Solving Polynomial Algebraic Equations of the Stand Alone Induction Generator

Abstract

This paper describes the use of MathCAD's solving block which uses ‘Given’ and ‘Find’ built-in functions to solve nth order nonlinear algebraic equations. Introducing complex energy systems to electrical engineering students in their undergraduate studies is essential to complement many energy conversion courses. Various electric energy-capturing schemes use electric equivalent circuit models that incorporate nonlinear elements with complex mathematical formulas requiring numerical computation. Without incorporating programming tools, the taught material could be vague and a burden for both the student and the lecturer, hindering comprehension of the complexity of the system during the limited lecture hours. This paper introduces a ‘ready to use’ computational and mathematical tool that can be used to solve the non-linear equations quickly. The performance of an energy scheme with non-linear, interrelated variables such as the self-excited induction generator (SEIG) under variable excitation and loading conditions is used as an example. SEIG systems have been intensively proposed for energy capturing to supply power to remote areas from renewable energy resources such as wind and hydro prime mover systems.