Limits on the performance of the three-phase self-excited induction generators

Dependency of the output voltage and frequency of the isolated self-excited induction generator on the speed, load, and terminal capacitance causes certain limitations on its performance. In this study, the performance of the induction generator under a wide range of operating conditions is examined. It is found that the machine operates only in certain element ranges and that all generated currents and voltages are bounded. It is also shown that a combination of these elements exists that is optimal for maximum power generation

Magnetization-Dependent Core-Loss Model in a Three-Phase Self-Excited Induction Generator

Steady-state, transient, as well as dynamic analyses of self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) are generally well-documented. However, in most of the documented studies, core losses have been neglected or inaccurately modeled. This paper is concerned with the accurate modeling of core losses in SEIG analysis. The core loss is presented as a function related to the level of saturation. This relation is determined experimentally and integrated into a nonlinear model of the SEIG. The nonlinear model is solved using a mathematical optimization scheme to obtain the performance parameters of the SEIG. A new set of curves describing accurate behavior of the SEIG parameters is produced and presented in this paper. The computed parameters of the model are validated experimentally, and the agreement attained demonstrates the functionality and accuracy of the proposed core-loss model

Analytical Approach to Circulating Current Mitigation in Hexagram Converter-Based Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Using Multiwinding Coupled Inductors

The hexagram multilevel converter (HMC) is composed of six conventional two-level voltage source converters (VSCs), where each VSC module is connected to a string of PV arrays. The VSC modules are connected through inductors, which are essential to minimize the circulating current. Selecting inductors with suitable inductance is no simple process, where the inductance value should be large to minimize the circulating current as well as small to reduce an extra voltage drop. This paper analyzes the utilization of a multiwinding (e.g., two, three, and six windings) coupled inductor to interconnect the six VSC modules instead of six single inductors, to minimize the circulating current inside the HMC. Then, a theoretical relationship between the total impedance to the circulating current, the number of coupled inductor windings, and the magnetizing inductance is derived. Owing to the coupled inductors, the impedance on the circulating current path is a multiple of six times the magnetizing inductance, whereas the terminal voltage is slightly affected by the leakage inductance. The HMC is controlled to work under variable solar radiation, providing active power to the grid. Additional functions such as DSTATCOM, during daytime, are also demonstrated. The controller performance is found to be satisfactory for both active and reactive power supplies

Cascaded Multilevel Inverter Topology Based on Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter

A three-phase multilevel inverter topology for use in various applications is proposed. The present topology introduces a combination of a cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter with a cascaded three-phase voltage source inverter (three-phase triple voltage source inverter (TVSI)). This combination will increase the number of voltage levels generated when using fewer components compared with the conventional multilevel inverter topologies for the same voltage levels generated. The other advantage gained from the proposed configuration is the assurance of a continuous power supply to the grid in case of failure in one part of the proposed configuration. In addition, the voltage stresses on switches are reduced by half compared if each part in the proposed topology is working independently. The comparison of the proposed topology with some conventional multilevel inverter topologies is presented. The proposed topology is built in the SIMULINK environment and is simulated under various loads in addition to being connected to the grid. Phase-shifted pulse width modulation technique is used to generate the required switching pulses to drive the switches of the proposed topology. The inverter is experimentally implemented in the lab, and the switching pulses are generated with the help of MicroLabBox produced by dSPACE (digital signal processing and control engineering) company. The simulation and experimental results and their comparisons are presented to verify the proposed topology’s effectiveness and reliability