Soft Synchronization of a Hydraulic Turbine Generator and Power Grid

This paper presents the analysis and simulation of synchronization between an active power grid and a power generation system driven by a Francis-type hydraulic turbine, using the model available in Simulink. Synchronization is a fundamental process in electrical systems, allowing the safe and efficient connection of generators in parallel with the grid. To achieve this, it is necessary to adjust the generator’s voltage, frequency, and phase angle to match the grid values. Although physical equipment exists for this interconnection, this research simulates a soft synchronizer as an alternative to optimize the synchronization angle adjustment. To analyze the voltage signals, the d-q-0 reference frame transformation is employed, simplifying processing and enabling more precise detection of variations in voltage magnitude and phase angle. The theoretical framework of this research encompasses power system theory, electrical machines, and control, as well as mathematical models of Francis hydraulic turbines. Using Simulink libraries in MATLAB, the results obtained are evaluated based on variations in voltage, frequency, and phase angle during the transient synchronization period. The results show a considerable decrease in generator magnitude oscillations.