Paul Cooper wrote:

Other people have given the rules that are applied (i.e. that the
total number of cycles in 24 hours is constant), but the reason is for
efficienty of electricty transfer. It is very important that all
generators run in sync, so as to minimize transmission losses in the
National Grid, AFAIUI.

Paul


Any generator that is not in sync with the grid will either be slowed
down by higher current loading, or it will become a motor and catch up
to the other units. The speed AND phase of a generator has to match the
grid before it can be connected, or it can literally be ripped loose
from its mounts and destroyed. The basic system to do this is a set of
lamps connected between the two generators. The new generator has it
speed slowly adjusted till the brightness is cycling VERY slowly, then
at a time when all the lamps are out it is switched into the grid.
After it is connected it synchs itself completely, then the operator
increases the fuel or water supply to generate electricity. This has to
be monitored to keep the generator below it rated output, to keep the
windings from overheating.


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