Comparative study of a self-excited induction and synchronous reluctance generators capabilities

The paper compares the performance of aero-generators for a low-power wind application in an isolated site focused on a conventional squirrel-cage induction generator and an innovative synchronous reluctance generator characterized by their simple and rugged structure (low cost), and reliability (lowest maintenance). This study is based on an exhaustive review of the state of research in this field. To facilitate the comparison, we used two machines with the same power (1kW), the same speed (1500 rpm), and the same stator lamination and winding. However, the machine’s rotors are different. We analyzed the self-excitation criteria, we specified the electrical models of the two machines, and then performed various simulations for different load regimes, using the MATLABSimulink software. The results of these simulations are discussed and validated by experimental tests.