Difference between salient pole and non-salient pole rotor used in synchronous generator.

synchronous machine can be characterized by the type of rotor used. Rotors used in Synchronous alternators can be classified into:

1)Salient and

2)Non-Salient Pole Rotors or cylindrical rotors

Salient pole rotors are used in application with speeds from 100 to 1500rpm. They are alternative known as "projected pole" type of rotors. The poles mounted on the rotor are made of lamination's made of steel. The poles are connected to the rotor shaft by means of dovetail joints. Each pole has a pole shoe around which the winding is wound. The salient pole rotor is generally used in applications where the prime mover is a hydel turbine or a combustion engine which have low or medium speeds. Salient pole rotors usually contain damper windings to prevent rotor oscillations during operation. Due to low speed, they are constructed with higher no. of pole (ranging from 8-24 or higher) to achieve system frequency so they can be said as higher pole machine. Almost all hydro power uses salient pole rotor synchronous generator.

                               Non-salient pole rotors are generally used in application which operate at higher speeds, 1500rpm and above. The prime movers in these applications are generally gas or steam turbines. These are sometimes known as "drum rotors". The rotor is a cylinder made of solid forged steel. The slots on which the windings are fixed are milled on the rotor. The number of poles is usually 2 or 4 in number. Since these rotors are cylindrical, the windage loss is reduced. The noise produced is also less. These rotors have higher axial length. These rotors do not need damper windings. Due to high speed, they are used with gas turbine and high speed steam turbine in nuclear power plant and thermal power plant.