ABB SYNCHROTACT® 5 Optimum reliability

SYNCHROTACT® 5 Optimum reliability

From a synchronizing device, it is expected to close the

power circuit breaker at the correct time but also that, if

required, paralleling can take place whenever permissible.

Although the series connection of the output contacts of two

independently-functioning channels (dual-channel system),

which is usual in synchronizing systems, greatly increases

security against incorrect paralleling, it necessarily leads to a

reduction in availability.

High levels of safety and availability can be achieved by using

a second, redundant synchronizing system. If system 1 can

no longer synchronize, it is possible to do so by switching

over to the second system.

In this configuration, two automatic dual-channel systems

are housed in one unit. Normally, the output contacts of both

systems are connected in series (4 channels!). One of the

two systems can be bridged by means of a system selector switch.

Advice

Single or dual-channel?

Not every synchronizing system needs to be structured

according to the above pattern. The SYNCHROTACT® 5

single-channel synchronizing devices offer a high degree of

security and are often used in practice. However, security

can be significantly increased by means of dual-channel

systems. It is unlikely that the two channels - of which the

hardware and software are structured differently - will have

the same malfunction simultaneously. The extra cost of a

dual channel system can prove beneficial compared to the

damage arising from incorrect paralleling.

Second, redundant synchronizing system?

Often, two redundant synchronizing systems are installed

in a single plant so that, in the event of one system failing,

the other can be used, thereby increasing availability. The

second system is often designed for manual synchronizing

with or without synchrocheck.

In addition, with SYNCHROTACT® 5. ABB offers two automatic

dual-channel systems in a single casing, thus avoiding

manual synchronizing.

Advantages of such a solution:

– No engineering and wiring costs for the second system

– Further increased security since all four output contacts

are normally operated in series

– No problems with synchronizing where the

manual synchronizing system is seldom used.

The seven-in-one synchronizing device

Specific settings for synchronizing and paralleling are stored

in a parameter set. Devices with seven parameter sets have

seven times the same parameters, with the possibility of

individual setting. That way, seven paralleling points with

individual settings may be operated. Firstly, the parameter

set, or the circuit breaker to be synchronized has to be

selected. Then the synchronizing process can be started.

The software-driven link between parameter set and

paralleling point guarantees the correct assignment of the

setting values to the related plant components.

Control options

Service control for commissioning and servicing

– Built-in service controls: keypad and LCD (standard)

– SynView PC tool (accessory) for local control:

PC / Ethernet (standard)

– SynView PC tool (accessory) via LAN (standard)

Operating control for normal synchronizing operation

– Digital inputs/outputs: conventional wiring (standard)

– Interface (Modbus, Profibus, LON, IEC 61850):

remotecontrolled synchronizing operation (option)