STATCOM-based controller for a three-phase SEIG feeding single-phase loads

Abstract

This paper presents single-phase power generation using a three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG) working in conjunction with a three-phase static synchronous compensator (STATCOM). The STATCOM is employed to compensate the unbalanced currents caused by single-phase loads that are connected across the two terminals of the three-phase SEIG. Therefore, the SEIG is capable of feeding single-phase loads up to its rated power. Moreover, the STATCOM regulates the SEIG terminal voltage through reactive power compensation and also suppresses the harmonics injected by consumer loads. A single-phase synchronous D-Q frame theory-based control algorithm is used to generate gating pulses to the three-phase STATCOM. The proposed method of single-phase power generation from the three-phase SEIG is investigated experimentally on a 3.7-kW, 230-V, Y-connected induction machine. The performance of the SEIG-STATCOM system is evaluated for both linear and nonlinear single-phase loads. Furthermore, the performance of the SEIG at different terminal voltages is investigated and the terminal voltage corresponding to the maximum power output is identified.