Dynamic performance of self-excited induction generator with electronic load controller under starting of induction motor load

Abstract

Small hydropower is one of the attractive energy sources, proving electricity generation in rural area. Three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG) usually equipped with an unregulated water turbine is widely used under constant-power mode. So, many SEIGs are worked with Electronic Load Controller (ELC) for adjusting their unbalanced energies between input and output powers. Because the dynamic studies of SEIG with ELC are mostly limited with static loads, in this paper, the SEIG dynamic performances with ELC are investigated under switch-started dynamic induction motor (IM). The problem of voltage collapse due to lack of reactive power support when the SEIG feeds the dynamic IM load is demonstrated. This paper also proposes the cheapest way using paralleled-motor capacitors to provide the reactive power support. The study results show that the problems of voltage collapse due to the motor starting can be resolved using the paralleled-motor capacitors together with ELC.