Investigation of Self-excitation in Reluctance Generators

In this paper, an analytical model in the dq reference frame is developed to recognize the steady-state of the self-excited reluctance generator, considering no-load and resistive load conditions. A fast method to estimate the minimum capacitance requirements is proposed. Experiments are carried out to verify the analytical results. After that, attention is paid on the capability of self-excitation in reluctance generator with different residual magnetisms in the rotor. Different levels of residual rotor magnetism are achieved by different magnetizing DC currents. An indicative value of phase current is defined to determine the self-excitation, and the required minimum residual rotor magnetism for self-excitation in the reluctance generator connected with different capacitances are discussed. At last, the capability of self-excitation in reluctance generators by connecting charged capacitors is investigated.