szinkrongép

A szinkrongép, sometimes referred to as a synchronous machine, is an AC electric machine whose rotor speed is directly proportional to the frequency of the system to which it is connected. This means that the rotor rotates at a constant speed, determined by the number of poles in the machine and the frequency of the electrical power supply, regardless of the load. This contrasts with induction motors, whose rotor speed typically lags slightly behind the synchronous speed.

The most common application of synchronous machines is as synchronous generators, where they are used to produce electricity in power plants. In this role, a prime mover, such as a turbine powered by steam, water, or wind, drives the rotor. The rotor, often containing electromagnets or permanent magnets, spins within a stationary set of windings (the stator). The rotation induces an alternating current in the stator windings at a frequency determined by the rotation speed and the number of poles.

Synchronous machines can also be operated as synchronous motors. In this configuration, they are supplied with AC power from the grid, and the interaction between the rotating magnetic field of the stator and the rotor's magnetic field causes the rotor to lock into synchronous speed. Synchronous motors are often used in applications where constant speed is critical or where power factor correction is desired, as they can be operated to deliver or absorb reactive power. The speed of a synchronous motor is precisely controlled by the frequency of the AC supply.