Comparison of self excited Squirrel Cage Induction machine based Wind Energy Conversion System

Abstract

This paper presents comparative evaluation of two different configurations of Wind Energy Conversion Systems (WECS) suitable for isolated loads using Squirrel Cage Induction generator (SCIG). In the first configuration the terminal voltage of a self-excited induction generator is regulated against machine speed and load variation by connecting a three-phase VSI based STATCOM in parallel to the self-excitation capacitor and the load. In the second case a back to back connected VSI pair is used to supply the power generated by the SCIG to the load at constant voltage and frequency. Comparison is made in terms of speed range of operation of the machine, load power quality and overall efficiency of power conversion.