ABB SYNCHROTACT ® 5

Application

SYNCHROTACT® 5 is the fifth generation of synchronizing equipment produced by ABB Switzerland Ltd in Switzerland. SYNCHROTACT products from ABB are used for automatic synchronization of generators with power lines and for paralleling of synchronous lines.  They are designed for fully automatic operation by dual-channel or single-channel systems.

Synchronizing equipment are used in power stations where a generator needs to be paralleled with a power line or in substations to parallel two synchronous lines. Power circuit breakers can only be closed if voltage at both ends is synchronous. If it is not, it will cause a disturbance in the power network, trip the breaker, shock the genera tor and unit transformer. In extreme cases, it can damage both.

SYNCHROTACT 5 guarantees a safe and reliable synchronization whether as a moni toring element for manual paralleling or as an independent fully-automatic synchronizing unit.

SYNCHROTACT 5 covers the following areas of application:

1. Automatic synchronization and paralleling of generators with power lines (see Fig. 1 below),

    2. Automatic paralleling for synchronous and asynchronous lines and busbars (see Fig. 2 below),

    3. Monitoring (Synchrocheck) of automatic or manual paralleling of power lines, generators and voltage-free lines (dead bus), see Fig. 3 below.

Safety and Availability

Thanks to the flexible design of SYNCHROTACT 5 it can be used in many different configurations in order to ensure the required maximum safety and availability.

Definition

BIn synchronizing, the term “dual channel” applies to a configuration of two channels in series, in which one channel blocks the faulty operation of the other. This is to increase the safety of operation. The term “redundancy” applies to a configuration of two devices in parallel. If one fails the other one can take over the function. This is to increase the avail ability of the synchronizing system.

Maximum safety in automatic and manual operation The safety of the generator and network, while syn chronizing, is the first requirement for such an equip ment. The safe automatic synchronization is guaranteed by a compact dual-channel system including two de vices with independent hardware and software which are connected in series (see Fig. 4). The first channel performs the automatic synchronization and the other one is an independent monitoring (Synchrocheck) of the first one. The hardware and software of each channel is designed by different development engi neers using different microprocessors which protect the operation from any possible systematic failure. The safe manual synchronization is ensured by a monitoring device (Synchrocheck), which is in series with the manual paralleling switch (see Fig. 5).

Optimum availability For higher availability of synchronizing equipment, the family range of SYNCHROTACT 5 offers various redun dant configurations. See figures 6, 7 and 8. With those configurations both maximum safety and full availability is achieved. The dual channel, automatic channel and single moni toring channel (Synchrocheck) systems are each provided in one casing. The redundant dual-channel system is in one casing, including interconnection wiring.

Functionality and Types

SYNCHROTACT 5 is utilizing state-of-the-art hardware and software technology, which in cludes a fundamentally improved service and maintenance tool

Special feature

• Up to seven sets of parameter for seven different paralleling points can be stored in one device. 

 • Freely-configurable digital inputs and outputs. 

 • Operating with rated frequencies 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 16 2/3 Hz. 

 • For replacement of elder SYNCHROTACT systems or synchronization units made by other manufacturers.

Lower engineering costs

• Fewer auxiliary relays are required because the output contacts can carry higher currents. All I/Os are isolated. 

 • No separate power supply unit is required. 

 • A prefabricated unit is available for the selection of several paralleling points (SYN 5500) 

Fast commissioning

• A user-friendly software called “SynView” allows simple and fast commissioning of a SYNCHROTACT 5 system. 

 • The SynView program recommends a value for each parameter and indicates minimum, maximum and default value for each parameter. 

 • The system includes an intelligent pro gram, which after interaction with the generator, can recommend values for certain parameters that are dependent on the power system’s circuit breaker, volt age regulator and speed governor. 

 • The commissioning of SYNCHROTACT 5 can also be comfortably performed without a PC, using the controls on the front panel of the casing.

Easy integration in super imposed control system

SYNCHROTACT 5 can be easily integrated in a modern bus control system. The communi cation interface supports the protocols MODBUS RTU, Profibus DP or LON-Bus. At the same time, as a safety-relevant com ponent, the synchronizing device remains an independent and protected module within the system.

Remote servicing saves travelling costs

Another interface is provided for remote servicing. In this case, SYNCHROTACT 5 gets its own IP address, and communication is done via an Ethernet interface with TCP/IP protocol. This allows the PC software “SynView” to directly access the device via the Internet. This access is switched on and off on the rear plate of the device.