A synchroscope indicates when two AC generators are in the correct phase relation for connecting in parallel and shows whether the incoming generator is running faster or slower than the on-line generator. The synchroscope consists of a two-phase stator. The two stator windings are at right angles to one another, and by means of a phase-splitting network, the current in one phase leads the current of the other phase by 90, thereby generating a rotating magnetic field. The stator windings are connected to the incoming generator, and a polarizing coil is connected to the running generator.

The rotating element is unrestrained and is free to rotate through 360. It consists of two iron vanes mounted in opposite directions on a shaft, one at the top and one at the bottom, and magnetized by the polarizing coil.

If the frequencies of the incoming and running generators are different, the synchroscope will rotate at a speed corresponding to the difference. It is designed so that if incoming frequency is higher than running frequency, it will rotate in the clockwise direction; if incoming frequency is less than running frequency, it will rotate in the counterclockwise direction. When the synchroscope indicates 0 phase difference, the pointer is at the "12 o'clock" position and the two AC generators are in phase.

Summary

The important information contained in this chapter is summarized below.

Measuring Devices Summary

Ampere-hour Meter

Measures current flow (either direction) through a given point Connected in series

Power Factor Meter

Measures power factor between phases in a 3-phase circuit Connected in series with one phase

Ground Detector

Measures conductor insulation Connected out of circuit to ground

Synchroscope

Measures relationship between generator frequencies Connected by a two-phase stator at right angles

TEST EQUIPMENT

The multimeter can be used as an ammeter, an ohm meter, or a voltmeter. Meggers are used to measure insulation resistance.

EO 1.3EXPLAIN how the following electrical test equipment and measuring devices are connected to a circuit:

i. Megger

EO 1.4STATE the electrical parameters measured by each of the following test instruments:

a. Multimeter b. Megger

Multimeter

The multimeter is a portable single instrument capable of measuring various electrical values including voltage, resistance, and current. The volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) is the most commonly used multimeter. The typical VOM has a meter movement with a full scale current of 50 pA, or a sensitivity of 20 K/V, when used as a DC voltmeter. A single meter movement is used to measure current, AC and DC voltage, and resistance. Range switches are usually provided for scale selection (e.g., 0-1V, 0-10V, etc).