Analysis Of Self Excited Induction Generator

390

IEEE Transactions on Energy Conversion, Vol. 9, No. 2, June 1994 ANALYSIS

OF SELF EXCITED INDUCTION FEEDING INDUCTION MOTOR

GENERATOR

L. Shridhar, Student Member, Bhim Singh, C. S. Jha and B.P. Singh, SM Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas New Delhi 110 016, FAX 91-11-6862037, INDIA Abstract The paper is motivated to assess the suitability of a self excited induction generator (SEIG) to supply dynamic loads like induction motors. An algorithm is proposed to predict the steady state performance of an SEIG feeding an induction motor (IM). The computed and experimental results are presented for different operating conditions of an SEIG-IM system. A good agreement reached between the predicted and test results validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Experimentally recorded transients of an SEIG during a series of switching operations are presented to demonstrate the ability of an SEIG to sustain the starting of an IM. By analyzing the performance of a typical 7.5 kW, 3 -phase SEIG feeding induction motors of different ratings, useful guidelines are proposed for the design of an SEIG-IM system in autonomous applications like agricultural pumpsets. Keywords: Autonomous Power Generation, Induction Generator, Capacitor Self Excitation, Analysis

1. NOMENCLATURE Main C F I P R s V

V X

z

Symbols: capacitance/phase p.u. frequency p.u. current p.u. power p.u. resistance slip of the motor p.u. voltage p.u. speed p.u. reactance p. u.. impedance

Sub;3cripts: c capacitive air gap g 1 leakage L load out output r rotor s stator t terminal M motor

All p.u. quantities are at the base of respective generator quantities, except, the output power of the motor and the system var for which the rated motor power and generator power, respectively, are taken as base quantities. 93 SM 453-1 EC A paper recommended and approved by the IEEE Electric Machinery Committee of the IEEE Power Engineering Society for presentation at the IEEE/PES 1993 Summer Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 18-22, 1993. Manuscript submitted Aug. 28, 1992; made available for printing Apr. 12, 1993. PRINTED IN USA

2. INTRODUCTION Self Excited Induction Generators (SEIGs) are increasingly being considered for autonomous applications in micro-hydro, biogas and wind powered systems [ 1 - 1 2 ] . The lower unit cost, brushless cage rotor construction, absence of a separate dc source, better transient performance and inherent overload protection are its main advantages over the conventional alternators. It is well known that if an appropriate capacitor bank is connected across an externally driven induction machine, an EMF is induced in the machine windings due to the excitation provided by the capacitor. The induced voltage and current would continue to rise, until the var supplied by the capacitor is balanced by the var demanded by the machine. This results in an equilibrium state being reached and the machine now operates as an SEIG at a voltage and frequency decided by the value of the capacitor, speed of the prime mover, parameters of the machine and the load [1,2]. A majority of system loads is dynamic in nature, varying both in quantity and quality. Contribution of induction motors(IMs) to such loads is significant. A review of the available literature reveals that although a lot of work has been reported on the SEIG feeding static loads, prediction of its behavior while feeding an IM remains to be properly explored. Behavior of the SEIG feeding an induction motor is of interest not only from the operational point of view but also from the view point of assessing its suitability to feed such loads. Further, it will be desirable to study the ability of the SEIG to withstand switching of dynamic loads, such as, starting of induction motors. Prediction of operating frequency, F and saturation level (and hence the value of magnetizing reactance, X m ) of an SEIG is the first step in its analysis. For an SEIG feeding a static RL load, various techniques are available to estimate values of these two unknowns (F and X ) [3,4,6-9,. When an IM is fed from an SEIG, apart from X and F; slip and saturation level of the motor are also unknown. The SEIG-IM system thus has four unknowns to be evaluated before its performance can be determined. The identification of these four parameters becomes complicated, as the methods used with an SEIG feeding static loads are not directly applicable to an SEIG-IM systems. Thus, to predict performance of an SEIG-IM system for a given operating condition, it is necessary to develop a suitable analytical technique. This paper is addressed to the analysis of the SEIG feeding power to an induction motor. An algorithm is proposed to predict the performance of an SEIG-IM system. The predicted and experimental results are presented for different operating conditions. The selection of capacitor for the starting of the motor is discussed and experimental results are presented for a sequence of the IM switchings on an SEIG. The study is extended to cover a range of standard motors to confirm the general trend. Based on the analysis, useful guidelines are provided for designing an autonomous SEIG-IM system for applications like an agricultural pumping system.

391 3.

THEORY

Here, at f i r s t the technique [3,4] used for the analysis of an SEIG feeding a s t a t i c RL load is briefly discussed; which is then extended to develop an algorithm for analyzing an SEIG-IM system. 3.1 S t a t i c RL Load The steady state response of an SEIG feeding a static RL load can be predicted for any prime mover speed, capacitance and load conditions from the e q u i v a l e n t c i r c u i t o f Figure l ( a ) , if a l l i t s parameters are known. Only the magnetizing reactance, is assumed to be affected by t h e magnetic s a t u r a t i o n , and a l l other e q u i v a l e n t c i r c u i t parameters of the machine are assumed to be constant. It can be noted that a l l parameters except Xm, are known either from experimentation or design. However, the variation of X with V /F m Q (a measure of magnetic flux l e v e l ) , is available [3]. Further, the generated frequency is also unknown. Estimation of X and F is a special r m problem in the analysis of an SEIG system.

Fig 1(a) Equivalent circuit of SEIG feeding static RL load

3.1.1 Estimation of Xm and F Applying Kirchoff s voltage current I , we obtain

law

to

the

and are obtained by simplifying equation (3)[4). Now the performance of the SEIG can be obtained as follows: 1. Values of X and F can be obtained by solving the simultaneous equations (4) and (5), using a suitable numerical technique. 2. After obtaining Xm and F, V can be computed from the magnetization characteristics of the machine. 3. Once V is known, the required performance can be determined using the standard equations [4]. 3.2 Induction Motor Load Figure l(b) shows the equivalent circuit of an SEIG-IM system. Here, X m , F, X^ and s are the four unknowns. The methodology discussed above for the static RL load gives two equations (4) and (5), which are solvable for only two unknowns. The following algorithm is proposed to identify x m , F, X Mm a n d s a n d then predict the performance of the SEIG-IM system. 1. Assume nominal values of Vt and F. 2. For a given power output of the motor, obtain X M ma n d s ' ( A P P e n d i x ~ * ) • 3. Once X M m and s are known, the equivalent circuit of the IM is reduced to an equivalent RL load (Figure l(c)). 4. Now the equivalent circuit of Figure l(b) is transformed into that of Figure l(a) and is now solved for X and F using the method described m for the static load. 5. Obtain the corresponding value of V and then calculate Vfc 6. Go to Step 2 with updated values of Vfc and F; and repeat, until errors in Vt and F during two successive iteration are less than a small quantity ( say, € = 1.0E-04).

loop

(1) where

Z

is loop impedance

and

z s = z1 + z2 + z3 Z

l -

Z

r V
+

V SEIG

IM

(2) Fig Kb) Equivalent circuit of SEIG feeding Induction Motor

= zL z c / ( z L + zc Since under steady s t a t e operation SEIG, I can not be equal to zero,

= 0

of

the

(3)

Equating, the real and imaginary parts of (3) to zero, the following two nonlinear equations with unknowns Xm and F are obtained.

K- F >

(A3 X m t-A4)F3 + + A 6 )F* + F2 ' n + A 12> F + A14 = 0



X

m

x

m

+

B

10 rel="nofollow"> F


Fig Kc) Conversion of Induction Motor circuit into equivalent RL element

(4)

(5)

The coefficients h^ - A 1 4 and B1 - B12 in the above equations are functions of machine parameters, load impedance, capacitance and speed;

Figure l(d) shows the flow chart of the algorithm. In summary, for a given operating condition, during each iteration the algorithm replaces the IM load by an equivalent RL load and solves for this RL load. The iterations are continued with updating of relevant quantities till the convergence is obtained. The algorithm was applied to various trials and convergence was achieved in 3-5 iterations.

392 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This section is divided into two sub sections. Steady-state operation of an SEIG-IM system, Starting of an IM on an SEIG.

1. 2.

4.1 Steady-State Operation To check the validity of the proposed algorithm, extensive experiments were carried out on an SEIG-IM test rig, schematically shown in Figure 2. A standard 3-Phase squirrel cage induction motor of 10 hp (7.5 kW, 4 pole, 4 1 V , 14 A delta connected stator with p.u. circuit parameters R g =0.0493, R r =0.0409 Xls= X n 1013 R = 2 2 . 7 and unsaturated X - I. is, is o p e r a t e d \ an SEIG. The SEIG was driven by a 10 kW dc motor. The induction motors (IMS, were electrically loaded by coupling them to separately excited dc generators of appropriate rating. Following tests were performed on the system using suitable instrumentation. 1

The SEIG was driven at a fixed speed. For a ' fixed value of capacitor C, the performance was monitored for different loads on the induction

2

Testr'described in 1 was repeated for different values of C to estimate the most appropriate

3

Tests' mentioned in 1 and 2 were repeated for different constant speeds of the prime mover. 4. Tests described in 1 - 3 are repeated for motors of different frame sizes. Detailed characteristics are presented for a 5hp induction motor and the same is considered for an elaborate discussion. However, a set o characteristics is presented for a series of standard motors.

Fig 2 Block diagram of the SEIG-IM test rig 4.1.1

Load characteristics Fig. 3(a) shows variations of terminal voltage and operating frequency with output power of the generator for different values of capacitors. It is seen that it is possible to load the motor up to i t s rated power on an SEIG of double rating. A larger capacitor results in enhanced power c a p a b i l i t y of the SEIG. However, the effect of

—L_ voltage

-

• 50 /
S6

*F

c - 66 ff frequency

0

Fig l(d) Flow Chart of the Algorithm for analysis of SEIG-IM system

0.1

0.2

0.3 Pout ( P " >

0.4

0.6

0.6

Fig.3(a) Variation of Voltage and Frequency with Power Outpu t

393 capacitor variation on the frequency is marginal. It is observed from Figure 3(b) that over this range of loading, the generator winding current remains well within the rated value (1.0 p . u . ) . Considering a maximum permissible operating voltage V m a x = 1 > 1 0 p.u., for a capacitance of 50 /•F/phase, the rated load on the motor corresponds to 0.43 p.u. load on the generator. Further, a good agreement is noticed between the test and predicted results, shown by points and continuous lines, respectively. Figure 3(c) shows variations in var and capacitance requirement of the SEIG-IM system with load in order to maintain the terminal voltage at 1.0 p.u.. The figure also shows the variation in power factor of the load (IM) with the power output. It may be noted that the pattern of various characteristics of the SEIG with an IM load is similar to that with a static RL load. However, the inherent dynamism in the IM results in an improved power factor with P o u t • This is the reason why the SEIG with an IM load has higher power capability and improved voltage regulation than while loaded with a static RL load of a power factor even as good as 0.8; as shown in Figure 3(d). The variation of the motor speed, n with load is also shown in the figure. ^

P

(p-u.)

Mout

4.1.2

Motors of Different Frame Sizes In order to provide a general basis of information, four typical motors of different ratings (Appendix-II) , are chosen for investigation. Fig. 4(a) shows load characteristics of the SEIG with motors of different ratings operated from no load to respective rated load conditions. It is seen that using a single valued capacitor and without violating the voltage and current levels (1.10 p.u. and 1.0 p.u.respectively), the SEIG can supply an IM rated upto 5 hp. This means that using a single valued capacitor bank the SEIG can safely feed an IM load of half its rating. To improve the voltage regulation of the SEIG various types of voltage regulators are being employed [10-12], which control the var supplied to the system with the change in load. Figure 4(b) shows the variation of capacitance to be effected with the load in order to maintain the terminal voltage at 1.0 p.u. for four different motors. Using such a regulator it is seen that now the same SEIG can safely supply an IM of 7.5 hp (75% rating of the SEIG). However, for 10 hp induction motor load it is seen that the generator winding current exceeds its rated value. I, ( p u ) .

V, (p.u.)

(P-U.)

Voltage 0.8

? /C .667> " ;

/7>

0.6

c- 46 W.

0.4

A

0.2

0

0.1

^10 hp -7.6 hp -6hp 3hp

JJout

0.2 P

0.3 (p.U.)

0.4

0.6

0.6

ou,

Fig 3(b) Variation of Generator Current and Motor Output Power

11 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 p 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 Wit (p.U.) Fig 4(a) Characteristics of SEIG for Induction Motor load of different ratings

with Output Power of Generator

:

Is (pu.) ^ ^ - - 1 0 hp

(>>-F) V •

80

1.0 (p.u.)

C ( /*F)

VAR and PF (p. u.) V

, "

VAR .

-^

_-

80

40

^

c

_^——7.6 hp Capacitance^

1.0

_

3hp ^^-Whp - ^ ^ 7 . 6 hp

. _ ^ Current

PF

^

20

~~"~^

^H6hp rr^ -3hp

•—

-

0

0.1

^Shp

0.2

0.3

0.4

p0.6 0.6 0.7 Moot (p.U.)

0.8

O.»

1

1.1

Fig.4(b) Capacitance requirement and generator current for

0

02

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

12

Pou, (p.u.) Fig 3(c) Variation of IM Power Factor, System var and Capac itance demand with Power Output

Pout (P-U-) Fig 3(d) Characteristics of SEIG for static and dynamic loads

Induction Motor load of different ratings

4.1.3 Effect of Prime Hover Speed So far the study is referred to a constant speed system. SEIGs are also being proposed for variable speed Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). It therefore becomes relevant to examine the effect of varying prime mover speed. Fig. 5(a) shows variation of Vfc for different speeds for a 5 hp IM load. Fig. 5(b) shows variation of the capacitance required to obtain a nominal voltage at different speeds. At higher prime mover speeds, a larger voltage is generated and power capability of the SEIG is enhanced. Further, the voltage regulator required to maintain the rated terminal voltage with load in a variable speed system should follow the characteristics shown in Figure 5(b). Hence, a substantial effect of speed is noticed on the performance of the SEIG-IM system. Again, a close correlation is seen between the computed and test results.

394 iii Switching-in of Additional Motor: As the SEIGIM system got stabilized, an additional 1 hp motor was switched on to the system. This was done to simulate a multi-motor system. iv Load Rejection: As the SEIG-IMs system settled to the new steady state condition, both motors were simultaneously taken off leaving the SEIG operating with only 50 /tF/phase capacitor bank connected across its terminals.

C • 50/«F

V s 0.96

0

0.2

0.4

0.6 0.8 *Mout (p.U.)

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

Fig 5(a) Effect of Prime Mover Speed on Terminal Voltage

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.8 P M0Ut (p.U.)

Fig 5(b) Effect Prime Mover Speed on Capacitance requirement

4.2 Starting of an Induction Motor on an SEIO Having studied the steady state operation of the SEIG-IM system, it becomes desirable to look into starting of an IM on an SEIG. It is found that to start a 5 hp motor on a 7.5 KW SEIG, a much larger capacitance (107 /*F) is required as compared to the capacitance (SO t*F) required for the s t e a d y - s t a t e o p e r a t i o n . This value of capacitance can be obtained by using the already proposed algorithm with a slight modification. Here, the equivalent circuit of the motor in Figure l ( c ) , will now correspond to s = 1 ( i . e . block rotor condition). Thus, t h i s block rotor equivalent c i r c u i t of motor can be converted into an equivalent RL load. Now for t h i s load, the minimum capacitance required for ensuring self excitation can be calculated [5J. It is also noticed that for very small motors (1/2 hp and 1 hp), the capacitance required for the steady s t a t e operation is also sufficient for the starting. To t e s t e f f e c t i v e n e s s of the algorithm in choosing the value of capacitance to s a t i s f a c t o r i l y s t a r t the induction motor on the SEIG, various switching operations were performed. Measurements were taken of the terminal voltage, the generator s t a t o r c u r r e n t and the load c u r r e n t . An X-Y recorder interfaced to a CRO was used to reproduce the switching t r a n s i e n t s , which are shown in Figure 6. These figures correspond to the following sequence of operation. i

ii

Self Excitation: The SEIG was driven at the synchronous speed and a d e l t a connected capacitor bank of 50 HF/phase was switched on to the terminals of the machine. 50 ,MF/phase capacitance corresponds to the s t e a d y - s t a t e requirements of the 5 hp IM. Motor Starting: Once the machine reached the steady-state self-excited condition, the 5 hp IM along with a delta connected capacitor bank (57 J*F/phase) was switched on to the terminals of the machine. As the induction motor picked up speed and the system assumed its steady-state, the 57 /•F/phase capacitor bank was taken off.

Since a 2-channel CRO was used, it was possible to record only two signals at a time. Hence, every switching action was performed twice, due to which the switching instants in Figure 6(c) are not properly synchronized with those of Figures 6(a) and 6(b). It is observed that during various switching operations, the SEIG assumes the new steady state operating condition without loosing selfexcitation. Further, the current and the voltage overshoots are found to be within the tolerable limits. These observations thus demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm in calculating the value of starting capacitor and also the ability of the SEIG to sustain IM switchings. It may be noted that the prediction of the value of starting capacitor is based on the steady - state analysis. For a detailed study of the switching operation, transient analysis should be done, which is beyond the scope of the present paper. The various switching results shown are mainly aimed at assessing suitability of the SEIG-IM system in lower ratings, where direct on line (DOL) switching is used. In higher ratings where soft switching of motors is desired, the starting capacitor may not be required. The authors have been engaged to develop an SEIG-IM system for low power agricultural pumping application using micro-hydel and wind energy in lower ratings (up to 50 k W ) . The proposed analysis thus suggests feasibility of an SEIG-IM system having two sets of capacitor banks. One is continuously rated for the running operation, while the other is short time rated for starting of the IM. The latter is to be removed once the IM picks up speed. The values of these capacitors can be obtained from the proposed analysis as discussed before. The steady state analysis gives the value of the starting capacitor that can satisfactorily start the motor. In applications where the induction motor rating is much lower than that of the generator, the system can do away with the requirement of starting capacitor. Although, transient analysis is not carried out in the paper, the experimented results demonstrate the feasibility of the system to withstand the switching transients as severe as that due to the starting of induction motors.

5. CONCLUSION Detailed analysis of the SEIG feeding power to a dynamic load (induction motor) is presented. An algorithm is proposed for the prediction of steady state performance of the SEIG-IM system. Theoretical results are presented for a variety of operating conditions along with the experimental ones; and a close agreement has been observed between the two. Salient observations with regard to the IM load have been extensively discussed. The steady state analysis is extended to determine the value of capacitor required for the starting of an induction motor. Various experimental results are presented for a sequence of switching operations. Based on the analysis, the suitability of the SEIG for dynamic loads has been illustrated. Design of an SEIG-IM system for low power pumping system has been proposed. Effect of speed

395

Fig. 6 Switching transients of SEIG-IM system

variation on the performance has been briefly discussed. to cover a range of standard seem to confirm the general Followings are the main investigation.

of the SEIG-IM system The study is extended motors and the results trend presented here. observations of the

1. Using a single valued capacitor bank (i.e. without a voltage regulator), an SEIG can safely supply an Induction motor rated upto 50% of its own rating. 2. Using a voltage regulator that maintains the rated terminal voltage, an SEIG can safely feed an induction motor rated upto 75% of its rating. 3. The SEIG can sustain the starting transients of the IM without losing self excitation. 4. The proposed algorithm is effective not only in predicting the performance of an SEIG-IM system but also in calculating the value of capacitance required for the starting of the motor. 5. It is possible to design an SEIG-IM system using two sets of capacitor banks (for starting and running), for low power agricultural pumping system, with ratings of the SEIG and the IM being in a ratio of 2:1.

[4]

[5]

[6] [7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

6. REFERENCES [1]

E. p. Bessett and F. M. Potter, "Capacitive excitation for induction generator", AIEE Trans., pp. 540-545, May 1935. [2] B. c. Doxey, "Theory and application of capacitor-excited induction generator". The .„ Engineer, Uno. 29, pp. 893-897, November £963. "Anai«=" r t h y ' o f, 0 - p - M a l i k and A. K. Tandon -> f ^ x 8 . self-excited induction

[12]

[13]

N. H. Malik and S. E. Hague, "Steady state analysis and performance of an isolated self excited induction generator", IEEE Trans, on Energy Conversion, vol. EC-1, no.3, pp.133-139, September 1986. N. H. Malik and A.A. Mazi, " Capacitance requirements for isolated self excited generators", ibid, vol. EC-2, no. 1, pp. 62-69 March 1987. Y. Uctug and M Demirelker, " Modelling, analysis and control of wind turbine", Proc. IEE, pt C, vol. 223, pp. 268- 275, July 1988. C. Grantham, D. Sutanto and B. Mismail, "Steady state and Transient Analysis of Self Excited Induction Generator",ibid, pt B, vol. 136, pp 61-68. S. P. Singh, Bhim Singh and M. P. Jain, "Performance characteristics and optimum u t i l i z a t i o n of a cage machine as capacitor excited induction generator", paper no. 90 SM 284-0 EC, presented at the IEEE/PES 1990 Summer Meeting, Minnesota,1990. Al Jabri A. K. and Alolah A.I., "Capacitance requirement for Isolated Self Excited Induction Generator", Proc. IEE, pt B, vol. 137, pp. 155-160, 1990 D. W. Novotny, D. J. G r i t t e r and G. H. Studsmann, "Self excitation in inverter d r i v e n i n d u c t i o n machine", IEEE Trans. on Power Apparatus and Systems, vol. PAS-96, J. Arrillaga and D. B. Watson, "Static power conversion from self excited induction generators", Proc. IEE, vol. 125, no. 8, pp. 743- 746, August, 1978. no. 4, pp. 1117-1125, July/August 1977 J. M. Elder, J.T. Boys, J. L. Woodward, "Self excited induction machine as low cost generator", ibid, vol. 131, pt. C, no. 2, pp. 33-40, March 1984. S.S. Murthy, C.S. Jha and P. S. Nagendra Rao, "Analysis of grid connected induction generators driven by hydro/wind turbines under r e a l i s t i c system constraints", IEEE Trans, on Energy Conversion , vol. 5, no.l, pp. 1-7, March 1990

396 APPENDIX - I Algorithm for obtaining operating XMm and s Read motor characteristic

parameters, (variation of :

magnetization with V /F and

*Mouf (no load value). Set X Mm Mmo 3. Calculate s for the given p M o u t - t 1 3 ) 4 For this i s, find f d V M g = fc - I g ZMg Obtain X.^ corresponding t o VM Update X j ^ and repeat from Step 3 to Step 5 unless difference in between two successive iteration is less than a small quantity (say 1.0E-03). APPENDIX

-II

Details of Induction I EC

Frame 80

100L 112M 132S 132M

Power hp/kW

Volt V

A

1/0.75 3/2.2 5/3.7 7.5/5. 5 10/7.5

415 415 415

1.7 4.9 7.6 11 14

415 415

Motors at 50 Hz

Current

Stator Winding Star Delta Delta Delta Delta

r/min

2800 1410 1430 1450 1450

BIOGRAPHY

Shridhar (Student Member) was born in Bhilainagar, MP (India) in 1966. He received his B.E. degree from Maulana Azad College of Technology, Bhopal, and the M.Tech degree from Institute of Technology -Banaras Hindu University, varanaai. He joined the department of electrical engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in July 1990 and is presently, a full time research scholar with the department working, towards his Ph.D. degree. His areas of interest are computer based analysis and design of electrical machines and their efficient energy conversion and application in non-conventional power plants.

Dr. Bhim Sinoh. was born at Rahamapur in u.P. in 1956. He received his B.E. degree from Roorkee University, and M.Tech and Ph.D. degree from IITDelhi in 1977, 1979 and 1983 respectively. From 1983 to 1990 he was with the department of electrical engineering, University of Roorkee. At present he is Assistant Professor at I IT Delhi. He has over 80 papers to his credits in the field of CAD, Power Electronics and Analysis and Control of Electrical Machines. Prof. C. S. Jha. was born at Vijainagar in Bihar (India) in 1934 and educated at Patna University, IISc, Bangalore, Heriot Watt College, Edinberg (U.K.), and Bristol University (U.K.). Has been a Professor of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi since 1964. He has made significant contributions in electrical machine theory and application and published a large number of papers. He has been involved in the planning and administration of technical education in India since the early 1970s. He was Director of the prestigious IIT at Kharagpur (1974-78), was Educational Advisor to the Government of India on technical education planning and has been active in curriculum planning and development of engineering education in India. He has been Visiting Professor at many universities in the West, a member of the board of Trustees of Asia Institute of Technology, Bangkok (1974-86) and is a member of UNESCO international meeting group on continuing education of engineers since 1975. At present, he is the Vice Chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University at Varanasi. Prof. B.P. Singh was born in Singhiya, in 1940. He received his B.Sc. (Engg.) degree in 1963 from BITS, Sindri, ME in Electrical Engg. in 1966 from Calcutta University and PhD in 1974 from IIT Delhi. He was a Senior Fellow at BE College, Howrah (19631966) and after serving MIT Muzaffarpur as a faculty member for over a decade (1966-78), he joined IIT Delhi in 1978, where he is a Professor with the Dept. of Electrical Engg. He was a visiting Professor at California State University, Long Beach during 1988 to 1990. His research interests are in design, analysis and control of electrical machines.