SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS

- operates at an
absolutely average
constant speed
regardless of the load:
it departs from this
average speed only
during load changes.
The regulation of this
type is therefore zero.
SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS
- it is electrically
identical with an
alternator, when driven
mechanically or as a
motor, when driven
electrically. Most
synchronous motors
are rated between
150KW to 15MW and
run at speeds ranging
from 150 to 1800rpm.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS
1. It runs either at synchronous speed or not at all
while running it maintains a constant speed. The
only way to change its speed is to vary the supply
frequency (because Ns = 120f/P).
2. It is not inherently self-starting. It has to be run up
to synchronous speed by some means, before it
can be synchronized to the supply.
3. It is capable of being operated under a wide
range of power factors, both lagging and leading.
Hence, it can be used for power factor correction
purposes.
Two factors determine the speed of SM.
1.) The frequency of the supply source.
2.) The number of poles in the machine

𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒇
NS = NR =
𝑷
Advantages of Synchronous Motor
1.) They can be made to operate at the leading
pf and thereby improve the pf of an industrial
plant from one that is normally lagging to one
that is close to unity.
2.) They are less costly in certain horse power
and speed ranges.
3.) They usually operate and constructed at
higher efficiency especially in the low speed
unity pf ranges. Synchronous motors are
frequently used for pf correction purposes only.
PROBLEM 1:
How many poles does a SM have if its
operate at 200 rpm when connected to a
60 cycle source.
SOLUTION:
𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒇
P=
𝑵
𝟏𝟐𝟎(𝟔𝟎)
P=
𝟐𝟎𝟎
P = 𝟑𝟔 𝒑𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔
PROBLEM 2:
A 10 pole, 25-cycle alternator is directly
couple to and driven by a 60-cycle
synchronous motor. How many poles are
there in the motor?
SOLUTION:
Na = Nm
𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒇𝑨 𝟏𝟐𝟎(𝟐𝟓)
NA = =
𝑷𝑨 𝟏𝟎
NA = 300rpm = Nm

𝟏𝟐𝟎𝒇𝑴 𝟏𝟐𝟎(𝟔𝟎)
PM = =
𝑵𝑴 𝟑𝟎𝟎
PM = 24poles
SYNCHRONOUS CONDENSER/ CAPACITOR
- the ability of a SM to take a very low
leading pf current makes it behave like a
capacitor. The overall pf of the system is
improved and with it transmission
efficiency and regulation as well as the
general operating performance of the
other apparatus.
PROBLEM 1:
An industrial plant has a load of 1500kVA
at an average pf of 0.6 lagging.
Neglecting all losses, calculate a.) the
kVA input to a synchronous condenser for
an overall pf of unity, b.) the total kW load.
SOLUTION:
a.) For an over-all power factor of unity,
the synchronous condenser will have to
counterpart the vertical component of
1500KVA which is:
cos θ = 0.6
Θ = cos-1 = 53.130

KVA LOAD x sin θ

= 1500KVA sin (53.130) = 1200KVA

b). Total KW load = 1500KVA cos θ

= 1500 (0.6)
Total KW load = 900KW
PROBLEM 2:
A 750kVA synchronous condenser is
available and is used to correct the
lagging pf of the plant in problem 1.
Neglecting all losses calculate a.) the
total kVA of the plant, b.) over all pf.
SOLUTION:
Refer to the figure:
a.) Total kVA = 𝑂𝑀 2 + 𝑀𝑁 2

Total kVA = 900 2 + 450 2

Total kVA = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟔. 𝟐𝟑𝟏𝑲𝑽𝑨

𝑃 𝑂𝑀
b.) Overall pf = cosꝊ = =
𝑆 𝑂𝑁
900
OM = 900kW MN = 450kVA =
OP = 1500kVA MP = 1200kVA 1006.231
NP = 750kVA
Overall pf = 0.894
SYNCHRONOUS MOTOR APPLICATION
- the proper selection of a motor for a given
application always involve a complete
understanding of essential operating and
physical requirements. Such information is
gained only through first hand experience in
the installation and operation of actual
industrial equipment. Necessary to consult
specialists when expert advice is needed about
motor installation.
 However, manufacturers have developed
standard types of motors having
characteristics that meet the general and
special needs of most kinds of mechanical
equipment. Such motors are usually tested in
catalogue and bulletins in w/c are indicated
such important items such as hp output, speed
range, starting torque, starting amperes, etc.