A hardware-based novel approach for parallel operation of two differently rated SEIGs

Abstract

The application of Self-Excited Induction Generator (SEIG) for micro/mini hydro power generation running under standalone mode is an emerging topic for research. Therefore, investigation of parallel operation for two or more SEIGs imitating two separate generating units under standalone mode is highly needed. This paper presents a hardware-based new approach for running two SEIGs in parallel without considering any constraints and without use of any power electronic components. Separate excitation capacitor banks are required for two differently rated machines while sharing of loads has been discussed, along with simple and novel parallel steps using starting resistive load are also being presented. Three phase 2.2 kW and 5.5 kW SEIGs of the same number of poles are being used for this experiment. Results are observed in a power analyser (Tektronix PA4000) and are being advocated with graphs which showcases load sharing between these two machines. In the proposed method, separate excitation capacitor banks are used for individual machines to overcome the unwanted disadvantages of existing method of paralleling, and, it is observed that the proposed method performs better, provided an individual starting resistive load must be connected. The hardware result indicates that there is a decrease in load sharing current for 2.2 kW machine by 78% and increment in load sharing current by 19.79% for 5.5 kW machine when compared with the existing method.

Keywords

• Hydro power
• SEIG
• Parallel operation
• Load sharing