We sincerely appreciate the support of the Engine Room Simulator Lab(Wartsila Techsim type), at the DITEN Department of the University of Genoa(UNIGE) for providing the foundational information and simulator screenshots for this article. Originally developed for educational use within the Maritime Science and Technology program, this article aims to contribute to the advancement of maritime training and knowledge.
Generator synchronization on ships is the process of matching the electrical parameters—such as voltage, frequency, and phase—of two or more generators before connecting them to a common bus bar. This enables the generators to operate in parallel and share the load efficiently. Synchronization is a critical procedure to ensure the stability and proper operation of the ship’s electrical system, as improper synchronization can lead to severe consequences, including mechanical stress, electrical faults, and damage to the generators and other connected equipment.
Typically, this process is carried out automatically using advanced synchronization systems that monitor and adjust the parameters in real-time. However, a manual synchronization panel is also provided as a backup to address emergencies, such as automation failures, power outages, or blackouts. The manual panel allows trained personnel to synchronize the generators by carefully monitoring instruments and making precise adjustments, ensuring continuity of power supply even in critical situations. This dual approach—combining automated systems with manual intervention—enhances the reliability and safety of the ship’s electrical network.
Here’s how the process works and why it’s essential:
Key Parameters for Synchronization
To synchronize generators, the following electrical parameters must be matched:
- Voltage: The voltage of the incoming generator must match the voltage of the generator already connected to the system.
- Frequency: The frequency (measured in Hertz, Hz) must be the same, typically 50 or 60 Hz depending on the ship’s electrical system.
- 1Phase Angle: The phase angle between the voltage waveforms of the generators must be synchronized, meaning they should reach their peak and trough points at the same time.
- 3.2 Phase Sequence: The phase sequence of the generators must be the same. This refers to the order in which the phases (in a three-phase system) reach their maximum values.
Why Synchronization is Important:
Load Sharing: Synchronizing generators ensures that multiple generators can share the electrical load efficiently. This avoids overloading a single generator, which can lead to overheating and failure.
System Stability: Proper synchronization keeps the electrical system stable and prevents fluctuations in power that can damage sensitive equipment on board.
Safety: Unsynchronized generators can cause severe electrical faults, resulting in damage to the generators, switchboards, or even causing fires due to electrical surges.
Steps Involved in Synchronization:
- Adjust Generator Speed: The speed of the prime mover (such as the diesel engine driving the generator) is adjusted to match the frequency of the generator already online.
- Voltage Matching: The voltage output of the incoming generator is adjusted using voltage regulators to ensure it matches the existing generator.
- Phase Matching: The phase angle is monitored using a synchroscope or a set of indicator lamps, and adjustments are made to bring the phases into alignment.
- Closing the Breaker: Once the parameters are aligned, the circuit breaker is closed, allowing the incoming generator to connect to the system and share the load.
Credit: https://marineinbox.com/marine-exams/alternator-synchronization/
Tools Used for Synchronization:
- Synchroscope: An instrument that visually indicates the phase difference between the generators.
- Synchronization Lamps: These are lights that indicate whether the generators are in phase or out of phase. When the lamps are dim, it indicates the generators are in phase and can be connected.
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Synchronization Process
Synchronization is the procedure of matching the voltage, frequency, phase angle, phase sequence, and waveform of one generator with another or with the grid. Synchronization is a multi-faceted procedure aimed at unifying the voltage, frequency, phase angle, phase sequence, and waveform across generators or between a generator and the grid. This alignment is paramount for several reasons:
– Voltage and Frequency Matching: Ensures a seamless power supply by aligning the output of all generators.
– Preventing Transient Phenomena: Minimizes voltage dips, surges, or frequency deviations during the synchronization process.
– Enhancing Grid Stability: In scenarios where ship generators are synced with a grid, synchronization supports the overall stability and reliability of the electrical supply.
The process involves several critical steps:
- Voltage Matching: Adjusting the generator’s output voltage to match the grid or reference generator.
- Frequency Matching: Aligning the generator’s frequency with that of the grid or another generator using speed control mechanisms.
- Phase Synchronization: Adjusting the phase angle to ensure it matches, often utilizing synchronizing devices like relays or synchroscopes.
- Circuit Breaker Closure: Once alignment in voltage, frequency, and phase is achieved, the generator is connected to the grid or other generators, beginning its power supply.
The above image, titled “Synchro Panel,” shows the control interface for managing generators on a ship. It includes various gauges, meters, and controls that are essential for monitoring and managing electrical power generation. Some key features of the synchro panel include:
- ACB (Air Circuit Breaker) Control Switches: These are used to open and close the circuit breakers, which control the flow of electricity from the generators.
- Generator Control and Monitoring: The gauges indicate important parameters such as kilowatts (kW), which measure power output, and other gauges for monitoring voltage and frequency.
- Auto Synchronizing and Load Sharing: Knobs and controls for auto synchronizing the generators and shifting load between them to ensure balanced power distribution and efficient operation.
- Engine Control: There are switches for starting and stopping the diesel generators (DG1 and DG2), along with emergency controls and indicators for electrical faults.
Load Sharing and Its Significance
Beyond the mechanical act of synchronization, the principle of load sharing holds equal significance, ensuring that the electrical burden is equitably distributed amongst the generators. This not only optimizes their usage, preventing individual generator overload, but also bolsters fuel efficiency and bolsters operational dependability. Load sharing brings with it the added advantage of redundancy, permitting other generators to compensate smoothly and maintain continuity in the event of a generator outage.
Load sharing encompasses measuring the load on each generator and adjusting their output to achieve an even distribution. This involves:
- Load Measurement and Adjustment: Using sensors to monitor load and controllers to adjust the generator’s output accordingly.
- Continuous Monitoring: Keeping track of the load distribution in real-time and making necessary adjustments to maintain the desired balance.
Consequences of Poor Synchronization:
- Voltage Imbalance: If voltage levels are not matched, it can cause the generators to overload or produce uneven power distribution, damaging equipment.
- Frequency Difference: If frequencies are not aligned, it can result in mechanical stress on the generators and connected machinery.
- Phase Mismatch: A phase angle mismatch can cause large electrical currents to surge through the system, damaging both the generators and electrical components.
In summary, generator synchronization on ships is essential for maintaining the stability of the electrical system, ensuring safety, and preventing equipment damage. Proper training and careful execution of this procedure are critical for marine engineers and crew.
The synchronization and load sharing of generators on ships are crucial for ensuring efficient, reliable, and safe electrical power supply. These processes not only optimize generator use but also enhance the overall stability of the ship’s electrical system, contributing significantly to the seamless operation of maritime vessels.
By: R. Karimpour, Ph.D
For more information please also follow below section:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTyzsCFE6I
📌 FAQs – Generator Synchronization on Ships
1. What is generator synchronization on ships?
Generator synchronization is the process of matching voltage, frequency, and phase sequence between an incoming generator and the ship’s live power grid (busbar) before connecting them. This prevents electrical faults, equipment damage, and blackouts.
Key steps:
- Match frequency (adjust generator speed)
- Match voltage (use voltage regulators)
- Align phase sequence & angle (via synchroscope or lamps)
- Close the circuit breaker once synchronized.
(Source: MarineInbox – Synchronization Guide)
2. Why is synchronization critical?
Proper synchronization ensures:
✅ Stable power distribution (prevents blackouts)
✅ Safe load sharing (avoids generator overload)
✅ Fuel efficiency (optimizes parallel operation)
✅ SOLAS compliance (mandatory under IMO Chapter II-1).
Risks of poor sync:
- Mechanical stress on generators
- Electrical arcing in switchboards
- Power surges damaging sensitive equipment.
3. What are the 4 synchronization conditions?
- Voltage match (±1% of grid voltage)
- Frequency match (±0.1 Hz of grid frequency)
- Phase sequence alignment (identical R-Y-B rotation)
- Phase angle sync (near-zero difference at breaker closure).
4. What methods are used for synchronization?
| Method | How It Works | Used On Modern Ships? |
|---|---|---|
| Synchroscope | Rotating needle indicates phase alignment; needle at 12 o’clock = safe to close breaker | ✅ Yes (primary method) |
| Three Dark Lamps | All lamps darken simultaneously when synced | ❌ Rare (backup only) |
| Two Bright, One Dark | Two lamps bright, one dark = correct phase sequence | ❌ Rare (backup only) |
| (Demo: UNIGE Synchroscope Tutorial) |
5. What is generator paralleling?
Paralleling allows multiple generators to share the ship’s electrical load by:
- Balancing power output
- Improving fuel efficiency
- Providing redundancy.
Requirements: Same as synchronization (voltage/frequency/phase alignment).
(Source: DNV GL – Load Sharing Paper)
6. What happens if synchronization fails?
- Mechanical damage: Torque stress on generator shafts
- Electrical hazards: Arcing, breaker trips, fires
- Operational risks: Blackouts, SOLAS violations.
Protocol: Immediately halt cargo operations if sync fails.
7. Auto-sync vs. Manual: Which is better?
| Auto-Synchronization | Manual Synchronization |
|---|---|
| – IMO-preferred – Faster, error-proof – Uses PLCs/relays |
– Backup for emergencies – Requires trained crew – Uses synchroscope/lamps |
| (Source: Wärtsilä Techsim Training) |
🔗 References & Further Reading
-
- MarineInsight – How to Synchronize Generators on a Ship?
- YouTube – Generator Sync Demo (UNIGE Lab)
- Wärtsilä Techsim – Marine power systems
- Wikipedia – Blackout Prevention on Ships
- IMO SOLAS Ch. II-1 – Generator Safety Standards
- Wärtsilä Techsim – Marine Power Systems Training
- DNV GL – Load Sharing Technical Paper