Analysis of squirrel-cage induction generator start-up supported by reactive power compensator

Abstract

Purpose

The power electronic converter is used for the satisfaction of reactive power demand of induction generator, when grid-tied. This paper aims to present an application of STATCOM to reduce inrush transient caused by the connection of a squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) to the grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The power generation system consists of an uncontrolled prime mover, a SCIG and a power electronic converter connected to the grid. The three-phase Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) converter works as a STATCOM to satisfy a reactive power demand of the generator. A control scheme of STATCOM uses the x-y reference frame rotating synchronously with grid voltage vector and the p-q instantaneous power theory to calculate q component of grid power.

Findings

It is shown that the parallel converter, which works as a reactive power compensator allows decreasing transients during a grid connection of the induction generator.

Research limitations/implications

Transients during a grid connection of the induction generator are only partially decreased.

Practical implications

It is needed to compensate for the reactive power of a SCIG. The NPC converter works as a STATCOM. The converter partially reduces grid transients during generator connection. The laboratory tests are demonstrated by connection 7.5 kW induction generator to 8 kVA transformer.

Originality/value

The paper presents the mitigation of grid transients during connection of induction generator with the power electronic converter working as reactive power compensator.

Citation

Górski, D.A. (2020), "Analysis of squirrel-cage induction generator start-up supported by reactive power compensator", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 39 No. 2, pp. 265-278. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-04-2019-0149