The Loss of Self-Excitation Capability in Stand-Alone Synchronous Reluctance Generators

This paper analyzes the capability of synchronous reluctance generators (SynRGs) to achieve successful self-excitation when operating in stand-alone systems. To initiate the self-excitation process, the machine steel core has to retain sufficient residual flux during the generator startup. This residual flux depends on the magnetic properties of the machine core as well as the previous machine operating condition. A hysteresis model is developed to simulate the flux linkage–current characteristics of the SynRG for different operating conditions. The model then calculates the machine residual flux linkage after each operation, which indicates the machine capability for self-excitation during the next startup. The simulation results show that the rotor steel core of the synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) can be demagnetized when the generator is subjected to a short-circuit condition or when the generator shaft is subjected to abrupt deceleration. These simulation results are also validated by experimental measurements on a 5 hp SynRM.