Synchronizing AC generators -- Part 1 (introduction and sync lamps)

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  • Опубликовано: 4 июн 2014
  • We are using a pair of Delco-Remy 3-phase alternators to generate 60 Hz AC power for a miniature demonstration electrical power grid. In this video, we discuss some of the details of generator synchronization.

Комментарии • 250

  • @CharlieTechie
    @CharlieTechie 8 лет назад +231

    In all of my 60 plus years of electrical and electronics I have often wondered how in the world different AC generating stations kept their multi-phase generators in sync within an electrical distribution grid. Your video explained it in less than 2 minutes. Such a simple and beautiful methodology. I have subscribed to your channel and look forward to learning more from your videos. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

    • @David-cy5zu
      @David-cy5zu 3 года назад +2

      not like this. the precision of frequency in western europe is 0,001 Hz.

    • @PatrickKQ4HBD
      @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад +6

      @@David-cy5zu There seems to be a common misconception in Europe that the US is a third world country, and that we're all backwards and inferior. Not so, friend. We rather like it here. Once this Covid issue passes, you're welcome to come visit. I'll take you out to celebrate some of our unique freedoms that we so cherish.

    • @timboatfield
      @timboatfield 3 года назад +2

      @@PatrickKQ4HBD In the case of AC power that might be partially correct, but as a consiquence of history, by being an early adopter of the technology. At a time when material science haden't provided the insulating materials to safely use more that 120V AC in the home. This requires bigger more expencive cables to do the same work as for 220V.
      When a guy comes from Africa and dominates the space and automotive sectors, starting with only a few hundred million bucks, it's not the best look for the country's industrial and commercial proficiency. Should i not mention Intel. Doh!

    • @PatrickKQ4HBD
      @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад +1

      @@timboatfield @Tim Boatfield
      Alternating current power transmission.
      Cheap reusable rockets.
      Space-based high speed internet with truly global coverage.
      The semiconductor industry.
      99% of the world's personal computers. I could go on for days.
      All of these things have one thing in common: country of origin. Such a country that has the right business conditions to grow such a list must be an amazing place to live, and probably attracts the best and brightest from around the world.

    • @timboatfield
      @timboatfield 3 года назад +3

      @@PatrickKQ4HBD High on pride, short of facts.
      I'm sure you could go on for days. 99% of the worlds computeres?! I thought you were talking about China! Yuu are living in a theme park in your own head, but it's not reality.

  • @MrTuber7117
    @MrTuber7117 8 лет назад +44

    I always wondered how, if at all, the utility companies connect themselves to the grid and run in "parallel". This is an awesome scale-model demonstration that makes it clear! Thanks for posting this!

    • @ProctorsGamble
      @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад +3

      I was told years ago by an LG&E (Louisville Gas & Electric) employee that it used to be procedure to shut down power briefly in order to switch generators. This was before it was known that phasing was possible. Seems an employee who liked to have a drink forgot to shut off the first generator before engaging the second one. The transfer was seamless much to the surprise of the engineers. By shear luck he phased them perfectly and didn’t destroy the equipment! This was the first time this happened successfully and thus the engineers knew it was possible. So now we don’t have nightly blackouts.

  • @jimprice1959
    @jimprice1959 3 года назад +5

    Bill - I'm a PE who's been associated the electrical power industry since the 1960s. The three lamps were used previously to the synchroscope in order to show relative rotation. This was also true on shipboard AC systems.

  • @AustinMayer
    @AustinMayer 7 дней назад

    This made my day. One of the coolest demonstrations of AC I have seen 🙂

  • @Bodragon
    @Bodragon 4 года назад +27

    This is quite amazing.
    I am an electrician and I have often wondered how they did this.
    Not just achieving synchronisation, but also maintaining it.
    The "maintaining it" part always held the most intrigue for me.
    How on earth would they prevent one generator from drifting out of sync ?
    My oh my. What a beautiful circumstance that the generators regulate each other and keep themselves in sync!
    I feel like I have just learned a year's worth of knowledge in this single video.
    *_INVALUABLE !_*
    >

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 3 года назад +4

      Think of synchronism as a chain connecting the shaft of each generator. They operate in lock step.
      The only way they can get out of sync is if the excitation of people be generator (DC voltage to the field winding) is reduced to the point where the generator can slip out of synchronism. That is a very rare occurrence.
      Once in sync with other generators, adjustment of the speed control or throttle does not vary the speed of the generator. It then controls the torque applied to the generator shaft which varies the power (Watts) that the generator produces. Adjustment of the excitation voltage to the generator field varies the voltage and current produced by the generator which is known as reactive power (VAR).

    • @nicolasdagenais396
      @nicolasdagenais396 2 года назад

      it's like a single generator where the load and mechanical force applied to the shaft will dictate the frequency...regulators regulate the power applied to the shaft according to the load...ex: if the load increases it will cause the frequency to drop and since it should never go below 60hz (n.a) regulators read inputs from frequency sensitive sensors and send output signals to correct the problem. in hydroelectric dams it is done buy opening valves to let more water in (more force) to spin the turbines. these regulators operate using finely tuned algorithms because the tolerance for frequency dips or overshoot is extremely small. breakers will cause power outage if the frequency dips or overshoots by 1hz for example (not sure how much exactly is tolerated)…

    • @Jak0kaj
      @Jak0kaj 10 месяцев назад

      I KNOW RIGHT?! This completely blew my mind. It’s like reaching for your other hand and the grabbing a hold of it and not letting go. Then no matter which way you pull the other goes with it.. but it’s with electricity

  • @Downunderexploring
    @Downunderexploring 3 года назад +2

    this is explained so clearly and fluently, im a sparky of 15 years and only just discovered this, well done!!!

  • @startoftext
    @startoftext 5 лет назад +72

    Flip the switch while the 3 lights were on. That would make for an interesting video.

    • @polymetric2614
      @polymetric2614 5 лет назад +9

      Yeah, I'd like to see what happens then. Does the slower generator just violently sync up (potentially oscillating in speed), or do they both stop, or what?

    • @robert20770
      @robert20770 4 года назад +17

      @@polymetric2614 Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/fJyWngDco3g/видео.html It is a real (very small) generator connected to the grid. It is taken off line, for a fraction of a second, and allowed to get out of sync with the grid and then put back on line.
      >Does the (cut) generator just violently sync up.
      Generator vs the grid, yes it violently syncs up to the grid. In this demo the engine is damaged in the process.

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 3 года назад +5

      Depending on how many degrees out of synchronism and the difference in speed of the two machines it would range from a severe jolt (torque reaction) up to breaking the shaft of one or both generators.
      Most generating systems have a “sync check” relay that prevents the breaker from closing unless within a very close phase angle.

    • @kenalford2538
      @kenalford2538 3 года назад +13

      @@billmoran3812 Yes that's what we want to see, shafts breaking and sparks flying

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 3 года назад +1

      @@kenalford2538 that’s just stupid.

  • @r.robbie7918
    @r.robbie7918 3 года назад

    Yesss! This video solves the question I had about load balancing for years. Thanks for the crystal clear demo.

  • @daveslyker4431
    @daveslyker4431 8 лет назад +8

    learning all this in fourth year right now. missed my demo this morning. thanks!

  • @cyndicorinne
    @cyndicorinne 3 года назад

    That is the best explanation of grid synchronization I’ve seen!

  • @Renizyne
    @Renizyne 8 лет назад +8

    Wow this is an extremely well put together and explained tutorial and the setup done very logical and neatly, I like it! I was looking quite a while for a neat video like this! A circuit diagram would be a nice addition!

  • @GeorgeTsiros
    @GeorgeTsiros 3 года назад +1

    never even thought of AC as a rotating battery, can't say immediatelly how good of an analogy it is, but i can say with certainty it is amusing and catchy!

  • @electricengineer624
    @electricengineer624 5 лет назад

    Amazing setup,awesome demo.
    Thanks 🙏

  • @danwood4478
    @danwood4478 3 года назад

    Awesome explanation! Simple, beautifully done.

  • @ChiliBass
    @ChiliBass 2 года назад

    Excellent video! I love your demonstration setup - well done!

  • @mohammedal-mudhafar4602
    @mohammedal-mudhafar4602 10 лет назад +6

    Great explanation as always!

  • @ProctorsGamble
    @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад +1

    I knew that the generators had to be synchronized but didn’t know how they kept each other in time. Very interesting.

  • @VoidHalo
    @VoidHalo Год назад

    I've watched videos of the start up of a few power generators and they always glossed over syncing the generator to the grid before connecting it. Thanks for the great practical demo.

  • @maxvideodrome4215
    @maxvideodrome4215 3 года назад +1

    I educated guessed that the lights would have to be off! Best personal discovery of 2021 so far =)

  • @abdullahmahmoud8803
    @abdullahmahmoud8803 2 года назад

    I am 30 years old man who is writing his first degree in Electrical power Engineering and i find this amazing the way you Present this topic.

  • @mariogregory4922
    @mariogregory4922 3 года назад

    This is great! I’m studying for the PE Power exam and wanted to get a better feel of how Generators come online to a grid with lightbulbs. Thank you for the video.

  • @DeathrashWhiplash
    @DeathrashWhiplash 4 года назад +2

    I am studying power engineering and my textbook made zero sense, this makes perfect sense. This also applies as I am currently trying to become employed at a generating station which produces electricity from hogfuel and a steam turbine. Great video thanks!!!

  • @egmac100
    @egmac100 7 лет назад

    Cool video demonstrating how power stations sync up.

  • @akshayd211
    @akshayd211 2 года назад

    What a brilliant explanatory video! Congrats!!!

  • @jimciancio9005
    @jimciancio9005 3 года назад +2

    Wow, what a fantastic demonstration of the grid system in miniature, looks like a very costly experiment, but it's truly amazing how you made it and use of the neon bulbs is a very cool idea for showing off the phasing difference in frequency. I use a neon bulb on my house mains as a power indicator bulb, for when I'm running off a generator when we lose power. I run a 2 phase single cylinder Diesel which runs at 1800 RPMs using a cap and anti-flicker points to boost the power on the non power strokes. I didn't invent it it is just mind blowing they had this technology back in the 70s when this was made! The camshaft tells the points to open allowing the cap to discharge into the field windings upon a dead stroke thus increasing its output power of electric and keeping it as even as possible. BUT love the experiment it's very cool and informative from an engineering standpoint. Thank you.

    • @ProctorsGamble
      @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад

      I was told years ago by an LG&E (Louisville Gas & Electric) employee that it used to be procedure to shut down power briefly in order to switch generators. This was before it was known that phasing was possible. Seems an employee who liked to have a drink forgot to shut off the first generator before engaging the second one. The transfer was seamless much to the surprise of the engineers. By shear luck he phased them perfectly and didn’t destroy the equipment! This was the first time this happened successfully and thus the engineers knew it was possible. So now we don’t have nightly blackouts.

  • @ProctorsGamble
    @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад +1

    Proctor’s Gamble
    I was told years ago by an LG&E (Louisville Gas & Electric) employee that it used to be procedure to shut down power briefly in order to switch generators. This was before it was known that phasing was possible. Seems an employee who liked to have a drink forgot to shut off the first generator before engaging the second one. The transfer was seamless much to the surprise of the engineers. By shear luck he phased them perfectly and didn’t destroy the equipment! This was the first time this happened successfully and thus the engineers knew it was possible. So now we don’t have nightly blackouts.

  • @lukejay
    @lukejay 3 года назад +6

    This is basically DJ Beat-matching with the electrical grid!

    • @JanJanson84
      @JanJanson84 3 года назад +3

      thats exactly what I tought. maybe they should hook up a DJ controller and hire a DJ for sync :D

    • @PatrickKQ4HBD
      @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад +2

      @@JanJanson84 With three phase power, you get a nice 180 BPM.

  • @mickuljatheseagull
    @mickuljatheseagull 4 года назад

    I used to work for a generator company and sync generators but by using electronic synchronization. I am now an instructor in the Middle East and this is a good example to show my trainees 👍

  • @PatrickKQ4HBD
    @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад +1

    This is EXACTLY what I wanted to know! When I was in the Army, we had a pair of generators mounted on one trailer. One had twice the capacity of the other, so they were in a 1/3 - 2/3 ratio. We would service one while the other carried the bare minimum base load, then start it up, sync them with a mysterious "magic box" that had a neon sync lamp in the panel, and then shut down the other one for servicing. At least one of them was running 24/7 for an entire year! That was a lot of fuel, but we had reliable power. I never understood until now how that magic box worked.
    I can see having something like a 1,000W lithium + solar system providing baseload to a camper, then syncing a 2,000 - 3,000W gas generator for when you had heavier short-term loads or needed to quickly charge the house battery bank.

    • @B_Van_Glorious
      @B_Van_Glorious Год назад

      One day I hope these quick charge batteries you speak of become a reality.
      Unless I'm mistaken, and please elucidate if I am, all commercially available batteries take ~10hrs to charge, safely.
      As of now, it's essentially the 80-20 rule. You can charge to 80% in 120min (20%) but the last 20% to full, or floating, will take the remaining 80% of time (480min/8hrs).
      Charging only to 80% will work and still yield usable results, of course, but you'd just eat thru yr batteries lifetime cycles, which don't care about voltage, you'd just burn thru them faster by needing to recharge faster.
      I'd love to be wrong, if there's a better way, or something I'm missing, share the secret handshake!

  • @spongygryphon
    @spongygryphon 2 года назад

    great video! very easy to understand when demonstrated like this!

  • @ringoklassen
    @ringoklassen 8 лет назад +4

    Thank you for this video. I recently visited a hydro electric dam and wondered how they sync the phase of all the generators. I think this answers that.

  • @ryan11199
    @ryan11199 3 года назад +1

    I wondered the same being a Industrial Electrican. When I rebuilt Generators and motors to a summer I was told by engineer. I figured it be done with software these days. Yet no its just 3 light bulbs. Whoever first used this technique was genious and yet simple. Its just polarity.

    • @ProctorsGamble
      @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад +1

      I was told years ago by an LG&E (Louisville Gas & Electric) employee that it used to be procedure to shut down power briefly in order to switch generators. This was before it was known that phasing was possible. Seems an employee who liked to have a drink forgot to shut off the first generator before engaging the second one. The transfer was seamless much to the surprise of the engineers. By shear luck he phased them perfectly and didn’t destroy the equipment! This was the first time this happened successfully and thus the engineers knew it was possible. So now we don’t have nightly blackouts.

  • @GianfrancoAntonioli
    @GianfrancoAntonioli 5 лет назад

    Really great video, and a fantastic explanation

  • @50Hz
    @50Hz 3 года назад +1

    That’s so sick, love it

  • @GeorgeTsiros
    @GeorgeTsiros 3 года назад

    3:47 they are self-synchronizing! frickin' awesome!!!

  • @sictransitgloriamundi230
    @sictransitgloriamundi230 Месяц назад

    *Absolut GEIL! Danke für dieses Video.*

  • @bloguetronica
    @bloguetronica 6 лет назад +1

    Excellent demonstration!

  • @Byteman72
    @Byteman72 3 года назад

    Fantastic demo. Thank you.

  • @TheKutia
    @TheKutia 6 лет назад +1

    I am impressed. this is good to know. thank you

  • @jontornblom
    @jontornblom 4 года назад

    Excellent video, thanks!

  • @Shiba643
    @Shiba643 2 года назад

    Excellent demonstration. I was expecting a control circuit to keep the generator speeds the same. But the entire grid is the control circuit!

  • @phorzer32
    @phorzer32 3 года назад

    Thats very good explained! Like it!

  • @jimprice1959
    @jimprice1959 3 года назад +1

    Good video. Here is a way to make the demonstration better. Put one light between phase A of both alternators. Another between phase A of one and phase B of the other. Put the third light between phase A of one and phase C of the other. That way the blinking will rotate to show the speed as either faster or slower. When the A phase light is extinguished and the other two are the same intensity the breaker may be closed. This is how the old power plants used to do it before the invention of the synchroscope. The equal indication of the two dim lights will provide a better indication of synchronization as the "A" light will be extinguished over more degrees of rotational difference.

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 3 года назад +2

      That’s exactly how the lights in this demonstration are wired. LEDs are not a great choice though, they don’t dim well as voltage is reduced. Incandescent lamps are preferable. Most plants only use two lamps rather than 3. They are connected to the A and C phases.

  • @brandonbinder5572
    @brandonbinder5572 Год назад

    Fantastic video - explained so well

  • @johnmalmendier6755
    @johnmalmendier6755 3 года назад +11

    A friend was telling me how to get the right RPM on my generator to have 60 cycle and was saying something about a light bulb between the generator and my AC power I thought he was pulling my leg but I guess he's onto something

  • @redsquirrelftw
    @redsquirrelftw 3 года назад +1

    Wow that's a really cool demonstration. Heard a story about someone who was working on syncing a hydro plant, and he got a brain fart I guess and applied power wen the light was ON instead of off, so it was 180 degrees out of phase. Immediately snapped the shaft of the turbine, we're talking over a foot thick of steel here. Also required a change of underwear, and probably a full rebuild of the plant. Chances are it also required updating a resume. :P

    • @ProctorsGamble
      @ProctorsGamble 3 года назад

      I was told years ago by an LG&E (Louisville Gas & Electric) employee that it used to be procedure to shut down power briefly in order to switch generators. This was before it was known that phasing was possible. Seems an employee who liked to have a drink forgot to shut off the first generator before engaging the second one. The transfer was seamless much to the surprise of the engineers. By shear luck he phased them perfectly and didn’t destroy the equipment! This was the first time this happened successfully and thus the engineers knew it was possible. So now we don’t have nightly blackouts.

  • @xDlolpatrick
    @xDlolpatrick 3 года назад

    Very creative of you using LEDs as an indicator like Synchroscope bulbs.

    • @TantalumPolytope
      @TantalumPolytope Год назад +1

      these aren't LEDs. LEDs are polarized and operate at a certain voltage. exceed that voltage, the LED burns out. instead, they use neon indicator bulbs. the same as you would find in the switch of a power bar or similar

  • @leddaudet2350
    @leddaudet2350 6 лет назад +3

    Great explanation! New sub

  • @naveennavaneethan1124
    @naveennavaneethan1124 9 лет назад +3

    very informative and explained in a very clear way,.thank you very much and to BTCInstrumentation.

  • @SanjayPatel-fs6jr
    @SanjayPatel-fs6jr 6 лет назад

    Great explanation good to know. thanks.

  • @tonysweany
    @tonysweany 3 года назад +1

    Synchronized many units over the years to the grid. This is a very simplification of the actual process, you must increase load or the reverse power rely will trip the unit off line.

  • @theq4602
    @theq4602 5 лет назад

    Alright thanks! I've been wanting to build my own mini power plant to make money and have been running into the question of synchronization! Thanks!

    • @c31979839
      @c31979839 3 года назад

      If you try to supply power to an electrical grid without a contractual agreement, you'll soon have the police knocking on your door.

    • @theq4602
      @theq4602 3 года назад

      @@c31979839 Oh yeah I know

  • @RadiantFreeEnergyResearch
    @RadiantFreeEnergyResearch 6 лет назад

    A great video, very detailed and easy to understand. We are currently researching ways to synchronize our AC permanent magnet generators for the purpose of charging batteries. Your video clarified many of the questions I sought to understand. Thank you! If you have a chance to look at our project on our channel, please let us know if you have any ideas on how we can improve the system. We are working towards maximum efficiency.

  • @jaydawg4632
    @jaydawg4632 6 месяцев назад

    I recall doing this many times during my Electrical Engineering Technology program back in the 90s. We used the LabVolt modular equipment which was much simpler to setup.

  • @niczoom
    @niczoom 3 года назад

    gOOD VIDEO, REALLY INTERESTING. tHANKS.

  • @ocsrc
    @ocsrc 2 года назад

    I am old enough to remember when there were no PLCs
    I remember each town had it's own power plant and the voltage and hz would be all over the place.
    Lights would dim or brighten.
    When the factory would start their motors the voltage would drop to about 60 volts and slowly climb back and when they shut off the motors the lights would get super bright and sometimes pop
    I had the first UPS and people asked me why
    Then my whole town had every electronic device blow out when there was a surge
    The difference in voltage was huge
    In Rural NY I saw 100 volts, up in Maine it was 130 volts
    Seeing how old some of the poles and lines are, over 100 years old, it is amazing they still work.

  • @MrNaufan
    @MrNaufan 2 года назад

    what a great explanation

  • @dinosaurcomplaints2359
    @dinosaurcomplaints2359 3 года назад

    We had a neon light in the middle of the dash on the boat.(50ft chris craft cabin cruiser, two flathead straight eights for power,) and when under way, you would adjust the throttles to where the light stayed on as steady as you could get. When you got the engines synced, you knew also by the sound of the exhaust as it would be a slow “waaah,waaah,waaah”, as you were going across the bay. 1600 rpm and you were haulin’ butt. Back in the day when high test, 104 octane, was twenty cents a gallon. With two, 250 gallon tanks, it was a $100 to fill’er up!

  • @onemytech196
    @onemytech196 3 года назад

    Perfect explanation sir thaank you very much sir

  • @billk364
    @billk364 3 года назад

    When I started at this sugar factory 40 years ago we had 2 light bulbs to sync a 750kw and a 1000 kw steam generators. When both bulbs were lite, you pulled the manual breaker in. In the 80s, we upgraded to a syncroscope. An arrow attached to a motor shaft with the windings wired between the 2 generators. If incoming was faster, it turned left, and too slow it turned right. At 12:00 arrow up, you close the breaker. We also upgraded to sync transfer. start on grid power, bring up generator 1. Snyc the generator to grid power, then transfer up to 2000 amps at a time from grid to in house steam generator power. The last generator is still in place for backup power Today. The generators are GE 1917 - 750 KW and GE 1000 KW 1936- Wyoming Sugar company.

    • @court2379
      @court2379 3 года назад

      And this is why we need home surge protectors 😛

  • @solomonpratt8288
    @solomonpratt8288 5 месяцев назад

    The first time I knew about this form of synchronization was about fifteen years ago when I was asked to synchronise two catapelar generators of 750kva to give a total power of 1.5MW they had a v12 engine 48v DC starter motors complete with synchronise panel. When synchronise you can hear both generators governors revving up the motors in unison on load. On my first sync it took me over fifteen minutes to engage the breaker when the bulbs extinguished (cold feet) after that I have built six sync panels for different units and would advice anyone trying it out to use two 220v bulbs in series in case your connection are out of sync (phase) with each other were you will get a potential of 380v on your bulbs

  • @sazib8333
    @sazib8333 2 года назад

    Thank you guys

  • @TheRcbthree
    @TheRcbthree 3 года назад

    that was cool! thanks

  • @ar5000
    @ar5000 3 года назад

    Seeing the phases in or out of sync on a scope would have been a nice touch. In reality, this is done with AC generators, not a VFD. I have seen a 4" shaft that was sheared off of a wind turbine due to the phases being out of sync. It's a real thing!

  • @yolo_burrito
    @yolo_burrito 3 года назад +2

    This is why the Texas grid had cascading failure. The generators were starting to slow down because of too much draw and safety shutoffs disconnected loads.

  • @ambassadorkees
    @ambassadorkees 3 года назад +11

    Except that real sync Lights work with one off (L1-L1 comparison) and 2 on (L2-L3 and L3-L2 comparison).
    Built a few dozen.

    • @StormBurnX
      @StormBurnX 3 года назад +1

      I think this is an acceptable scale-model demonstration that simplifies a few things to make the point well enough, but you are quite correct

    • @Calliber50
      @Calliber50 3 года назад +1

      Ah, so you won't accidentally sync up a generator with burn out light bulbs. Smart.

    • @ambassadorkees
      @ambassadorkees 3 года назад +1

      @@Calliber50 Yep, moreover brightness increases exponentially with voltage, therefore comparing 2 bright ones will give much more precise voltage & timing comparison than trying to see very little glow or nothing.

  • @birdofparadiseroopeshdm8291
    @birdofparadiseroopeshdm8291 9 лет назад

    Good video.. thank u

  • @emt56399
    @emt56399 3 года назад

    Thank you for this video, is there a video that shows the build of the generator plates and the coupling together?

  • @flaplaya
    @flaplaya 3 года назад

    Very nice demonstration. Harmonic frequencies must play an important role

    • @PatrickKQ4HBD
      @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад

      I'm not 100%, but I think they must be at 1:1. IOW, 2:1 or 3:1 wouldn't work at all.

  • @jstone1211
    @jstone1211 2 года назад

    Using a simple graph of the two sine waves from each generator would make the discussion easier to follow and understandable. The lights are between one phase out of three. The lights turn on or off based on the Volt-gen1 - Volt-gen2....when they are in synch there is no difference in voltage, that is the sine waves are at the same phase angle.....

  • @DAMN__________
    @DAMN__________ 3 месяца назад

    Well this gave me an idea, i could make a perfectly imperfect comparator from 2 generats

  • @Bassguitarist1985
    @Bassguitarist1985 7 лет назад

    Thank you so much for this video. I have two portable gas generators, 2 pole. Always wondered how I could sync them up to double the output on the same bus. In theory you show me its possible, but the voltage would have to be the same on each, and speed near equal. In theory, if i could find a way to sync up the engines, voltage, and install properly sized circuit breakers for overcurrent protection, is this possible?

  • @curtchase3730
    @curtchase3730 3 года назад +1

    I got the answer to my question as to how the 2 gens maintain sync once engaged to each other. Reminds me of power factor. A phase change between voltage and current (lead/lag). There must be equipment to show if any generator(s) are fighting another to maintain perfect phase for sync? If one gen is getting lazy, the hard working one will try to speed it up, thus wasting energy that could be going to the grid? Now I got to find a vid explaining how 2 consumer portable gen sets can be hooked together to maintain proper sync to increase power output. Nice.

  • @albertsitoe7340
    @albertsitoe7340 2 года назад

    Thanks, I work at Eskom and this is very useful! 🤣

  • @court2379
    @court2379 3 года назад

    I guess it depends on the generator design, but I always though you just energize the field coil with the power you want to sync with, then the output automatically matches.
    Very interesting demonstration though. Thanks.

  • @Doeff8
    @Doeff8 3 года назад +1

    He actually controls the unit already connected to the grid. In reality one will always control the unit that has to be connected to the grid of course...

  • @ricardotito4640
    @ricardotito4640 Год назад

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  • @jafinch78
    @jafinch78 Год назад

    Very interesting! Makes me want to make a demo example using synchronous alternators (i.e. generators) with engines powering so to show the adjustments of the carb screws and possibly the governor to adjust the frequency. For adjusting voltage I'm guessing a variable inductor like from an older transformer based welder core rewound so used as an inductor would be the easiest to use compared to a high current variable capacitor or banks of capacitors switched to adjust. Might be able to just custom wind a variable inductor though using a high magnetic permeability material like a ferrite rod maybe or I guess just rewind a transformer with equal windings on each side with that type material in between so to affect. Instead of using a syncroscope, is neat seeing how to gauge using only neon lamps. Interesting. Definitely different than adjusting the inverter, I guess H-bridge switching to achieve voltage, phase, frequency and phase angle sync.

    • @jafinch78
      @jafinch78 Год назад

      I just realized with the AVR design synchronous alternators... that can be used to adjust the rotor voltage so to adjust the output of the alternator. Didn't think about that for voltage control. So now that I think about for the older models without an AVR... I'm guessing some sort of thyristor can be used maybe unless is a DC design which not I think about being a magnet... then must be a DC design so some sort of DC regulator circuit can be used for less losses seems versus say like a potentiometer design.

  • @Biedropegaz
    @Biedropegaz 3 года назад

    Super nice explanation :-) You should use something to cover the rotating belts.

  • @SuburbanDon
    @SuburbanDon 3 года назад

    Way cool. Now I'd like to see how increasing the drive of the 'local' generator affects voltage and current flow with the 'grid' generator.

    • @c31979839
      @c31979839 3 года назад

      Would have insignificant effects. The larger effect would be when your small generator is out of phase enough, your wires would melt.

  • @fakiirification
    @fakiirification 3 года назад

    there is also a spinning dial indicator they use, similar to the lights. and flip the breaker when the dial is at the 12 o clock position. The lights are a more simple solution tho.

  • @flyguille
    @flyguille 2 года назад

    Interesting.

  • @greggascoigne941
    @greggascoigne941 3 года назад +1

    In an old diesel Generation plant, when you run out of diesel or your fuel gets shut off the unit will still run if connected to the grid. Your generator becomes a big motor.
    Yep, we would tie to the grid the old fashioned way, light bulb and a big hand switch at 2400v. Nothing fancy.

    • @PatrickKQ4HBD
      @PatrickKQ4HBD 3 года назад

      What kind of light bulb works at 2,400V???

  • @RoboGenesHimanshuVerma
    @RoboGenesHimanshuVerma 3 года назад

    Nice lab.

  • @jimprice1959
    @jimprice1959 3 года назад +3

    Thanks for the educational demo. You misused the term "short circuit." If you close the breaker when the alternators are not in synchronization there will be a high circulating current trying to pull them together. Usually this will trip the alternator circuit breaker and can damage the alternators--not to mention making a very loud noise in a power plant.

  • @MrFreddyFeatures
    @MrFreddyFeatures 7 лет назад +1

    I assume that this electro mechanical coupling wastes power as heat in the transmission lines etc between two stations when they are out of sync.

  • @tiborkiss9186
    @tiborkiss9186 6 лет назад +1

    great explanation! One question though: does it mean, that in case one induction motor is rolling two identical alternators on the same belt drive, they remain in sync? I guess they will produce the same voltage and frequency, but - as their initial rotor position is different - the current flow direction changes will not be necessary in sync...

    • @jimprice1959
      @jimprice1959 3 года назад

      As long as the alternators are in parallel their speed will be "exactly" the same.

  • @logycam10
    @logycam10 10 лет назад +1

    Love the series of videos on gen sync. Do you think it is at all possible to use a NC relay in place of the phasing lights to automatically close the contacts on the contactor?

    • @BTCInstrumentation
      @BTCInstrumentation  10 лет назад +3

      My eventual goal is to put an actual auto-sync relay on each generator, in addition to the overcurrent relay (ANSI 50/51) and the loss of excitation relay (ANSI 40) we'll have on each generator station. We could build our own auto-sync circuit, but my preference is to use industry-standard components whenever possible.

    • @haidaralmosawi6243
      @haidaralmosawi6243 9 лет назад +3

      BTCInstrumentation A PLC and some voltage/phase relays + frequency/voltage transducers will do a good job with the VFD's you already have.

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 Год назад

      The ANSI standard for such a device is a 25 relay, known as a sync-check relay. It does not allow the incoming generator’s breaker to close unless the voltages phase sequence and phase angles all are within the correct values.

  • @thermionic1234567
    @thermionic1234567 Месяц назад

    Have you done a video with two dissimilar power sources? I’m wondering about how it works when you sync an inverter with a generator?

  • @Neo-po2xw
    @Neo-po2xw 3 года назад

    Wish I was there to test it.

  • @ronygazi2112
    @ronygazi2112 3 года назад

    Thanks 🌹🌹

  • @cryptoray3009
    @cryptoray3009 4 года назад +1

    Great video. I’ve been searching for a clear explanation for a few days now. Is there a schematic or parts list available anywhere. Would love to replicate this project with multiple units. Thanks

    • @c31979839
      @c31979839 3 года назад +1

      2 x generators
      2 x electric motors
      Misc. belts and pulleys
      2 x motor controllers
      6 x step down transformers
      2 x contactors
      3 x neon indicators
      1 x maintained switch
      Misc wires, connectors, din rails.

  • @robertfeeley9738
    @robertfeeley9738 2 года назад

    If they are out of sync there is a potential between the lines you connect them when potential is 0 (light is off). They self regulate because if they fall out of sync the generator that is under a bigger load will cause it's prime mover to slow down.

  • @cbabbitt54
    @cbabbitt54 8 лет назад +1

    What is the model number of the generators you used?

  • @tigerpakarmy1055
    @tigerpakarmy1055 5 лет назад

    Good technology ,respect from worlds strongest NUCLEAR PAKISTAN..

  • @shawwjon
    @shawwjon 8 лет назад

    Excellent explanation! How would this work for a residential generator? Would it use digital circuitry to accomplish the same thing? I wouldn't think it would "correct" the grid, like the motors do to each other, but just regulate it's own frequency and voltage, along with the anti islanding circuitry. I have grid tie solar, and I'm on time of use, and I've wondered about being able to supplement my own production during peak time with a gasoline generator if needed on a hot cloudy day. Do they make a grid tie gasoline, diesel, or propane generator?

    • @jordanrodrigues1279
      @jordanrodrigues1279 6 лет назад +1

      Remember that brief mention that torque transfer between the synchronous machines depends on current? The zero-crossings of a single phase machine give it two opportunities per cycle to fall out of synch, so torque is pretty significantly limited (by the flywheel inertia and current capacity). If you're going to parallel to a grid - small wind and run-of-river hydro are common - you'd typically use a single phase asynchronous (or "induction") generator. Those asynchronous generators can't regulate voltage and frequency without external help, so most residential backup generators are single phase synchronous generators not capable of parallel use. They'll give really poor power quality or trip their breaker if you try. Larger three phase backup generators can and do run in parallel. Finally a small engine generator is much more expensive per kW-h than buying from the grid, so you wouldn't gain from paralleling anyway. Transfer switches are required not just for safety but to have a chance of working.
      Solar inverters use clever electronics and are effectively synchronous single phase generators without the torque-current problem. You *might* be able to find one that can work in island mode and has the capacity to regulate the poor power factor of an induction generator. (Probably would be marketed as a solar-wind setup.) Then rebuild a gas generator to use an induction generator, either scavenged from a large induction-motor machine or intended as a wind generator.

    • @billmoran3812
      @billmoran3812 3 года назад

      Single phase generators like residential generators cannot be paralleled with three phase sources like the utility. The reason is single phase systems have a phase angle difference of 180 degrees per phase. Three phase systems have a phase angle difference of 120 degrees per phase.
      Generators that operate in parallel with the utility grid are considered to be interconnected to an “infinite” bus. The frequency and voltage is determined by the utility source. The generator can not change that.
      The only adjustments a generator can make while operating in parallel with the utility is to change its real power output (Watts) and its power factor by changing the reactive power output (VARS)

  • @daveblackford6097
    @daveblackford6097 2 года назад

    If I understand correctly, the generator staying in sync relies on mechanical forces imposed on the generator armature by the magnetic properties of the current going through the coils in the generator. Is that basically it?

  • @allenshepard7992
    @allenshepard7992 3 года назад

    Stupid question.
    Two gasoline driven engines drive two three phase motors.
    Each engine has its own fuel regulator.
    If the two motors fall into sync and a substantial electrical connection is made - wire capable of carrying the full load of both generators combined - will they stay in sync ?
    Does the fuel supply, carburetor , also need to be connected ?

  • @akpvdensolartv3389
    @akpvdensolartv3389 3 года назад

    Is there a link for the circuit diagram of this project?

  • @amranhossain7630
    @amranhossain7630 5 лет назад

    Thank U sir, Love for u from bangladesh