Actually you can use induction motors as generators without any controller, in fact many people do this for micro-hydro generators.
Basically any magnetism in the stators, even residual magnetism, will induce a current in the rotor. This current creats a magnetic field which (because it's moving) induces a current in the stator which creats more magnetism...the tricky part is controlling the voltage produced. Patchem, Eric EM2 wrote: >How is an AC induction motor (in the case of AC drive) used for >regenenerative braking? I understand how the motor works, but I cannot see >how it would work as a generator. I know the inverter plays a major role in >this, but I cannot see how an induction motor with no field connections, can >produce an output. > >Eric. > > >
