Improved power transfer capability of SEIG in variable speed wind turbine generation system

Self excited induction generator (SEIG) is well known for constant speed application such as micro-hydro generation due their low cost, reliability and simplicity in operation. Along with advanced power electronic converters SEIG is now also applied in variable speed operation such as wind turbine. Poor voltage regulation and over-sized machine are several drawbacks in variable speed operation using SEIG. In this paper a comprehensive sizing of shunt and shunt-series compensation capacitors for SEIG variable speed wind turbine driven are discussed. Steady state model of SEIG and power characteristic of wind turbine are the main discussion in this analysis. The results show a significant improvement in overall performance at which generation system is capable to operate at low wind speed regime. Also smaller power rating of induction machine could be used to provide same power transfer capability as in the over-sized machine.