Practical Work Report
Synchronous Machines
Prepared by:
BEDOUI Noureddine
BENABDELLAH Yahya
ELKHOUDARI Majda
Group:
2EEE2
Supervised by:
DERRI Mounir
March 23, 2026
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1 Introduction
Synchronous machines occupy a central position in the landscape of electrical power engi-
neering. Their unique ability to operate at a constant speed irrespective of load variations,
coupled with the flexibility to control reactive power, makes them indispensable in both
power generation and industrial applications. As alternators, they form the backbone of
electrical grids; as motors, they drive high-power loads with superior efficiency; and as
synchronous compensators, they contribute to voltage stability and power factor correc-
tion.
This practical work is designed to provide a hands-on exploration of the fundamental
principles governing synchronous machines. By transitioning from theoretical concepts
to experimental implementation, this session aims to develop a deeper understanding of
synchronization procedures, power exchange mechanisms, and the influence of excitation
on machine performance. The experimental approach allows for the observation of key
phenomena such as the variation of armature current with field excitation, the conditions
for grid coupling, and the transition between generator and motor operation.
2 Objectives
The practical session is structured around three primary objectives:
• Synchronization Study: To experimentally verify the conditions required for cou-
pling a three-phase synchronous alternator to an existing AC power grid, focusing on
voltage equality, frequency matching, phase sequence conformity, and phase angle align-
ment.
• Power Exchange Analysis: To investigate the bidirectional flow of active and re-
active power between the DC drive system and the AC grid, and to understand how
mechanical power input and excitation current determine the operating quadrant of the
machine.
• Mordey Curves Characterization: To trace the Mordey curves (V-curves) of the
synchronous motor under constant active power conditions, thereby analyzing the rela-
tionship between excitation current, armature current, and power factor, and identifying
the optimal excitation point for minimum current and unity power factor.
3 Operating Principle
The synchronous machine operates on the principle of electromagnetic interaction between
a stationary armature (stator) and a rotating field system (rotor). The rotor, energized by
a direct current, produces a constant magnetic field. When the rotor is driven at a constant
mechanical speed Ω, this magnetic field rotates and induces a three-phase electromotive
force (EMF) in the stator windings. The frequency f of the induced voltage is directly
proportional to the rotor speed and the number of pole pairs p:
p·Ω
f=
60
Because the frequency is locked to the rotor speed, the machine is termed synchronous.
The rotating magnetic field produced by the rotor is referred to as the excitation field, and
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it rotates in synchronism with the rotor itself, establishing the fundamental operational
characteristic of this machine type.
4 Operational Modes
A synchronous machine can be configured to operate in three distinct regimes, depending
on the direction of power flow and the excitation level relative to the grid voltage:
• Generator Mode: In this mode, the machine receives mechanical power from a prime
mover—such as a steam turbine, hydraulic turbine, or diesel engine—and converts it
into three-phase electrical power delivered to the grid. The mechanical torque opposes
the electromagnetic torque, and the rotor’s magnetic field leads the resultant air-gap
flux.
• Motor Mode: Here, the machine draws electrical power from the grid and converts
it into mechanical power available at the shaft. This mode is characterized by the
rotor magnetic field lagging behind the air-gap flux. Synchronous motors are favored
in applications requiring constant speed, high efficiency, and power factor correction,
such as compressors, rolling mills, and large pumps.
• Synchronous Compensator Mode: When the machine operates without any me-
chanical load on the shaft (i.e., at zero active power), it can be used exclusively to
supply or absorb reactive power. By adjusting the excitation current, the machine can
either deliver reactive power to the grid (overexcited) or draw reactive power from it
(underexcited), thereby stabilizing voltage levels and improving the overall power factor
of the electrical network.
5 Grid Synchronization Procedure
Coupling an alternator to a live electrical grid is a critical operation that must be executed
with precision to avoid severe disturbances, mechanical stress, and potential damage. The
synchronization process must satisfy four essential conditions:
1. Voltage Magnitude Equality: The root-mean-square (RMS) voltage of the alter-
nator must equal that of the grid. This is achieved by adjusting the excitation current
If until the voltmeters indicate identical values.
2. Frequency Equality: The frequency of the alternator’s induced EMF must match
the grid frequency (typically 50 Hz or 60 Hz). This is controlled by varying the speed
of the prime mover driving the alternator.
3. Phase Sequence Conformity: The phase rotation order of the alternator (e.g., A-
B-C) must be identical to that of the grid. This is verified using a phase-sequence
indicator or by observing the behavior of synchronizing lamps.
4. Phase Angle Alignment: The phase angle between the alternator voltage and the
grid voltage must be zero at the moment of connection. This condition is typically indi-
cated by the extinguishing of all synchronizing lamps simultaneously or by a stationary
pointer on a synchroscope.
When all conditions are met, the circuit breaker is closed. If the phase sequence is
found to be incorrect, any two phases of the alternator must be swapped before proceeding.
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6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous Motors
6.1 Advantages
• Constant Speed Operation: The rotational speed remains strictly constant regard-
less of load variations, which is critical for applications requiring precise speed regula-
tion.
• Power Factor Control: The power factor can be adjusted over a wide range by
varying the excitation current, allowing the machine to operate at unity power factor
or even supply reactive power to the grid.
• High Efficiency: Synchronous motors typically exhibit higher efficiency compared to
induction motors of similar ratings, particularly at full load.
• Robust Construction: The absence of slip rings in brushless designs reduces mainte-
nance requirements, and the robust rotor construction suits high-speed and high-power
applications.
• Reactive Power Compensation: When overexcited, the motor can supply reactive
power to the system, acting as a static capacitor and improving overall system power
factor.
6.2 Disadvantages
• Higher Initial Cost: Synchronous motors are generally more expensive than induction
motors due to the need for a separate excitation system and more complex construction.
• Requirement for Excitation: A separate DC power supply is required to energize
the rotor field winding, adding to system complexity and cost.
• Non-Self-Starting: Synchronous motors cannot start from standstill when connected
directly to a fixed-frequency supply; auxiliary starting mechanisms are mandatory.
• Risk of Pulling Out of Synchronism: If the load torque exceeds the maximum
torque capability of the motor, the rotor will lose synchronism, causing the machine to
stall or exhibit severe oscillations.
• Speed Inflexibility: The speed is fixed by the supply frequency and the number
of poles, making variable-speed operation impossible without the use of a variable-
frequency drive.
7 Starting Techniques for Synchronous Motors
Due to the physical inertia of the rotor and the absence of starting torque at zero speed,
synchronous motors cannot be started by simply applying AC power to the stator. Several
starting methods are employed to accelerate the rotor to near-synchronous speed before
excitation is applied:
• Auxiliary Motor Starting: A separate small motor (often a DC motor or a small
induction motor) is mechanically coupled to the synchronous machine and accelerates
it to synchronous speed. Once the rotor reaches the correct speed, the machine is
synchronized to the grid and the auxiliary motor is disconnected.
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• Variable Frequency Starting (VVVF Drive): The stator windings are supplied by
a variable-voltage, variable-frequency electronic converter. The frequency is gradually
increased from zero to the rated value, allowing the rotor to accelerate in synchronism
from standstill. This method provides smooth acceleration and is widely used in modern
industrial applications.
• Damper Winding Starting: Most synchronous motors are equipped with damper
windings (also known as amortisseur windings) embedded in the rotor pole faces. These
windings act similarly to a squirrel-cage rotor in an induction motor. When AC power
is applied to the stator, the machine starts as an induction motor. Once the rotor speed
approaches synchronous speed, the DC excitation is applied, and the rotor pulls into
synchronism. This method is effective for many applications but may cause disturbances
during the final synchronization step in high-power systems.
8 Power Exchange and Operating Quadrants
The synchronous machine is a reversible electromechanical converter; the same physical
machine can function as either a motor or a generator depending on the sign of the active
power exchanged with the grid. By adopting a conventional sign notation where active
power P and reactive power Q are considered positive when delivered by the machine to
the grid, four distinct operating quadrants are identified:
Table 1: Operating Quadrants of Synchronous Machines
Operating Mode Active Power (P) Reactive Power (Q) Excitation State
Overexcited Generator Positive Positive If > If 0
Underexcited Generator Positive Negative If < If 0
Overexcited Motor Negative Positive If > If 0
Underexcited Motor Negative Negative If < If 0
Where If 0 represents the excitation current corresponding to unity power factor oper-
ation at a given active power level. This quadrant classification illustrates a fundamental
principle: the active power transfer (direction and magnitude) is primarily determined
by the mechanical power applied to or extracted from the shaft, while the reactive power
exchange is predominantly governed by the excitation current.
9 Behn Eschenburg Diagram
The Behn Eschenburg diagram is a classical phasor representation used to analyze the
steady-state behavior of synchronous machines under unsaturated magnetic conditions. It
is particularly applicable to cylindrical rotor (non-salient pole) machines. The equivalent
circuit per phase leads to the following voltage equation:
⃗ = V⃗ + RI⃗ + jXd I⃗
E
Where:
• E
⃗ is the internal induced EMF (excitation voltage),
• V⃗ is the terminal phase voltage,
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• R is the armature resistance per phase,
• Xd is the synchronous reactance per phase,
• I⃗ is the armature current per phase.
The phasor diagram, constructed from this equation, allows for the graphical determi-
nation of key operating parameters, including the load angle δ (the angular displacement
between E⃗ and V⃗ ), the power factor angle ϕ, and the magnitude of the armature current.
This diagram is instrumental in understanding the relationship between excitation, load,
and power factor.
Figure 1: Behn Eschenburg Diagram
Figure 2: Single-Phase Equivalent Circuit
9.1 Determination of Synchronous Reactance
The synchronous reactance Xd is a key parameter that characterizes the machine’s behav-
ior. It is experimentally determined using two standard tests performed at rated speed:
• Open-Circuit Test (OCC): The armature terminals are left open-circuited, and the
induced EMF E is measured as a function of the field current If . The resulting curve,
known as the open-circuit characteristic, exhibits a linear region (unsaturated) followed
by a saturation region.
• Short-Circuit Test (SCC): The armature terminals are short-circuited, and the ar-
mature current Isc is measured as a function of If . The short-circuit characteristic is
linear over a wide range because the machine operates under unsaturated conditions
due to the demagnetizing effect of armature reaction.
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For a point in the unsaturated region where both tests yield values E0 and Isc0 at the
same field current If 0 , the synchronous reactance can be calculated as:
s 2
E0
Xd = − R2
Isc0
Since the armature resistance R is generally small compared to Xd , a simplified ap-
proximation often used is Xd ≈ IEsc00 .
10 Potier Diagram
While the Behn Eschenburg method provides a useful approximation, its accuracy di-
minishes under saturated operating conditions where the magnetic circuit nonlinearity
becomes significant. The Potier diagram addresses this limitation by incorporating satu-
ration effects into the analysis. The fundamental principle of the Potier method is that,
although fluxes and inductions cannot be superimposed under saturation, magnetomotive
forces (MMFs) can always be summed according to Ampère’s law.
The Potier method introduces the concept of the leakage reactance λ, also known
as the Potier reactance, which accounts for the leakage flux. The voltage equation is
expressed as:
⃗ r = V⃗ + RI⃗ + jλω I⃗
E
Where E⃗ r is the EMF corresponding to the resultant air-gap flux. The relationship
between the field current and the resultant MMF is given by:
I⃗f r = I⃗f + aI⃗
Here:
• I⃗f r is the equivalent field current that would produce the resultant flux,
• I⃗f is the actual field current,
• a is a constant representing the armature reaction coefficient,
• I⃗ is the armature current.
By using the open-circuit characteristic to convert E ⃗ r to I⃗f r , and accounting for the
armature reaction MMF, the Potier diagram yields a more accurate determination of
the required field current under load, especially for salient-pole machines and saturated
conditions.
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Figure 3: Potier Diagram
11 Mordey Curves (V-Curves)
Mordey curves, widely recognized as V-curves in electrical engineering literature, represent
one of the most significant graphical tools for analyzing synchronous motor performance.
These curves illustrate the variation of the armature current I (and consequently the
power factor cos ϕ) as a function of the field excitation current If , while maintaining
constant active power output at the shaft.
11.1 Characteristics of Mordey Curves
The characteristic shape of these curves—a distinct "V" pattern—gives rise to their com-
mon name. For a given active power load:
• Underexcited Region: When the excitation current is low, the motor operates at a
lagging power factor, drawing reactive power from the grid. The armature current is
relatively high due to the significant reactive component.
• Unity Power Factor Point: As the excitation current increases, the armature current
decreases, reaching a minimum value when the power factor equals unity. At this point,
the motor draws only active power from the supply, representing the most efficient
operating condition in terms of minimized stator copper losses.
• Overexcited Region: Further increase in excitation current causes the armature
current to rise again, but now the motor operates at a leading power factor, supplying
reactive power to the grid. This mode is particularly valuable for power factor correction
in industrial plants.
11.2 Influence of Active Power Level
The Mordey curves are not unique; rather, they form a family of curves, each correspond-
ing to a different constant active power level. As the active power demand increases:
• The entire V-curve shifts upward, indicating a higher minimum armature current.
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• The minimum point (unity power factor) occurs at a higher excitation current.
• The curves become steeper, reflecting the increased sensitivity of the motor to excitation
variations under heavy load.
Figure 4: Mordey Curves (V-Curves)
11.3 Practical Significance
The practical importance of Mordey curves lies in their ability to guide the selection of
the optimal excitation current. By operating at the minimum point of the appropriate
V-curve, the motor achieves unity power factor, minimizing reactive power demand and
reducing overall system losses. This is particularly advantageous in industrial environ-
ments where electricity tariffs include penalties for low power factor operation.
Furthermore, Mordey curves illustrate the motor’s capability to serve as a synchronous
compensator when operating at zero active power. In this case, the V-curve shows that
by varying the excitation, the machine can absorb or deliver substantial reactive power
while drawing negligible active power from the grid.
11.4 Synchronization and Power Balance
During the synchronization procedure, the DC drive machine initially operates as a motor,
satisfying the condition Uc > Ec . Adjusting the field excitation of the DC machine alters
this balance:
• Decreasing the DC field current If c reduces Ec , reinforcing motor operation of the
DC machine. Consequently, the synchronous machine absorbs mechanical power and
functions as an alternator.
• Increasing If c raises Ec beyond Uc , causing the DC machine to transition into generator
operation. In this case, mechanical power flows from the synchronous machine to the
DC machine, and the synchronous machine operates as a motor.
This relationship underscores a fundamental principle: the active power transfer
is governed by the mechanical load or drive, while the reactive power exchange
is primarily regulated by the excitation current of the synchronous machine.