Steady state analysis and performance characteristics of athree-phase induction generator self excited with a singlecapacitor

Steady-state analysis and performance characteristics of a three-phase isolated star or delta connected induction generator self-excited with a single capacitor are discussed. Analytical expressions are derived to determine the no-load capacitance required to maintain self-excitation. The performance characteristics of a self-excited induction generator are affected by the terminal capacitance, C, machine speed, ν, and the load parameters. Generally, the value of C has a stronger influence on the performance characteristics and should be selected such that the terminal voltage, V_t, is near its rated value while keeping C close to its lower limiting value. The accuracy of the method was experimentally verified, and good agreement is obtained between the two sets of results. The performance characteristics of star and delta connected induction generators are compared. In the mode of operation discussed, the voltages and currents are unbalanced with relatively high losses and rather low efficiency. Among the two configurations discussed, the delta connected generator offers a higher current and lower terminal voltage and a wider range of excitation capacitance     

Analysis of self excited induction generator feeding inductionmotor

The paper assesses the suitability of a self excited induction generator (SEIG) to supply dynamic loads like induction motors. An algorithm is proposed to predict the steady state performance of an SEIG feeding an induction motor (IM). The computed and experimental results are presented for different operating conditions of an SEIG-IM system. A good agreement reached between the predicted and test results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Experimentally recorded transients of an SEIG during a series of switching operations are presented to demonstrate the ability of an SEIG to sustain the starting of an IM. By analyzing the performance of a typical 7.5 kW, 3-phase SEIG feeding induction motors of different ratings, useful guidelines are proposed for the design of an SEIG-IM system in autonomous applications like agricultural pumpsets     

Performance analysis of a three-phase induction generatorself-excited with a single capacitance

This paper presents a unified method of analysis for a three-phase induction generator self-excited with a single capacitance and supplying a single-phase load. Symmetrical components analysis is used to establish the input impedance of the generator, while the pattern search method of Hooke and Jeeves enables the per-unit frequency and magnetizing reactance of the machine to be determined, a crucial step in computing the generator performance. Best machine performance is obtained using the Steinmetz connection, with the excitation capacitance connected across the lagging phase. Experiments carried out using a 2.2 kW induction machine confirm the accuracy of the theoretical analysis and the solution method     

Selection of capacitance for self-excited six-phase induction generator for stand-alone renewable energy generation

This paper presents a simple method for finding the suitable value of shunt and series capacitance necessary to initiate self excitation and self-regulation (voltage regulation) in a self-excited six-phase induction generator (SPSEIG) for stand-alone renewable energy generation in conjunction with the hydropower. The problem is formulated as multivariable unconstrained nonlinear optimization problem. The admittance of the equivalent circuit of SPSEIG is taken as an objective function. Frequency and magnetic reactance or speed and magnetic reactance or frequency and capacitive reactance are selected as an independent variables depending upon the operational condition of the machine. Fmincon method is used to solve the optimization problem. Computed results were experimentally verified to validate the analytical approach presented in the paper.     

Performance analysis of a three-phase induction generator connectedto a single-phase power system

This paper analyzes the performance of a three-phase induction generator which is connected to a single-phase power system. Significant improvement in machine performance can be obtained by using a single static phase-converter, provided that the machine is driven in the reverse direction. If two phase-converters, are employed, perfect phase balance can be obtained at any desired value of slip. The theoretical analysis is validated by experiments on a 2-kW test machine     

State modelling of self‐excited induction generator for wind power applications

The increase in wind power production with self‐excited induction generators (SEIGs) has led to new kinds of protection and stability problems. Suitable state models of a wind plant with SEIGs must accurately simulate balanced and unbalanced transient phenomena for adequate calibration and control of protection devices. However, the SEIG models currently available are unable to simulate the neutral current following unbalanced faults for forecasting the SEIG insulation and protection needed against some network stresses. In addition, the saturation model commonly used is not flexible when deriving a state model. This article presents an effective electromechanical state model for transient analysis of a saturated SEIG for wind power applications. A neutral connection through impedance is included for exact modelling of a Park wye‐connected SEIG. Simple‐shunt and short‐shunt (series) configurations are explored. A comparative analysis of the effects of these two types of configuration on the steady state and transient performances of an SEIG is presented. Numerical and experimental data obtained with a 380V, 5·5kVA, 11·9A, 50Hz induction generator are presented to attest to the effectiveness of the proposed SEIG modelling framework. Among the results obtained, simulations show that the simple‐shunt configuration produces poor voltage regulation, possible voltage collapse and inherent protection against short‐circuit faults, while the short‐shunt connection provides better voltage variation but needs to be well protected against short‐circuit faults. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance analysis of a PV powered DC motor driving a 3-phaseself-excited induction generator

Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC motors driving dedicated loads (e.g. water pumps) are increasingly used in the remote rural areas of many developing countries. The key to their success is simplicity (direct coupling, no DC-AC inversion, no storage batteries, etc.). In this paper, a PV powered DC motor is used to drive an isolated three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG). It is found that due to the unique torque-speed characteristics of the SEIG, utilization efficiency is close to maximum at all insolation levels with no peak-power tracking. The proposed arrangement is useful as part of an integrated renewable energy system (IRES), which takes advantage of the inherent diversity of wind and insolation in most developing countries to improve power quality. The SEIG is driven by wind turbine, DC motor, or both. Performance of the system under different insolation conditions is analyzed     

Design of a three-phase self-excited induction generator

The main goals in the design of a self-excited induction generator (SEIG) are minimizing the rotor resistance and increasing the flux density until the magnetic circuit of the generator saturates. In this paper, a computer design package was developed in order to investigate the best way to obtain these goals. By reducing the stator core length by 40%, the frequency regulation and the voltage drop were reduced. The frequency regulation decreased from 10% to 4% and the voltage drop decreased from 30% to 6%. In addition, voltage and frequency regulations in the standard ranges were obtained in the present design without any regulation devices     

Voltage-frequency control of a self-excited induction generator

A new strategy for controlling voltage and frequency of a self excited induction generator (SEIG) is presented. The SEIG operates in the linear region of the core magnetizing curve, so that efficiency and performance are upgraded. An external excitation circuit, comprising permanently connected capacitors and electronically switched inductances is used. The external circuit allows to compensate for the generator reactive demand. A detailed analysis is performed, showing some salient aspects related to the connection of the external excitation circuit on the control performance. Asynchronous switching is used, but some important considerations must be taken into account related to the instantaneous phase angle between stator voltage and external inductor current at the switching instant, if good transient response is desired. Sliding mode controllers are proposed, showing good dynamic response and robust behavior upon changes in load and generator parameters. Computer simulations are used to demonstrate the validity of the proposed scheme     

Speed control of a PV powered DC motor driving a self-excited3-phase induction generator for maximum utilization efficiency

Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC motors driving dedicated loads (e.g. water pumps) are increasingly used in the remote rural areas of many developing countries. The key to their success is simplicity (direct coupling, no DC-AC conversion, no storage batteries, etc.). Because of the relatively high cost of the PV array, the system designer is interested in maximizing its utilization efficiency. A PV powered DC motor can also be used to drive a three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG). This arrangement is useful as part of an integrated renewable energy system (IRES), which takes advantage of the inherent diversity of wind and solar energy in most developing countries to improve power quality. The SEIG is driven by a wind-turbine, DC motor, or both. Another advantage of this arrangement is its versatile control characteristics through the DC motor control. This paper describes a technique to maximize the utilization efficiency of the PV array by controlling the field current of the DC motor through a DC chopper     

The transient and qualitative performance of a self-excitedsingle-phase induction generator

The modeling and transient performance of a single-phase induction generator with series or parallel connected load is the theme of this paper. The system of equations are expressed in terms of flux linkages and includes the effect of magnetizing flux linkage saturation. Generator self-excitation and voltage collapse phenomena are simulated. The balance of the paper deals with the qualitative behavior of the generator using concepts of harmonic balance and system bifurcation     

Interfacing a fixed-pitch-angle wind turbine with a double-output induction generator

We describe the performance of a variable-speed, constant-frequency, double-output induction generator (VSCF—DOIG) that is being driven by a fixed-pitch angle wind turbine. The induction generator is run according to a control strategy that forces the generator to extract more than its rated stator power output from the wind without being overheated. Since, in the steady state, the mechanical power developed by the wind turbine is balanced by the electromechanical power developed by the generator, the interfacing problem may be solved by representing the wind turbine performance curve C_p = f(λ) as a polynomial function of the induction generator slip and wind speed. Using this approach, the induction generator outputs that correspond to a given wind speed can easily be calculated. This procedure is superior to previously used trial and error methods.     

Energy‐based excitation control of doubly‐fed induction wind generator for optimum wind energy capture

A novel nonlinear energy‐based excitation controlling strategy for variable‐speed doubly‐fed induction wind generator (DFIWG) is proposed in this paper. From the consideration of physical nature and energy flow of the DFIWG, the mechanical subsystem and the electromagnetical subsystem of the DFIWG first have their port‐controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) realization. Then taking advantage of the feedback interconnection between the subsystems, the entire PCH model of the DFIWG is established. On the basis of this model, the excitation control for the generator speed adjustment is achieved by energy shaping design with the purpose of optimum wind energy capture. Finally, simulation results via MATLAB/Simulink (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach for wind speeds in different operating stages. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance analysis of a brushless and exciterless AC generator

In this paper, the authors propose a novel form of brushless AC generator that does not require a shaft-mounted exciter. The constructional details and operating principle of the generator are described and a method for computing the steady-state performance, using a combined circuit and field approach, is introduced. The two-dimensional finite element method (FEM) is used for calculating the magnetic field distribution at different times-steps, from which the EMF and current waveforms can be accurately determined. A technique for optimizing the use of computer internal memory, with a view of improving the accuracy of solution, is briefly discussed. Computed and experimental performance of a 1 kVA prototype generator are presented     

Performance evaluation of series compensated self-excited six-phase induction generator for stand-alone renewable energy generation

This paper presents the steady-state behavior of a series compensated (short-shunt) self-excited six-phase induction generator (SPSEIG) configured to operate as stand-alone electric energy source in conjunction with a hydro power plant. A purely experimental treatment is provided with the emphasis placed on operating regimes that illustrate the advantages of using SPSEIG. In particular, it is shown that the SPSEIG can operate with a single three-phase capacitor bank, so that the loss of excitation or fault at one winding does not lead to the system shutdown. The generator can also supply two separate three-phase loads, which represent an additional advantage. Experimental results include loading transients with independent three-phase resistive and resistive–inductive load at each of the two three-phase winding sets, and measured steady-state characteristics for various load and/or capacitor bank configurations. Practical results for long-shunt configuration are also given for comparative performance evaluation of series compensated SPSEIG.     

Capacitance requirements of a three-phase induction generatorself-excited with a single capacitance and supplying a single-phase load

This paper presents a practical method for computing the minimum capacitance required to initiate voltage build-up in a three-phase induction generator self-excited with a single capacitance and supplying a single-phase load. Attention is focused on the Steinmetz connection which gives superior performance over the plain single-phasing mode of operation. From a consideration of the input impedance of the induction generator and the self-excitation conditions, two nonlinear equations are obtained. Solution of one equation using the Secant method enables the excitation frequency to be determined, and the minimum excitation capacitance can be calculated from the second equation. This solution technique is subsequently employed in an iterative procedure for computing the capacitance required to maintain the terminal voltage at a preset value when the generator is supplying load. Experimental results obtained on a 2-kW induction machine are presented to verify the theoretical analysis where possible     

Single-phase operation of a three-phase induction generator withthe Smith connection

Single-phase operation of a three-phase induction generator with the Smith connection (SMIG) is analyzed using the method of symmetrical components. It is shown that, despite the asymmetrical nature of the winding connection, balanced currents can be made to flow in the three-phase stator winding. The conditions for achieving perfect phase balance are carefully deduced. With the aid of a phasor diagram, expressions for the line power factor and line current under perfect phase balance are also obtained. The effect of the phase-balancing capacitances on the generator performance is investigated. A simple dual-mode control scheme is also proposed with a view of minimizing the phase imbalance over the practical operating speed range. Experiments conducted on a 2.2 kW induction machine confirm the validity of the theoretical analysis and feasibility of the control method     

Performance analysis of a hybrid solar thermoelectric generator

In this paper, a theoretical model is developed to investigate the performance of the hybrid solar thermoelectric generator (HSTEG) system, which is designed without (B-HSTEG) and with an evacuated glass tube (V-HSTEG). The heat loss, power output, thermal efficiency, and electrical efficiency of the B-HSTEG/V-HSTEG system are evaluated by analyzing the design parameters such as geometric solar concentration ratio, thermoelectric figure of merit, and cold-side inlet fluid temperature. The performance of the B-HSTEG is compared with the V-HSTEG system using two heat transfer fluids: water and Therminol VP-1. The maximum electrical efficiency of the B-HSTEG and V-HSTEG is estimated to be 12.2 and 15.6% (ZT = 3) with a corresponding thermal efficiency of about 61.9 and 60.3%, respectively. Overall, this paper provides a systematic performance analysis of HSTEG systems.     

Modeling and control of a wind turbine driven doubly fed induction generator

This paper presents the simulation results of a grid-connected wind driven doubly fed induction machine (DFIM) together with some real machine performance results. The modeling of the machine considers operating conditions below and above synchronous speed, which are actually achieved by means of a double-sided PWM converter joining the machine rotor to the grid. In order to decouple the active and reactive powers generated by the machine, stator-flux-oriented vector control is applied. The wind generator mathematical model developed in this paper is used to show how such a control strategy offers the possibility of controlling the power factor of the energy to be generated.