Power Factor Improvement and Inrush Current Reduction of a Grid Connected Split-Phase Induction Generator

Abstract

This paper proposes power factor improvement and inrush current reduction of a 1/2 HP, 220 V, 4.8 A, 4 poles single-phase grid connected split phase induction generator by connecting a capacitor for reactive compensation and a single-phase ac voltage controller for reducing inrush current during starting of the grid connected induction generator. Analysis and comparison of generator performance between calculation with an equivalent circuit and testing in a laboratory are given. Simulation of the generator operation during starting of connection with the power system using MATLAB/Simulink is also included. From testing results, it is found that the capacitor can improve power factor but it causes an increase in harmonic currents. Soft starting of the grid connected generator with the ac voltage controller offers a reduction in the peak inrush current with 75-80% of the peak inrush current with direct on line start. The simulation results using MATLAB/Simulink are in good agreement with testing and theoretical results. The research results are guidelines for single-phase grid induction generator applications in effective electricity production.