Lesson 16: Asynchronous

Generators/Induction Generators

ET 332b
Ac Motors, Generators and Power
Systems

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 Learning Objectives

After this presentation you will be able to:

➢ Explain how an induction generator operates

➢ List application for induction generators in the use
renewable resources
➢ Discuss the limitations of induction generators
➢ Compute the power developed from an induction
generator using the per phase circuit model

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 Induction Generators
Driving an induction motor faster than synchronous speed
when connected to the grid results in active power
generation

Induction generators (asynchronous generators) designed

with lower rotor R to reduce losses and machine slip.

Applications: Wind Turbines, Hydraulic Turbines (small

scale hydro), Gas engines fueled by
natural gas or biogas

cogeneration

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 Induction Generator Starting Sequence
Existing Three Phase System
1.) Breaker open
2.) Increase prime mover
mechanical power input
until nr >ns.
Electric Breaker 3.) Close Breaker
Power
Out 4.) Adjust mechanical power
input to match electric
Induction Prime load.
Generator Mover
Pmech=Pe+Ploss
nr >ns

Generator
Losses Induction generator can
Mechanical not vary terminal voltage
Power In
or frequency. Set by
system.
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 Induction Generator Speed Power Curves
Induction Machine Speed-Power Curve
100
ns
1.1ns
Generator
Air Gap Power (kW)

Operation
50

-50
Pushover
Power
-100
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000
Rotor Speed (rpm)
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 Limitations of Induction Generations

• Require existing power grid for synchronous

operation.
– Can not control frequency or voltage independently
• Can not operate above pushover speed
• Require a source of reactive power to operate
– When connect to grid, system supplies reactive power
to operate generator
• When operating without grid connection
frequency varies with power output.
– Parallel capacitors supply reactive power

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 Induction Generator Example

A three-phase, six-pole, 460 V, 60 Hz induction generator operates on

a 480 V system. The generator its rated power output is 20 kW. It
is driven by a turbine at a speed of 1215 rpm. The generator has
the following electrical parameters:

R1 =0.200 W, R2= 0.150 W, Rfe= 320 W,

X1=1.20 W, X2=1.29 W, XM=42.0 W

Find the active power delivered by the generator and the reactive
power it requires from the system to operate.

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Example Solution

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Example Solution

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Example Solution

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Example Solution

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 Isolated Operation of Induction Generators
Isolated Three Phase System

Isolated Induction generator

requires residual flux
to build voltage
Electric
Power Breaker
Out Capacitors supply reactive
Reactive
Power from power to load and
Capacitors
generator when voltage
builds.
Induction Prime
Generator Mover
Voltage falls rapidly when
nr >ns load is applied.
Generator When nr = ns, no
Losses power delivered

Mechanical
Power In

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 Voltage Build-up in Isolated Induction Generators
jX1

R1
R2/s
External Capacitor provides
-jXc jXm Rfe
Vin

jX2
Reactive power for operation

Operating point set by intersection

Xc0>Xc1 between magnetization curve and
Vop
Xc

Xc0 Vop
Xc =
Voltage

Xc1
Iop
Iop  1 
Iop C=  
Vop  2f 
Current

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 Voltage Build-up in Isolated Induction Generators
Lab measurements determine the magnetization curve
Three Phase Induction Motor Magnetization Curve

140

120
Stator Voltage (V)

100

80

60
I op  1  1.18  1 
40 C=  =  =
Vop  2f  110  260 
Inductance
change
20
C = 2.845  10 −5 F or 28.45 F
due to rotor 0
motion 0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 1.25 1.50
Stator Current (A)

Lab Data Linearized Magnetization Curve Load Line

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Voltage Build-up in Isolated Induction Generators
Single phase motor magnetization curve

Magnetization Curve-Single Phase Motor

140.00

120.00

100.00
Voltage (V)

80.00

60.00
I op  1  5.74  1 
C=  =  
40.00 Vop  2f  120  260 
20.00 C = 1.27  10 −4 F or 127 F
0.00
0.00 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00
Current (A)

Lab Measurements Linearized Data Load Line

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 ET 332b
Ac Motors, Generators and Power Systems

END LESSON 16: ASYNCHRONOUS

GENERATORS/INDUCTION
GENERATORS
et332bInd.ppt 16