SYNCHROTACT ® 5

Synchronizing and Paralleling Equipment and Systems

for Synchronous Machines and Networks
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 SYNCHROTACT 5 covers the following areas
stations where a generator needs to be of application:
paralleled with a power line or in substations
1. Automatic synchronization and paralleling
to parallel two synchronous lines.
of generators with power lines
Power circuit breakers can only be closed if (see Fig. 1 below),
voltage at both ends is synchronous. If it is
2. Automatic paralleling for synchronous
not, it will cause a disturbance in the power
and asynchronous lines and busbars
network, trip the breaker, shock the genera-
(see Fig. 2 below),
tor and unit transformer. In extreme cases, it
can damage both. 3. Monitoring (Synchrocheck) of automatic
or manual paralleling of power lines,
SYNCHROTACT 5 guarantees a safe and
generators and voltage-free lines (dead
reliable synchronization whether as a moni-
bus), see Fig. 3 below.
toring element for manual paralleling or as
an independent fully-automatic synchronizing
unit.

U1 SYNCHROTACT 5

ORDER U1 SYNCHROTACT 5
CB
ORDER
U2
CB
U+ U2
AVR U-
G f+
TR f-

Fig. 1: Automatic synchronizing and paralleling Fig. 2: Paralleling of power lines

U1 SYNCHROTACT 5
Legend:
CHK U1 Network / busbar voltage
RELEASE U2 Generator voltage
CB CB Circuit breaker
U2 G Generator
AVR Automatic voltage regulator
TR Turbine regulator (governor)
ORDER Paralleling command
G U+, U- Voltage adjusting commands
f+, f- Frequency adjusting commands
CHK RELEASE Paralleling command release
Fig. 3: Monitoring of manual paralleling
(Synchrocheck)

2
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
SYN 5202
In synchronizing, the term “dual channel” applies to a
configuration of two channels in series, in which Automatic
Synchrocheck
Synchronizing
one channel blocks the faulty operation of the other.
This is to increase the safety of operation.
Fig 4: Dual-channel system with automatic
synchronizing device and Synchrocheck in
The term “redundancy” applies to a configuration of series
two devices in parallel. If one fails the other one can
take over the function. This is to increase the avail- SYN 5100 / 5200
ability of the synchronizing system. Synchrocheck

Fig. 5: Manual paralleling switch and

synchrocheck in series
Maximum safety in automatic and
manual operation
SYN 5201
The safety of the generator and network, while syn- Automatic
chronizing, is the first requirement for such an equip- SYN 5100 / 5200
Synchronizing
ment. Synchrocheck
The safe automatic synchronization is guaranteed
by a compact dual-channel system including two de-
vices with independent hardware and software which Fig. 6: Dual-channel system with automatic
are connected in series (see Fig. 4). The first channel synchronizing device, manual paralleling switch
performs the automatic synchronization and the other in parallel and Synchrocheck in series
one is an independent monitoring (Synchrocheck) of
the first one. The hardware and software of each SYN 5202
channel is designed by different development engi-
Automatic
neers using different microprocessors which protect Synchronizing Synchrocheck
the operation from any possible systematic failure.
The safe manual synchronization is ensured by a SYN 5100 / 5200
monitoring device (Synchrocheck), which is in series
Synchrocheck
with the manual paralleling switch (see Fig. 5).

Fig. 7: Dual-channel main synchronizing

system with bypass synchronizing system of
Optimum availability manual paralleling switch and a Synchrocheck

For higher availability of synchronizing equipment, the

SYN 5302
family range of SYNCHROTACT 5 offers various redun-
dant configurations. See figures 6, 7 and 8. With those Automatic
Synchronizing Synchrocheck
configurations both maximum safety and full availability
is achieved.
Automatic
Synchrocheck
The dual channel, automatic channel and single moni- Synchronizing
toring channel (Synchrocheck) systems are each provided
in one casing. The redundant dual-channel system is in Fig. 8: Two automatic dual-channel systems
one casing, including interconnection wiring. for highest security and maximum availability

3
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.

Fig. 9: SYNCHROTACT 5 family

Special features Fast commissioning

• Up to seven sets of parameter for seven different • A user-friendly software called “SynView”
paralleling points can be stored in one device. allows simple and fast commissioning of
a SYNCHROTACT 5 system.
• Freely-configurable digital inputs and outputs.
• The SynView program recommends a
• Operating with rated frequencies 50 Hz, 60 Hz and
value for each parameter and indicates
16 2/3 Hz.
minimum, maximum and default value
• For replacement of elder SYNCHROTACT systems or for each parameter.
synchronization units made by other manufacturers.
• The system includes an intelligent pro-
gram, which after interaction with the
generator, can recommend values for
Lower engineering costs certain parameters that are dependent on
• Fewer auxiliary relays are required because the the power system’s circuit breaker, volt-
output contacts can carry higher currents. All I/Os age regulator and speed governor.
are isolated. • The commissioning of SYNCHROTACT 5
• No separate power supply unit is required. can also be comfortably performed
without a PC, using the controls on the
• A prefabricated unit is available for the selection of front panel of the casing.
several paralleling points (SYN 5500)
• Much of the cabling is rendered unnecessary through
integration in a bus control system (MODBUS,
Profibus etc.).

4
 Sub-D RJ45

Fig. 10: The conventional connections are made via plug-contact strips.
These are largely unnecessary where the communications interface is used;
instead, the signals are passed via the 9-pin Sub-D connector at the lower left.
The connection to the Ethernet for remote servicing is made via the RJ45
socket.

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 Fig. 11: Auxiliary device SYN 5500 (for top-hat rail mounting)
MODBUS RTU, Profibus DP or LON-Bus.
At the same time, as a safety-relevant com-
ponent, the synchronizing device remains an Type Description
independent and protected module within
the system. SYN 5100 Simple Synchrocheck

Remote servicing saves SYN 5200 Synchrocheck with advanced functionality

travelling costs Automatic single-channel synchronizing device with

SYN 5201 frequency and voltage adjustment
Another interface is provided for remote
servicing. In this case, SYNCHROTACT 5 Automatic dual-channel synchronizing system with
SYN 5202
gets its own IP address, and communication Synchrocheck in series as second channel
is done via an Ethernet interface with TCP/IP
Redundant automatic dual-channel synchronizing
protocol. This allows the PC software SYN 5302 system
“SynView” to directly access the device via
the Internet. This access is switched on and SYN 5500 Auxiliary device for connection of several paralleling
off on the rear plate of the device. points

5
SynView Tools

SynView is for simple and quick commissioning of SYNCHROTACT 5 equipment. German, English
or French can be selected in SynView which runs under Microsoft® Windows™ 95, 98, 2000 or NT.

Functions
SynView program offers the following four main functions: • Transient recorder function
Transient recorder data is displayed – a
• Setting of parameters separate recorder during commissioning
Very simple and user-friendly parameter setting dis- is not necessary (Fig. 14).
play (Fig. 12).
• Event and error logging
• Display of actual values Events and errors in clear text with time
Synchroscope, voltage and frequency display with stamp for the last 256 events (Fig. 15).
real-time data (Fig. 13).

Fig. 14: Transient recorder window of

SynView

Fig. 12: Parameter setting using SynView

Fig. 13: Measuring window of SynView Fig. 15: Event Recorder window of SynView

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Technical Data

Auxiliary voltage ________________________________________________________________

Nominal voltage ranges 24 /48 VDC
100 to 125 VAC / DC
220 to 250 VDC
Permissible voltage range 0.75 to 1.25 × Un
Maximum power consumption (SYN 5302) 25 W / 35 VA
Measuring inputs U1, U2 ________________________________________________________
Nominal voltage range 50 to 130 VAC
Permissible voltage range 0 to 1.3 × Un
Nominal frequency 16 2/3 / 50 / 60 Hz
Digital inputs ___________________________________________________________________
Nominal voltages 24 /48 VDC
Current consumption 6 to 8 mA
Paralleling relays _______________________________________________________________
Maximum switching voltage 250 VAC / DC
Maximum switching current, continuous 5 A AC / DC
Max. switching power DC/AC ON 1000 W / VA
Max. switching power DC/AC OFF 30 W / 30 VA
Adjusting, command and signalling relays ________________________________________
Maximum switching voltage 250 VAC/DC
Maximum switching current, continuous 1.5 A AC/DC
Max. switching power DC/AC ON/OFF 50 W / 50 VA
Serial interface _________________________________________________________________
for PC software “SynView” RS 232
Measuring ranges ______________________________________________________________
Voltage U1, U2 0 to 1.3 × Un
Angle matching α –179 to +180 DEG
Frequency 10 to 100 Hz
Slip s 0 to 50 %
Acceleration ds/dt 0 to 10 %/s
Paralleling time t ON 0 to 1 s
Isolation _______________________________________________________________________
Dielectric test IEC 60255-5 2 kV
Impulse voltage test IEC 60255-5 5 kV
Degrees of protection acc. to IEC 60529 _________________________________________
Front IP 54
Rear IP 50
Temperature ranges ____________________________________________________________
Transport/storage +15 to + 185 °F
Functionable +40 to + 160 °F
Operation (compliance with technical data) +40 to + 130 °F
Mechanical stability ____________________________________________________________
Vibration IEC 60255-21-1 10 to 150 Hz Class 2
Vibration response 1g
Endurance 2g
Shocks and Bumps IEC 60255-21-2 Class 2
Shock response 10 g
Withstand 30 g
Endurance 20 g
Earthquake IEC 60255-21-3 Method A 5g in each axis
Emission / immunity (EMC) ______________________________________________________
Emission, terminal disturbance IEC 55011 0.15 to 0.5 MHz: 79 /66 dB
0.5 to 30 MHz: 73 /60 dB
Emission, radiation disturbance IEC 55011 30 to 230 MHz: 30 dB
230 to 1000 MHz: 37 dB

7
Technical Data

Emission / Immunity (EMC) (continued) __________________________________________

Electrostatic discharges IEC 61000-4-2 Contact: 6 kV
Air: 8 kV
Electromagnetic fields IEC 61000-4-6 0.15 to 80 MHz
10 V, 80 % AM
IEC 61000-4-3 80 to 1000 MHz
10 V/m, 80 % AM
and PM / 900 MHz
Fast transients/Bursts IEC 61000-4-4 ±1 kV / ±2 kV
Surge voltage IEC 61000-4-5 ±0.5 kV/±1 kV/±2 kV/±4 kV
Voltage dips IEC 61000-4-11 AC: 30 %: 10 ms
60 %: 100 ms
> 95 %: 5000 ms
1 MHz burst disturbance IEC 60255-22-1
common mode 2.5 kV
differential mode 1 kV
CE conformity __________________________________________________________________
LV Directive 73/23/ECC EN 60950
EMC Directive 89/336/ECC EN 50081-2
EN 50082-2
Construction data
SYN 5100 ______________________________________________________________________
Modular casing designed to snap onto top-hat rail
Orientation Horizontal
Casing size W×H×D 8 5/64" × 5 2/64" × 3 15/64"
Weight 0.66 lbs
SYN 5200, SYN 5201, SYN 5202 __________________________________________________
Plug-in type casing (Option: surface mounting)
Orientation Horizontal
Table cutout W×H 8 47/64" × 6 29/64"
Device profile W×H×D 8 45/64" × 6 27/64" × 8 43/64"
Front frame W×H 8 57/64" × 6 47/64"
Weight 8.82 lbs
SYN 5302 ______________________________________________________________________
Plug-in type casing for 19" rack
Orientation Horizontal
Table cutout W×H 17 29/64" × 6 7/64"
Device profile W×H×D 17 27/64" × 6 5/64" × 8 43/64"
Front frame W×H 17 27/64" × 6 5/64" × 8 43/64"
Weight 17.6 lbs
SYN 5500 ______________________________________________________________________
Board designed to snap onto top-hat rail
Dimensions W×H×D 15" × 5" × 2"
Weight 3 lbs
Printed in Switzerland (0311-PDF)

ABB Inc. ABB Switzerland Ltd

3B HT 490 301 R0101

Substation Automation and Protection Static Excitation Systems, Voltage Regulators

4300 Coral Ridge Drive and Synchronizing Equipment
Coral Springs, FL 33065, U.S.A. CH-5300 Turgi / Switzerland
Telephone: 1-800-523-2620 or 954-752-6700 Telephone: +41 58 589 24 86
Fax: 954-345-5329 Fax: +41 58 589 23 33
Internet: www.abb.com /synchrotact E-mail: pes@ch.abb.com

We reserve the right to change in the interest of technical development.