Steady state analysis of wind-driven self-excited reluctance generator for isolated applications

Abstract

This paper presents the steady state analysis of Wind-Driven Self-Excited Reluctance Generator (WDSERG) under various operating conditions of wind speeds, excitation capacitances, load, and power factor. A steady state mathematical model is developed from the dynamic model of self-excited reluctance generator (SERG) and phasor diagram. This model is used to compute and analyse various steady state performances under different wind speed, terminal operating conditions and variation of critical machine parameters. The model is extended to determine the range of wind speed within which the WDSERG excitation and stable operation is possible under a given load and excitation conditions. The critical capacitances and the maximum load limit under different operating conditions are also determined. It is found that for any specified WDSERG configuration and connected load, there exist a capacitance value below which no cut-in wind speed exist and therefore excitation and operation of WDSERG is impossible. This paper could aid the development of optimum capacitance selection for best operation of WDSERG under intermittent wind speed and changing load condition. The results also show a considerable effect of power factor on the operating characteristics of the WDSERG.