An Electronic Voltage and Frequency Controller for Single-Phase Self-Excited Induction Generators for Pico Hydro Applications

This paper presents the design, implementation and control of an electronic load controller (ELC) to regulate voltage and frequency of single-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG) for constant power applications such as uncontrolled turbine in pico hydro power generation. An electronic load controller is developed for maintaining constant voltage and frequency of SEIG with variable consumer loads driven by uncontrolled water turbine. The transient behavior of SEIG-ELC system at different operating conditions such as application and removal of resistive and reactive (0.8 PF) loads and starting of a single-phase induction motor as dynamic load is investigated to demonstrate the capability of proposed ELC. Extensive tests are conducted on the developed prototype of SEIG-ELC system.