WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV
Micro hydro power plant with three-phase induction
generator feeding single-phase consumers
Catalin Petrea Ion
Transilvania University of Brasov
Brasov, Romania
catalin.ion@unitbv.ro
Abstract—This paper investigates the effectiveness of a phase
balancing solution based on a power electronics converter with
special control applied to a stand-alone micro hydro with three–
phase induction generator (IG) supplying single-phase loads. The
proposed control topology relies on a combination between a
voltage source inverter (VSI) and a dump load (DL). The VSI
imposes the system frequency and performs the unbalances
compensation, while the DL deals with the voltage regulation.
The analysis, sustained by simulations and experimental tests,
focuses on how the VSI modifies its internal power circulation to
balance the generator currents.
Keywords- micro hydro power plant; induction generator;
phase balancing; power circulation; single-phase loads
I. INTRODUCTION
The environmental impact of the conventional power
plants, along with fossil fuels diminishing has shifted the
interest towards renewable energy sources for energy
production. In Romania, small and micro hydro power plants
cover an important part of the energy produced from renewable
sources. The relief configuration and the hydrographical
network disposal offer a significant available and unexploited
potential [1]. Furthermore, the national energetic strategy for
2007-2020 states that “micro hydro power plants (MHPPs)
represent a good alternative for supplying rural areas that are
still not connected to the national utility grid”.
Low power MHPPs are usually equipped with induction
generators (IGs) because they have several advantages
compared with the synchronous ones: lower price, robustness,
good response to faults and overloads, simpler starting and low
maintenance. As for the consumers, for installed powers bellow
10 kW, the single-phase consumers are predominant. The
MHPP can be equipped with a single-phase induction
generator, but its performance is low because this machine is
designed for optimal motor operation and the power is limited
to 3- 4kW. Three phase induction machines are available in a
very wide power range; by comparing them with a similar
power single-phase ones, they results to be cheaper, have
higher efficiency and consequently a better power per weight
ratio.
With some adaptations, single-phase loads can be supplied
by a three-phase induction generator. The main goal is to
balance the generator currents, as the loads are connected
between two of the three phases. Simple topologies rely on
passive circuit elements to obtain balanced operation; the
‹,(((
32:(5(1*
,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\
Corneliu Marinescu
Transilvania University of Brasov
Brasov, Romania
corneliu.marinescu@unitbv.ro
resulting configuration depends of the machine internal
connection (star or delta). For star connected machines the
balancing can be done with the help of three capacitors, from
which two of the same value, placed in parallel with the load
[2]. For delta connected machines, the use of one capacitor
results in several Steinmetz connections [3] and if three of the
same value are used the C-2C connection is obtained [4].
This paper investigates the effectiveness of a phase
balancing solution based on a power electronics converter with
special control; it focuses on how the converter modifies its
internal power circulation to balance the generator currents
when supplying different power factor loads. The paper is
structured as follows: Section II presents the system
configuration and the control strategy. In Section III the
simulations and experiments results are shown, while Chapter
IV is dedicated to conclusions. Also, an Appendix containing
the parameters of the induction generator used in experiments
complete this work.
II. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION AND CONTROL
The block diagram of the studied topology is presented in
Fig.1. It contains the three-phase induction generator, the
capacitor bank, the single-phase loads and the control system.
The control system relies on a combination between a Voltage
Source Inverter (VSI) and a Dump Load (DL) circuit. By
operating at adequate frequency, the VSI imposes the IG
frequency. The dump load connected on the VSI DC side
controls the voltage across the DC capacitor, maintaining
constant the system voltage by dissipating the exceeding active
power.
Fig.1. Block diagram of the studied topology

WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV
The VSI control circuit contains an unbalances
compensation block based on two Proportional-Resonant (PR)
controllers whose role is to balance the generator currents when
supplying varying single-phase loads. Its operating principle
relies on redistributing the currents through the VSI to ensure
the balanced regime for the IG. A more detailed presentation of
the control system can be found on a previous author’s research
[5].
This paper comes in continuation of previous investigations
and aims to analyze the unbalances algorithm influence on the
voltage source inverter. As single-phase loads are connected to
the IG leads, the VSI currents will become unbalanced. Their
new magnitude and predominant component (active or
reactive) are key elements in optimally designing the VSI. In
the research area of converter-controlled autonomous induction
generators, optimal converter design means reducing its size
(power), without affecting its regulating purposes [6]. The
powers circulation through the studied micro-grid (MG) is
depicted in Fig.2. Two aspects should be highlighted: the first
one is the VSI capability of absorbing/providing reactive power
in order to keep the MG voltage constant and balance currents,
while the second one is related to the DL absence from the
powers diagram. Due to the fact that the entire exceeding active
power consumed by the DL passes through the VSI, for the
sake of simplicity the VSI will be referred hereinafter as
exceeding active power consumer.
The active P and reactive power Q circulation through the
MG can be described as follows:
PG PVSI  PL (1)
QC  QVSI QG  QL (2)
where G coefficient stands for generator, L for loads, C for
capacitor bank, and VSI for voltage source inverter.
III. SIMULATIONS AND EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
In order to test the reliability of the proposed control
system, a series of simulations under the Matlab/Simulink®
environment are carried out. The main components (IG,
hydraulic turbine emulator, capacitor bank, single-phase loads,
control system and measurement sub-system) are implemented
with the help of SimPowerSystems library.
Fig.2. Powers circulation through the MG
32:(5(1*
,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\
An experimental test bench replicates the simulated
topology. The 1.7kW induction generator is driven by a 3kW
induction motor controlled by a Danfoss VLT302 inverter (thus
emulating the hydraulic turbine). The IG parameters are given
in Appendix A.
As VSI an industrial inverter is employed, connected at the
generator leads by a filter with Rf=0.1ȍ and Lf=6,5mH. On the
inverter DC side a 2500ȝF capacitor makes the connection with
the DL. The DL circuit contains an IGBT transistor TD and a
dumping resistance of 155ȍ. The IG is magnetized by a
stepped capacitor bank, requiring around 130uF. The single-
phase loads consist in several resistors and an inductor.
Data acquisition and control are ensured by a DS1103
board. It requires the measurement of three voltages and five
currents, along with the driving motor torque. As output signals
are the 6 PWM pulses for the VSI, the PWM pulse for the DL
transistor and the speed reference for the hydraulic turbine
emulator. The control algorithm is built in Matlab/Simulink
and implemented in dSPACE through a Real Time Interface.
The ControlDesk program realizes the interface between the
dSPACE system and the user. A monitoring and protection
block is added; its role is to generate error signals when
monitored parameters exceed the nominal values.
Both simulations and experiments focus on two operating
situations, dictated by the loads power factor (PF): a unity
power factor load and a very low PF load respectively. For the
low PF load case, reactive power compensation opportunity is
highlighted through experimental tests.
A. R load connection
The machine is loaded close to its nominal power, thus
delivering 1.65kW. Before any load connection, the entire
active power circulates through the VSI and is dissipated on the
DL. At t=3s, a purely resistive single-phase load with a power
of 900W, which represents more then half the generator
capacity is connected between phases A and B. This transitory
regime has little influence on the main parameters, as results
from Fig. 3 and 4. The voltage and frequency variations are
small in terms of amplitude and duration.
260
250
Line voltage [V]
240
230
220
210
200
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]
Fig.3. Voltage variation at R load connection (simulations)

WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV ,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\

54 2000
53

VSI active power [W]

52
Frequency [Hz]

1500
51

50

49
1000
48

47

46
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
Time [s]
Fig.4. Frequency variation at R load connection (simulations)
In terms of currents circulation, the unbalances
compensation algorithm shows its effectiveness in keeping the
generator currents balanced (see Fig.5) , by redistributing the
VSI currents (see Fig.6). In terms of real values, after the load
connection, the VSI currents become unbalanced on the two
phases on which the load is connected (i.e. A and B),
decreasing from 4.4A to 2.4 and 2.65.
This phenomenon is further investigated through powers
circulation analysis. Because the load is purely resistive, the
total active power through the VSI decreases with the amount
absorbed by the load (from 1650 to 750W – see Fig. 7). A per
phase measurement is provided in order to explain the VSI
behavior under unbalanced loads. Thus, from Fig. 8 it can be
observed that the active power on phases A and B decreases
from 550W to 100W, while on phase C it remains at the initial
500
5 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]
Fig.7. The active power circulation through the VSI (simulations)
As for reactive power circulation, the VSI absorbs around
40vars, the difference between the power supplied by the
capacitor bank and the one needed to magnetize the generator.
The transitory regime has little effect on it, as it returns to the
40vars value after small oscillations, as results from Fig. 9.
But the per-phase analysis yields that, although the load is
purely resistive, the VSI modifies its internal reactive power
circulation in order to balance the IG currents. This happens on
the loaded phases (i.e. A and B – see Fig. 10), as on one phase
the power increases to 250var and on the other one decreases to
-270vars. Thus, as a first conclusion, one may state that, in
order to balance the IG currents, the VSI unbalances its per
phase reactive power loading.
600
VSI per phase active power [W]

value of 550W. 500

Phase A
5 Phase B
400
Phase C
4.8 300
IG RMS currents [A]

4.6 200

100
4.4
0
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
4.2 Time [s]

Fig.8. The per phase active power circulation through the VSI (simulations)
4
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 150
Time [s]

Fig.5. The IG RMS currents for R load connection (simulations)

VSI reactive power [var]

100
5
50
4.5
VSI RMS currents [A]

0
4

3.5 -50

3 -100
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]
2.5
Fig.9. The reactive power circulation through the VSI (simulations)
2
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]

Fig.6. The VSI RMS currents for R load connection (simulations)

32:(5(1* 
WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV ,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\

300
VSI per phase reactive power [var]

200

100

-100

-200

-300
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]

Fig.10. The per phase reactive power circulation through the VSI (simulations)

In order to add value to the above analysis, experiments are

performed. They replicate not only the load connection but also
its disconnection. Thus, at t=5.2s, the 900W load is connected
and 9.5s later disconnected. In terms of main parameters
variations, they are small, as only a 15V deviation is
encountered for both actions, lasting only 1s. In terms of
frequency, the variations are less than 1Hz, as is depicted in
Fig.11. In terms of currents, their variation is identical to the
one encountered in simulations. A small comment is necessary;
in the experiments the generator is slightly less loaded, Fig.12. The IG and VSI RMS currents for R load connection (experimental)
delivering around 1.5kW. This is why the VSI currents drop
In terms of phase powers circulation, the situation is as
from 4A to 2.5A and 2A respectively on the loaded phases, as
follows: as the load is connected, the VSI absorbs 450W less
results from Fig.12.
(see Fig. 15) and delivers the additional 550vars requested by
the RL load (see Fig. 17). The per phase analysis yields that the
B. RL load connection C phase will be loaded as before the load connection, the A
Next, the case of a low PF load is replicated, as a phase will carry 390W less and 170vars in addition, the B
450W/550var load is connected at t=3s. The influence on the phase 70Wless and 430vars in addition (see Fig. 16 and 18).
voltage and frequency are very similar to the R load case, Thus, as a second conclusion, in the case of RL load, the VSI
hence not presented. The IG currents remain also balanced (see per phase powers circulation will change for both active and
Fig. 13), while the VSI current on phase A increases from 4.4 reactive powers.
to 4.9A and the one on B phase decreases to 2.2A (see Fig. 14).
The experimental results provided in Fig. 19 shows the
currents behavior through both IG and VSI for low PF load
connection/disconnection. They are in good agreement with the
simulation results.
5

4.8
IG RMS currents [A]

4.6

4.4

4.2

4
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]

Fig.13. The IG RMS currents for RL load connection (simulations)

Fig.11. Voltage and frequency variation at R load connection (experimental)

32:(5(1* 
WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV ,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\

5.5 100

VSI per phase reactive power [var]

5
0
VSI RMS currents [A]

4.5
-100
4

3.5 -200 Phase A

Phase B
3
-300 Phase C
2.5
-400
2

1.5 -500
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s] Time [s]

Fig.14. The VSI RMS currents for RL load connection (simulations) Fig.18. The per phase reactive power circulation through the VSI (simulations)

1700
C. Reactive power compensation
1600
A solution to avoid the VSI currents increase above the
VSI active power [W]

1500 value for balanced operation is to compensate a part of the

1400
reactive power requested by the inductive loads. This has been
experimentally achieved by using the two steps of the capacitor
1300 bank unused for the generator excitation. Thus, at t=3s a 20uF
1200 step has been connected, while at t=5.2s a step of 10uF. From
Fig. 20 (lower part) it can be seen that the highest current
1100
(phase B) decreases from 4.9A to 4.1A, the A phase current
1000
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
decreases from 1.9A to 1.2A while the C phase current remains
Time [s] unchanged. In the mean time, the IG currents remained
balanced.
Fig.15. The active power circulation through the VSI (simulations)

700
VSI per phase active power [W]

600

500

400
Phase A
300 Phase B
Phase C
200

100
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]
Fig.16. The per phase active power circulation through the VSI (simulations)

100

0
VSI reactive power [var]

-100

-200

-300

-400

-500

-600
2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Time [s]

Fig.17. The reactive power circulation through the VSI (simulations)

Fig.19. The IG and VSI RMS currents for RL load connection (experimental)

32:(5(1* 
WK,QWHUQDWLRQDO&RQIHUHQFHRQ3RZHU(QJLQHHULQJ(QHUJ\DQG(OHFWULFDO'ULYHV ,VWDQEXO7XUNH\0D\

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This paper is supported by the Sectorial Operational
Programme Human Resources Development (SOP HRD),
financed from the European Social Fund and by the Romanian
Government under the contract number
POSDRU/89/1.5/S/59323.

APPENDIX
Nominal power: Pn=1.7kW;
Connection type: Delta;
Nominal voltage: Vn=230V;
Nominal frequency: fn=50Hz;
Nominal current: In=7.4A;
Nominal slip: sn=5%;
Stator resistance: Rs=3.4ȍ;
Fig.20. The IG and VSI RMS currents for RL load with reactive power
compensation (experimental) Rotor resistance (with respect to stator): R’r=2.71ȍ;
Leakage inductances: Lıs=Lır=11.6mH;
IV. CONCLUSIONS
Magnetizing inductance: Lm=315mH;
This paper proposes an analysis of the unbalances
algorithm effect on the VSI behavior in the case of an Iron losses resistance: RFe=1804ȍ;
autonomous micro hydro power plant equipped with a three Pole pairs number: P=2.
phase induction generator supplying single phase consumers.
Simulations performed with the help of the Matlab/Simulink®
environment and experimental tests have yielded the following: REFERENCES

x The control topology ensures stable and balanced
operation when feeding different types of single-phase
loads;
x When purely resistive loads are supplied, the VSI modifies
only its per phase reactive power circulation to balance the
IG currents;
x When RL loads are supplied, both active and reactive per
phase powers are modified to ensure balanced operation;
x In the case of the RL load, the increase in the VSI current
on one of the phases is determined by the load inductivity;
x By connecting a supplementary capacitance at the IG
leads, the VSI currents increase can be mitigated;
x The determination of the mathematical relations between
the VSI per phase power circulation modification and load
power will be subject to a future paper.
[1] N. Budisan, O. Prostean, N. Robu, and I. Filip, “Revival by automation
of induction generator for distributed power systems in Romanian
academic research”, Renewable Energy 32 (2007) pp. 1484–1496.
[2] S. N. Mahato, M. P. Sharma, and S. P. Singh, “Transient performance of
a single-phase self-regulated self-excited induction generator using a
three-phase machine”, Electric Power Systems Research, Volume 77,
Issue 7, May 2007, pp. 839-850.
[3] L. Wang; R. Deng; “A novel analysis of an autonomous three-phase
delta-connected induction generator with one capacitor”, IEEE Power
Engineering Society General Meeting, 2006, 18-22 June 2006, pp. 6.
[4] N. Smith, Motors as generators for Micro-hydro Power. Second Edition,
Intermediate Technology Publishing, 2008.
[5] C. P. Ion, I. Serban, and C. Marinescu, “Single-Phase Operation of an
Autonomous Three-Phase Induction Generator Using a VSI-DL Control
System”, Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on
Optimization of Electrical and Electronic Equipment OPTIM'08,
Brasov, May 22-23 2008, Volume II-B, pp. 333-338.
[6] B. Singh, Madhusudan, V. Verma, and A. K. Tandon, “Rating
Reduction of Static Compensator for Voltage Control of Three-Phase
Self-Excited Induction Generator”, 2006 IEEE International Symposium
on Industrial Electronics, Volume: 2, pp. 1194–1199.

32:(5(1*