synchronous machine
C2 / Highly Specialized TechnicalTechnical / Engineering
Definition
Meaning
An electrical machine (motor or generator) whose rotor rotates at the same speed as the stator's magnetic field.
In computing, a system or process that operates in real-time coordination with another event or clock signal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an electromechanical engineering term. In computing, 'synchronous' is used more commonly as an adjective (e.g., synchronous communication). The full noun phrase 'synchronous machine' is most frequent in electrical engineering contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. UK English may show slightly higher use of 'alternator' for a synchronous generator in power generation contexts. US English may use 'synchronous motor/generator' more frequently in industrial documentation.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard within the specialized field in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/Our] + synchronous machine + [verbs: operates, runs, generates, requires]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run in sync like a synchronous machine.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement or technical specification documents for industrial equipment.
Academic
Common in electrical engineering textbooks, journal articles, and lecture notes on power systems and electric machines.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in design manuals, data sheets, control algorithms, and maintenance guides for rotating electrical machinery.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new controller allows the turbine to synchronise more smoothly with the grid.
American English
- The system is designed to synchronize the motor's operation with the main power frequency.
adverb
British English
- The generators ran synchronously for the entire test period.
American English
- The generators ran synchronously for the entire test period.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A synchronous machine is a type of electric motor used in factories.
- The stability analysis focused on the damping torque provided by the synchronous machine under fault conditions.
- Synchronous machines are often used as generators in large power stations due to their precise frequency control.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'SUN-chronous': The rotor follows the stator's magnetic field as consistently as the sun appears to follow its daily path.
Conceptual Metaphor
A perfectly coordinated dance partner (rotor) that matches the lead's (stator field) every step precisely in time.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'machine' as 'станок' (machine tool). Use 'машина' or more specifically 'электрическая машина'. 'Synchronous' is 'синхронный'.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing 'synchronous' as /saɪnˈkrəʊnəs/.
- Using it to refer to any coordinated process outside electromechanics.
- Confusing it with 'simultaneous'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a synchronous machine's operation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It can operate as a motor (converting electrical to mechanical energy) or as a generator (converting mechanical to electrical energy). The physical construction is very similar.
In large industrial drives (e.g., compressors), as the main generator in hydroelectric, thermal, or nuclear power plants, and as synchronous condensers for reactive power control in substations.
A synchronous machine's rotor rotates at the exact same speed (in synchronism) as the stator's rotating magnetic field. An induction machine's rotor always rotates slightly slower than the field, which induces the current in its rotor.
It comes from Greek 'syn-' (together) + 'chronos' (time). The 'ch' is pronounced /k/, and the 'o' in the stressed second syllable is short (/ə/ or /ɒ/), unlike in 'chronological'.