Induction Generator Control in Renewable Energy Systems

Induction generators are pivotal in renewable energy, particularly for wind and small-scale hydro applications, owing to their robust construction and cost-effectiveness. Two principal configurations exist: squirrel-cage induction generators and wound-rotor machines. In isolated or off-grid systems, self-excited induction generators (SEIGs) employ external capacitance to supply reactive power and initiate voltage build-up. When interconnected with a grid, power electronics interfaces such as voltage-source converters enable grid-forming or grid-following control, ensuring stable voltage and frequency under fluctuating generation and load. Advanced control strategies—ranging from vector control to adaptive and sliding-mode schemes—address the inherent coupling between torque, flux and voltage dynamics, improving dynamic response and damping oscillations. Maximum power point tracking techniques adapted for induction generator–rectifier assemblies further enhance energy capture in variable wind conditions. Emerging research highlights sensorless control, reduced-order modelling and multi-objective optimisation to minimise harmonic distortion and maximise system reliability. Collectively, these developments underpin the global transition to decentralised energy architectures, facilitating integration of renewable sources into microgrids, rural electrification and hybrid generation systems.

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Induction Generator Control in Renewable Energy Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in induction generator control in renewable energy systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Induction generator: An asynchronous machine converting mechanical torque to electrical power without permanent magnets, relying on electromagnetic induction.

Self-excited induction generator (SEIG): A configuration in which an induction machine sustains its own magnetic field through external capacitors, enabling standalone operation.

Grid-forming control: A control mode in which power electronics actively regulate voltage and frequency, enabling an inverter or generator to establish grid conditions.

Reactive power: The component of electrical power exchanged between source and load to maintain magnetic fields, essential for voltage support in AC systems.

Sliding-mode control: A robust nonlinear control strategy that enforces system states to “slide” along a predetermined manifold, enhancing disturbance rejection and dynamic performance.

Vector control: A technique that decouples torque and flux control in AC machines by transforming three-phase currents into orthogonal components in a rotating reference frame.

References

1. A Proposal of Expansion and Implementation in Isolated Generation Systems Using Self-Excited Induction Generator With Synchronous Generator. IEEE Access (2019).
2. Super twisting sliding mode approach applied to voltage orientated control of a stand-alone induction generator. Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems (2021).
3. Effects of induction machine parameters on its performance as a standalone self excited induction generator. Energy Reports (2022).
4. Maximum Power Point Tracking for Wind Turbine Using Integrated GeneratorRectifier Systems. IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics (2020).
5. Voltage Build-Up Analysis of Self-Excited Induction Generator With Multi-Timescale Reduced-Order Model. IEEE Access (2019).