Grid-connected Induction Generator

Objective
1. To understand the operation of an induction machine as a generator in grid connected mode.

Learning Outcome
After finishing this experiment, student would be able to
1. Explain the condition for generation mode of induction machine
2. Describe and calculate the reactive power compensation requirement of induction generator

Theory
Induction machine operates as a motor when its speed (𝜔𝑚 ) lies between 0 and synchronous speed (𝜔𝑠 ),
i.e. 0 < 𝜔𝑚 < 𝜔𝑠 . If the machine speed crosses 𝜔𝑠 then the machine operates with negative slip. This
means that the rotor field is rotating “ahead of” the stator field. The torque produced is negative and
hence the machine is generating power. The complete torque speed characteristics can be seen in the Fig.1

Fig. 1 Torque-Speed Characteristic

The equivalent circuit of three-phase induction machine can be seen in the Fig. 2. The equivalent circuit
parameters (impedance) can be obtained by performing no-load test, blocked-rotor test, and dc resistance
measurement.
 Fig. 2 Per-phase Equivalent Circuit
Pre-lab Exercise
Use Excel to perform the following task.
1. The three-phase induction machine in this experiment (400V, 50Hz, ½ Hp, 1400 RPM) has been
subjected to a series of test. The test results are shown in the table 1. Find the equivalent circuit
parameters.
Table 1. Test results (per-phase)
Test 𝑁 (𝑅𝑃𝑀) 𝑉𝐿𝑁,𝑎𝑣𝑔 (𝑉) 𝐼𝐿,𝑎𝑣𝑔 (𝐴) 𝑃𝑝ℎ (𝑊)
No-load 1500 221.17 0.93 26.39
Blocked rotor 0 66.88 1.18 66.56
Average DC resistance 𝑉𝑑𝑐 (𝑉) 𝐼𝑑𝑐 (𝐴)
across each phase 34.996 1.155

2. From the obtained equivalent circuit parameters, compute the steady-state performance of the
induction motor and plot the value of torque (𝑇𝑒 ), power (𝑃) and power factor (𝑝𝑓.) against the
rotational speed between 1300 RPM and 1600 RPM.
Simulation Setup
1. Open the PSim schematic file.
2. Edit IM parameter according to the values obtained of pre-lab exercise.
3. Carry out the simulation.
4. Plot the following curves: load torque vs speed, real power vs speed, power factor vs speed.
5. Compare the simulation results to the results obtained from pre-lab exercise.
6. Calculate the capacitance of capacitors for compensating the reactive power in case of 1600 RPM
operation to achieve unity power factor.
7. Connect these capacitors in the PSim schematic, carry out simulation at 1600 RPM to confirm the
validation of the calculation in 7.
8. Explain the benefit and limitation of using induction machine for electric power generation.
9. Explain method or technique of applying induction machine for stand-alone power generation, for
example wind power generation or hydropower generation in the remote area.

Fig. 3 Induction Machine Simulation Setup

Experiment Setup

PMSM
Drive
Inverte
r

Current
Probes

PMSM
Grid-connected IM

Power Meter

Fig. 3 Computer-based Experiment Setup

Experiment Procedure
1. Obtain induction machine parameter from name plate specifications.
2. Supply power to the experiment setup and turn on the circuit breaker Q0 and Q1. Wait for
embedded PC startup.
3. Turn on power meter and all current probes.
4. Start the program “Drive and Brake Test Rig Prototype”. Press ESC when asked for password. Select
X-Axis as time and mark on all measurement items except Eta on Y-Axis.
5. Select Manual Mode from the menu bar. On the left is the Induction motor control with only
switch on and switch off Enable buttons. On the right is the PSMS control with switch on and switch
off Enable buttons and also speed or torque Controller with Parameter values.
6. Check if the two machines rotate to the same direction.
a. Switch on induction machine only, observe the rotation direction. Then switch off.
b. Choose speed Controller for PSMS at speed Parameter 1500 rpm. Switch on the inverter
and observe the rotation direction. Then switch off.
c. If the two machines rotated in opposite direction, alter phase sequence, and reconnect
the power to the induction motor and repeat the procedure 6a and 6b again until the
rotation direction is the same.
7. Motor Mode of Operation

a. Select Automatic Mode from the menu bar. Select Test Condition from the Test menu
bar. Dialog window will show up.

b. On the dialog window, select free data. On the right specify speed profile as follows:
 i. start value:1300
ii. end value: 1500
iii. Time: 20
c. Press add data
d. Press Generation of prescribed values and Close the dialog window.
e. Press Start to start experiment and data collection.
f. After finishing, select Save as from the File menu, input file name and location for
recording the experiment data. The data is recorded to the TeeChartOffice file format
(.tee).

8. Generator Mode of Operation

a. Select New from the File menu to clear data on the screen for the next experiment.
b. Select Automatic Mode from the menu bar. Select Test Condition from the Test menu
bar. Dialog window will show up.
c. On the dialog window, select Free Data. On the right specify speed profile as follows:
i. start value:1500
ii. end value: 1600
iii. Time: 20
d. Press add data
e. Press Generation of prescribed values and Close the dialog window.
f. Press Start to start experiment and data collection.
g. After finishing, select Save as from the File menu, input file name and location for
recording the experiment data. The data is recorded to the TeeChartOffice file format
(.tee).

Experimental Results Analysis

The recorded experimental results (.tee file) can be viewed using TeeChartOffice program. The program can
run without installation. (Motor Mode of Operation in Sheet 2 and Motor Mode of Operation in Sheet 3)
 1. Open the .tee file in the TeechartOffice and copy the experiment data to clipboard (Select Data
tab --> Edit --> Copy) .

Select Data tab before

copy to clipboard

2. Paste the clipboard data into Excel worksheet. Data are in column with coordinate (time, torque),
(time, speed), (time, power), (time, current)x3, (time, voltage) and (time, pf.), respectively.

tim torque speed power currents voltage Pf.

e

3. Delete the first 0.2 second data and the last 0.1 second to get more reliable experiment data.
4. Plot three separated graphs of torque vs speed, power vs speed, and pf. vs speed for both motor
and generator mode of operations.

Discussion (Sheet 4)
 1. Compare the experimental results with those of calculation from the pre-lab exercise and
simulation results.
2. Calculate the reactive power consumed by the induction machine at the speed of 1600 rpm.
3. Calculate the capacitance of capacitors for compensating the reactive power in 4 to achieve unity
power factor. Draw the connection diagram of these capacitors.
4. Explain the benefit and limitation of using induction machine for electric power generation.
5. Explain method or technique of applying induction machine for stand-alone power generation, for
example wind power generation or hydropower generation in the remote area.

Report
The experiment report must be prepared and submitted in Excel file. Please submit the report to the
https://goedu.kmitl.ac.th .