Performance analysis of a residential wind-turbine dual-stator winding synchronous reluctance generator with armature reaction effect

The electric generators in residential wind-turbine drivetrains do not only require high ratio power per mass, high efficiency and good overload capabilities, but they also require less volume and quick dynamic responses during severe loading, start-ups, shut-downs and during emergency stops. This paper deals with the analysis of a three-phase dual stator-winding synchronous reluctance generator (DSWSynRG) for residential wind-turbine drivetrains. The performance of the DSWSynRG is evaluated by means of 2D Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and the armature reaction effects are accounted for in the analysis of the generator performance parameters. The stator of the DSWSynRG has two magnetically coupled three-phase windings (main and auxiliary), distributed in 36 slots. The auxiliary (excitation) winding provides the most needed q-axis magnetic flux for voltage generation in the main (armature) winding. The DSWSynRG has rated and peak powers of 5.5 kW and 7 kW respectively. From the FEA results, it is evident that the armature reaction has a magnetizing effect for both resistive and inductive loads. The results also evidenced that the effect of armature reaction is more distortional for loads such as washing machine, dish washer, hand drier, refrigerator etc., which are highly inductive than light bulbs, geysers, stoves, irons etc., which are more resistive.