Steady-state analysis and performance of a single-phase self-regulated self-excited induction generator

A steady-state analysis of a novel single-phase self-regulated self-excited induction generator (SRSEIG) which employs a three-phase machine with the Steinmetz connection is presented. Inspection equations are formulated and solved using the method of symmetrical components, yielding the relevant performance equations. An optimisation based approach is used for determination of the per-unit frequency and magnetising reactance, from which the generator performance can be evaluated. The advantages of the single-phase SRSEIG include simple circuit configuration, small voltage regulation, good phase balance, and large power output. With a compensation factor of 0.5, perfect phase balance can be achieved in the three-phase machine when it supplies a specific unity-power-factor load. The effect of compensation factor on the machine performance, such as voltage regulation, voltage unbalance factor, power output and efficiency, is investigated in detail. By using a compensation factor of unity, satisfactory generator performance can be obtained for practical lagging-power-factor loads. Experiments performed on a 2.2-kW induction machine confirm the validity of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the single-phase SRSEIG for autonomous power system applications which are important to distributed generation