The effect of a reduced power quality on the energy efficiency of stand-alone generator systems

It has already been thoroughly validated that the efficiency of direct online motors is susceptible towards certain power quality parameters such as voltage unbalance or harmonic voltage distortion. It can be assumed that electrical generators are also susceptible to these parameters, but to the author´s knowledge this effect has not yet been evaluated in scientific studies. This paper starts from the well studied additional loss mechanisms inside induction motors and consequently efforts are presented to translate these effects to stand-alone synchronous generators. Subsequently, the paper presents extensive measurements related to the effect of unbalanced and non-linear loading on the energy efficiency of 2 different 4kVA stand alone generators.