Difference between Synchronous Motor & Synchronous Generator

Hello, readers welcome to the new post. In this post, we will discuss the Difference between Synchronous motors & Synchronous generators. The motor is a device that is used to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy and the generator is used to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy.

In this post, we will learn some basic differences between Synchronous Motors & Synchronous Generators and find their related parameters. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is Synchronous Motor

Synchronous motor works at the same speed as synchronous speed and transforms mechanical energy into rotational enegy.
It has two main types non excited and excited synchronous motors.
Nonexcited synchronous motors move with configuration to move the rotor. Excited synchronous motors come with an external DC power supply for motor rotation.
In an asynchronous motor, the rotor rotates at a slower speed as compared to synchronous motors.
Synchronous motors are basic components of power plants, industries, and high-power projects

Advantages of Synchronous Motor

It works for the required value of PF through changes in excitation.
It is used to correct the power factor.
These motors have a linear relation of power with voltage.
It has high efficiency about more than 90 percent
It has wider air gaps than induction motors so it is more stable

Disadvantages of Synchronous Motor

It is not a self-start motor.
It needed maintenance frequently.
It uses power DC for excitation.
It uses more damper windings.
It causes hunting as the result of a change in the load

What is Synchronous Generator

The synchronous generator is used for providing AC power from the input of mechanical power with the use of electromagnetic induction.
It is also called an AC generator. It operated on synchronous speed for generating power so known as a synchronous generator.
It can be in single or 3 phase generators

Construction of Synchronous Generator

The synchronous generator comes with a stator and rotor as the main components. These two work as power-producing components of synchronous generators. The rotor comes with the field at the pole and the stator has armature windings.
Due to the relative motion of stator and rotor voltage inductors.
The rotor winding is connected with an external DC source through the use of slip rings and brushes. The prime movers move rotors with the use of a belt and pulley.
The rotating field is generated in the moving rotor. Due to this changing field produces a voltage that provides a load

Applications of Synchronous Generators

It is mostly used for power-generating systems. It moves with a diesel engine to provide power
It is used on automobiles for battery charging and power to components connected in vehicles. Their high efficiency helps to use them more than previous devices
It is also part of the aviation industry for generating power for different devices like electrical components, lighting systems, and avionics.
It is also used in different industries for power to machines and other devices.
It is used for emergency power sources and offers power when the system is off.

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Faqs

What are the two types of synchronous generators?

Synchronous generators can be permanent or non-permanent type and they provide reactive power. The permanent magnetic generator is a brushless generator and comes with the same features as a DC generator which is also called a brushless DC generator.

Are all synchronous motors 3-phase?

The 3 phase motors are synchronous or asynchronous. Asynchronous motors have two main types based on structure, wound rotor, and cage induction motor.

What is the principle of synchronous generator and synchronous motor?

Synchronous generator works on electromagnetic induction of Faraday law. That law defines that EMF produces armature winding if rotating in a uniform magnetic field