GET IN STEP WITH SYNCHRONIZATION

Daniel L. Ransom, PE
Senior Member IEEE
Basler Electric Company
12570 State Route 143
Highland, Illinois 62249 USA
[email protected]

ABSTRACT—This paper presents a review of power-system synchronization. When two

sources are paralleled, it is crucial to close the interconnecting circuit breaker when both sources
are in voltage, frequency, and phase coincidence.
Operators can synchronize manually, or use the latest, state-of-the-art autosynchronizers
(device 25A) and sync-check relays (ANSI/IEEE device 25) [1] to automate closing.
Generator and bus synchronization share most principles, with some important differences for
each type of synchronization. For generation plants, closing manually or applying an automatic
synchronizer depends a lot on the plant configuration and operating mode. For bus-line
applications, synchronizing depends on power-system stiffness, motor loads, and whether a wye-
delta transformer is between the line and bus. Methods for attaining proper synch-check and fast
synchronization are discussed.

Index terms—synchronization, sync check, synchronizer, closing, protective relays, voltage,

frequency, phase

I. Introduction
Synchronization is the process of matching the voltage, frequency, and phase angle of a source
(a generator) to an existing power system, making it possible to operate these systems in parallel.
When paralleled, the synchronized power systems can exchange power and load flows. Sources
must have (nearly) identical voltage magnitude, frequency, and phase-angle relationships to
parallel two systems safely. Proper synchronization provides the following outcomes:
• Minimum disturbance to the two paralleled systems
• Minimum shock to an oncoming generator (mechanical and electrical)
• Equipment lasts longer; saving money
• Rapid loading of the oncoming generator provides power to loads quickly
When two segments of a grid are disconnected, these segments cannot exchange power and
load again until the systems are brought back into synchronization.

II. History
One of the arguments against alternating current began during the War of Currents in the late
19th century [2]. Early inventors were concerned about connecting together two power systems.
At first it was considered too complex; it was too difficult to match the frequency of two ac
(alternating current) power systems so that these systems could be paralleled to share growing
loads. During the War of Currents George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison became
adversaries, with Edison promoting direct current (dc) and Westinghouse endorsing alternating
current (ac) as the standard for electric-power distribution.

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 Three-phase ac power distribution “won” the war because of the ease of converting one ac
voltage level to another to distribute electric power. However, the problem of paralleling ac
systems was more difficult with ac than with dc. In dc systems only the amplitude needs to be
matched. However, in ac systems the magnitude, frequency, and angle of the two systems must
be matched to connect the power systems (from different generator sources) in parallel with
minimal system disturbance.
Early attempts at paralleling power-system sources were aided by Nicola Tesla’s work on
three-phase ac power systems. Rudimentary investigation showed the possibility of paralleling
sources. Soon it was apparent that sources must match in voltage amplitude, frequency, and
especially in phase angle, to eliminate disturbances in the power system upon paralleling.

III. Considerations for Synchronization

Certain conditions must be met to reach synchronization, where two ac systems can be
connected with no harm to both systems and to the connected loads. The oncoming source must
match these power-system quantities to those of the existing system:
• Phase sequence
• Voltage amplitude
• Frequency
• Phase angle

A. Phase Sequence
Phase sequence is very important for proper synchronization. The phase sequence (for
example, A-B-C or A-C-B) of the oncoming system must match the order of the phase sequence
of the existing power system. The process of matching the sequence is referred to as “phasing,”
and the sources are said to be “in phase.”

B. Amplitude, Frequency, and Phase Angle

The voltage amplitude, frequency and phase angle must be controlled each time a generator is
connected to a power system. In practice, reaching the exact point where voltage amplitude,
frequency, and phase angle match perfectly, and then closing an intertie circuit breaker at this
precise moment is not possible. Instead, systems are paralleled within an acceptable tolerance
window for mismatches of these three important quantities.
The term “window” describes the acceptable limits of the real-world mismatch of
synchronizing quantities. If an oncoming generator output is within the window for voltage
amplitude, frequency, and phase angle, then two power systems can be paralleled with little
disturbance. Defining this synchronization window is essential for adjusting (via manual
methods or an automatic synchronizer [25A]) the voltage amplitude, frequency, and phase angle
of an oncoming generator, and for setting a protective relay to monitor for conditions inside this
window (25, sync check) to allow connection of the two systems. See the synchronization
window in Fig. 1.

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 0°
θ θ
Phase (Slip) Angle
Δf
Δf–Slip Frequency (Hz)
VB (bus)
ΔV
ΔV–Voltage Difference

VL (line)
Dead (Line/Bus)

Live (Line/Bus)

Fig. 1 Synchronization Window

The synchronization window shows the synchronization target, bus voltage VB (bus), on the
vertical axis. The oncoming generator is VL (line), a phasor sweeping clockwise. Settings
determine ΔV, which is the acceptable difference in voltage amplitude. Settings determine the
voltage levels for Dead (DB—dead bus, and DL—dead line) as well as Live (LL—live line, and
LB—live bus). Settings also determine the acceptable phase-angle (slip-angle) window, θ, in
degrees, and the acceptable slip frequency, Δf, in Hz. Slip frequency is the difference between
the instantaneous frequencies of both power systems, measured in Hz. A usual setting range for
slip frequency is 0.05 Hz to 0.5 Hz. The slip frequency varies instantaneously; the shaded
portion of Fig. 1 represents the fast change in the VL phasor from the instantaneous slip
frequency.
As the oncoming generator output increases, the generator voltage phasor (VL) amplitude
increases into an acceptable voltage level dictated by the setting for ΔV. The generator speed
control advances and retards the angle, denoted by Θ, of the difference between VL and VB,
until the angle difference falls within the acceptable range. Further, a phase-angle/slip-frequency
sync check permits or denies the close command by comparing the instantaneous phase
relationship of the two phasors.
An older, less-precise method employed a phase-angle/time approach where a sync-check relay
(25) issued a close to the intertie circuit breaker within the window, but without matching
phases. This method did not take into account the dynamic, variable nature of the slip frequency
(the difference in generator speed, and thus the difference in frequency) which is set by the
generator controller. The phase-angle/time approach was valid at one set slip frequency, and
intertie circuit-breaker close commands were early or late depending on the rate of change in the
slip frequency.

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 C. Live/Live Sync-Check and Dead Closing
The sync-check function (25) in the purest definition refers only to live-line/live-bus closing
(when two sources are active). For any other combination of dead-bus and dead-line closing, a
switch is included for the supervisory 25 sync-check relay that bypasses the sync-check function
by shorting across the sync-check relay output contacts. This bypass switch closes the sync-
check output contacts when there is a need to close the circuit breaker for combinations of dead-
bus and dead-line conditions. The switch can be a physical switch, and it can be logical circuitry
in the synlc-check relay. Often this switch capability for dead closing is called the “voltage
monitor.” Settings parameters for voltage levels control the definitions of live and dead, bus and
line.

IV. Synchronization Methods

Potential transformers (pts) on the bus side and on the oncoming source (generator) side of the
paralleling circuit breaker connect to circuitry (for example: meters, lamps, switches, a
protective relay) that indicates and compares the voltage and phase angle relationships of each
source. Manual switching, assisted manual switching, and automatic switching are
synchronization methods for closing the paralleling (intertie) circuit breaker at the correct
moment. Each switching method has related equipment and indicators.
A typical synchronization event begins with applying sufficient excitation to a generator to
lock it into synchronous operation. However, the generator is not ready to parallel the power bus
to which it will be connected until the criteria for the synchronization window are met. The
voltage amplitude and phase angle of the oncoming generator need to be matched to the existing
source.
Before switching occurs, operators adjust manual controls, or a synchronizing relay matches
the voltage magnitude and the frequency phase angle to place the oncoming generator source
within the synchronization window. Then the intertie circuit breaker is closed in the window and
the generator is connected in parallel to the bus. There are three methods for synchronizing the
source with the bus: manual, assisted-manual, and automatic control.

A. Manual Synchronization
Manual synchronizing is performed by power-plant operating personnel. These personnel
control excitation and speed switches to adjust the voltage and frequency of the generator. When
the phasors are within the synchronization window an operator closes the intertie circuit breaker
to connect the generator to the load bus. This type of synchronizing scheme is simple and
economical. Synchronizing meter panels provide information to operators for manual
synchronization. Typically, the metering devices include the following:
• Synchroscope
• Indicating lamps (see Fig. 2)
• Separate bus-frequency and generator-frequency meters for matching frequency
• Separate bus and generator ac voltmeters for matching voltage
The synchroscope displays multiple parameters. It shows the slip rate (or slip-frequency rate),
revealing whether the generator frequency is running slower or faster than the bus frequency. A
dial pointer rotates depending upon the frequency mismatch. The instantaneous position of the
pointer indicates the phase-angle difference between the bus and generator voltages. The twelve
o'clock position indicates 0-degrees phase-angle coincidence. The goal of synchronizing is to

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close the generator/intertie circuit breaker at a 0-degree phase angle to minimize power-flow
transients and generator damage when the breaker is closed.
A basic scheme for synchronizing consists of incandescent lamps connected to the same phases
on either side of the generator breaker as shown in Figure 2a and 2b.[3] If both the generator and
bus voltages are "in phase" there is 0 volts potential difference; the lamps will not be illuminated.
This method is known as "dark-lamp” synchronizing.
Another method uses illuminated lamps (called “bright-lamp”) along with a dark lamp. By
making slight adjustments in the speed of an oncoming generator, the frequency can be equalized
so that the synchronizing lamps will light and go out at the slowest possible rate. Because two of
the lamps are getting brighter as one lamp is dimming, it is easier to determine the moment for
paralleling the sources. In addition, by observing the sequence of lamp brightness, it is possible
to know whether the speed of the oncoming source is too fast or too slow.
Although simple, these are a reliable method of synchronization verification. For both
methods be sure to have a lamp-test switch to confirm that the lamps are working.

A
Existing
Source (Bus) B
C

Oncoming A
Source (Line) B
C
Fig. 2a Dark Lamps
A
Existing
Source (Bus) B
C

Oncoming A
Source (Line) B
C
Fig. 2b Two-Bright, One-Dark Lamp
Frequency meters and voltmeters provide a numeric representation of the state of
synchronization. When the indicators are connected correctly and are within an acceptable
range, then the sources are synchronized.
In practice, for manual synchronization, an operator creates a very slow positive-slip rate by
adjusting the generator speed slightly faster than the bus frequency. This positive rate causes the

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generator to pick up kW load immediately rather than have the generator operating in a motoring
condition when the intertie circuit breaker is closed. Typically, generators are not operated in the
underexcited condition (to avoid having the generator consume valuable system VARs (reactive
power), and to prevent pulling out of synchronism). Therefore, an operator adjusts the generator
voltage slightly greater than the bus voltage, so that a small amount of reactive power is exported
from the generator when the circuit breaker is closed. This method also prevents unwanted 32
operations. If closed on the slow side the unit would draw watts (real power) from the system
and possibly result in unwanted operation.

B. Assisted-Manual Synchronization
Adding a supervisory relay, known as a sync-check relay (25), to the manual synchronization
process assists with proper synchronization. Manual synchronization with a supervisory relay
still requires the operator to control generator voltage and frequency. The supervisory relay
enforces a synchronization window for safe conditions that must be in place before the circuit
breaker can be closed to parallel the oncoming generator source. The supervisory sync-check
relay (25) compares the voltage difference, slip frequency, and phase-angle (slip) differences
between the oncoming generator and the station bus. These parameters and some typical ranges
are listed in Table 1. (Caution: some relays use an actual-difference–voltage setting, and some
relays use a percentage-voltage-difference setting.) The supervisory 25 relay does not allow a
circuit breaker close until all of these parameters are satisfied.

Table 1. Typical Sync-Check Parameters

Parameter Typical Value
Voltage Difference 4–8 V (secondary)
Phase (Slip) Angle 0°–30°
Slip Frequency 0.10 Hz

With modern relays, many set the slip frequency to 0.05 Hz, and the phase (slip) angle to 10°
for generator and motor sync check, and at greater parameters for bus-to-bus sync check.
The sync-check relay output contacts are in series with the operator control switch. Circuit
breaker closing occurs only when the operator manually closes the switch, and the supervisory
relay contacts are closed. Fig. 3 shows the timing of the operator-commanded close and the
sync-check-relay close as the voltage phasor approaches 0 degrees.

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 Fig. 3 Assisted-Manual Synchronization with Sync Check

C. Automatic Synchronization
Manual and assisted-manual paralleling schemes have a shortcoming. These methods require
skilled operators at the controls to adjust voltage and frequency to avoid costly damage to
equipment caused by improper synchronization. With automatic synchronization, the automatic
synchronizer (25A) monitors voltage, frequency, and phase angle. The synchronizer outputs
correction signals to a generator governor to achieve voltage matching and frequency matching,
and provides the circuit-breaker-close output contact.
Because of the importance of restoring electrical power following an emergency outage, a
dedicated automatic synchronizer should be used for each generator, allowing the generators to
parallel to each other and to the main bus as quickly as possible. If the automatic synchronizing
equipment includes dead-bus switching, one of the generators can pick up the dead bus and start
the synchronizing process for the remaining generators. An anticipatory synchronizer is best for
this application (see subsection below).
As the prime mover brings the oncoming generator to speed, the generator voltage is applied to
tlhe synchronizer. Fig. 4 shows a typical synchronizer block diagram. When the generator input
voltage reaches a minimum threshold, the synchronizer begins to sense both the oncoming
generator and the existing bus for voltage, frequency and phase angle. The order of operation is
the following:
• Compare voltages
• Compare frequency
• Change voltage to match bus
• Change frequency to match bus
• Compare phase angle
• Issue a close command to the intertie circuit breaker (52)

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 Main Bus

Bus
Sensing
25A
Synchronizer
Status 52a/b
52
Out
Close

Gen
Sensing
Voltage
Correction

AC

Frequency
Prime-Mover Correction
Governor

Fig. 4 Synchronizer Connection Diagram

When first applied, the synchronizer senses a large difference between the sources for voltage
and frequency. The synchronizer begins to output corrective amplitude voltage signals and
corrective frequency signals to the oncoming generator to match it with the bus. The process
occurs recursively until the oncoming generator is synchronized with the bus and the
synchronizer commands the intertie circuit breaker to close.
The circuit breaker cannot close instantaneously. To achieve circuit-breaker closure exactly at
zero degrees, the synchronizer must initiate the breaker-close signal in advance. The circuit-
breaker blades close at minimal phase difference. [3]
The autosynchronizer gives the close command while the slip-frequency rate is moving slowly,
approaching the zero-degree phase angle. The synchronizer calculates the advance angle, issuing
the close command early to compensate for circuit-breaker-closing time. This capability
minimizes system transients by closing at zero degrees (at “midnight” on a clock face).
The anticipatory autosynchronizer compensates for the actual breaker closing time plus the
output-relay contact-travel time (the time for moving the armature of the physical output relay [6
to 8 ms]). The synchronizer "anticipates" the actual point of synchronism.

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 The anticipatory synchronizer calculates the advanced angle (AA) that is required to
compensate for the circuit-breaker closing time by monitoring the slip-frequency rate and the
preset slip-rate value for breaker closing. It also adds the constant of the physical relay contact
movement time to complete the calculation. The mathematical relationship is the following:

AA = 360 (TCB + TR) FS (1)

Where:
AA is the advance angle, which is the electrical phase angle of the generator with respect to the
system bus when the synchronizer initiates a close command
TCB is the circuit-breaker close time. This is the time between the initial application of the close
command and the actual contact of the circuit-breaker poles
TR is the response time of the output relay (6–8 ms)
FS is the slip frequency

Reducing the advance angle AA also reduces the absolute value of the slip frequency FS
(which is the maximum permissible speed difference for which a generator is allowed to close
onto the bus). Lesser slip frequencies produce less system disturbance and machine damage
(known as “softer”).
Larger slip frequencies allow synchronization to be accomplished faster, but there is more
system disturbance (“harder”). These considerations should be weighed:
• How fast must the generator be on line?
• How critical is the generator?
• How expensive is repairing/replacing the generator versus the cost of possible outage
(down) times?
A proper synchronizer application accounts for these considerations, as well as others that are
unique to the system.

V. The Automatic Synchronizing Process

In the automatic synchronizing process the generator starts, and the synchronizer starts as the
generator comes up to speed. As the generator accelerates and approaches the system frequency,
the synchronizer commands governor controls for raising and lowering voltage and frequency.
The raise and lower outputs can be set to continuous mode or proportional mode. Continuous
mode turns the required logic output on until it is in the synchronization window or overshoots it.
Proportional mode toggles the voltage and frequency outputs based upon the calculated error,
and on the respective pulse-width and pulse-interval settings. [4]
The voltage monitoring portion of the automatic synchronizer adjusts the voltage regulator to
bring the generator terminal voltage within the synchronization window. Next, the phase-
monitoring circuitry calculates the advance angle required to close the circuit breaker at a zero-
degree phase difference based on the actual slip frequency and on the (preset) circuit-breaker-
closing time.
Fig. 5 illustrates the relationship among slip frequency, circuit-breaker-closing time, and the
advance angle required prior to closing the circuit breaker at zero degrees.

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 Fig. 5 Sync-Check Closing Quantities
A sync-check relay (25) should be used with the automatic synchronizer (25A) to safeguard the
generator circuit breaker from closing out of phase; see Fig. 6. The sync-relay does not allow
closing if there is a problem with the synchronization point provided by the automatic
synchronizer. [5]

DC BUS +
Interlocks

Enable 43M Enable 43A

Manual Close 25A Close

25 Sync Check
52
CC

DC BUS –

Fig. 6 Supervise Autosynchronizer (25A) with Sync Check (25)

VI. Applications
Applications for a sync-check relay (25) and an automatic synchronizer (25A) are
straightforward. However, experience in the field shows that these applications have
circumstances that should be considered.

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 A. Sync-Check Applications
The basic sync-check (25) application is shown in Figure 7. A potential transformer (pt) P on
the system bus provides bus data to the sync relay. The pt at X provides the line-voltage data on
the generator side of the circuit breaker. The sync-check relay (25) monitors these potentials
when comparing sources for synchronism check.

Main Bus P PSEC

25 Aux
52 Transformer
Sync (if needed)
X Check

Fig. 7 Typical Sync-Check Connections

It is important to have the same pt connections, or use a method to adjust the relay sync-check
inputs. If there is a phase-to-phase connected pt at P, then the pt at PSEC should be a phase-to-
phase connection as well. Some modern, numeric (digital) relays offer phase matching as well
as voltage matching. Another benefit of modern relays is the enhanced isolation between the
sync-check input circuits.
If phase matching and voltage matching are not available in the sync-check relay, then an
interposing auxiliary transformer changes phase connection and voltage level. With some sync-
check relays this might be necessary when the pt inputs are separated by a wye/delta transformer,
as shown at PSEC. Again, a modern, numeric relay can offer phase and voltage matching for
this situation.
Today, many generators are impedance grounded to limit damage caused by ground faults.
Connecting the pts from phase to ground can give an unreliable voltage level to the sync-check
relay because the neutral is offset by the grounding impedance. Phase-to-phase pts should be
used for sync-check inputs instead of phase-to-ground signals.[6]
A fast sync-check function makes possible critical applications such as motor-bus transfers.
Modern, numeric relays have response time less than one power-system cycle. [7]

B. Synchronizer Applications
Applying an autosynchronizer depends on the plant and on the operation mode. A standby
system requires that the generators are at speed and are closed online quickly. Some applications
will tolerate a hard sync in exchange for a fast close (little down time). However, a prime power
plant with natural gas generators and/or heat recovery will require a longer time to come online.

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 In the past an anticipatory automatic synchronizer was expensive to apply to a number of
machines on a dedicated, one-to-one basis. A sequencing circuit was used to switch the
anticipatory synchronizer from one generator to another. Sequencing a synchronizer adds time
to system restoration, as well as complexity to the overall control circuitry.
Today, a dedicated autosynchronizer (25A) is not expensive. By applying a modern protective
relay with a built-in synchronizer on a per-machine basis the need for sequencing logic is
eliminated. Each synchronizer/governor/generator combination (together with the voltage-
regulating equipment) can be optimized for performance and synchronizing speed.

C. Breaker-Flashover Protection
A flashover can occur when a source is synchronizing to an existing power system. As the
source voltage on one side of the circuit breaker slips past the bus voltage on the other side of the
circuit breaker, there are points where the voltage is 180 degrees out of phase. It is at this point
that the voltage difference across the circuit breaker is twice nominal. A destructive flashover
can strike if the circuit breaker is not rated sufficiently, or is compromised (there might be a
mechanical failure such as an insulating gas leak).
A flashover can damage a generator and the connected generator step-up (GSU) transformer
under adverse conditions when voltage stress can be greater than 2 pu. [8] This situation calls for
circuit-breaker-flashover detection that initiates breaker-failure protection (50BF) to trip the
surrounding breakers to remove the flashover. (Because it is arcing, there is no reason to issue a
trip to the already open generator circuit breaker.) Flashover detection monitors phase currents
and the 52 close signal, and uses coincidence timers—sensing phase current after the circuit
breaker opens.

VII. Conclusions
Power-system operation is improved by applying a thorough understanding of synchronized
closing and synchronization. Proper application of the many synchronization methods helps to
prevent expensive outages and equipment damage.
Modern sync-check relays (25) match voltage amplitude, frequency, and instantaneous phase
angle. Fast sync check makes possible critical main-tie-main applications (such as fast motor
bus transfer).
Oncoming generators support power-system loads faster and with less connection disturbance
when properly synchronized. These results are achieved by using an anticipatory, automatic
synchronizer (25A). This synchronizer issues the close command in advance of the precise
synchronization point, adjusting for the circuit-breaker delay, for contact-closure delay, and for
varying slip frequency.
Use phase-to-phase pt connections on high-impedance-grounded power systems.
Contingencies should be considered for a failed sync-close attempt. Apply circuit-breaker-
failure protection (50BF) when needed to prevent flashover.

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 VIII. References
[1] C37.2, Standard Electrical Power System Device Function Numbers, Acronyms and Contact
Designations, IEEE, 2008
[2] Jonnes, J., “Empires of Light,” Random House, 2003, ISBN-10: 0375507396
[3] Horak, J., “Introduction to Synchronizing,” Basler Electric
Technical Resource Library, 2005
[4] Beckwith, T.; "Automatic Synchronizing Considerations and Methods," Western Protective
Relay Conference (WPRC), Oct. 1985
[5] Hartmann, G.; "Automatic Synchronizing for Generation and Tie Lines," Western Protective
Relay Conference (WPRC), Oct. 1991
[6] Thompson, M.J., "Fundamentals And Advancements In Generator Synchronizing Systems,"
Protective Relay Engineers, 2012 65th Annual Conference TAMU , vol., no., pp.203,214, 2-5
April 2012
doi: 10.1109/CPRE.2012.6201234
[7] Ransom, D.L.; Chelmecki, C., "Using GOOSE Messages In A Main-Tie-Main Scheme,"
Industry Applications Society Annual Meeting (IAS), 2012 IEEE , vol., no., pp.1,8, 7-11 Oct.
2012
doi: 10.1109/IAS.2012.6374119
[8] Wieck, H.; Gutman, I.; Ohnstad, T., "Investigation of Flashover Performance of Snow-
Covered Breakers," Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on, vol.14,
no.6, pp.1339,1346, December 2007 doi: 10.1109/TDEI.2007.4401216

IX. Vita
Daniel (Dan) Ransom, P.E., has many years of industrial and utility electronics experience,
including protection development and application support. He has been a consulting engineer for
power-system protection and for communications systems. Dan is an electrical engineering
graduate (BSEE) of Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, USA; he also holds a liberal-arts
degree from Washington State University in Pullman, WA. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE,
with membership in the IAS (Industry Applications), PES (Power & Energy), and
Communications societies—he is a working group leader in the Standards Association. To date,
he has one US patent. He is a Professional Engineer in numerous USA states. Dan joined Basler
Electric in 2010. He is Principal Application Engineer, working in the West region of the United
States and Canada.

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