POWER QUALITY IN CONVENTIONAL SYNCHRONOUS ELECTRIC MACHINES AND PERMANENT MAGNET ROTORS FOR VOLTAGE CONTROL APPLICATIONS IN MICRO POWER PLANTS

Abstract

Permanent Magnet Generators (PMGs) have been gaining popularity as competitive alternatives to conventional synchronous generators. Despite this progress, significant challenges and opportunities for enhancement remain in the development of new designs, particularly in meeting two key requirements: ensuring high power quality and reducing manufacturing costs. This proposal aims to investigate and compare the performance of conventional synchronous machines—featuring salient pole rotors with and without damper windings—and permanent magnet machines with skewed rotors. Using automated power quality measurement tools, the study will analyze waveform characteristics and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Preliminary results indicate that synchronous machines with damper windings achieve lower THD (0.8%) compared to permanent magnet rotors with 7° skew (2.1%). The research intends to validate the applicability of both technologies for voltage control in micro power plants, supporting efficient and reliable small-scale energy generation systems.