SYNCHROTACT® CSS

Synchronizing system for synchronous

generators
Application
Reliable synchronizing and paralleling
SYNCHROTACT® CSS (compact synchronizing system) is a
combination system to parallel power station generators
or industrial generators with an island or public network. During
the paralleling process, the circuit breaker may only be closed if
both voltages are approximately equal and synchronous. Other-
wise, this can lead to serious interference with the network, ex-
cessive loading on the machine and, in extreme cases, cause
damage to the machine.
SYNCHROTACT CSS performs this function safely and reli-
ably.
SYNCHROTACT CSS is delivered ready for installation
2 SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB
Benefits
No project planning costs
As SYNCHROTACT CSS is pre-designed and tested, project
planning costs are avoided and plant safety is increased.
SYNCHROTACT CSS only needs to be installed, connected
and commissioned.
Fast commissioning
The PC software “SynView”, which is included in the scope
of supply, allows the commissioning to be carried out fast
and simple:
– – Simple setting and recording of parameter values
– – Integrated transient recorder avoids need for an external
plotter
– – Rapid localization of faults using an event logger
Features and operating modes

SYNCHROTACT CSS consists of a fully automatic (AUTO)

and an independent manual (MAN) synchronizing function,
the selection of which is made using a rotary switch. This
increases the availibilty of the plant.

AUTO mode Additional functions

The generator’s voltage and frequency are automatically In versions designed for two circuit breakers, the correspond-
brought within required operating levels by the synchronizing ing paralleling point must be selected before starting the synchro-
equipment. Then the circuit breaker is closed exactly on phase nizing process, using the push-button switch.
coincidence, taking the breaker closing time into consideration.
If the function is enabled using a key switch, the circuit breaker
MAN mode can also be closed if one or more voltages are at zero (dead bus).
The generator’s voltage and frequency are manual controlled
using push-buttons located on the system’s front panel. The By switching the control over from “local” to “remote”, automatic
operating levels are displayed on the instrument panels. The synchronizing can also be selected by remote control.
paralleling command, which closes the circuit breaker, is given
by holding down the releasing button and pressing the com-
mand button as the phase coincide.

TEST mode
This mode is the same as AUTO, except that the paralleling com-
mand is not passed to the circuit breaker, but is displayed on
the system.

U1 Line-/busbar voltage
U1 SYNCHROTACT CSS U2 Generator voltage
CB Circuit breaker
G Generator
CMD AVR Automatic voltage regulator
CB TR Turbine regulator (governor)
CMD Paralleling command
U+, U- Voltage adjusting commands
U2 f+, f- Frequency adjusting commands

U+
AVR U-
G f+
TR f-

Single line of a generator synchronizing application

SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB 3

Design versions

Single channel system One circuit breaker

SYNCHROTACT CSS
Synchronizing
SYNCHROTACT CSS Operating
mode
Auto
AVR
0 G
Automatic Manual TR

Test
synchronizing Two circuit breakers
SYNCHROTACT CSS
Synchronizing
CB 1
Manual paralleling 1

switch G
AVR
CB 2

TR

AVR
G
TR

Dual channel system One circuit breaker

SYNCHROTACT CSS
Synchronizing
SYNCHROTACT CSS Operating
mode
Auto
0
Automatic Synchrocheck Manual AVR
G
synchronizing Test
TR

Two circuit breakers

SYNCHROTACT CSS
Synchronizing
CB 1
1

CB 2
Manual paralleling Synchrocheck G
AVR

switch TR

AVR
G
TR

Single channel version
The circuit breaker is closed by the synchronizing device
or by manual paralleling.
Dual channel version
An independent synchrocheck is connected in series, in both
operating modes. This allows a degree of reliability, which is
already high in single channel systems, to be improved even
further. It is unlikely that both channels, which are each
structured differently in terms of hardware and software, will
display the same malfunction simultaneously. The extra price
of a dual channel system usually amounts to only a fraction of
the possible consequential costs of incorrect paralleling.
One or two circuit breakers
In the versions designed for two circuit breakers, the con-
nection of the selected paralleling point is integrated into
the SYNCHROTACT CSS.

4 SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB

Components

Synchronizing devices Remote indication

– – Automatic synchronizing device (single or dual channel), – – Local/remote switch setting
front panel installation – – Readiness for operation
– – Synchrocheck for manual synchronizing (dual channel – – Operating in AUTO mode
only), accessible from the rear – – Fault

Synchronizing instruments
–– Double voltmeter
–– Synchroscope
–– Double frequency meter

Controls
–– Key switch to enable paralleling of zero-voltage lines
–– Control mode selector switch: remote/local
–– Operating mode selector switch: AUTO/0/MAN/TEST
–– Push button switch to pre-select the circuit breaker
which is to be synchronized (in versions designed for two
circuit breakers)
–– Push-buttons to start or stop the synchronizing
process
–– Push-buttons to release the paralleling command and
manual paralleling
–– Push-buttons raise/lower commands for voltage and
frequency

Front view with all operation and display instruments Rear view of SYNCHROTACT CSS: all terminals and the synchrocheck
SYN 5100 are accessible from the rear

SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB 5

Technical data

Auxiliary voltage CE conformity

Nominal voltage range 110 to 220VAC/DC LV Directive 2006/95/EC EN 60950
Permissible voltage range 85 to 265 VAC EMC Directive 2004/108/EC IEC 61000-6-2
85 to 375 VDC IEC 61000-6-4
Maximum power consumption 25 W / 35 VA Degrees of protection acc. to IEC 60529
Measuring inputs U1, U2 Front IP 50
Nominal voltage range 50 to 130 VAC Rear IP 00
Permissible voltage range 0 to 130% Un Dimensions
Nominal frequency 16 ²/³ Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz Width x height x depth 482 x 399 x 297
Paralleling relays Weight
Maximum switching voltage 250 VAC / DC Depending on type 15 to 16 kg
Maximum switching current, continuous 5 AAC / DC
Max. switching power AC/DC ON 1 kVA / W
Max. switching power DC/AC OFF 30 VA / W
Adjusting, command and signalling relays
Maximum switching voltage 250 VAC/DC
Maximum switching current, continuous 1.5 AAC/DC
Max. switching power DC/AC ON/OFF 50 VA / W
Isolation
Dielectric test IEC 255-5 2 kV
Impulse voltage test IEC 255-5 5 kV
Temperature ranges
Transport/storage -40 to +85 °C
Functionable -25 to +70 °C
Operation (compliance with technical data) -10 to +55 °C
Emission / immunity (EMC)
Emission, EN 55011/ 0.15 to 0.5 MHz: 79 dB
Terminal disturbance CISPR 11 0.5 to 30 MHz: 73 dB
Emission, EN 55011/ 30 to 230 MHz: 30 dB
radiated disturbance CISPR 11 230 MHz to 1 GHz: 3
7 dB
Electrostatic discharges IEC 61000-4-2 Contact: 6 kV
Air: 8 kV
Electromagnetic fields IEC 61000-4-6 0.15 to 80 MHz
10 V, 80% AM
IEC 61000-4-3 80 MHz to 1 GHz
10 V/m, 80% AM
and PM/900 MHz

Fast transients/bursts IEC 61000-4-4 ±1 kV/ ±2 kV

Surge voltage IEC 61000-4-5 ±0.5 kV / ±1.0 kV/±2.0 kV/
±4.0 kV
Voltage dips IEC 61000-4-11 AC: 30%: 10 ms
60%: 100 ms 
> 95%: 5s
1 MHz burst disturbance IEC 60255-22-1
Common mode 2.5 kV
Differential mode 1 kV

6 SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB

Schematic diagram

SIGNALISATION
remote / local

LOCAL CONTROL SELECTOR

LOCAL / REMOTE
Start
Start / Stop
Stop
CB1
CB1 / CB2
CB2
Release DB
Release CB CL
CB1 CLOSE SYNCHRONISING INSTRUMENTS
local
U+/- f+/-
remote
U1 f1
U1/U2 / / SYN 5202/
U2 f2
SYN 5201
ERROR ERROR
READY READY

REMOTE CONTROL U1/U2 OPERATING AUTO

Start CMD
Stop
CB1 SELECTOR
CB2 AUTO / MAN / TEST U+/-; f+/-
CB1
CB2
Start/Stop Start / Stop

CB1/CB2 CB1 / CB2

U1/U2 SYN 5500

CMD AUTO
CB1 MAN SYN 5100
Feedback CB1 CLOSED TEST

AVR

G
~ TR
U+/-; f+/- U1/U2
U1/U2
CMD

CHK

U+/-; f+/- Release DB

U1/U2 CB1
CB2
CMD
CB2 Start / Stop
Feedback CB2 CLOSED

CB1 / CB2

AVR
CB1
G U+/-; f+/-
CB2
~ TR

Single line schematic diagram of a dual channel SYNCHROTACT CSS for two generator circuit breakers.

SYNCHROTACT® CSS | ABB 7

Contact us

ABB Switzerland Ltd

© Copyright 2014 ABB. All rights

3BHT490351 R0001 Rev. C | Printed in Switzerland, 2014

Static Excitation Systems, Voltage
reserved. Specifications subject to
Regulators and Synchronizing Equipment
change without notice.
CH-5300 Turgi / Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)58 589 24 86
Fax: +41 (0)58 589 23 33
Email: pes@ch.abb.com

www.abb.com/synchrotact