Category: ABB

SYNCHROTACT® 5 Optimum reliability

From a synchronizing device, it is expected to close the

power circuit breaker at the correct time but also that, if

required, paralleling can take place whenever permissible.

Although the series connection of the output contacts of two

independently-functioning channels (dual-channel system),

which is usual in synchronizing systems, greatly increases

security against incorrect paralleling, it necessarily leads to a

reduction in availability.

High levels of safety and availability can be achieved by using

a second, redundant synchronizing system. If system 1 can

no longer synchronize, it is possible to do so by switching

over to the second system.

In this configuration, two automatic dual-channel systems

are housed in one unit. Normally, the output contacts of both

systems are connected in series (4 channels!). One of the

two systems can be bridged by means of a system selector switch.

Principle of operation

The synchronizing and paralleling process can be divided

into the following blocks

Measuring

Voltage difference ΔU (amplitude), slip s (frequency diffe

rence), and phase-angle α, are all required for paralleling.

These values are formed from the two measurement signals

U1 and U2 (see illustration, left).

Matching

Voltage and frequency matching functions reduce the voltage

difference ΔU, and slip s by sending adjusting pulses to the

voltage or turbine regulators.

Monitoring of paralleling conditions

This function compares the actual values with their set

maximum values and releases paralleling (CHK RELEASE) if

all conditions are fulfilled simultaneously.

Monitoring of paralleling conditions

This function compares the actual values with their set

maximum values and releases paralleling (CHK RELEASE) if

all conditions are fulfilled simultaneously.

Command generation

The command generation calculates the necessary lead angle

αv, by which the paralleling command must be advanced

due to closing time delay. The action ensures that the main

contacts close at precisely the right time. If α reaches αv at

the same time as paralleling release (CHK RELEASE), the

command is issued. Under synchronous conditions, ie,

permanent paralleling release during the adjustable monitoring

time, tsup, the CMD is also issued without taking the lead

angle into consideration.

Synchrocheck mode (paralleling monitoring)

In synchrocheck mode, only the measuring and monitoring

function blocks are active. The output relay is closed during

paralleling release.

SYNCHROTACT® 5

Range of applications

Synchronizing devices are widely used in power stations or

industrial installations with their own power generating facilities,

where the generators need to be paralleled with an island line

or a public line, or in power distribution systems.

Power circuit breakers may only be closed if both voltages are

approximately synchronous (coincident). Otherwise, faults in

line operation, loading of the generators and, in extreme cases,

damage to the generators can result.

SYNCHROTACT® 5 performs these functions safely and reliably,

whether as a monitoring element for manual paralleling or as

an independent fully-automatic synchronizing device.

Command generation

The command generation calculates the necessary lead angle

αv, by which the paralleling command must be advanced

due to closing time delay. The action ensures that the main

contacts close at precisely the right time. If α reaches αv at

the same time as paralleling release (CHK RELEASE), the

command is issued. Under synchronous conditions, ie,

permanent paralleling release during the adjustable monitoring

time, tsup, the CMD is also issued without taking the lead

angle into consideration.

SYNCHROTACT® Datasheet Advantages

ABB Switzerland Ltd is a world-leading

manufacturer of synchronizing equipment.

Application-specific systems are developed,

produced and commissioned. In addition, our

products are supported throughout the entire

lifecycle.

The product portfolio of SYNCHROTACT® offers enormous advantages

+ Optimum reliability

+ Guaranteed availability

+ Lowest project-engineering costs

+ Quick commissioning using PC tool SynView

+ Synchronizes up to seven power circuit breakers with different

requirements

+ Advanced technology

+ Universal use

+ Decades of experience with synchronizing systems

+ After-sales service: a 24 hour hotline available 365 days a

year and remote servicing via the Internet

+ Training program for commissioning and service personnel

Reliable product with highest availability

• Based on UNITROL® 6000 X-power control devices,with proven track records

• Options for redundant configurations

• Extended IOs, as DCS interface and special configurations (e.g. for Pump storage with PSS

operation in generating and pump mode)

• Dedicated touch screen HMI Interface to have control and monitoring at your fingertips.

Worldwide network of UNITROL® specialists is at your service

Installation and commissioning

• The professionalism, extensive experience and multilingual skills of ABB’s engineers ensure a satisfactory

installation and commissioning.

Power System simulation services

• Advanced services to represent and simulate the power plant in a digital environment (e.g.

PowerFactory)

• Optimizations of PSS settings according to local grid code requirements

• Full grid connection and plant performance simulation studies

Advanced solutions and services to comply with the grid codes regulations

• Build-in signal injections and high-end recording features to support 

– System identification (of Generator and Grid), even when no dynamic Model data is available

from the OEMs- Fast and efficient capturing of network disturbances,

supporting post-mortem analysis of large-scale network events and prove related unit

compliance (e.g. NERC MOD-026-1)- Post-mortem analysis of failure on the complete gen-set.

• Adaptive PSS (APSS), with a patented grid observer, which optimizes the PSS settings based on actual

network and operation conditions.

• Advanced Speed measurement algorithms based on dynamic generator models to improve PSS

performance during interarea and local modes

• Dedicated RoCoF (Rate of Change of Frequency) PSS Blocking function to block PSS during large scale

grid frequency changes, to avoid malfunctions.

• Designated filter networks to avoid torsional interactions, and risks of mechanical damages

Why Power System Stabilizer Standalone (PSS SA)

Power system stabilizers (PSS) are commonly used to damp various types of oscillation modes,

as from interarea oscillations in large transmission networks to local oscillation modes of synchronous

generating units. This is done by adding a stabilizing signal to the voltage regulator of the existing

excitation systems.

The comprehensive and flexible solution: ABB’s UNITROL® 6000

Power System Stabilizer Standalone

Extend the life cycle of your current excitation system by adding functionality, fast and simple

• For any excitation brand – Indirect or Static excitation systems

• Extending the life cycle of your current system and enabling compliance with today’s complex grid code

regulations

• Full Power System Stabilizer (PSS) functionalities according latest IEEE421.5 standards (PSS 2A/2B/2C

or 4B/4C)

Advanced solutions and services to comply with the grid codes regulations

• Build-in signal injections and high-end recording features to support 

– System identification (of Generator and Grid), even when no dynamic Model data is available

from the OEMs- Fast and efficient capturing of network disturbances,

supporting post-mortem analysis of large-scale network events and prove related unit

compliance (e.g. NERC MOD-026-1)- Post-mortem analysis of failure on the complete gen-set.

• Adaptive PSS (APSS), with a patented grid observer, which optimizes the PSS settings based on actual

network and operation conditions.

• Advanced Speed measurement algorithms based on dynamic generator models to improve PSS

performance during interarea and local modes

• Dedicated RoCoF (Rate of Change of Frequency) PSS Blocking function to block PSS during large scale

grid frequency changes, to avoid malfunctions.

• Designated filter networks to avoid torsional interactions, and risks of mechanical damages

 Enhance your excitation system to comply with Grid Code regulations at minimal cost

• Extend the life cycle of your current excitation system by adding functionality, fast and simple

• Advanced solutions and services to comply with local grid codes regulations

• Reliable product with highest availability

• Worldwide network of UNITROL® specialists at your service

The challenge

Grid codes are constantly changing due to the new and unprecedented network developments.

Therefore, installed plant equipment requires to be upgraded/replaced to comply with the network

regulations which leads to increased extended outages and costs.

PSS SA is a cost-effective solution to be compliant immediately.

Why Power System Stabilizer Standalone (PSS SA)

Power system stabilizers (PSS) are commonly used to damp various types of oscillation modes,

as from interarea oscillations in large transmission networks to local oscillation modes of synchronous

generating units. This is done by adding a stabilizing signal to the voltage regulator of the existing

excitation systems.

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