Induction generators for stand-alone micro-hydro systems
- Nottingham Trent Univ. (United Kingdom)
Micro-hydro schemes have an output of less than 100 kW. They are usually installed to supply electricity to small communities in remote areas which the grid fails to reach. Most micro-hydro schemes are located in the mountainous regions of developing countries, such as the Andes and Himalaya. By using appropriate designs, local skills and local manufacture these schemes can be more cost-effective than large hydro projects. By using self-excited induction generators rather than synchronous generators cost savings and reliability improvements can be achieved, due to the simple construction and inherent robustness of cage induction machines. However, until recently the extra cost and complexity of the voltage and frequency control equipment has more than offset the advantages of using stand-alone induction generators. This paper describes a new approach to controlling induction generators on stand-alone micro-hydro systems. The turbine power-speed characteristic and the relatively high magnetic saturation of modern induction machines are used to reduce the control equipment required. The implementation of the control approach is described along with considerations regarding generator selection and efficiency.
- OSTI ID:
- 474539
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9601119--; ISBN 0-7803-2795-0
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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