Modeling and Analysis with Induction Generators, 3rd Edition

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Foreword

The book Modeling and Analysis with Induction Generators is an important work

about a technology—induction generators—that has the potential to advance appli-

cations of renewable energy systems. Several countries—Denmark, Australia,

Germany, the United Kingdom, and others—have begun the transition from fossil

fuel and nuclear energy to hydro and wind power plants, as a response to increasing

concerns about fuel supplies, global security, and climate changes.

Induction generators were used since the beginning of the twentieth century until

they were abandoned in the 1960s. With the present high energy costs, rational use

and conservation implemented by many processes of heat recovery became impor-

tant goals. The general consciousness of nite and limited sources of energy on earth

and international disputes over the environment and global safety of quality of life

have created an opportunity of new, more efcient, less polluting power plants with

advanced technologies of control, robustness, and modularity. Induction generators,

with their lower maintenance demands and simplied controls, appear to be a good

solution for such applications. With their simplicity, robustness, and small size per

kilowatt generated, they are favored for small hydro and wind power plants. With

the widespread use of power electronics, computers, and electronic microcontrollers,

these generators have become easier to administer and are guaranteed for use in a

vast majority of applications where they are more efcient up to 500 kVA.

In their 14 chapters, the authors present topics like numerical analysis of stand-

alone and multiple induction generators, process of self-excitation, requirements for

optimized laboratory experimentation, application of modern vector control, optimi-

zation of power transference, use of doubly fed induction generators, computer-based

simulations, and social and economic impacts of induction generators.

I am very pleased that the intention of the authors in this new version of the

book has been to move from a research-oriented approach toward a more educational

approach. I am sure this work will contribute to our better understanding of these

electrical machines that in general are not part of academic curricula. I strongly

recommend this textbook to a wide audience.

Dr. Francesco Profumo*

Politecnico di Torino

Torino, Italy

*

Dr. Francesco Profumo was Italy’s Minister of Education from 2011 to 2013. He was president of the

Italy National Research Council (CNR) and has previously served as chancellor of the Politecnico di

Torino from 2005 to 2011.