A Prospective on Voltage Regulation of Self-Excited Induction Generators for Industry Applications

Self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) are increasingly being used in small-capacity isolated applications for harnessing both conventional and renewable energy resources. These SEIGs suffer from poor voltage regulation even when driven by constant speed prime movers or fixed head hydro turbines. The suitability of these SEIGs to regulate the terminal voltage is a key factor in deciding its use in various applications. This paper deals with the voltage-regulating (VR) schemes for SEIGs, which are found scattered in the literature, and summarizes their operational aspects and relative suitability. These VR schemes are classified on the basis of shunt and series compensation as classical schemes, schemes based on solid-state switching devices, and schemes based on self-commutating solid-state switching device converters. The recommendations drawn from this study are helpful in developing a new cost-effective regulating scheme of SEIGs for different industrial applications.