Low cost single-phase grid-tie generator

This paper proposes a low cost single-phase generator system. This system consists of a three-phase squirrel cage induction machine used as single-phase generator with a Steinmetz connection. A VSI (Voltage Source Inverter) with three legs is used to feed the generator and a controlled rectifier unit, which injects generated energy to single-phase system. The three-phase squirrel cage induction machine is cheaper than other machines for the same power range, and low maintenance cost. The converter VSI with three legs is available in compact modules with integrated gate-driver with reduced price. Analysis, dynamic simulation and experimental results are presented for the proposed system.