Induction Generator Operation

When the stator armature winding of an induction machine is connected to an a-c

system, a synchronously rotating flux is established in the air gap. When operated
as a motor, the rotating flux induces a current and voltage in the rotor conductors, and the
rotor turns at a speed slightly less than that of the flux. The difference in speed of rotation
between the flux and the rotor, expressed as a percentage of synchronous speed, is called the slip.
The slip is positive when the machine operates as a motor and the rotor speed is less than that of
the flux.
As a generator, the induction machine is driven by a prime mover; and as the
of the rotor is increased to equal synchronous speed, there is no relative motion between the
rotor conductors and flux. Hence, no voltage or current is induced in the rotor bars. A further
increase in speed causes a reversal in relative direction of rotation between the rotor bars and the
flux, and the rotor voltage and current are correspondingly reversed. The slip under this
condition is considered to be negative. Shaft torque, supplied by the prime mover, is transferred
across the air gap to the stator, which it is delivered to the system as generated power. The net
power output is the shaft input less the losses within the machine and is a function of the slip.-