Pole-changing single-winding schemes are applied to self-excited induction generators for the first time and shown to be suitable for wind-driven applications with wide variations in the driving speed. An attempt has also been made to present an analysis of self-excited induction generators by a new approach which is shown to be simple and elegant compared to the earlier methods. Results on a test machine wound with a 4/6-pole combination amply demonstrate the usefulness of pole-changing windings for induction generators. Experimental and predicted performances agree closely, validating the analysis proposed.