Synchronization Panel for 330MW TPP Generator Unit

Another synchronization panel made by Electrical Engineering Institute Nikola Tesla for Thermal Power Plant 330MW generator has been put in operation. This panel allows for remote and local automatic synchronization, local semi-automatic and manual synchronization, but it also supports local manual manipulation of circuit breakers while the generator is out of operation. All these actions are available for two circuit breakers (one in the generator field and the other in the grid field), while the surrounding disconnectors states are monitored and shown on the panel at the cubicle door. In each mode, internal Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) supervises operator commands for the circuit breakers according to the overall operation state using status signals of disconnectors, earthing, excitation and primary mover. Supervision is provided to prevent irregular operations and possible damage to the rotating and high voltage equipment in the field.

All operating values and conditions are shown on the local color touch-screen. It is also possible to review and set synchronization parameters, get insight into the event history and even see the recording of the last synchronization. The touch-screen enables deep diagnostic functions for the user in case of abortion of request for irregular operation or in case of error.

Two digital synchronization units (synchronizer and synchro-check) enable quick and precise synchronization. Both of them are OEM products of EE Institute Nikola Tesla - they come from the 3rd generation of synchronizing units and are based on Cortex-M7 microcontroller. Setting of parameters is possible over touch-screen or PC. These units also record voltages, frequencies, phase difference and commands during five last synchronization events which can be retrieved and analyzed using specialized PC software.

This panel is just the latest product in 18 years long history of customized synchronization equipment manufacturing.

Some of the photos during the synchronization are presented bellow. Two synchronization events (on grid CB and on the generator CB) are recorder by NI-based independent acquisition system. In both cases, synchronization parameters are set to perform quick synchronization, with expected duration in 20-40 seconds range. Despite somewhat looser-than-optimal parameters, active and reactive power delivered to the grid after the CB closing stayed bellow 2% and 5% of the nominal values.