This work presents a theoretical and experimental study of the self-excited three-phase induction generator in steady state, operating with a synchronous generator for use in isolated generation. Through the remoteness of many locations or because of the absence of an energy distribution network, difficulties exist in the supply of electric energy. The proposal contemplated herein can be applied in order to provide a well-adjusted voltage and reduce project costs in the expansion and implementation of isolated systems. That is, when taking into consideration acquisition costs of the asynchronous squirrel cage rotor machine in relation to the synchronous generator. The main contribution of this study is the making of the synchronous generator into a voltage regulator of the isolated system, in such a manner that the synchronous generator supplies the minimum of active power necessary, where a lower power generator is able to play the role of being the sole voltage regulator.

This study aims to present the discrete models and the methodology to implement real‐time simulations of electric machines using a low‐cost digital signal processor (DSP). The DC machine and the three‐phase induction machine are modelled in real‐time using a Texas Instruments DSP TMS28379D, where the discrete models are implemented using C language. A minimum time‐step of 1 µs can be achieved for the DC machine and 1.5 µs for the inductions machine in the experimental hardware. To validate the described models and show their precision, they are compared with commercial computational models from PSIM®. In addition, closed‐loop speed control strategies are applied to the real‐time DSP experimental models, showing perfect concordance with the machine theory. For the DC machine, a speed control strategy with an inner current control loop is applied and for the induction machine, a field‐oriented control for the speed control. The proposed real‐time simulation hardware has a great potential for low‐budget research and educational purposes since it can replace a real machine setup for a very low price, with great accuracy, variable parameters and free from risks, such as accidents or equipment damage. Furthermore, it uses cheap hardware with free software and a high‐level programing language.