Analysis of self-excited induction generator feeding DC loads for low-cost renewable energy applications

The present paper deals with a variable-speed low-cost wind power generator. The proposed generating apparatus consists of a squirrel-cage self-excited induction generator, a controlled AC/DC converter, and a closed-loop control system. The dynamic flux model of the self-excited induction generator used in the wind power-generator is presented. This model, which accounts for magnetic saturation, is validated by experimental results. Performance of the proposed wind power generator over broad operating ranges of load and speed is discussed. Simulation of variable speed operation of the generator through an artificially generated wind speed profile is illustrated. Finally, a harmonic distortion analysis of the measured voltage and current waveforms is performed and presented.