A low-cost non-mechanical maximum power point tracking scheme for grid-tied single-phase induction generators

A new configuration of a single-phase induction generator based power generation system with maximum power point tracking capability is proposed in this paper, and this configuration is suitable for small-scale variable speed wind energy conversion system. Using this technique, the synchronous speed of the single-phase machine can be adjusted by regulating the frequency of the voltage applied at the auxiliary winding of the motor. Therefore, with variable electrical frequencies the maximum power can be extracted at different wind velocity. The steady-state model as well as the dynamic model of a single-phase induction generator is presented in order to analyze the system characteristics. In addition, a prototype of the system is implemented and tested. The experimental results have been presented and compared with simulation results to validate the peak power extracting capability. Using the proposed configuration, the generated power from the induction generator seems to be consistent with the available wind power.