Induction generator

An induction generator or asynchronous generator is a type of alternating current (AC) electrical generator that uses the principles
of induction motors to produce electric power. Induction generators operate by mechanically turning their rotors faster than
synchronous speed. A regular AC induction motor usually can be used as a generator, without any internal modifications. Induction
generators are useful in applications such as mini hydro power plants, wind turbines, or in reducing high-pressure gas streams to
lower pressure, because they can recover energy with relatively simple controls.

An induction generator usually draws its excitation power from an electrical grid. Because of this, induction generators cannot
usually "black start" a de-energized distribution system. Sometimes, however, they are self-excited by using phase-correcting
capacitors.

Contents
Principle of operation
Excitation
Active power
Required capacitance
Torque vs. slip
Rated current
Grid and stand-alone connections
Uses
Limitations
Example application
See also
Notes
References
External links

Principle of operation
An induction generator produces electrical power when its rotor is turned faster than the synchronous speed. For a typical four-pole
motor (two pairs of poles on stator) operating on a 60 Hz electrical grid, the synchronous speed is 1800 rotations per minute (rpm).
The same four-pole motor operating on a 50 Hz grid will have a synchronous speed of 1500 RPM. The motor normally turns slightly
slower than the synchronous speed; the difference between synchronous and operating speed is called "slip" and is usually expressed
as per cent of the synchronous speed. For example, a motor operating at 1450 RPM that has a synchronous speed of 1500 RPM is
running at a slip of +3.3%.

In normal motor operation, the stator flux rotation is faster than the rotor rotation. This causes the stator flux to induce rotor currents,
which create a rotor flux with magnetic polarity opposite to stator. In this way, the rotor is dragged along behind stator flux, with the
currents in the rotor induced at the slip frequency
.

In generator operation, a prime mover (turbine or engine) drives the rotor above the synchronous speed (negative slip). The stator
flux still induces currents in the rotor, but since the opposing rotor flux is now cutting the stator coils, an active current is produced in
stator coils and the motor now operates as a generator
, sending power back to the electrical grid.
Excitation
An induction machine requires an externally-supplied armature current. Because the
rotor field always lags behind the stator field, the induction machine always
"consumes" reactive power, regardless of whether it is operating as a generator or a
motor.

A source of excitation current for magnetizing flux (reactive power) for the stator is Equivalent circuit of induction
still required, to induce rotor current. This can be supplied from the electrical grid ,or generator
once it starts producing power, from the generator itself. The generating mode for
induction motors is complicated by the need to excite the rotor, which begins with
only residual magnetization. In some cases, that residual magnetization is enough to self-excite the motor under load. Therefore, it is
necessary to either snap the motor and connect it momentarily to a live grid or to add capacitors charged initially by residual
magnetism and providing the required reactive power during operation. Similar is the operation of the induction motor in parallel
with a synchronous motor serving as a power factor compensator. A feature in the generator mode in parallel to the grid is that the
rotor speed is higher than in the driving mode. Then active energy is being given to the grid.[2]Another disadvantage of induction
motor generator is that it consumes a significant magnetizing currentI0 = (20-35)%.

An induction machine can be started by charging the capacitors, with a DC source, while the generator is turning typically at or above
generating speeds. Once the DC source is removed the capacitors will provide the magnetization current required to begin producing
voltage.

An induction machine that has recently been operating may also spontaneously produce voltage and current due to residual
magnetism left in the core.

Active power
Active power delivered to the line is proportional to slip above the synchronous speed. Full rated power of the generator is reached at
very small slip values (motor dependent, typically 3%). At synchronous speed of 1800 rpm, generator will produce no power. When
the driving speed is increased to 1860 rpm (typical example), full output power is produced. If the prime mover is unable to produce
enough power to fully drive the generator, speed will remain somewhere between 1800 and 1860pm
r range.

Required capacitance
A capacitor bank must supply reactive power to the motor when used in stand-alone mode. The reactive power supplied should be
equal or greater than the reactive power that the machine normally draws when operating as a motor
.

Torque vs. slip

The basic fundamental of induction generators is the conversion between mechanical energy to electrical energy. This requires an
external torque applied to the rotor to turn it faster than the synchronous speed. However, indefinitely increasing torque doesn't lead
to an indefinite increase in power generation. The rotating magnetic field torque excited from the armature works to counter the
motion of the rotor and prevent over speed because of induced motion in the opposite direction. As the speed of the motor increases
the counter torque reaches a max value of torque (breakdown torque) that it can operate until before the operating conditions become
unstable. Ideally, induction generators work best in the stable region between the no-load condition and maximum torque region.

Rated current
The maximum power that can be produced by an induction motor operated as a generator is limited by the rated current of the
machine's windings.
Grid and stand-alone connections
In induction generators, the reactive power required to establish the air gap magnetic
flux is provided by a capacitor bank connected to the machine in case of stand-alone
system and in case of grid connection it draws reactive power from the grid to
maintain its air gap flux. For a grid-connected system, frequency and voltage at the
machine will be dictated by the electric grid, since it is very small compared to the
whole system. For stand-alone systems, frequency and voltage are complex function
of machine parameters, capacitance used for excitation, and load value and type.
Typical connections when used as a
standalone generator
Uses
Induction generators are often used in wind turbines and some micro hydro
installations due to their ability to produce useful power at varying rotor speeds. Induction generators are mechanically and
electrically simpler than other generator types. They are also more rugged, requiring no brushes or
commutators.

Limitations
An induction generator connected to a capacitor system can generate sufficient reactive power to operate on its own. When the load
current exceeds the capability of the generator to supply both magnetization reactive power and load power the generator will
immediately cease to produce power. The load must be removed and the induction generator restarted with either a DC source, or if
present, residual magnetism in the core.[1]

Induction generators are particularly suitable for wind generating stations as in this case speed is always a variable factor. Unlike
synchronous motors, induction generators are load-dependent and cannot be used alone for grid frequency control.

Example application
As an example, consider the use of a 10 hp, 1760 r/min, 440 V, three-phase induction motor as an asynchronous generator. The full-
load current of the motor is 10A and the full-load power factor is 0.8.

Required capacitance per phase if capacitors are connected in delta:

Apparent power S = √3 E I = 1.73 × 440 × 10 = 7612 VA

Active power P = S cos θ = 7612 × 0.8 = 6090 W
Reactive power Q = = 4567 VAR

For a machine to run as an asynchronous generator, capacitor bank must supply minimum 4567 / 3 phases = 1523 VAR per phase.
Voltage per capacitor is 440V because capacitors are connected in delta.

Capacitive current Ic = Q/E = 1523/440 = 3.46 A

Capacitive reactance per phase Xc = E/Ic = 127 Ω

Minimum capacitance per phase:

C = 1 / (2*π*f*Xc) = 1 / (2 * 3.141 * 60 * 127) = 21 microfarads.

If the load also absorbs reactive power, capacitor bank must be increased in size to compensate.

Prime mover speed should be used to generate frequency of 60 Hz:

Typically, slip should be similar to full-load value when machine is running as motor
, but negative (generator operation):

if Ns = 1800, one can choose N=Ns+40 rpm

 Required prime mover speed N = 1800 + 40 = 1840 rpm.

See also
Electrical generator
Induction motor

Notes
1. Huassain, Ashfaq. Electric Machines. Dhanpat Rai and Co. p. 411.

References
Electrical Machines, Drives, and Power Systems
, 4th edition, Theodore Wildi, Prentice Hall,ISBN 0-13-082460-7,
pages 311–314.

External links
Testing of stand-alone and grid connected asynchronous generator

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