Design-based performance evaluation of two-winding capacitor self-

excited single-phase induction generator

Arvind K. Tiwaria,*, S.S. Murthyb, B. Singhb, L. Shridharc
a
Department ofElectrical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
b
Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
0
ABB, Industrial IT Development Center, Bangalore, India

Received 1 November 2002; received in revised form 20 February 2003; accepted 22 February 2003

Abstract

A comprehensive and general analytical method supported by computer software for design of single-phase self-excited induction
generator (SEIG) has been presented to analyse and evaluate the system performance under any operating condition. The steady-
state and transient behaviours of a single-phase two-winding SEIG have been analysed. The experimental results on a specially
designed SEIG validate the theoretical model and the suggested method to incorporate magnetic nonlinearity. Effects of different
design parameters are studied and a method to choose the right combination of machine parameters is presented to ensure the most
appropriate design of the system for the required stand-alone application.

Keywords: Induction machine; SEIG; Voltage regulation; Magnetisation

1. Introduction winding of the machine need to be modified for its

A capacitor self-excited induction generator (SEIG)
offers the advantages of simplicity, reliability, durabil-
ity, ease of initiating self excitation and low cost. A
machine with single-phase output is especially attractive
for low-power applications as a stand-alone generator
for emergency use or where a conventional electric
supply is not available. For small-scale generation, the
single-phase supply is more appropriate, either in terms
of immediately available domestic supply feeder or the
nature of the isolated local loads, mainly in remote
places. The papers available in the area of SEIG [1-9]
deals mainly with the performance evaluation for given
machine from given parameters and magnetisation
characteristics. A study of these papers reveals that
single-phase induction machine designed for motor
application cannot be used satisfactorily as induction
generator. The magnetisation characteristics and stator
satisfactory operation as generator. The induction
machine designed to work as a motor will have high
rotor resistance and high leakage reactances for its
satisfactory performance as motor in terms of high
starting torque and low starting current. Whereas these
parameters are desired to be low for operation of
machine as generator, as it will result in poor voltage
regulation and low maximum power output. The present
investigation is aimed towards the design of single-phase
induction generator to meet the required performances.
Two methods are normally used to design electric
machines [10]. In the first method, structure of a
manufactured machine is used to design a new machine
with different electric characteristics. As a result, the
geometrical data of the previously designed and manu-
factured machine form the basis of the new design.
Using these geometrical data, the designer attempts to
build a machine that produces the desired output
characteristic. Since the designer attempts to fully utilise
the material which is readily available to the manufac-
turer, this design approach provides a very economical
and convenient way to manufacture an electric machine.
In the second method, the goal is to design an electric
90 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97
machine with desired performance characteristics with-
out placing any restriction on the structure of the stator
or rotor.
In the present investigation, a design procedure of
induction generator is presented, using first method,
where geometrical data of available standard single-
phase induction machine form input for design. So here
flexibility allowed is in terms of winding design, core
length, air gap length and size of the capacitor.
Appropriate design modifications are predicted and
incorporated to achieve desired performance of machine
as generator. At first stage, only winding modification is
suggested, which imposes no constraint on a manufac-
turer in production of induction generator under his
available infrastructure.
Studies of literature [11] reveal that induction gen-
erators have poor voltage regulation even at constant
rotor speed. Therefore, to maintain the output voltage
over the operating range within permissible limits and to
utilise the machine to its full capacity it becomes
necessary to use suitable voltage regulators or control-
lers. It is perhaps the foremost reason why manufac-
turers are showing little interest in the applicability of
SEIG. Presently, studies on SEIG are therefore centred
on the design and development of an appropriate low-
cost and rugged voltage regulator.
Another possibility of improving the voltage regula-
tion of SEIG is to modify the design of induction
machine such that it naturally gives an improved voltage
regulation. The induction generator using modified
design should be able to feed the load throughout its
operating range, maintaining the terminal voltage within
permissible limits without aid of any controller.
By identifying poor voltage regulation and indispen-
sability of voltage regulator as the major disadvantages
of SEIG, the present investigation was aimed towards
improvement possibilities in the inherent voltage regula-
tion of the machine. It is possible to improve the
inherent voltage regulation of the machine to such an
extent that it can work satisfactorily without voltage
regulator. Thus, the concept of self-regulating SEIG was
presented. The proposed self-regulating design is com-
pared with the existing design and its special features are
highlighted to suggest useful guidelines. Appropriate
design constraints have been incorporated as specified
by utilities and certain performance requirement norms
set by manufacturer standards like NEMA, IEC, BSS,
BIS, etc.
The proposed design not only eliminates the complex-
ity and various operation problems associated with
voltage regulations used in conjunction with the existing
design, but is also cost effective; further, all these add to
the ruggedness of the induction machine and make
SEIG a suitable isolated power-generating unit.
As a part of this process extended software, integrat-
ing the performance evaluation software [12,13] devel-
oped by authors has been developed so as to have a
comprehensive computer-aided design-based perfor-
mance prediction of single-phase SEIG, under different
design data and operating conditions. Some of the
predicted results are compared with the measured one
on a test machine detailed in Section 3 to establish the
suitability of the software. Then it is possible to under-
take computer-aided design of single-phase SEIG by
suitable modification of design data to obtain desired
output performance through a combination of capaci-
tors. This design improvement paper primarily states the
experience of the authors in developing powerful
computer-aided design software along with its valida-
tion through experimental results so as to be able to help
designers of such systems for widespread application for
standby power generation with available prime movers.
2. Design procedures
The basis of present investigation is a specially
wound, two-winding, single-phase SEIG [6,7]. Since
evolution of induction generator is from induction
motor, the similarities between an induction motor
and an induction generator makes it possible to utilise
some of the design procedures of an induction motor for
the generator. In present investigation, the authors have
tried to formulate an interactive designing procedure of
SEIG. Normally, these steps may be outlined as follows:
• set up a starting point design and analyse it;
• study the performance of the design and compare it
with the desired objectives;
• incorporate one or more appropriate changes in input
parameters paying careful attention to economic and
manufacturing constraints as well as to performance
objectives;
• study the performance with changed inputs; and
• repeat the process as many times as necessary.
2.1. Objectives of the design procedure
Generally, the objective of a design procedure is to
specify the desired end results, have the software that
automatically designs the best machine and give the
performance results. Before setting up such a procedure,
there are a number of questions that have to be asked
and answered:
• Should the procedure completely design the lamina-
tions? This would be technically possible but a
manufacturer cannot afford to design new lamina-
tions for each new design.
• Should end rings be specified or be determined from
the program? As end ring moulds are quite expensive
and requires considerable time to build, a manufac-
 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97
turer usually prefers to use an existing end ring
moulds.
Thus, while developing design procedure in present
investigation, authors had tried to utilise manufacturer's
existing production facility to the full extent in devel-
opment of new machine design. In fact, the design
procedure of an SEIG is very similar to the design
procedure of most electrical machines. Fig. 1 outlines a
design procedure flowchart of an induction generator:
• The first step in the design of an SEIG is to outline
the required characteristics of the generator. In
general volt-ampere (VA) rating, voltage regulation,
frequency and minimum power factor provided by
the generator are the required characteristics.
• In the next step, utilise various empirical formulae for
design calculation and equivalent circuit parameter
calculation.
• These parameters are used to determine the perfor-
mance of the designed machine.
• If the performance is acceptable design process is
complete, otherwise various parameters and dimen-
r start J
r
Determine design
aim
Apply necessary changes
based on design aims
Is the
performance
of current
design
acceptable
Fig. 1. Design procedure flow chart of an SEIG.
91
sions of the machine are modified until an acceptable
design is achieved.
In the present investigation, authors have used steady-
state equivalent circuit (Fig. 2) of SEIG with the usual
assumptions [12], considering the variation of magnetis-
ing reactance Xm with saturation as the basis for
calculations.
Although there are standard formulae available in the
literature to determine these parameters from design
details, they are invariably based on certain assumptions
and second-order effects such as magnetic nonlinearity
and current displacement, and temperature affects these
values considerably.
Among the equivalent circuit parameters except Xm,
which varies with the air gap flux proportional to Vg/F
or Vg at F = 1.0, all other parameters are assumed to be
constant.
Therefore, designers in industry often incorporate
some empiricism in these formulae based on the feed-
back from shop floor. It should be noted that parameter
determination from design details is always a tricky
exercise and the validation of the procedure has to be
established for a few cases.
2.2. Design calculations
As stated earlier, the present investigation is aimed
towards developing a design procedure of an SEIG
without altering production facilities of manufacturer.
This necessitates standard motor design parameters as
input to the developed software. This enables deriving
winding details of SEIG, which also forms a part of
design input for the software.
Following are the steps for design calculation:
a) Selection of frame size and stack length for desired
rating of SEIG: with the help of list for single-phase
induction motor rating, frame size and stack length,
a matching pack will be selected.
b) Knowing the details of stator and rotor punching,
the winding details of SEIG and its distribution in
stator core are determined.
c) With the known values of stack length, end ring
details, punching details and winding details, the
input data for design calculation are completed.
The proposed software based on outlined input
parameters predicts steady-state equivalent circuit para-
meters of SEIG along with its magnetisation character-
istics. The predicted generator parameters are utilised
for performance prediction of SEIG as detailed in Refs.
[12,13]. This enables a designer to finalise the design of
SEIG and go for prototype manufacturing and testing.
If the desired performance criterion is not met, it
necessitates recompilation of input software parameters
92 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97

RM+RL -

F 2F
—^—r($jw—1^
2F2 2aiFi

Fig. 2. Steady-state equivalent circuit of the self-regulated SEIG, where R, X, resistance, reactance; V, I, voltage, current; a, F, turn ratio, p.u.
frequency; n, prime mover speed; XC , reactance of excitation (Csh) capacitor; XC , reactance of series (Cse) capacitors. Subscripts: s, r, g, stator,
rotor, air gap; f and b, forward and backward; M and A, main (load) and auxiliary winding; l, L, m, leakage, load, magnetising; se, series (regulating);
sh, shunt (excitation); (?) referred to main winding. Also, Rd — (RA —RM)I2; Xd — (X[A — X1M)//2.

with change in either physical dimension or stator
windings until desired performance goal is achieved.
2.3. Software detail
Proposed software is written in Fortran language and
needs a PC DOS computer. ED LIN, a line-oriented text
editor that is a part of the DOS system, is used to edit/
modify the programs. Stator and rotor punching details,
winding details, rating of machine are required for
preparation of input details of software.
3. Results and discussion
The prototype test machine used under investigation
is a specially designed two-winding single-phase induc-
tion machine rated as follow: 700 W, 230 V, 50 Hz, 2
Pole.
Using the developed software, performance predic-
tion of prototype SEIG has been carried out under
following heads:
a) Equivalent circuit parameters and magnetising
characteristics of test machine both by developed
software and by standard tests [6].
b) Comparison of performance characteristics of SEIG
obtained both by software and prototype testing.
c) Effects of variation of design inputs on parameters
of machine.
3.1. Parameters and magnetisation characteristics
The constant equivalent circuit parameters as
obtained by design data and test are given in Table 1.
Since stable operation of SEIG is possible only when
the machine is operating in highly saturated condition, it
is very important to obtain accurate variation of its
magnetising reactance with air gap voltage, called here-
after as magnetisation characteristics of the machine.
This can also be obtained experimentally by synchro-
nous speed test [6,7].
Fig. 3 compares variation of air gap voltage (Vg/F) vs
magnetising reactance (Xm) of the prototype SEIG both
obtained by proposed software and by synchronous
speed test. Computed values that correspond to one
generated using design data with proposed software are
close to measured ones obtained from synchronous
speed test. The magnetisation characteristics and
equivalent circuit parameters that are computed and
measured are quite close to each other. This validates
the effectiveness of the proposed software in predicting
the steady-state equivalent circuit parameters and mag-
netisation characteristics of SEIG. This is the vital
information needed for the performance prediction of
SEIG. The error between two curves is due to mismatch
between B/H characteristics of the stamping material as
entered in the software and that actually used. Piecewise
linearisation of obtained magnetisation characteristics
presented in Eqs. (1a) and (1b) is required for perfor-
mance prediction of SEIG [12].
3.2. Performance characteristics
The nonlinear variation of air gap voltage with
magnetising reactance has to be simulated in the
computer program. Here, piecewise linearisation was
derived using the following equations for both the
characteristics obtained from test and those generated
from software.
 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97 93

Table 1
Parameters of the test machine

Parameters 1(V) 1(V) R2(V) X2(V) R1a (V) X 1a (V) Xm(V) a

Computed 4.16 6.33 3.4 4.67 6.17 8.65 129 1.169

Measured 4.0 4.5 3.29 4.5 5.0 6.95 180 1.17

140 -r 3.3.1. Open-circuit characteristics

Variation of open-circuit terminal voltage of main
120 - winding, with prime mover speed for varied excitation
100
capacitance Csh across auxiliary winding, is as shown in
Fig. 4. The agreement between experimental (marked)
80 - and software generated (smooth line) results are reason-
Xm able. The discrepancy at high speed is due to failure to
60 - get accurate measurements for the magnetisation char-
acteristics for highly saturated conditions, where a
40 --
straight line approximates the curve (Fig. 3).
20 -

0 H h 3.3.2. Load characteristics

Typical characteristics of a simple SEIG (unregulated)
Air gap Voltage (Vg/F) [12] feeding power to a resistive load at constant prime
mover speed are shown in Fig. 5. Here excitation of
Fig. 3. Magnetisation characteristics of SEIG.
SEIG is obtained solely from a fixed capacitor bank
(uncontrolled VAR source) connected across the aux-
Through synchronous speed test: iliary winding.
318.897-0.871131^ for X 5 106
488.46-2.448591^ in III —

Vg=F = for 106 5Xm5 120

2333.64-17.81801^ 3.3.3. Effect of prime mover speed
m for 120 5Xm5 123
0:0 for X > 123 Characteristics of the simple SEIG at three different
(1a) constant prime mover speeds (v = 0.9, 1.0 and 1.05) are
shown in Fig. 6. The voltage, frequency and peak output
Through software: power increases with speed for an unregulated system,
380.619-1.87141; for Xm 5 57:59 indicating that a minor variation in speed results in
444.124-2.95121; for 57:59 5Xm5 73:35 considerable change in performance. Generally, the
Vg=F = 647.850-5.78871; for 73:35 5Xm5 86:35 simple SEIG systems are therefore suitable for con-
1124.37-11.2701^ for 86:35 5 Xm 5 90:80 stant-speed systems [9].
0:0 for X > 90:8
(1b)
Csh - 40 UF
Csh = 35 uF
Csh = 30 UF
Csh = 25 uF

3.3. Steady-state performance

Our understanding to the phenomenon of self excita-

tion in single-phase induction machines becomes com-
plete only when we can measure the parameters and
correlate them through appropriate modelling techni-
ques that result in identical performance figures. Based
on our experience this is quite involved due to nonlinear
nature of the system and undefined operating conditions ••• I i i
in the absence of external excitation. A workable theory 8.7
fiov
has been evolved [1] to help performance evaluation of
SEIG. Fig. 4. Open-circuit characteristics.
94 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97

2.2-

W,
1vB

\
PF= 1.0

Oufeut Power (Watt)

Fig. 7. Effect of load power factor on load characteristics.

Fig. 5. Load characteristics at Csh = 43.0 mF; VA and VL, voltage
across Csh and load (in p.u.); IA and IL, current in auxiliary and load
and 0.8 PF (lagging) are 60, 35 and 25%, respectively.
winding (in p.u.).
The poorer voltage regulation and hence poorer utilisa-
tion of the machine for inductive load is due to the fact
that now the same capacitance (connected across
auxiliary winding) has to supply the VAR requirements
of both the SEIG and the load.

3.4. Performance improvement through series

compensation

In the preceding section it has been observed that an

obvious disadvantage of the simple SEIG system is its
v = 1.05 poor voltage regulation. A steady increase in capacitive
VAR with load has to be achieved to maintain good
•:#§,8 ~
voltage regulation. For operation at constant speed, a
simple and inexpensive method to improve the voltage
regulation is to use series capacitor compensation [11].
Fig. 8 shows the load characteristics of the self-regulated
SEIG feeding power to a resistive load. It is clear that
1 'IT" TTTT1 load voltage (VL) drops marginally as the output power
aw. 8 «.i changes from no load to rated load. In addition,
Ouiput Power (Watt) inclusion of the series capacitor also results in a higher
Fig. 6. Effect of prime mover speed on load characteristic.
overload capability for the system.

3.4.1. Selection of capacitors

3.3.4. Effect of load power factor
Since practical available loads are partly inductive in
nature, the load characteristics of the simple SEIG
system were obtained at different load power factors.
It may be observed from Fig. 7 that the load character-
istics are highly sensitive to PF. A slight reduction in PF
causes high drooping effects on the load characteristics
with great reduction in load power. At a capacitance of
30.0 mF which gives a rated no load voltage, the
maximum output power of SEIG for a load at 1.0, 0.9
Appropriate choice of Csh and Cse for the given
machine is made for the desired voltage regulation. This
section presents the criteria followed to fix the values of
Csh and Cse. On no load Cse is ineffective and the
terminal no load voltage is only dependent on Csh while
Cse contributes to the voltage on load. Thus, the value of
Csh must be chosen to yield the desired no load voltage
after studying the variation of no load voltage with Csh
(using the computer program) at the given speed.
Having selected a suitable value of Csh, the influence
 A.K. Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97
-Vcse
H s ei.i
Ovfeut Power (Waft}
Fig. 8. Load characteristics of self-regulated SEIG.
of Cse can be studied by observing the effect of Cse on
voltage regulation of SEIG. The appropriate value of
Cse can be selected from the range of values thus
obtained depending upon the desired regulation and
other operating constraints.
3.4.1.1. Selection of auxiliary winding capacitors. The
variation of no load main winding terminal voltage Vm
with auxiliary winding capacitance (Csh) is shown in Fig.
9. It is evident that Vm increases with Csh. The
appropriate value of Csh can be chosen depending
upon maximum permissible voltage across the machine
terminals. In the present investigation, capacitor of 30.0
mF was found appropriate to develop rated terminal
voltage.
* obtained, can be selected as final one.
Csh
Fig. 9. Variation of no load terminal voltage with Csh.
95
15,1
s.
§,«•
Fig. 10. Effect of series capacitor on voltage regulation.
3.4.1.2. Selection of regulating capacitors. Fig. 10 de-
picts the percent variation of full load voltage regula-
tion, obtained through both experimentation and
computation, with the regulating capacitance Cse.
Here, the voltage regulation is defined as the percent
change in load voltage as the generator delivers power
from zero to rated value. Usually, variation of terminal
voltage with load is permissible within a specified band.
Taking the permissible voltage regulation of 9/6%, the
range of Cse for this band is shown in Fig. 10. Hence, a
range of Cse is available for the selection. It reveals that
for present setup there is a distinct minimum value of
voltage regulation. In the present case, Cse of 100.0 mF is
most appropriate for which voltage regulation is within
prescribed limits for resistive loads. It is worthy to note
a close agreement between computed and test results.
3.5. Effects of variation in design inputs on parameters of
SEIG
It is clear by now that the knowledge of magnetisation
characteristics of SEIG is essential for performance
evaluation. In the present investigation, our effort has
been to develop a suitable methodology for design of
single-phase SEIG with inherently improved voltage
regulation. This could be achieved by knowledge of a set
of magnetisation characteristics with all possible design
changes at first level. With the aid of this information,
performance of SEIG should be evaluated and the
characteristics, with which our desired results are
Figs. 11-13 show magnetisation characteristics of
SEIG with change in stamping material, change in
number of turns in the main winding which results in
a corresponding change in a, and with change in air gap
length, respectively. As the saturated value of Xm gives a
prediction about requirement of excitation capacitor for
96 A.K Tiwari et al. / Electric Power Systems Research 67 (2003) 89-97

SteelM19 3%Si 4. Conclusion

Steel M19 24 Gauge

The developed software predicts parameters of SEIG

and in turn can be used for performance prediction.
With equivalent circuit as the basis of analysis, the
program estimates the constant parameters from design
data. SEIG performance prediction depends on the
correct estimation of the nonlinear magnetisation char-
acteristics relating the air gap voltage (Vg) and magne-
—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I—I tising reactance (Xm). The performance equations of
# SEIG are then simulated to predict the required
Air Gap Voltage Vg characteristics. Design data of a specially designed,
single phase SEIG detailed in Section 3 was used to
Fig. 11. Effect of change in stamping material on magnetisation
obtain the above characteristics, and compared with
characteristics.
corresponding test results: a good correlation has been
observed. The versatility of this design-based algorithm
is the facility to study the effect of various design
parameters on performance of SEIG and hence to help
the designer to design suitable SEIG.

Acknowledgements
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
The authors gratefully acknowledge the suggestions
of the anonymous referees and editor of journal that
Air Gap Voltage Vg (volts) have resulted in a better presentation of this paper.
Fig. 12. Effect of change in turn ratio on magnetisation character-
istics.
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