Construction and Design:
Synchronous Generators: These generators have a stator with windings that produce a
rotating magnetic field when connected to an AC supply. The rotor, which can be a
salient pole or cylindrical type, is energized with a DC supply through slip rings, creating
a constant magnetic field.
Induction Generators: Similar in stator construction to synchronous generators,
induction generators have rotors that are typically squirrel-cage types. Unlike
synchronous generators, their rotors do not require an external DC supply; instead, they
rely on electromagnetic induction to produce current.
Excitation and Power Factor:
Synchronous Generators: Require an external DC source for rotor excitation. By
adjusting this excitation, they can control the power factor, operating at lagging, unity, or
leading power factors.
Induction Generators: Do not need an external excitation source; they draw reactive
power from the connected power system or, in standalone applications, from capacitor
banks. They inherently operate at a lagging power factor and cannot control it.
Operation and Speed:
Synchronous Generators: Operate at a constant speed, known as synchronous speed,
which is directly related to the frequency of the generated voltage. The output frequency
(f) is determined by the rotor speed (N) and the number of poles (P) using the formula: f
= (N × P) / 120.
Induction Generators: Operate at speeds slightly above the synchronous speed. The
output frequency is primarily dictated by the connected power system. In standalone
setups, the frequency is slightly lower than that calculated by the formula due to slip.
Starting Mechanism:
Synchronous Generators: Need an additional starting mechanism to bring the rotor up
to synchronous speed before they can generate electricity.
Induction Generators: Can start generating power without any special starting
mechanism, as they begin operation as motors and transition to generation mode when
driven above synchronous speed.
Complexity and Cost:
Synchronous Generators: Have a more complex design due to the need for slip rings,
brushes, and an external DC excitation system, leading to higher costs and maintenance
requirements.
Induction Generators: Feature a simpler construction without the need for brushes or
slip rings, making them more rugged, cost-effective, and requiring less maintenance.
Applications:
Synchronous Generators: Commonly used in applications where constant speed and
frequency are crucial, such as in large power plants and grid synchronization.
Induction Generators: Ideal for applications with variable speeds, such as wind turbines
and small hydroelectric plants, due to their ability to handle speed variations efficiently.
References:
1. Synchronous generator vs. Induction generator - electricaleasy.com:
https://www.electricaleasy.com/2014/12/synchronous-vs-induction-generator.html
2. Considerations of Induction versus Synchronous Generators - wareinc.com:
https://www.wareinc.com/uploads/aux_equipment_manufacturers_downloads/Consi
derations-for-Induction-vs-Synchronous-Gen-Set.pdf
3. Synchronous and Induction Generators: Principles, Differences, and Applications -
mechanicaljungle.org: https://mechanicaljungle.org/induction-generator-vs-
synchronous-generator/
4. Induction vs Synchronous Machines - Engineering Scribbles:
https://www.engineeringscribbles.com/synchronous-vs-induction-machines/
5. Induction vs. Synchronous - Steam Turbine Generators, LLC:
https://www.stgsets.com/generator_types.html
6. Induction generator - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_generator
7. Electric machine - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_machine
8. Electric motor - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor
