Use of Induction Generators in Small Hydro Power Generation System Feeding Isolated Load in Remote Mountainous Regions of Himalayas

Providing reliable and clean power from conventional grid in remote mountainous regions is always a challenging task due to tough geographical and climatic conditions. Renewable energy sources-based power plants such as small hydro power plants play a significant role in meeting the power requirements in these remote locations in mountainous regions. Synchronous generators are the most commonly used generators in small hydro power plants. However, with the advancement in controller technology for voltage and frequency control, induction generators are nowadays preferred in renewable energy conversion systems. Self-excited induction generators (SEIG) in small hydro power plants feeding isolated domestic loads are more suitable due to their inherent advantages as compared to conventional synchronous generators. This chapter deals with the usefulness of electronic load controller used in voltage and frequency control of self-excited induction generator used in small hydro power plant feeding isolated load in remote mountainous regions of Himalayas