This is not entirely true. In small power stations not connected to grids and wind turbines they usually use induction generators instead of synchronous for their capability of producing energy at varying rotor speeds and their price which is lower the synchronous generators.
Before I tell you why they use synchronous in big power stations connected to the grid you must know that usually you have more than one power plant connected to the grid. And if you want the power of each power plant to be added to the grid you need the all the alternating currents to be in phase so the frequency must be the same.
And as you probably know they are called SYNCHRONOUS generators because the speed of the rotor (the frequency) is the same as the AC supply current.
So obviously it will be much easier to control the frequency of a synchronous generator and therefore easier to synchronize with the grid.
When an induction motor is pushed over synchronous speed it will become a generator and will deliver power back to the utility.
we do not use induction generator because it require an external source (synchronous generator) that provide reactive power to it.
An induction motor connected to an existing ac supply normally runs at less than the synchronous speed by an amount described as the 'slip' which is proportional to the torque demanded at the shaft. If the same motor is instead coupled to an engine and driven at a speed higher than the synchronous speed, with negative slip, power then travels back into the ac supply and the motor has become a generator. The amount of power produced depends on the speed. However a normal induction motor will not behave as a stand-alone ac generator. For ac power generation synchronous generators are invariably used because it is necessary to set and maintain the frequency of the supply accurately.
An induction motor rotating at higher than synchronous speed would be generating power, thus would be a generator. No motor operating as a motor runs above synchronous speed.
Synchronous generators supply reactive power (measured in kilovolt-amperes reactive or KVAR) by adjusting their excitation level. When the excitation is increased, the generator can produce more reactive power, which is essential for voltage regulation in the power system. Conversely, if the excitation is decreased, the generator can absorb reactive power. This ability to control reactive power makes synchronous generators crucial for maintaining system stability and voltage levels in electrical grids.
An induction generator is not self-starting; it requires an external power source or an initial starting mechanism to reach synchronous speed. Once it reaches this speed, it can generate electricity by feeding energy back into the grid or a connected load. Typically, induction generators are used in wind turbines and other applications where they can be driven by a prime mover to achieve the necessary conditions for generation.
It acts as synchronous motor by consuming power from the other generator....
ASYNCHRONOUS is a mode whereby events happens irregardless of control. SYNCHRONOUS are this same events but controlled by a timing and/or control
electrisity comes from big electricity generators .
Low-power (a few watts) might use a synchronous motor, most fans use an induction motor. Above a couple of horse-power it might be a 3-phase induction motor.
Generators produce electricity through electromagnetic induction. When a coil of wire rotates within a magnetic field, it creates a flow of electrons, generating an electric current. This current can then be harnessed and used to power electrical devices.
The big difference is that the synchronous motor's rotor can have a variable current applied to it through its field slip rings. Both types of motors have their own advantages. With a synchronous motor in the system, the systems power factor can be regulated.