Electrical Machine II Poly Phase Synchronous Machine Unit I Chapter 2

Three Phase Synchronous Motor

2.1. Introduction: The motor which runs at synchronous speed is known as the
synchronous motor. The synchronous speed is the constant speed at which motor generates
the electromotive force. The synchronous motor is used for converting the electrical energy
into mechanical energy. A synchronous motor is a double exited machine. Its rotor poles are
excited by direct current (DC) and its stator windings are connected to the alternating current
(AC) supply. An important feature of a synchronous motor is that it can draw either lagging
or leading reactive current from the ac supply system.

2.2. Construction: The construction of a 3-phase synchronous motor is the same as that
of a synchronous generator or alternator. A synchronous motor has mainly two parts i.e. 1)
Stator; 2) Rotor.
2.2.1. Stator:
a) It has 3-phase armature winding in the slots of the stator core and receives power from
a 3-phase supply.
b) It is stationary, carries the armature winding of the motor.
c) The armature winding is the main winding because of which the emf induces in the
motor.
d) The stator is wound for the same number of poles as the rotor poles.
2.2.2. Rotor:
a) The rotor has two types i.e., the salient pole rotor and the non-salient pole rotor.
b) For the high-speed cylindrical rotor is used in the motor.
c) The salient pole rotor is mostly used for the medium and low-speed motor.
d) The rotor of the synchronous motor is made with the laminations of the steel.
e) The salient pole rotor excited by direct current to form alternate N and S poles.
f) The rotator carries the field windings.
g) The exciting coils are connected in series to two slip rings and direct current is fed
into the winding from an external exciter mounted on the rotor shaft.

2.3. Principle of Operation: Consider a 3-phase synchronous motor is connected to a

suitable balanced 3-phase source and the field winding to a D.C source of rated voltage. The
current flowing through the field coils will set up stationary magnetic poles of alternate North
and South. Then the stator will also be wound for two poles North and South. The 3-phase
currents flowing in the armature winding produce a rotating magnetic field rotating at

120f
synchronous speed i.e.
N =
P
North and South poles established in the stator due to the 3-phase currents i.e. at any location
in the stator there will be a North Pole at some instant of time. It will become a South Pole

1
after a time period corresponding to half a cycle.
After a time = where f = frequency of the supply
2f
Assume that the stationary South pole in the rotor is aligned with the North pole in the stator
moving in clockwise direction at a particular instant of time as shown in Figure 2.1. These
two poles get attracted and try to maintain this alignment (as per Lenz’s law) and hence the
rotor pole tries to follow the stator pole as the conditions are suitable for the production of
torque in the clockwise direction. However, the rotor cannot move instantaneously due to its

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Electrical Machine II Poly Phase Synchronous Machine Unit I Chapter 2

mechanical inertia, and so it needs some time to move.

In the meantime, the stator pole would quickly (a time
duration corresponding to half a cycle) change its
polarity and becomes a South Pole. So the force of
attraction will no longer be present and instead the like
poles experience a force of Repulsion as shown in
Figure below. In other words, the conditions are now
suitable for the production of torque in the
anticlockwise direction. Even this condition will not

North Pole after a time of 1⁄2f shown in Fig. 2.1.

last longer as the stator pole would again change to

Thus the rotor will experience an alternating force

which tries to move it clockwise and anticlockwise at twice the frequency of the supply, i.e.
at intervals corresponding to 1/2f seconds. As this duration is quite small compared to the
mechanical time constant of the rotor, the rotor cannot respond and move in any direction.
The rotor continues to be stationary only.
On the contrary if the rotor is brought to near synchronous speed by some external device
say a small motor mounted on the same shaft as that of the rotor, the rotor poles get locked to
the unlike poles in the stator and the rotor continues to run at the synchronous speed even if
the supply to the motor is disconnected. Thus the synchronous rotor cannot start rotating on
its own when the rotor and stator are supplied with rated voltage and frequency and hence the
synchronous motor has no starting torque. So, some special provision has to be made either
inside the machine or outside of the machine so that the rotor is brought to near about its
synchronous speed. At that time, if the armature is supplied with electrical power, the rotor
can pull into step and continue to run at its synchronous speed. Again change to North Pole
after a time of 1/2f. Thus the rotor will experience an alternating force which tries to move it
clockwise and anticlockwise at twice the frequency of the supply, i.e. at intervals
corresponding to 1/2f seconds. As this duration is quite small compared to the mechanical
time constant of the rotor, the rotor cannot respond and move in any direction. The rotor
continues to be stationary only.

2.4. Working of Synchronous Motor: The stator is wound for the similar number of
poles as that of rotor, and fed with three phase AC supply. The 3 phase AC supply produces
rotating magnetic field in stator. The rotor winding is fed with DC supply which magnetizes
the rotor.
 Now, the stator poles are revolving with synchronous speed (let’s say clockwise). If
the rotor position is such that, N pole of the rotor is near the N pole of the stator (as
shown in first schematic of above figure), then the poles of the stator and rotor will
repel each other, and the torque produced will be anticlockwise.
 The stator poles are rotating with synchronous speed, and they rotate around very fast
and interchange their position. But at this very soon, rotor cannot rotate with the same
angle (due to inertia), and the next position will be likely the second schematic in
above figure. In this case, poles of the stator will attract the poles of rotor, and the
torque produced will be clockwise.
 Hence, the rotor will undergo to a rapidly reversing torque, and the motor will not
start. But, if the rotor is rotated up to the synchronous speed of the stator by means of
an external force (in the direction of revolving field of the stator), and the rotor field is
excited near the synchronous speed, the poles of stator will keep attracting the
opposite poles of the rotor (as the rotor is also, now, rotating with it and the position
of the poles will be similar throughout the cycle).

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 Now, the rotor will undergo unidirectional torque. The opposite poles of the stator and
rotor will get locked with each other, and the rotor will rotate at the synchronous
speed.
2.5. Characteristic features of a Synchronous Motor:
 Synchronous motor will run either at synchronous speed or will not run at all.
 The only way to change its speed is to change its supply frequency. (Ns = 120f / P).
 Synchronous motors are not self-starting. They need some external force to bring
them near to the synchronous speed.
 They can operate under any power factor, lagging as well as leading. Hence,
synchronous motors can be used for power factor improvement.

2.6. Torque Equation: The mechanical power developed P by any synchronous

2πN !"
motor can be:
P = Watts 2.5.1
60
Where, N = The synchronous speed in RPM. !" =The gross torque in N-m.

60 P
The gross torque of the synchronous motor is
!" = × N−m 2.5.2
2π N

P,
The shaft torque is given by
!)* = 9.55 × N−m 2.5.3
N

P, = The mechanical power output at the shaft of the motor.

Where,

From Equs.(2.5.2) & (2.5.3), it can be noted that the torque is directly proportional to the

Also the electrical power developed P. is,

mechanical power since the speed of the motor is constant i.e. synchronous speed (N ).

P. = VI1 cos 2 − ϕ 2.5.4

2.6.1. Different Torques in a Synchronous Motor: The following torques are

considered in the selection of synchronous motor for a particular application:
1. Locked Rotor Torque: It is the minimum torque at any angular rotor position
that is developed with the rotor locked i.e. stationary and rated voltage at rated
frequency is applied to the terminals. This torque is provided by the stator windings.
2. Running Torque: It is the torque developed by the synchronous motor under
running condition. It is determined by the power rating and speed of the driven
machine.
3. Pull-in Torque: A synchronous motor started as induction motor till it runs 2 to 5
per cent below the synchronous speed. The dc excitation is then applied and the rotor
pulls into step with the synchronously rotating stator field. The pull-in torque is the
maximum constant torque at rated voltage and frequency under which a motor will
pull a connected load into synchronism when the dc motor excitation is applied.
4. Pull-out Torque: It is the maximum value of torque which a synchronous motor
can develop at rated voltage and frequency without losing synchronism.

2.7. Starting of Synchronous Motor: A synchronous motor is not self-starting. It is

necessary to rotate the rotor at a speed very near to synchronous speed. The various methods
to start the synchronous motor are:

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1. Using pony motors.

2. Using Damper Winding.
3. As a slip ring induction motor.
4. With an external prime mover.

1. Using Pony Motors: In this method, the rotor is brought to the synchronous speed
with the help of some external device like small induction motor. Such an external device is
called 'pony motor'. Once the rotor attains the synchronous speed, the d.c. excitation to the
rotor is switched on. Once the synchronism is established pony motor is decoupled. The
motor then continues to rotate as synchronous motor.
2. Using Damper Winding: Synchronous machines are not self-starting machines.
These machines are made self-starting by providing a special winding in the rotor
poles, known as damper winding or squirrel cage windings shown in Fig.2.2. The
damper winding consists of short circuited copper bars embedded in the face of
the rotor poles.
When an AC supply is provided to stator of a 3-phase synchronous motor, stator
winding produces rotating magnetic field. Due to the damper winding present in
the rotor winding of the synchronous motor, machine starts as induction motor
(Induction machine works on the principle of induction. Damper windings in
synchronous motor will carry out the same task of induction motor rotor
windings. Therefore due to damper windings synchronous motor starts as
induction motor and continue to accelerate). The exciter for synchronous motor
moves along with rotor. When the motor attains about 95% of the synchronous
speed, the rotor windings is connected to exciter terminals and the rotor is
magnetically locked by the rotating magnetic field of stator and it runs as a
synchronous motor.
2.1. Function of Damper Windings:
 Damper windings help the synchronous motor to start on its own (self-starting
machine) by providing starting torque.
 By providing damper windings in the rotor of synchronous motor "Hunting of
machine" can be suppressed. When there is change in load, excitation or change in
other conditions of the systems rotor of the synchronous motor will oscillate to and
fro about an equilibrium position. At times this oscillation becomes more violent and
resulting in loss of synchronism of the motor and comes to halt.
3. As a Slip Ring Induction Motor: The above method of starting synchronous motor
as a squirrel cage induction motor does not provide high starting torque. So to achieve this,
instead of shorting the damper winding, it is
designed to a form a three phase star or delta
connected winding. The three ends of this
winding are brought out through slip rings.
An external rheostat then can be introduced
in series with the rotor circuit. So when
stator is excited, the motor starts as a slip
ring induction motor and due to resistance
added in the rotor, provides high starting
torque shown in Fig. 2.3. The resistance is
then gradually cut off, as motor gathers
speed. When motor attains speed near synchronous. DC excitation is provided to the rotor,
then motors gets pulled into synchronism and starts rotating at synchronous speed. The

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damper winding is shorted by shorting the slip rings. The initial resistance added in the rotor
not only provides high starting torque but also limits high inrush of starting current. Hence it
acts as a motor resistance starter.
4. With an External Prime Mover: Many a times a large synchronous motor is
provided with a coupled DC machine. This machine is used as a DC motor to rotate the
synchronous motor at a synchronous speed. Then the excitation to the rotor is provided. Once
motor starts running as a synchronous motor, the same DC machine acts as a DC generator
called exciter. The field of the synchronous motor is then excited by this exciter itself.

2.8. Equivalent Circuit and Phasor Diagrams of a Cylindrical Rotor

Synchronous Motor: The equivalent circuit of a cylindrical rotor three phase
synchronous motor is shown in Fig. 2.4.

E6 = Excitation Voltage;
Let,

I6 = Field Current;

I1 = Armature current per phase drawn by the motor from the supply.
V= Terminal phase voltage applied to the armature.

R 1 = Effective armature resistance per phase.

X = Synchronous reactance per phase of the motor stator armature winding.
Z = Synchronous impedance per phase of the armature.
ϕ = Phase angle between V and I1 .
cosϕ = Power factor
2 = Torque angle= Phase difference between E6 and V.
I1 R 1 = Voltage drop per phase in the armature resistance.
I1 X = Reactive voltage drop per phase due to armature reactance and armature reaction effect.
Z = R 1 : jX 2.5.5

V = E6 : I1 Z 2.5.6
For a synchronous motor

V = E6 : I1 R 1 : jX 2.5.7
E6 = = − I1 R 1 − jI1 X 2.5.8

2.8.1. Phasor Diagram: Phasor diagrams of a 3 phase cylindrical rotor synchronous

1. Phasor Diagram at Lagging Power Factor ?@AB: Suppose that the

motor operating at different power factors can be drawn with the help of Equ. (2.5.7).

synchronous motor is taking a lagging current i supply. Equation (2.5.8) is used to draw the

For lagging powercosϕ, the direction of armature current I1 , lags behind V by an angle ϕ
phasor diagram. The supply voltage is taken as reference phasor along OA such that OA = V.

along OB, where OB = I1 . The voltage drop per phase in the armature resistance is I1 R 1 . The
phasor −I1 R 1 is represented by AC. It is in a direction opposite to that of I1 . The voltage
drop per phase in the synchronous reactance is I1 X . The phasor −jI1 X is represented by
CD. It is in a direction perpendicular to the phasor −I1 R 1 . The phasor E6 is is equal to the
phasor sum of V, −I1 R 1 and −jI1 X . It is represented by OD. The angle 2 between V and
E6 , is the power angle (or torque angle). It plays an important role in the power transfer and

the synchronous motor operating at a lagging power factor cosϕ. The phasor diagram at
in the stability of the synchronous motor operation. Fig. 2.5.1, shows the phasor diagram of

lagging power factor cosϕ can also be drawn as shown in Fig. 2.5.1.

[Link] Diagram at Unity Power Factor: At unity power factor, the current I1
drawn by the motor is in phase with supply voltage V. The procedure for drawing the phasor

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diagram at unity power is the same as that for lagging power factor. It is shown in Fig. 2.5.2
and alternatively in Fig. 2.5.2.

3. Phasor Diagram at Leading Power Factor ?@AB: When the motor is operating
at leading power factor cosϕ, the current I1 drawn by the motor leads the supply voltage V
by the phase angle ϕ. The procedure for drawing the phasor diagram at leading power factor
cosϕ is the same as given for lagging power factor. Fig. 2.5.3. shows the phasor diagram of a
synchronous motor at leading power factor cosϕ. This diagram can also be drawn as in Fig.
2.5.3.

2.8.2. Calculation of EF :
Determination of GH by using complex algebra:
Let, V be taken as a reference phasor. V = V∠0, = V : j0
For lagging power factorJosϕ, I1 = I1 ∠ − ϕ = I1 cosϕ − jI1 sinϕ
For unity power factor Josϕ, I1 = I1 ∠0, = I1 : j0
For leading power factor cosϕ, I1 = I1 ∠ : ϕ = I1 cosϕ : jI1 sinϕ
The synchronous impedance given by, Z = R 1 : jX
The excitation voltage given by, E6 = V − I1 Z

E6 ∠δ = V∠0, − I1 ∠ − ϕ R 1 : jX = V : j0 − I1 cosϕ − jI1 sinϕ R 1 : jX

For lagging power factorKLMN,

⇒ E6 ∠δ = V − I1 R 1 cosϕ − I1 X sinϕ − j I1 X cosϕ − I1 R 1 sinϕ

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E6 = Q V − I1 R 1 cosϕ − I1 X sinϕ R : I1 X cosϕ − I1 R 1 sinϕ R

I1 R 1 sinϕ − I1 X cosϕ
δ = tanST U V
V − I1 R 1 cosϕ − I1 X sinϕ
Similarly for leading power factorKLMN
E6 = Q V − I1 R 1 cosϕ : I1 X sinϕ R : I1 X cosϕ : I1 R 1 sinϕ R
I1 R 1 sinϕ : I1 X cosϕ
δ = −tanST U V
V − I1 R 1 cosϕ : I1 X sinϕ
For unity power factor cosϕ = 1
E6 = Q V − I1 R 1 R : I1 X R
I1 X
δ = −tanST U V
V − I1 R 1
Determination of GH by phasor diagram:
For lagging power factorKLMN using Fig. 2.5.1.

ODR = OM R : MDR = OM R : NF R = ON − MN R : NA − FA R
From triangle ODM,

E6 R = Vcosϕ − I1 R 1 R : Vsinϕ − I1 X R

OM R = OLR : LM R
For unity power factorKLMN using fig. 2.5.2.

E6 R = V − I1 R 1 R : I1 X R
For leading power factor KLMN using fig. 2.5.3.
OLR = ON R : NLR = OK − NK R : KB − BM R
E6 R = Vcosϕ − I1 R 1 R : Vsinϕ : I1 X R

2.9. Power Flow Equations for a Synchronous Motor: Fig. 2.4 shows the circuit
model of a cylindrical rotor synchronous motor. 2nd diagram of Fig. 2.5.1 shown the phasor

E6 lags V by an angle δ so V = V∠0, ; ∴ E6 = E6 ∠ − δ

diagram at lagging power factor.

V = E6 : I1 Z 2.9.1
Apply KVL in Fig. 2.4,

V − E6
I1 = 2.9.2
Z
V = V∠0, E6 = E6 ∠ − δ V E6
= − = ∠ − θ_ − ∠ − δ : θ_
Z ∠θ_ Z ∠θ_ Z Z
V E6
I1∗ = ∠ − θ_ − ∠ − δ : θ_ 2.9.3
Z Z
Complex Power Input to Motor per phase abc
VR VE6
Se = Pe : jQ e = VI1∗
= ∠ − θ_ − ∠ − δ : θ_ 2.9.4
Z Z
VR VR VE6 VE6
∴ Pe : jQ e = g cosθ_ : j sinθ_ h − i cos δ : θ_ : j sin δ : θ_ j 2.9.5
Z Z Z Z
Real Input Power per phase to the Motor kbc

VR VE6
Equating real parts of Equ. (2.9.5),
Pe = cosθ_ − cos δ : θ_
Z Z
VR VE6
⟹ Pe = R R1 − cos δ : θ_ 2.9.6
m Z

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But, θ_ = 90, − α_
cos δ : θ_ = coso90, : pppppppp
2 − α_ q = −sin 2 − α_
V R
VE6
∴ Pe = R R 1 : sin 2 − α_ 2.9.7
m Z
Reactive Input Power per phase to the Motor rbc

VR VE6
Equating imaginary parts of Equ. (2.9.5)
Qe = sinθ_ − sin δ : θ_
Z Z
VR VE6
Qe = R X − sin 2 : α_ 2.9.8
m Z
But, θ_ = 90, − α_
sin δ : θ_ = sino90, : 2 pppppppp
− α_ q = cos 2 − α_
V R
VE6
∴ Qe = R X − cos 2 − α_ 2.9.9
m Z
Complex Power Output per phase of the Motor a@c
Ss = Ps : jQ s = E6 I1∗ 2.9.10
V E6 VE6 E6R
= E6 ∠ − δ U ∠θ_ − ∠δ : θ_ V = ∠θ_ − 2 − ∠θ_
Z Z Z Z
VE6 VE6 E6R
E6R
∴ Pe : jQ e =t cos θ_ − 2 : j sin θ_ − 2 u − v cosθ_ : j sinθ_ w 2.9.11
Z Z Z Z
Real Output Power per phase to the Motor k@c

VE6 E6R
Equating real parts of Equ. (2.9.11),
Ps = cos θ_ − 2 − cosθ_
Z Z
VE6 E6R
⟹ Ps = cos θ_ − 2 − R 1 2.9.12
Z Z
But, θ_ = 90, − α_
cos θ_ − 2 = coso90, − pppppppp
2 − α_ q = sin 2 : α_
VE6 E6R
∴ Ps = sin 2 : α_ − R 1 2.9.13
Z Z
Reactive Output Power per phase to the Motor r@c

VE6 E6R
Equating imaginary parts of Equ. (2.9.11)
Qs = sin θ_ − 2 − sinθ_
Z Z
VE6 E6R
⟹ Qs = sin θ_ − 2 − X 2.9.14
Z Z
But, θ_ = 90, − α_
sin θ_ − 2 = sino90, − pppppppp
2 − α_ q = cos 2 : α_
VE6 E6R
∴ Qs = cos 2 : α_ − X 2.9.15
Z Z

= Ps − rotational losses
For a synchronous motor, power at the shaft

Ps is mechanical power developed or gross power developed.

Rotation losses include friction, windage and core losses.

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Maximum Output Power of the Motor

dPs dR Ps
For maximum output power of the motor
=0 & <0
d2 d2 R
Differentiating Equ. (2.9.13) w.r.t 2 and equating it to zero
d VE6 E6R
{ sin 2 : α_ − R R 1 | = 0
d2 Z Z)
VE6
cos 2 : α_ = 0
Z
∴ δ : α_ = 90,
2 = 90 − α_ = θ_
,
2.9.16

VE6 E6R
The maximum output power of the motor is
Ps = − R R1 2.9.17
1}
Z Z)
This occurs at 2 = θ_ which defines the limit of steady-state stability.
Ps 1} is also called the maximum power developed.

2.10. Power Developed By a Salient Pole Synchronous Motor: The expressions

for the power developed by a salient pole synchronous motor.

VE6 VR 1
Real power per phase in watts is
PT~ = sin2 : g h sin22 2.10.1
X• 2 X€ − X•

3VE6 3V R 1
Total real power for three phases in watts is
P•~ = 3PT~ = sin2 : g h sin22 2.10.2
X• 2 X€ − X•

VE6 VR
The reactive power phase in watts is
QT~ = cos2 − ‚oX• : X€ q − oX• − X€ qcos2δƒ 2.10.3
X• 2X• X€

3VE6 VR
Total reactive power for three phases in vars is
Q •~ = 3QT~ = cos2 − ‚oX• : X€ q − oX• − X€ qcos2δƒ 2.10.4
X• 2X• X€

synchronous motor. The torque angle 2 positive for the generator and negative for the motor.
Equs. (2.10.1) to (2.10.4) are applicable to both salient pole synchronous generator and

The first term on the right-hand side of Equ. (2.10.1) is called the excitation power and the
second term the reluctance power.

VE6
Excitation power per phase
= sin2 2.10.5
X•

VR 1
Reluctance power per phase
g h sin22 2.10.6
2 X€ − X•

2.11. V curves of Synchronous Motor: V curve is a plot of the stator current versus
current„… and field current „† at no load the curve is obtained known as V Curve. Since the
field current for different constant loads. The Graph plotted between the armature

shape of these curves is similar to the letter “V”, thus they are called V curve of synchronous
motor.
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The power factor of the synchronous motor can be controlled by varying the field current„† .
As we know that the armature current „… changes with the change in the field current„† . Let us

value, the armature current „… decreases until the armature current becomes minimum. At this
assume that the motor is running at NO load. If the field current is increased from this small

minimum point, the motor is operating at unity power factor. The motor operates at lagging
power factor until it
reaches up to this point
of operation.
If now, the field
current is increased
further, the armature
current increases and the
motor start operating as
a leading power factor.
The graph drawn
between armature
current and field current
is known as V curve. If
this procedure is
repeated for various
increased loads, a family
of curves is obtained.
The V curves of a
synchronous motor are
shown in fig 10.10.
The point at which the unity power factor occurs is at the point where the armature current
is minimum. The curve connecting the lowest points of all the V curves for various power
levels is called the Unity Power Factor Compounding Curve. The compounding curves for
0.8 power factor lagging and 0.8 power factor leading are shown in the Fig. 2.6 by a dotted
line.
The loci of constant power factor points on the V curves are called Compounding Curves. It
shows the manner in which the field current should be varied in order to maintain constant
power factor under changing load. Points on the right and left of the unity power factor
corresponds to the over excitation and leading current and under excitation and lagging

The V curves are useful in adjusting the field current. Increasing the field current „† beyond
current respectively.

the level for minimum armature current results in leading power factor. Similarly decreasing
the field current below the minimum armature current result results in lagging power factor.
It is seen that the field current for unity power factor at full load is more than the field current
for unity power factor at no load.
The Fig. 2.7 shows the graph between power factor and field current at the different loads. It
is clear from the above figure that, if the synchronous motor at full load is operating at unity
power factor, then removal of the shaft load causes the motor to operate at a leading power
factor.

2.12. . Hunting or Phase Swinging: The phenomenon of oscillation of the rotor about
its final equilibrium position is called Hunting. On the sudden application of load, the rotor
search for its new equilibrium position and this process is known as Hunting. The Hunting
process occurs in a synchronous motor as well as in synchronous generators if an abrupt
change in load occurs.

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A steady state operation of synchronous motor is a condition of equilibrium in which the

electromagnetic torque is equal and opposite to load torque. In steady state, rotor runs at
synchronous speed thereby maintaining a constant value of torque angle2. If there is a sudden
change in load torque, the equilibrium is disturbed and there is resulting torque which

dω‹
changes the speed of the motor. It is given by the equation
τ. − τˆs1• = J 2.12.1
dt
Where, J = moment of inertia
ω‹ = Angular velocity of the rotor in mechanical units.

temporarily, and the torque angle δ is sufficiently increased to restore the torque equilibrium
When there is a sudden increase in the load torque, the speed of the motor slows down

3VE6
and the synchronous speed. The electromagnetic torque is given by
τ. = sinδ 2.12.2
ω X
If the value of 2 is increased, the electromagnetic torque is also increased. As a result, the
motor is accelerated. When the rotor reaches the synchronous speed, the torque angle 2 is
larger than the required value 2T for the new state of equilibrium. Hence the rotor speed

As a result the rotor accelerates above synchronous speed, the torque angle 2 decreases. At
continues to increase beyond the synchronous speed.

the point where the motor torque becomes equal to the load torque, the equilibrium is not
restored because now the rotor speed is greater than the synchronous speed. Therefore, the

angle 2 becomes less than the required value2T , the mechanical load becomes greater than the
rotor continues to swing backwards. The torque angle goes on decreasing. When the load

Thus, the rotor swings or oscillates around the synchronous speed and the required value 2T
developed power. Therefore, the motor starts to slow down. The load angle increased again.

of the torque angle before reaching the new steady state.

Similarly the motor responds to a decreasing load torque by a temporary increase in speed

speed and the new required value 2R of the torque angle before reaching the new equilibrium
and a reduction of the torque angle2. The rotor swings or oscillates around synchronous

position.

Hunting. Since, during the rotor oscillations, the phase of the phasor E6 changes relative
This, phenomenon of oscillation of the rotor about its final equilibrium position is known as

phasor V. Thus, hunting is known as Phase Swinging.

2.12.1. Causes of Hunting: The various causes of hunting are as follows:

 Sudden changes of load.
 Faults were occurring in the system which the generator supplies.
 Sudden change in the field current.
 Cyclic variations of the load torque.

2.12.2. Effect of Hunting: The various effects of hunting are as follows:

 It can lead to loss of synchronism.
 It can cause variations of the supply voltage producing undesirable lamp flicker.
 Large mechanical stresses may develop in the rotor shaft.
 The possibility of Resonance condition increases. If the frequency of the torque
component becomes equal to that of the transient oscillations of the synchronous
machine, resonance may take place.
 The machine losses increases and the temperature of the machine rise.

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2.12.3. Reduction of Hunting: The following technique given below is used to reduce
the phenomenon of hunting:
 Use of damper windings.
 Uses of flywheels: The prime mover is provided with a large and heavy flywheel.
This increases the inertia of the prime mover and helps in maintaining the rotor speed
constant.
 By designing synchronous machines with suitable synchronising power coefficients.

2.13. Synchronous Compensator: This device is also quite well-known by the name
Synchronous Condenser. When an over-excited
synchronous motor running on no load condition
takes a leading current operates at leading power
factor, is known as synchronous condenser. It
behaves as a capacitor. Generally, in large
industrial plants the load power factor will be
lagging. The specially designed synchronous
motor running at zero load, taking leading current,
approximately equal to90, . It is connected in
parallel with inductive loads to improve power
factor. Compared to static capacitor the power
factor can improve easily by variation of field
excitation of motor shown in Fig. 2.8.
2.13.1. Advantages:
i. By varying the field excitation, the magnitude of current drawn by the motor can be
changed by any amount. This helps in achieving stepless control of power factor.
ii. The motor windings have high thermal stability to short circuit currents.
iii. The faults can be removed easily.
2.13.2. Disadvantages:
i. 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, auxiliary equipment has to
be provided for this purpose.

2.14. Damper Winding: Damping is provided in the salient pole synchronous machine
by means of damper bars
located in the main poles of the
machine and short-circuited
through round rings at both
ends as shown in Fig. 2.9. As
the rotor oscillates, the damper
bars have a relative movement
with respect to the air-gap flux
pattern which causes induction
of emfs and flow of currents in
these bars. The torque created

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Electrical Machine II Poly Phase Synchronous Machine Unit I Chapter 2

by the bar currents as per Lenz's law always opposes the relative motion. This is how a
positive damping term is brought into play so that the oscillatory motion of the rotor about
the operating point is considerably reduced in amplitude and the rotor quickly returns to the
steady position. These short-circuited bars are known as damper winding or ammortisseur
winding. These act like a squirrel cage induction motor thereby providing a starting torque
for the motor which otherwise being of synchronous kind is not self-starting. Therefore, the
damper winding serves the dual purpose.

2.15. Natural Frequency of Oscillations: The natural frequency of oscillations in a

synchronous motor refers to the rate at which the rotor oscillates when disturbed from its
steady state, such as during load changes or supply variations. This frequency is critical
because if external fluctuations match this natural frequency, resonance can occur and lead
to excessive oscillations, known as 'hunting'.
2.15.1. Formula for Natural Frequency: The natural frequency (f) of undamped
oscillations in a synchronous motor is calculated as:
1 !)•Ž
f= Œ
2π J
where, J =The moment of inertia of the rotating system in kgmR ; !)•Ž = The synchronous
torque coefficient in Nm/radian
For systems using per unit quantities and swing equations:
Sp, ∙ ’)
ω, = Œ
2H
Where, Sp, = The synchronising power at the operating point; ’) = The synchronous speed
in radians/second; H = The inertia constant in seconds.
2.15.2. Practical Relevance:
 The natural frequency depends on both the motor design (inertia, synchronising
torque) and system parameters (operating point, inertia constant).
 Proper estimation and control of this frequency are vital to avoid resonance and
excessive hunting, ensuring stable motor operation.
 In practice, motor manufacturers and system designers use these formulas with actual
motor data to calculate and mitigate risks.

2.16. Current Loci for Constant Power Input: The current loci for constant power
input of a synchronous motor can be followed by:
2.16.1. Basic Phasor Relation: For a synchronous motor connected to an infinite bus

V = E : jI) X )
(constant terminal voltage V):

Where, V = Supply voltage; E = Internal (external) emf; I) = Stator Current; X ) =

Synchronous reactance;
2.16.2. Power Input to the Motor:

P = VI) cosϕ
The input power per phase is

VE
The electromagnetic power (neglecting losses) :
P= sinδ
Xs
Where, δ = Load angle (angle between E & V); ϕ = Power factor angle (angle between I) & V)

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P = VEsinδ = constant
2.16.3. Condition for Constant Power Input: For constant power, P is fixed.
If V is constant (infinite bus assumption), any change in excitation E must be compensated by a
corresponding change in load angle δ to keep P constant.
2.16.4. Derivation of Current Locus:
From the phasor equation

V−E j
V = E : jI) X) ⇒ I) = = E−V
jX) X)
Where, V = The reference (horizontal axis); E will lag V by the angle 2 as motor; For
difference values of E that satisfy the same P; The current I) tip traces a locus.
2.16.5. Shape of the Locus: For constant power input,
the current locus is a straight line. This line is known as the
“constant power line” or “power circle line”. Phasor diagram
shown in Fig. 2.10.
 The locus of the internal emf E for constant power is a

The corresponding locus of the current phasor I) is a

circle.

straight line in the current plan.

Reference:
1. Electric Machines: Ashfaq Husain (AH)
2. Theory & Performance of Electrical Machines: J.B. Gupta (JBG)
3. Electric Machinery Fundamentals: Stephen J. Chapman (SJC)
4. Electric Machines: D.P. Kothari & I. J. Nagrath (D.P.I.J)
5. Electrical Machinery: Dr. P.S. Bimbhra (PSB)

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Suggestive Questions
Subjective Questions
1. Discuss about the construction of Synchronous Motor.
2. D[iscuss about the principle of operation of Synchronous Motor.
3. Describe about the working of Synchronous Motor.
4. Discuss about the characteristics feature of Synchronous Motor.
5. Derive the Torque Equation of Synchronous Motor.
6. Discuss about the different torques in a Synchronous Motor.
7. Discuss about the staring of Synchronous Motor.
8. Explain about the equivalent circuit and phasor diagrams of a cylindrical rotor
of Synchronous Motor.
9. Describe about the power flow equations for a Synchronous Motor.
10. Describe about the power developed by a salient pole Synchronous Motor.
11. Briefly explain about the V curves with neat sketch of Synchronous Motor.
12. Write a short note on Hunting of Synchronous Motor.
13. Discuss about the synchronous compensator of Synchronous Motor.
14. Describe about the damper winding of Synchronous Motor.
15. Explain about the natural frequency of oscillations of Synchronous Motor.
16. Discuss about the current loci for constant power input of Synchronous Motor.

Numerical Questions
1. A 10 hp, 400 V, 3 phase, star-connected synchronous motor has Z equal to 0.35 :
j2.8 Ω per phase. Find the angle of rated and the voltage to which it must be excited to
give a full load output at 0.866 leading pf. Assume efficiency 0.88.
[JBG P:289; Ex. 5.10]

(L-L). The stator winding has a synchronous reactance of 2Ω per phase and the motor
2. A 3 phase, 415 V, 6 pole, 50 Hz star connected synchronous motor has emf of 520 V

develops a torque of 220 Nm. The motor is operating at 415 V, 50Hz bus (a)
Calculate the current drawn from the supply and its power factor (b) draw the phasor
diagram showing all the relevant quantities. [JBG P:291; Ex. 5.12]
3. A 3-phase, 5000 kVA, 11 kV, 50 Hz, 1000 r.p.m, star-connected synchronous motor
operates at full load at a power factor of 0.8 leading. The synchronous reactance is
60% and the resistance may be neglected. Calculate the synchronizing power per
mechanical degree of angular displacement. What is the ratio of maximum to full-load
torque and the value of the maximum torque? [AH P:451; Ex. 5.16]
4. A 3300-V, 1.5-MW, 3-4, Y-connected synchronous motor has X = 452/phase and
X=32/phase. Neglecting all losses, calculate the excitation e.m.f. when motor supplies
rated load at unity p.f. Calculate the maximum mechanical power which the motor
would develop for this field excitation. [BLT P:1506; Ex. 38.5]
5. A 500-V, 1-phase synchronous motor gives a net output mechanical power of 7.46
kW and operates at 0.9 p.f. lagging. Its effective resistance is 0.8 2. If the iron and
friction losses are 500 W and excitation losses are 800 W, estimate the armature
current. Calculate the commercial efficiency. [BLT P:1508; Ex. 38.8]

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