Performance analysis of salient-pole self-excited reluctance generators using a simplified model

A simple, direct mathematical model is developed for steady-state analysis of salient-pole, self-excited synchronous reluctance generators. The model does not require either the power consumed by the load or the ratio of the load to excitation current to be estimated which are prerequisite assumptions of previous analysis techniques. The model is verified by experiment which includes assessment of critical speed, excitation capacitance, no-load terminal voltage and voltage regulation on load. The experiments are performed using a prototype synchronous reluctance generator. The analysis technique is then used to investigate the effect that saliency, stator resistance and power factor have on the performance of the self-excited system.