Comparative performance analysis of aluminum‐ and copper‐rotor induction generators in standalone wind power application

Abstract

Purpose

In order to assess the performance of an induction generator in standalone wind power application, it is imperative that mathematical models are developed that accurately represent the system and take into account various electromagnetic influences such as skin effect. The purpose of this paper is to utilize mathematical models to study the transient and steady‐state behaviour of the self‐excited induction generator (SEIG), in one case with an aluminum rotor, in another case, with a copper rotor, under various load conditions while taking the above factor into account.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical models of a SEIG in the d‐q axis frame have been developed based on the generalized machine theory. A relationship between the mutual inductance and the magnetizing current of the machine has been presented. The rotor impedances have been customized to include skin effect. Using these relations, the model has been extended to include the saturation and skin effects. In order to verify the accuracy of the models, numerical and experimental investigations have been carried out on two 7.5 hp aluminum‐rotor and copper‐rotor SEIGs.

Findings

It was found that the model that takes into account the saturation and skin effects produces numerical results that closely match experimental values for both the machines.

Originality/value

This paper describes how a model of an SEIG considering saturation and skin effect has been developed and applied to aluminum‐ and copper‐rotor machines of similar power ratings to analyze their performance.

Citation

Hafiz, K., Nanda, G. and Kar, N.C. (2010), "Comparative performance analysis of aluminum‐ and copper‐rotor induction generators in standalone wind power application", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 29 No. 5, pp. 1309-1324. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641011061515