Synchronous condensers (rotating grid stabilizer) with flywheel for grid stabilization
A synchronous condenser (rotating grid stabilizer) is a rotating synchronous machine without a prime mover that runs in parallel with the HV grid. It returns short-circuit power, inertia and controllable reactive power to a power system with a high share of wind and solar plants. The core is an SGen generator rated up to 1300 MVA, with a flywheel if required.
- Base machine
- horizontal synchronous generator of the SGen series (up to 1300 MVA)
- Connection
- through a step-up transformer to the HV grid
- Flywheel
- optional, rigidly coupled to the rotor; up to ≈3500 MW·s (50 Hz) / 2000 MW·s (60 Hz)
- Starting
- pony motor or static starting converter
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
When thermal power plants are retired, the grid loses the inertia of rotating masses, short-circuit power and part of the reactive power used for voltage control. A synchronous condenser restores these properties. Short-circuit power is needed for grid stability and for correct operation of relay protection. Inertia damps frequency oscillations and limits the rate of change of frequency (RoCoF). The machine supplies and absorbs reactive power, holding the voltage and restoring it during faults, while its short-term overload capability helps ride through severe conditions.
The installation consists of a horizontal synchronous generator from the SGen line, including the SGen-100A and SGen-2000P series, and a step-up transformer for connection to the high-voltage grid. A pony motor with frequency control or a static starting converter brings the unit up to synchronous speed. The unit is controlled by the Omnivise T3000 system, which coordinates the machine, switchgear, measurements and protection and supports the IEC 61850, 60870-104 and DNP3 protocols.
For maximum inertia the unit is fitted with a flywheel rigidly coupled to the shaft. The flywheel is supplied with the rotor installed on a plug & play basis, and with it the inertia constant of the condenser is comparable to that of a large steam turbine. The largest flywheel stores about 3500 MW·s at 50 Hz and 2000 MW·s at 60 Hz. It rotates in a partial vacuum inside a water-cooled casing, which reduces friction losses and cooling demand. A safe emergency coast-down is provided for a complete loss of power supply.
Condenser mode is also available when generators of retired plants are converted (brownfield). In the Rassau project the condenser has a range of ±60 Mvar at 132 kV and a kinetic energy reserve of 1100 MW·s. Synchronous condensers also support frequency and voltage in the Estonian power system during its integration with the European grid. The company carries the project from system studies and grid modelling through construction, commissioning and personnel training. Customers for this equipment are system operators and grid companies, owners of nodes with a high share of renewables and weak grids, and sites of retired thermal power plants.
Technical specifications
| Base machine | horizontal synchronous generator of the SGen series (up to 1300 MVA) |
|---|---|
| Connection | through a step-up transformer to the HV grid |
| Flywheel | optional, rigidly coupled to the rotor; up to ≈3500 MW·s (50 Hz) / 2000 MW·s (60 Hz) |
| Starting | pony motor or static starting converter |
| Functions | short-circuit power, inertia (RoCoF), reactive power, short-term overload |
| Example | Rassau: ±60 Mvar, 132 kV, 1100 MW·s |
| Features | flywheel in partial vacuum, water-cooled casing; safe coast-down on loss of power supply |
Request a price and lead time
Synchronous condensers (rotating grid stabilizer) with flywheel for grid stabilization. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 8501 64 00 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 8501 64 |
| CN (EU) | 8501 64 00 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 8501 64 00 00 |
| China customs tariff | 8501 64 10 00 8501 64 20 00 8501 64 30 00 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
What energy reserve does the flywheel of a synchronous condenser have?
The largest flywheel stores about 3500 MW·s at 50 Hz and 2000 MW·s at 60 Hz. It rotates in a partial vacuum in a water-cooled casing.
How is a synchronous condenser connected to the grid?
The SGen generator is connected to the HV grid through a step-up transformer. Run-up is performed by a pony motor with frequency control or by a static starting converter.
Can the generator of a retired power plant be converted into a synchronous condenser?
Yes, condenser mode is available for generators of plants being retired. For comparison, the condenser of the Rassau project has a range of ±60 Mvar at 132 kV.
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