Unit abstract

The unit discusses synchroscopes, synchronizers, and circuit breakers in electrical power
systems. A synchroscope is a device used to measure and indicate the phase angle
between two AC power systems that are operating in parallel. Synchronizing two electrical
systems is crucial to ensure they operate at the same frequency and phase angle. This is
necessary to avoid damage to the electrical systems and the power grid. Synchronizers
are vital in connecting two parallel power sources, such as a generator and grid or two grid
supplies. They are designed to ensure that the voltage, frequency, and phase of the two
power sources match before they are connected to prevent any damage to the equipment
or power system. An electrical circuit breaker is a switching device that can be operated
automatically or manually to protect and control the electrical power system. Circuit
breakers are designed to protect electrical equipment and systems from damage caused
by overcurrents, short circuits, and other types of electrical faults.

The more advanced instruments used in a ship's power distribution system include:
•Synchroscope: A synchronoscope is an instrument used to measure and
indicate the phase angle between two AC power systems that are operating
in parallel. It is specifically designed to ensure the synchronization of
generators and other electrical systems by comparing the phase angle
between the generator voltage and the bus voltage. It helps to ensure that the
two systems are operating at the same frequency and that the phase angle is
zero degrees, this is necessary to avoid damage to the electrical systems and
the power grid when connecting them in parallel. By indicating the phase
difference between the generator and the bus voltage, it allows the operator
to adjust the generator's speed until it is in phase with the bus voltage, and
safely connect the generator to the bus.

•Synchronizers: A synchronizer is a device used in electrical power systems

to synchronize two or more generators or other sources of electrical power.
The synchronizer compares the frequency and phase of the incoming power
source with the existing power system, and only allows the incoming source
to connect to the system when they are in sync. This is critical to ensure
stable operation of the power system, as connecting two sources that are not
in sync can cause damage to the equipment and power disturbances to the
system. Synchronizers are typically used in large power generation and
distribution systems, and they can be either manual or automatic. They are
an essential part of ensuring safe and reliable operation of the electrical
power system.

•Circuit breakers: A circuit breaker is an electrical switching device designed

to protect electrical systems and equipment from damage caused by
overcurrents, short circuits, and other types of electrical faults. Circuit
breakers are an essential component of any electrical power system, and
 they work by quickly interrupting the flow of current in the event of an
overcurrent or short circuit. They are available in different types, such as air,
oil, vacuum and SF6, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and
used in different applications depending on the electrical system. They are
designed to be reliable, durable and easy to maintain, ensuring safe operation
of the electrical system.

Synchronoscope

A synchroscope is a device used to measure and indicate the phase angle between two AC
power systems that are operating in parallel. Synchronizing two electrical systems is
crucial in order to ensure that they are operating at the same frequency and phase angle,
this is necessary to avoid damage to the electrical systems and the power grid.
When two AC electrical power systems are connected in parallel, but not synchronized, the
whole circuit can be damaged due to the heavy current flow. Synchroscopes are used to
measure the frequency and phase angle differences between two AC systems. Once these
differences are zero, the systems can be safely connected and synchronized with each
other.
There are two types of synchroscopes: analog and digital. Analog synchroscopes use a
moving needle to indicate the phase difference between the generator to be synchronized
and the bus voltage. Digital synchroscopes, on the other hand, use digital displays and
microprocessors to indicate the phase difference between the generator and the bus
voltage. They can also provide additional information such as frequency and voltage, and
may have built-in protection features to prevent damage to the generator or distribution
system.
• Analog synchroscopes are instruments that use a moving needle to indicate the
phase difference between the generator to be synchronized and the bus voltage.
There are two main types of analog synchroscopes: Electrodynamometer
Synchroscope and Moving Iron Synchroscope.
1.Electrodynamometer Synchroscope: This type of synchroscope uses the
principle of an electrodynamometer to indicate the phase difference between
the generator and the bus voltage. It consists of a moving coil and a fixed
coil, which are connected in series with the generator and bus voltage
respectively. The moving coil is connected to a pointer that indicates the
phase difference between the generator and bus voltage. The pointer rotates
clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the phase difference.
2.Moving Iron Synchroscope: This type of synchroscope uses the principle of
a moving iron to indicate the phase difference between the generator and the
bus voltage. It consists of a moving iron and a fixed coil, which are connected
in series with the generator and bus voltage respectively. The moving iron is
connected to a pointer that indicates the phase difference between the
generator and bus voltage. The pointer rotates clockwise or
counterclockwise depending on the phase difference.
Construction and working of an electrodynamometer (Weston) synchroscope

Construction and working of moving iron synchroscope

Both types of analog synchroscopes are used to measure the phase angle
between the generator and the bus voltage, and to indicate when the generator is
 in phase with the bus voltage and can be safely connected. Electrodynamometer
Synchroscope have a more accurate measurement and have a better sensitivity
than moving iron synchroscopes. But moving iron synchroscopes are more robust
and less sensitive to voltage changes.
• A digital synchronoscope is a tool that uses digital technology to measure and
indicate the phase angle between two AC power systems. It measures the input
voltages from the generator and busbar and calculates the phase difference
between them using a processor. The phase difference is usually displayed on a
LED circle with 36 red LEDs, with each LED representing a 10-degree resolution.
The position of the lit LED indicates the phase difference between the generator
and busbar, with the 12 o'clock position representing 0 degrees and 6 o'clock
position representing 180 degrees.
The digital synchronoscope also measures the frequency difference between the
generator and busbar by observing the movement of the lit LED. If the LED is
turning clockwise, it indicates that the generator's frequency is too high in
comparison to the busbar's frequency, meaning that the generator is running
faster than the busbar. In this case, the operator needs to reduce the generator's
speed to match the busbar's frequency. On the other hand, if the LED is turning
counter-clockwise, it means that the generator is running slower than the busbar,
and the operator needs to increase the generator's speed to match the busbar's
frequency. The rate of the motion indicates the difference in frequency, with faster
rotation indicating a greater difference in frequency. For example, if the LED is
rotating at 1 rotation per second, it means that there is a 1Hz difference in
frequency between the generator and busbar.
Additionally, the digital synchronoscope also has an alarm feature that is triggered
when the frequency difference between the generator and busbar becomes too
large. This alarm feature stops the rotation of the LED circle and lights up an LED
at the 'too slow' or 'too fast' mark, indicating the direction in which the generator's
frequency needs to be adjusted to synchronize with the busbar's frequency.

Aspect of a digital synchronoscope

Synchronizers
Synchronizers play a vital role in connecting two parallel power sources, such as a
generator and grid or two grid supplies. They are designed to ensure that the voltage,
frequency, and phase of the two power sources match before they are connected to
prevent any damage to the equipment or power system. They are not just measuring
devices but also provide contact closures that allow circuit breakers to close when
paralleling (synchronizing) conditions are within limits.
There are two main types of synchronizers: check synchronizers and auto-synchronizers.
• Check Synchronizer: A check synchronizer is used to determine if two voltages are
in synchronism or nearly so and provide outputs under these conditions. The
outputs are typically volt-free contacts, which can be used in circuit breaker control
circuits to permit or block closing. When applied to a power system, the check
synchronizer ensures it is safe to close a circuit breaker to connect two independent
networks or a generator to a network.
• lkm
 The check synchronizer monitors the frequency, magnitude, and phase difference
between the two power sources and compares them to pre-set limits. Synchronism
occurs when two AC voltages have the same frequency and magnitude and zero
phase difference. When active, the check synchronizer monitors these quantities and
enables the circuit breaker to close circuits when the differences are within pre-set
limits. The check synchronizer has programmable error limits to define the boundaries
of acceptability when comparing.
The conditions under which a check synchronizer is required to provide an output are
varied, and it is crucial to consider different scenarios, such as when one of the power
sources may be dead. When the close signal is permitted, it is usually given only for a
limited period to minimize the chances of a circuit breaker closing signal remaining
after the conditions have moved outside of limits.
A check synchronizer does not initiate any adjustments if synchronizing conditions are
incorrect. Therefore, it acts only as a permissive control in the overall circuit breaker
closing circuit to check that conditions are satisfactory. Alternatively, a reduced
number of check synchronizers may be installed, together with suitable switching
arrangements in the signal input/output circuits, so that a single device may be
selected to cover several circuit breakers.

Working diagram of a check synchronizer used to connect a generator to the busbar

• Auto-Synchronizer: An auto-synchronizer has additional functionality compared to

a check synchronizer. When an auto-synchronizer is placed in service, it measures
the frequency and magnitude of the voltages on both sides of the circuit breaker. It
automatically adjusts one of the voltages if conditions are not correct. Auto-
synchronizers are typically used with generators as it is relatively easy to adjust the
frequency and magnitude of the generated voltage by transmitting signals to the
Governor and AVR, respectively. The auto-synchronizer will check the voltage of the
incoming generator against the network voltage for compliance with the following:
• The phase difference between the voltages within limits
• Voltage magnitude difference within limits
When the conditions are met, the circuit breaker close command is issued
automatically by the auto-synchronizer, ensuring a safe and seamless connection
between the generator and the power system. Using auto-synchronizers can
improve the reliability and efficiency of power systems and prevent damage to the
equipment caused by mismatched power sources.
Circuit breakers
An electrical circuit breaker is a switching device that can be operated automatically or
manually for protecting and controlling the electrical power system. Circuit breakers are
designed to protect electrical equipment and systems from damage caused by
overcurrents, short circuits, and other types of electrical faults. They are an essential
component of any electrical power system, and are used in a wide range of applications
from residential and commercial to industrial and utility settings.
When the circuit breaker opens the circuit, it creates an arc between the contacts of the
breaker. This arc is created by the movement of electrons from one electrode to another,
and it ionizes the dielectric material that separates the two electrodes. This ionization
creates a temporary gap between the contacts, and the arcing current flowing through this
gap causes the temperature to rise. If the temperature becomes high enough, it can cause
damage to the equipment and even start a fire. To prevent this, a circuit breaker includes a
mechanism that can quickly open the contacts and interrupt the flow of current before the
temperature becomes too high.
Types of Circuit Breakers:
1.Air Circuit Breaker: An air circuit breaker uses air as an insulating medium
between the contacts. The breaker includes a mechanical mechanism that can
quickly open the contacts in the event of an overcurrent or short circuit. Air circuit
breakers are typically used in industrial and commercial applications, and they are
known for their reliability and durability. They are relatively simple in design, and
they are relatively easy to maintain and repair.
2.Oil Circuit Breaker: An oil circuit breaker uses mineral oil or transformer oil as an
insulating medium between the contacts. The breaker includes a mechanical
mechanism that can quickly open the contacts in the event of an overcurrent or
short circuit. Oil circuit breakers are typically used in high voltage power systems,
and they are known for their ability to handle large currents. They are relatively
complex in design, and they require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure
that the oil is in good condition.
3.Vacuum Circuit Breaker: A vacuum circuit breaker uses a vacuum as an insulating
medium between the contacts. The breaker includes an arc interruption chamber
that is evacuated to create a vacuum, and the contacts are sealed in this chamber.
The vacuum circuit breaker is known for its ability to interrupt high current and high
frequency faults, and they are commonly used in medium voltage power systems.
They require less maintenance and have a longer life than other types of circuit
breaker.
4.SF6 Circuit Breaker: An SF6 circuit breaker uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas as
an insulating medium between the contacts. The breaker includes a mechanism
that can quickly open the contacts in the event of an overcurrent or short circuit.
SF6 circuit breakers are typically used in high voltage power systems, and they are
known for their ability to handle large currents. They are relatively complex in
 design, and they require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that the SF6
gas is in good condition.
Low voltage generator circuit breakers and other large distribution circuit breakers (600-
6000 A) on ships are traditionally ACB (air circuit breaker). High voltage (HV) installations
such as those at 6.6 kV and 11 kV generally use the vacuum interrupter type or gas-filled
(sulfur hexafluoride – SF6) breakers. The operating mechanism for vacuum and SF6
breakers is similar to that employed for an ACB.
There are various types of circuit breaker closing mechanisms: Independent Manual
Spring brake, Motor Driven Stored Charge Spring (most common type for marine
applications), Manual Wound Stored Charge Spring and Solenoid brake. Each type of
breaker has its own way of charging the spring and closing the breaker.
Circuit breakers are held in the closed or ON position by a mechanical latch. The breaker is
tripped by releasing this latch allowing the kick-off springs and contact pressure to force
the contacts open. Tripping can be initiated manually by a push button with mechanical
linkage, under voltage trip coil or relay, overcurrent/short-circuit trip device or relay, and
solenoid trip coil. The breaker should be tripped automatically in case of reverse power,
generator overspeed, overcurrent, overload, or no voltage.
Mechanical interlocks are fitted to main circuit breakers to prevent racking-out if still in the
ON position. Care must be taken not to exert undue force on the breaker as it will not move
and damage may be caused to the interlocks and other mechanical parts. Electrical
interlock switches are connected into circuit breaker control circuits to prevent incorrect
sequence operation.
Description of the interface of an ACB (Air Circuit Breaker)