An induction generator or asynchronous generator is a type of alternating curren

t (AC) electrical generator that uses the principles of induction motors to prod
uce power. Induction generators operate by mechanically turning their rotors fas
ter than the synchronous speed corresponding to the electric grid they are conne
cted with. A regular AC asynchronous motor usually can be used as a generator, w
ithout any internal modifications. Induction generators are useful in applicatio
ns such as mini hydro power plants, wind turbines, and in reducing high-pressure
gas streams to lower pressure, because they can recover energy with relatively
simple controls.
An induction generator must be excited with a leading voltage. This is usually d
one by connection to an electrical grid; sometimes, however, they are self-excit
ed by using phase-correcting capacitors. Because of this, induction generators c
annot usually "black start" a de-energized distribution system.
Contents [hide]
1 Principle of operation
1.1 Excitation
1.2 Active power
1.3 Required capacitance
1.4 Torque vs. slip
2 Grid and stand-alone connections
3 Use of induction generators
4 Example application
5 See also
6 Notes
7 References
8 External links
Principle of operation[edit]
An induction generator or induction motor produces electrical power when its rot
or is turned faster than the synchronous speed. For a typical four-pole motor (t
wo pairs of poles on stator) operating on a 60 Hz electrical grid, the synchrono
us speed is 1800 rotations per minute (rpm). The same four-pole motor operating
on a 50 Hz grid will have a synchronous speed of 1500 RPM. The motor normally tu
rns slightly slower than the synchronous speed; the difference between synchrono
us and operating speed is called "slip" and is usually expressed as per cent of
the synchronous speed. For example, a motor operating at 1450 RPM that has a syn
chronous speed of 1500 RPM is running at a slip of +3.3%.
In normal motor operation, stator flux rotation is faster than the rotor rotatio
n. This causes the stator flux to induce rotor currents, which create a rotor fl
ux with magnetic polarity opposite to stator. In this way, the rotor is dragged
along behind stator flux, with the currents in the rotor induced at the slip fre
quency.
In generator operation, a prime mover (turbine or engine) drives the rotor above
the synchronous speed (negative slip). The stator flux still induces currents i
n the rotor, but since the opposing rotor flux is now cutting the stator coils,
an active current is produced in stator coils and the motor now operates as a ge
nerator, sending power back to the electrical grid.
Excitation[edit]
Equivalent circuit of induction generator
An induction machine requires externally supplied armature current; it cannot st
art on its own as a generator. Because the rotor field always lags behind the st
ator field, the induction machine always "consumes" reactive power, regardless o
f whether it is operating as a generator or a motor.
A source of excitation current for magnetizing flux (reactive power) for the sta

tor is still required, to induce rotor current. This can be supplied from the el
ectrical grid or, once it starts producing power, from the generator itself. The
rotating magnetic flux from the stator induces currents in the rotor, which als
o produces a magnetic field. If the rotor turns slower than the rate of the rota
ting flux, the machine acts like an induction motor. If the rotor is turned fast
er, it acts like a generator, producing power.
Active power[edit]
Active power delivered to the line is proportional to slip above the synchronous
speed. Full rated power of the generator is reached at very small slip values (
motor dependent, typically 3%). At synchronous speed of 1800 rpm, generator will
produce no power. When the driving speed is increased to 1860 rpm (typical exam
ple), full output power is produced. If the prime mover is unable to produce eno
ugh power to fully drive the generator, speed will remain somewhere between 1800
and 1860 rpm range.
Required capacitance[edit]
A capacitor bank must supply reactive power to the motor when used in stand-alon
e mode.The reactive power supplied should be equal or greater than the reactive
power that the machine normally draws when operating as a motor. Terminal voltag
e will increase with capacitance, but is limited by iron saturation.
Torque vs. slip[edit]
The basic fundamental of induction generators is the conversion between mechanic
al energy to electrical energy. This requires a higher shaft rotating speed than
the synchronous speed. An external torque is required to be applied to the roto
r, which generates electric power. However, indefinitely increasing torque doesn
't lead to an indefinite increase in power generation. The rotating magnetic fie
ld torque excited from the armature works to counter the motion of the rotor and
prevent over speed because of induced motion in the opposite direction. As the
speed of the motor increases the counter torque reaches a max value of torque (b
reakdown torque) that it can operate until before the operating conditions becom
e unstable. Ideally, induction generators work best in the stable region between
the no-load condition and maximum torque region.
Grid and stand-alone connections[edit]
Typical connections when used as a standalone generator
In induction generators, the reactive power required to establish the air gap ma
gnetic flux is provided by a capacitor bank connected to the machine in case of
stand-alone system and in case of grid connection it draws reactive power from t
he grid to maintain its air gap flux. For a grid-connected system, frequency and
voltage at the machine will be dictated by the electric grid, since it is very
small compared to the whole system. For stand-alone systems, frequency and volta
ge are complex function of machine parameters, capacitance used for excitation,
and load value and type.
Induction generator in grid-connected operation
Use of induction generators[edit]
Induction generators are often used in wind turbines and some micro hydro instal
lations due to their ability to produce useful power at varying rotor speeds. In
duction generators are mechanically and electrically simpler than other generato
r types. They are also more rugged, requiring no brushes or commutators.
Induction generators are particularly suitable for wind generating stations as i
n this case speed is always a variable factor. Unlike synchronous motors, induct
ion generators are load-dependent and cannot be used alone for grid frequency co
ntrol.

The generator at the grid connection drawing is a double-fed type, not a standar
d squirrel cage motor generator.