Which among the following are the applications of synchronous motors?

Synchronous motors have a wide range of applications due to their ability to operate at constant speed regardless of the load, their capability to improve the power factor of the system, and their highly efficient operation in various industrial and commercial environments. Here are some of the primary applications:

1. Power Factor Correction: Synchronous motors are often used in industries to improve the power factor of their electrical systems. They can operate at leading, lagging, or unity power factor by adjusting the field excitation. This capability makes them ideal for power factor correction in large industrial plants.

2. Constant Speed Applications: Due to their characteristic of operating at a constant speed irrespective of the load, synchronous motors are ideal for applications where a constant speed is crucial. Examples include conveyors, pumps, fans, mixers, and mills in various industrial settings. They’re also used in compressors, reciprocating pumps, and high precision machines.

3. Generators: Synchronous motors can be used as synchronous generators in hydro, thermal, and nuclear power plants for generating electricity. When driven by a prime mover (such as a turbine), they convert mechanical power into AC electrical power.

4. Synchronous Condensers: A synchronous motor running without a mechanical load and over-excited can act as a synchronous condenser to generate reactive power. This application is beneficial for voltage regulation and reactive power management in transmission and distribution systems to stabilize the voltage and minimize the losses.

5. **Clocks and Timing Devices