Self-Excited Induction Generator Based Generation System Regulation Using Synchronous Generator as Reactive Power Compensator

This article presents the modeling, simulation and experimental results of a microgrid formed by the parallel operation of the Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) and the Field-wound Synchronous Generator (SG), where the SG acts as a reactive compensator. In the generation system, the SEIG is kept supplying rated power, driven through a primary source of constant power. The SG, on the other hand, is driven by a constant speed source. A Electronic Load Controller (ELC) is used to consume the surplus active power generated by the SEIG that is not used by the consumer unit in order to regulate system’s frequency. When the connected load is greater than the SEIG’s rated power, the SG acts by supplying active power to supply the demand, the ELC is turned off and the frequency control is performed by the speed control of the SG’s primary machine. The reactive power in the microgrid is controlled by the SG static excitation system. This system, based on a Buck converter powered by an external DC source, acts to control the voltage at the Common Connection Point (CCP) of the system by adjusting the SG field voltage. Experimental results shows the performance and reliability of the system against load connections from no-load to rated power.