{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"synchronous-condenser","name":"Synchronous condenser","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"SC","aliases":["synchronous compensator","rotating condenser","syncon"],"category":"microgrid-systems","drawingTypes":["SLD"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC","IEEE / ANSI"],"summary":"An unloaded synchronous machine on the network that supplies reactive power, inertia and short-circuit strength.","description":["A synchronous condenser is a synchronous machine running without a prime mover, connected to the network to supply or absorb reactive power by adjusting its field current. Because it is a real rotating machine it also contributes inertia and high short-circuit current, which converter-dominated networks often lack.","Single-line diagrams draw a synchronous machine circle labelled SC or with a capacitor-like note, connected through a step-up transformer and breaker, with a starting arrangement such as a pony motor or static frequency converter. A flywheel may be shown on the shaft to add inertia.","The symbol looks like a generator but the machine exports no active power and draws a small amount to cover losses. It does not show the starting method, inertia constant or overexcitation limits, which define how much it helps during faults."],"readingNotes":["There is no prime mover; a pony motor or static starter is used only to bring the machine up to speed.","Check for a flywheel added to raise inertia."],"drawingChecklist":["State Mvar range, inertia and short-circuit contribution.","Show transformer and starting method.","Reference excitation limits."],"distinction":"A synchronous condenser exchanges only reactive power; a synchronous generator also delivers active power from a prime mover.","facts":[{"label":"Machine","value":"Synchronous, no prime mover"},{"label":"Services","value":"Reactive power, inertia, short-circuit strength"},{"label":"Starting","value":"Pony motor or static starter"},{"label":"Preview","value":"Independent educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"s28-hitachi-synchronous-condenser","relevance":"Public synchronous condenser system page."},{"sourceId":"autodesk-generators","relevance":"Public synchronous machine symbol family context."}],"related":["three-phase-synchronous-generator","statcom","static-frequency-converter","flywheel-energy-storage"],"artwork":"s28-synchronous-condenser","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","plainEnglish":{"title":"What does Synchronous condenser mean?","introduction":"A synchronous condenser is a synchronous machine running without a prime mover, connected to the network to supply or absorb reactive power by adjusting its field current. Because it is a real rotating machine it also contributes inertia and high short-circuit current, which converter-dominated networks often lack.","example":"Single-line diagrams draw a synchronous machine circle labelled SC or with a capacitor-like note, connected through a step-up transformer and breaker, with a starting arrangement such as a pony motor or static frequency converter. A flywheel may be shown on the shaft to add inertia.","drawings":"The symbol looks like a generator but the machine exports no active power and draws a small amount to cover losses. It does not show the starting method, inertia constant or overexcitation limits, which define how much it helps during faults.","terms":[{"name":"Winding","meaning":"A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer."},{"name":"Normally open / normally closed","meaning":"The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing."},{"name":"Rating","meaning":"A value stating the conditions for which equipment is specified."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"Synchronous Condenser System","url":"https://www.hitachienergy.com/products-and-solutions/facts/synchronous-condenser-system"},{"label":"Generator symbol variants","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-09BE3BB5-9118-4302-8061-3888692E538F.htm"}],"detail":"An unloaded synchronous machine on the network that supplies reactive power, inertia and short-circuit strength. A synchronous condenser exchanges only reactive power; a synchronous generator also delivers active power from a prime mover.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/synchronous-condenser","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/synchronous-condenser.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"s28-hitachi-synchronous-condenser","title":"Synchronous Condenser System","publisher":"Hitachi Energy","url":"https://www.hitachienergy.com/products-and-solutions/facts/synchronous-condenser-system","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public synchronous condenser description: reactive power, inertia and short-circuit power, pony motor start.","checkedOn":"2026-10-28","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public synchronous condenser system page."},{"id":"autodesk-generators","title":"Generator symbol variants","publisher":"Autodesk","url":"https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Electrical/files/GUID-09BE3BB5-9118-4302-8061-3888692E538F.htm","type":"cad-reference","scope":"DC and three-phase synchronous generator categories.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Public synchronous machine symbol family context."}]}