a synchronous motor 7. Ifthe mechanical angle a between the stator
1S .............. and rotor poles is increased, then, stator
() 5% (i) %1 current.
(iii) 2% (iv) zero () is increased (ii) is decreased
3. If the supply frequency of synchronous (iü) remains unchanged
motor is 60 cycles/second, then rotor must (v) none of the above
revolve at 8. The increased load demand in a
() 25 cycles/second synchronous motor is met by .....
(i) 60 cycles/second () reduction in speed
(iin) 100 cycles/second
(i) increase in speed
iv) none of the above (ii) decrease in stator current
4. When the synchronous motor runs (iv) relative shift between stator and rotor
at
synchronous speed, the voltage induced in poles
the damper winding is
9. The pull-out torque of a practical
) maximum (ii) minimum synchronous motor will occur when the
(ii) zero (iv) none ofthe above torque angle is about.
5. A synchronous motor runs at onlyone speed () 0° (i) 30°
(.e., synchronous speed) because it (iii) 45° (iv) 75°
() has no losses a
10. For given load, the normal field excitation
(i) is a doubly fed machine of synchronous motor is that which
<br>

504 Principles of Electrical Machines

gives. .power factor. (i) coincident with stator poles
() unity (i) 0.8 lagging (ii) 45°(clectrical) () nonc of the above

(üi) 0.8 leading () none ofthe above 16. A synchronous capacitor is an over-excited
11. For a given load, the armaturc currcnt of a motor running at...........
synchronous motor will be minimum () full-load (if) half full-load
for.. ...power factor. (iii) no-load (iv) none of the above
() 0.8 lagging (i) unity 17. Leading power factor synchronous motors
(i) 0.8 leading (iv) none ofthe above COst... .the unity p.f. motors.
12. An over-excited synchronous motor () less than (i) more than
behaves as. (iii) about the same as(iv) none oftheabove
(i) a resistor (i) an inductor 18. When a unity p.f. synchronous motor is
(iii) a capacitor (iv) none ofthe above operated at leading p.f., it results in
13. An under-excited synchronous motor (i) more than rated horSepower output
behaves as. .........s*.*. (ii) more than rated stator current
() an inductor (i) a capacitor (iüi) less than rated horsepower output
(ii) a resistor (iv) none of the above (iv) none of the above
14. At full-load, the rotor poles ofa synchronous 19. The power factor correction capability of a
motor are displaced by a mechanical angle loaded synchronous motor.. with the
of 1° from their no-load position. If the increase in mechanical load.
machine has 40 poles, then torque angle () decreases (ii) increases
is....
(ii) remains unchanged
() 40° electrical (i) 20° electrical (iv) none of the above
(iii) 10° electrical (iv) none ofthe above
20. A synchronous motor is cheaper than 3
15. When the pull-out torque occurs in a phase induction motor for....
synchronous motor, the poles of the rotor
are..
() high speed, high output
a
() mid-way between Nand S poles of
(i) high speed, low output
(iii) low speed, high output
stator
(iv) none of the above

ANSWERS TO MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. () 2. (iv) 3. (ii) 4. (iii) 5. (i)
6. (iin) 7.() 8. (iv) 9. (iv) 10. ()
11. (in) 12. (iii) 13. () 14. (ii) 15. ()
16. (iin) 17. (i) 18. (i) 19. () 20. (ii)
HINTS TO SELECTED MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
2. A synchronous motor runs at one speed only i.e., synchronous speed. Consequently , slip 1S
zero.
3. The primary requirement is that frequency of rotation of the rotor should be such that stator
and rotor fields are stationary with respect to each other For this to happen, obviously, the
rotor must revolve at 60 cycles/second.
4. When the motor runs at synchronous speed, there is no relative motion between rotor and
revolving flux produced by stator currents. Hence e.m.f. in the damper winding placed on the
rotor is zero.
<br>

Synchronous Motors 505

E The significant and distinguishing fcature of synchronous motors in contrast to induction
motors is that they are doubly fed. Elcctrical energy is supplicd both to the field and the
armature windings. When this is done, torque can only be developed at one speed the,
synchronous speed. At any other speed, the torque is zero. In fact, it is this characteristic (i.e.,
doubly fed) which enables the synchronous motor to develop non-zero torque at only one
speed (i.e., synchronous speed) and hence the name synchronous motor.
N,P ..
N, =
120/
6.
S120 P
For a given machine, the value ofP is fixed. Hence, the speed ofa synchronous motor can only
be changed by varying the supply frequency.
7. When synchronous motor is on no-load, the axes of the rotor and stator poles nearly coincide.
As the motor is loaded, the rotor poles fall slightly behind the stator poles, while continuíng to
turn at synchronous speed. The increased power must come from the a.c. source (i.e., stator
winding). Hence, stator cúrrent increases.
9. The mechanical power developed by a synchronous motor per phase is given by:
V E,
sin &
X.
where P mechanical power of motor per phase
E, = phase voltage induced by excitation
V= phase voltage of a.c. source
X, = synchronous reactance per phase
8 = torque angle (in electrical degrees between E, and )
The maximum torque that motor can develop is called the pull-out torque and will occur at S =
90°. This is true for motors having smooth rotors. Most synchronous motors have salient
poles; in this case the pull-out torque occurs at a torque angle of about 75° (electrical).
10. The resultant flux in a synchronous motor is fixed in value as the applied stator voltage is
constant. Since synchronous motor a doubly excited machine, both d.c. and a.c. sources
may co-operate to produce this fixed resultant flux ¢. For a given mechanical load, ifthe entire
resultant flux is provided by d.c. excitation alone, the stator will absorb no reactive power (as
it is not contributing to the resultant flux). Hence the p.f. of the motor willbe unity.
11. Since at unity power factor the motor draws no reactive power, the stator current will be
minimum.
12. An over-excited synchronous motor delivers reactive power to the 3-phase line. The motor
then behaves like a source of power, as ifit were a capacitor.
13. In an under-excited synchronous motor, the resultant fixed flux is () partly supplied by stator
and (i) partly by the rotor. As a result, motor absorbs reactive power from the 3-phase line.
Consequently, it behaves as an inductor.
14. There is a precise relationship among the mechanical angle (a), torque angle (6) and the number
of poles (P).
Pa 40 x 1° = 20°
2 2
15. Theoretically, pull-out torque occurs at 8 = 90. Clearly, the poles of the rotor should be
midway between N and S poles of the stator.
10. An over-excited loaded synchronous motor supplies reactive power to the 3-phase line
as well
as absorbs active power (kW). But an unloaded over-excited synchronous motor performs
a
only one function i.e., delivers reactive power to the 3-phase line, like capacitor. Hence, the
name synchronous capacitor.
<br>

506 Principles of Electrical Machines

17. Since they must have large current carrying capacities.
18. This is because more than rated stator current must flow to carry the rated horsepower load at
a reduced power factor.
19. Ifa synchronous motor is used todrive a load, over-exciting the motor causes it to operate w.ist
a leading power factor. The amount of power factor correction is limited by the rated current
of the stator winding. Therefore, the more mechanical load a synchronous motor drives, the
more its power factor correction ability is reduced.
20. Under such conditions, induction motors must use large amounts of iron in order that air-gap
flux density does not exceed 0-7 Wb/m". In the synchronous machine, on the other hand, a
value twice of this figure is permissible because of the separate excitation.