Purpose. Development of the automatic excitation system with non-standard algorithm for controlling powerful synchronous drives of the mechanisms of the mining and metallurgical complex, which are characterized by periodic shock loads. Methodology. The positions of theory of electric machines, methods of automatic systems synthesis, mathematical modeling in the package Matlab were used for conducting researches. Findings. A variant of the model of the synchronous motor for cases of frequency control is proposed, on the basis of which the structure of the system of the automatic excitation control is synthesized, a correction coefficient for the calculation of the gain of the regulator integral part is obtained, and the algorithm of rational control of the synchronous motor is tested, the improved neutralization of the forces of destruction of the conductors insulation of the armature coils of the motor is provided. Originality. The original version of the dynamical model of the synchronous motor is proposed, which allows using the classical method of synthesis of the armature longitudinal current regulator stabilized by the magnetic flux of excitation, as well as the requirements for the implementation of a non-standard excitation control algorithm providing a significant reduction of the dynamic current of the armature at the moment of peak load action. Practical value. The use of the proposed methodology will allow the creation of an automatic system for exciting high-power synchronous motors, which can prevent accidents in the armature circuit of the motor and increase the inter-repair interval of the synchronous drive.