Finite element study of a single phase induction generator

The authors present a finite element model capable of analysing the behaviour of the single phase induction generator (SPIG) operating at a constant speed. In the case of 3-phase machines the firmly established practice is to model a static rotor/stator configuration. In modelling a SPIG, time stepping with rotor mesh movement is an absolute requirement and not a choice. In this application both the terminal voltage and current are unknown, only the impedance being known. Therefore, the instantaneous field solution needs to be coupled to a fixed known external impedance rather than a voltage. In addition the modelling must include the distribution of residual magnetism in the rotor and magnetic saturation of the iron parts of the machine. The former is essential to initiate the EMF build-up while the latter ensures a steady-state end to the build-up process. The results obtained by simulation are compared with experimental work. Using the validated solver, the role of the rotor cage in the EMF build-up is examined