Motors as Generators for Micro-Hydro Power

by Nigel Smith (Editor)

Overview

This is a guide to the use of induction motors for electricity generation in remote locations. It is written as a practical handbook for engineers and technicians involved in designing and installing small water-power schemes for isolated houses and communities. This revised edition brings in new concepts developed and tested to expand the power range of application of motors as generators, to make this technology safer and more reliable, while keeping costs low and making it accessible to developing countries. It also contains a new chapter on mains-connecting micro-hydro generators. This edition also draws on the practical experience of manufacturers and installers of induction generator units working in village locations in a large number of countries, among them Sri Lanka, Nepal, Peru, Kenya and others.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853396458
Publisher:	Practical Action Publishing
Publication date:	02/28/2008
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Nigel Smith has worked with the Intermediate Technology Development Group on induction generators for micro-hydro since 1985. He gained his PhD from the Nottingham Trent University, where he continues to work as a Senior Research Fellow. He has his own engineering consultancy, Smith Associates, and has worked in Nepal,
Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Table of Contents

Figures; Tables; Acknowledgements; Preface; Introduction; 1) Advantages and Disadvantages of Induction Generators; 2) Induction Machine Construction and Operation; 3) Selection of an Induction Motor for Use as a Generator; 4) Excitation Capacitor Requirements; 5) Operating Voltage and Frequency; 6) The Effect of Load Upon Generator Output; 7) Single-Phase Output From a Three-Phase Machine; 8) Protection, Safety and Earthing; 9) Fixed and Variable Load Systems; 10) Motor Starting; 11) Generator Commissioning; 12) Mains Connected Systems; Appendix 1: Three-Phase Circuit Theory; Appendix 2: Induction Generator Efficiency; Appendix 3: Single Transformer Systems; Appendix 4: Halving the Operating Voltage of an Induction Machine; Appendix 5: Overvoltage Trip; Appendix 6: Power Factor Correction for Motor Starting; Index.