VSC with a T-connected transformer-based electronic load controller for an isolated asynchronous generator feeding three-phase four-wire loads in a micro hydro system

This paper deals with a novel solid state controller (NSSC) for isolated asynchronous generator (IAG) feeding three-phase four-wire loads driven by constant power prime movers, such as uncontrolled micro hydro turbines. AC capacitor banks are used to meet the reactive power requirement of the asynchronous generator. The proposed NSSC is realised using a set of IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar junction transistors) based current controlled voltage source converter (CC-VSC) and a DC chopper at its DC bus, which keeps the generated voltage and frequency constant in spite of changes in consumer loads. The neutral point of the load is created using a T-configuration of the transformers. The IAG system is modelled in MATLAB along with Simulink and PSB (power system block set) toolboxes. The simulated results are presented to demonstrate the capability of isolated generating system consisting of NSSC and IAG driven by uncontrolled micro hydro turbine and feeding three-phase four-wire loads. Copyright © 2011 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.