EERI 311

Practical 4

By:
Andrew Geldenhuys
Student number: 31648118
With
Dean Slabbert 26042983

Submitted in pursuit of the degree

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

In

ELECTROMECHANICAL ENGINEERING

North-West -University Potchefstroom Campus

Table of Contents
1 Aim .......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 2

2 Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 2

2.1 The Resistance Test ......................................................................................................... 2

2.1.1 Setup and connections .............................................................................................. 2

2.1.2 Measurement results ................................................................................................. 2

2.2 No-load Test ..................................................................................................................... 2

2.3 Short-Circuit Test .............................................................................................................. 3

3 Parameter Calculations ............................................................................................................ 3

3.1 PU Base Values................................................................................................................ 3

3.2 Stator resistance ............................................................................................................... 3

3.3 OCC and SCC graphs ........................................................................................................... 4

3.4 Calculate Xs and Zs .......................................................................................................... 5

4 Demonstration ......................................................................................................................... 6

5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 8

1
1 Aim
The objective of this practical experiment is to perform three tests on a synchronous machine to
determine key parameters: the armature resistance (Ra), synchronous impedance (Zs), and
synchronous reactance (Xs). These tests include the Resistance test, Open-circuit test, and Short-
circuit test, which collectively provide crucial information about the machine's electrical
characteristics and enable further analysis and evaluation of its performance.

1.1 Background
Synchronous machines are widely used in various industries and power systems for applications
such as power generation, motors, and synchronous condensers. Understanding the electrical
characteristics of synchronous machines is essential for their proper operation and efficient
utilization.

2 Methodology
2.1 The Resistance Test
2.1.1 Setup and connections
The purpose of the resistance test is to determine the armature resistance (Ra) of the synchronous
machine. In this test, the machine is operated at rated voltage and speed while the field winding is
disconnected or left open. By measuring the armature current and per phase voltage, Ohm's law
(V = I * R) can be applied to calculate the armature resistance. The armature resistance is
essential for determining the machine's voltage regulation and losses.

2.1.2 Measurement results

1. Ensure that the synchronous machine is properly installed, and all safety precautions are
taken.
2. Connect the ammeter in series with the armature winding to measure the armature current
(Ia).
3. Connect the voltmeter across the armature to measure the Per phase voltage Vt
4. Ensure that all connections are securely made and properly insulated.
5. Record the measured armature current (Ia) and terminal voltage (Vt).
6. Repeat the measurement at different load conditions.
7. Calculate the armature resistance (Ra) using Ohm's law: Ra = Vt / Ia.
8. Repeat the test multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

To calculate the field resistance (Rf ) when performing tests on a synchronous machine, you typically
need to measure the field current (If ) and the field voltage (Vf ). The field resistance can be calculated
using Ohm's law (Rf = Vf / If).

2.2 No-load Test

The open-circuit test, also known as the no-load test or field test, helps in determining the
synchronous impedance (Zs) of the machine. In this test, the machine is operated at rated voltage
2
and speed without any mechanical load connected to the shaft. The field winding is excited with
rated field current. By measuring the terminal voltage and field current, the synchronous
impedance can be calculated using the formula: Zs = Uo / If, where Uo is the per phase voltage
and If is the field current. The synchronous impedance represents the combined effect of the
synchronous reactance and armature resistance.

2.3 Short-Circuit Test

The short-circuit test, also referred to as the locked-rotor test or the impedance test, is performed to
determine the synchronous reactance (Xs) of the machine. In this test, the machine is operated at
rated voltage and speed while the rotor is mechanically locked or held stationary. By short-circuiting
the armature terminals and applying rated voltage, the short-circuit current can be measured. The
synchronous reactance is then calculated using the formula: Xs =, where V is the rated voltage and
Isc is the measured short-circuit current. The synchronous reactance represents the inductive
reactance of the machine.

3 Parameter Calculations
3.1 PU Base Values
Looking at the

The following formula was used to find Sbase.

𝑆base = √3𝐼𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑈𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒

𝑆base = √3 (7,6) (380)

𝑆base = 5002.16 𝑉𝐴

The following formula was used to find Zbase.

Zbase=(Ubase)^2/Sbase

Zbase=380^2/5002.16=59.2954 Ω

3.2 Stator resistance

Using the measured field voltage per phase (Vf) and field current (If) in Ohms formula results in the
field resistance (Rf). The armature resistance per phase (Ra) is also calculated in the same way,
with the respective armature voltage (Va) and the armature current (Ia). Below is the table
containing the results of these calculations.

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 Table 1: Resistance Test for Ra and Rf

Phase Voltage (V) Current (A) Resistance (Ω)

R1 26,79 3,042 8,806706114
Y1 25,852 3,043 8,495563589
B1 26,237 3,044 8,619250986
Ra = 8,640506896
Field 22,783 0,072 316,4305556

3.3 OCC and SCC graphs

The following graph contains the per phase no-load voltage (Uo) and the short-circuit current (Isc)
with respect to a field current (If) varying between 10% to 120% the rated current.

No-Load and Short-Circuit

350 10
air-gap line
OCC 9
300
No-Load Terminal Voltage (Vo)

y = 781,62x 8

Short-Circuit Current (Isc)

250 7
SCC
6
200
y = 8,6052x
5
150 R2 (V)
4
R2 (V)
100 3
Isc (A)
2
50 Linear (R2 (V))
1
Linear (Isc (A))
0 0
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1
Field current (If)

Graph 1: OCC and SCC graph

Contained in the tables below are the measured results of the no-load test and the short-circuit
test.

Table 2:No-Load Test

Field Winding Armature Voltage

Vf (V) If (A) R2 (V) Y2 (V) B2 (V) AVG (V)
10% 20,79 0,062 46,78 46,78 46,78 46,78
20% 0,4043 0,123 98,4 98,42 98,41 98,41
30% 59,68 0,182 141,3 141,29 141,31 141,3
40% 79,64 0,243 183,4 183,42 183,41 183,41

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 50% 97,74 0,298 216,3 216,3 216,3 216,3
60% 119,23 0,363 238,4 238,4 238,4 238,4
70% 138,34 0,422 252,5 252,5 252,5 252,5
80% 158,44 0,484 265,1 265,1 265,1 265,1
90% 180,32 0,542 275,5 275,5 275,5 275,5
100% 202,2 0,601 284 284 284 284
110% 227,57 0,667 292,7 292,7 292,7 292,7
120% 247,3 0,716 298,5 298,5 298,5 298,5

Table 3: Short-Circuit Test

Field Armature
Vf (V) If (A) Usc (V) Isc (A)
20% 41,19 0,121 13,316 1,155
50% 103,87 0,304 32,5 2,612
80% 162,9 0,481 47,99 4,113

3.4 Calculate Xs and Zs

The magnitude of the synchronous impedance (Zs) is equal to the no-load voltage (Uo) per phase
divided by the short-circuit current (Isc).

𝑍𝑠 = 𝑈𝑜 /𝐼𝑠𝑐 . []

The magnitude of the synchronous reactance (Xs) is calculated in the following formula,

𝑋𝑠 = √𝑍𝑠2 − 𝑅𝑎2 . []

The table below contains the calculated Zs and Xs while operating the synchronous machine at
20%, 50% and 80% its rated voltage.

Table 4: Calculated Zs and Xs

Calculate Zs and Xs
Zs (Ω) Xs (Ω) Isc (A) If (A)
20% 85,20346 84,76421 1,155 0,121
50% 82,81011 82,35809 2,612 0,304
80% 64,45 63,87239 4,113 0,481
AVG 77,48925 76,99823

The synchronous reactance can be plotted over the field current to reveal how the reactance
changes with an increasing field current. See the graph below.

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 Table 5:Xs over varying If current

Syncronus reactance over a Varying field current

100

90

80
syncronous reactance Xs

70

60
y = -57,779x + 94,448
50

40

30

20

10

0
0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6
Field Current If (A)

4 PU
PU ohm
Resistance
test R1 0,17613412 8,80670611
Y1 0,16991127 8,49556359
B1 0,17238502 8,61925099
Ra 0,17281014 8,6405069
Zs 1,54978493 77,4892467
Xs 1,53996461 76,9982305

5 Demonstration
In this demonstration, we will explore the key factors involved in synchronizing a generator with the
electrical grid. Synchronizing generators is crucial to ensure safe and efficient integration into the
grid system. Here are the essential factors.

Voltage and Frequency Matching:

A generator must operate at the same voltage and frequency as the grid to ensure a seamless
connection. Deviations in voltage or frequency can lead to instability and damage.

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To achieve voltage and frequency matching, generators are equipped with speed and voltage
regulators. These regulators help control the generator's output and ensure it matches the grid's
parameters.

Synchronization Process:

It involves several crucial steps to ensure a safe and smooth connection between the generator and
the grid.

a. Voltage and Frequency Check:

Before synchronization, the generator's voltage and frequency should be close to the grid's levels.
Monitoring instruments help us verify this.

b. Phase Synchronization:

Phase synchronization ensures the alignment of the generator's waveform with the grid's waveform.
Synchroscopes or phase indicators assist in achieving precise phase matching. When the needle is
pointing upwards it means that the two generators are in phase. When pointing down it means that
the two generated voltages are out of phase.

c. Adjustments and Fine-Tuning:

To achieve synchronization, adjustments may be necessary. Speed governors and voltage

regulators are finely tuned to minimize any remaining deviations.

Grid Connection and Load Sharing:

After successful synchronization, it's time for grid connection and load sharing. This allows the
generator to contribute power to the grid while maintaining stability.

a. Circuit Breaker Closing:

With synchronization achieved, we can now close the circuit breaker to connect the generator to the
grid. This step must be executed safely and with precision.

b. Load Sharing Control:

To maintain a balanced system, load sharing mechanisms, such as automatic voltage regulators
and grid control systems, come into play. They distribute the load proportionally among the
generators. One can move the reactive load between the grid and the generator just by varying the
field current.

Conclusion:

Covered in the demonstration was the key factors involved in synchronizing a generator with the
grid. Voltage and frequency matching, speed and voltage regulators, synchronization process, grid
connection, and load sharing are vital aspects to ensure a successful integration.

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6 Conclusion
The practical on synchronous generator testing has provided valuable insights into crucial
parameters governing its performance. The conducted resistance test, open-circuit test, and short-
circuit test yielded essential information about the generator's armature resistance (Ra),
synchronous impedance (Zs), and synchronous reactance (Xs). These results deepen our
understanding of the generator's behaviour, enabling evaluation of efficiency, voltage regulation,
excitation requirements, fault handling capability, and impedance under different conditions.
Adherence to safety guidelines ensured a secure testing environment. The acquired data serves
as a valuable resource for analysis, system design, and optimization, aiding in fault identification,
performance improvement, and system reliability enhancement.

Addendum
Resistance test

Voltage Curren
Phase (V) t (A) Resistance PU
R1 26,79 3,042 =C4/D4 =E4/$J$2
Y1 25,852 3,043 =C5/D5 =E5/$J$2
B1 26,237 3,044 =C6/D6 =E6/$J$2
=AVERAGE(E
Ra = 4:E6) =E7/$J$2
Field 22,783 0,072 =C9/D9

No-Load test
Armat
ure
Voltag
Field Winding e
Y2 B2
Vf (V) If (A) R2 (V) (V) (V) AVG (V)
=$A$24* 46,7 =AVERAGE(E1
B15 0,1 20,79 0,062 46,78 8 46,78 5:G15)
=$A$24* 0,404 98,4 =AVERAGE(E1
B16 0,2 3 0,123 98,4 2 98,41 6:G16)
=$A$24* 141, 141,3 =AVERAGE(E1
B17 0,3 59,68 0,182 141,3 29 1 7:G17)
=$A$24* 183, 183,4 =AVERAGE(E1
B18 0,4 79,64 0,243 183,4 42 1 8:G18)
=$A$24* 216, =AVERAGE(E1
B19 0,5 97,74 0,298 216,3 3 216,3 9:G19)
=$A$24* 119,2 238, =AVERAGE(E2
B20 0,6 3 0,363 238,4 4 238,4 0:G20)

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=$A$24* 138,3 252, =AVERAGE(E2
B21 0,7 4 0,422 252,5 5 252,5 1:G21)
=$A$24* 158,4 265, =AVERAGE(E2
B22 0,8 4 0,484 265,1 1 265,1 2:G22)
=$A$24* 180,3 275, =AVERAGE(E2
B23 0,9 2 0,542 275,5 5 275,5 3:G23)
=AVERAGE(E2
0,6 1 202,2 0,601 284 284 284 4:G24)
=$A$24* 227,5 292, =AVERAGE(E2
B25 1,1 7 0,667 292,7 7 292,7 5:G25)
=$A$24* 298, =AVERAGE(E2
B26 1,2 247,3 0,716 298,5 5 298,5 6:G26)

Short-Circuit test
Field Armature
Vf (V) If (A) Usc (V) Isc (A)
=$A$24*B3 0,
2 2 41,19 0,121 13,316 1,155
=$A$24*B3 0,
3 5 103,87 0,304 32,5 2,612
=$A$24*B3 0,
4 8 162,9 0,481 47,99 4,113

Sb Vb Ib Zb
=H2*I2*SQRT(3) 380 7,6 =H2/I2
Calculate Zs and Xs
% Rated Voltage Zs (Ω) Xs (Ω) Isc (A) If (A)
=SQRT(H5^2 -
0,2 =H16/J5 $E$7^2) =F32 =D32
=SQRT(H6^2 -
0,5 =H19/J6 $E$7^2) =F33 =D33
=SQRT(H7^2 -
0,8 =H22/J7 $E$7^2) =F34 =D34

PU ohm
Resistance test 1 =D39/$J$2 =E4
Y1 =D40/$J$2 =E5
B1 =D41/$J$2 =E6
Ra =D42/$J$2 =E7
Zs =D43/$J$2 =H8
Xs =D44/$J$2 =I8