Maximum power delivery capability of a three-phase self-excited induction generator

Self-excited induction generators (SEIG) are increasingly being used in remote areas to energize isolated communities. The maximum power delivery capability of a SEIG depends on various factors, such as excitation capacitance, generator parameters, operating speed and load power factor. This paper proposes a simple method of determining the maximum power that can be delivered by a three-phase SEIG for various operating conditions. The maximum power of the generator is carefully formulated as a multi-variable constrained optimization problem. The problem is then solved using a numerical based routine “fmincon” given in the optimization toolbox of MATLAB. The effectiveness of the proposed method is then evaluated on a 1.5-kW, 220-V induction machine operated as a SEIG. The simulation results obtained by the proposed method are also compared with the corresponding experimental values.