A six-phase synchronous generator for stand-alone renewable energy generation: Experimental analysis

Abstract

This paper presents the steady-state behavior of a SPSG (six-phase synchronous generator) configured to operate as a stand-alone electric energy source in conjunction with a hydro power plant. A purely experimental treatment is provided with the emphasis placed on operating regimes that illustrate the advantages of using SPSG. In particular, it is shown that the generator can supply two separate three-phase loads which represent an additional advantage. Last but not least, outputs of the two three-phase windings can be used to supply a single three-phase load through an interconnecting six-phase to three-phase transformer, in which case failure of one three-phase winding does not lead to the system shutdown and the load can be still supplied from the remaining healthy winding. Experimental results include loading transients with independent three-phase resistive load at each of the two three-phase winding sets, and measured steady-state characteristics for various configurations and operating conditions.