Hi Ricardo,
I have played with induction generators and ended up using DC
instead. DC is low safety risk, tolerates variable flow, directly
charges batteries. Use a large battery and an inverter if you need
AC. Main disadvantage of DC is cabling if the turbine is remote.
The purpose of the IGC is to keep the load constant. This keeps rpm,
frequency and volts constant. I'm not sure of Nigel's book, but this
can be achieved by using two way switching on every load and
connecting to a dummy load when the device is switched off. For
example a light bulb to light the room or an equivalent power water
heater when off. This is a relatively low tech solution. A voltmeter
to keep track of voltage is also necessary.
An uninterruptible power supply(UPS) is vital to protect sensitive
electronics if you try this technique. These are often available
cheap when the batteries are shot. A quality modern UPS should have
power factor correction, so should make a good load for an induction
generator. The best UPSs can take a wide input voltage range and
generate a steady sine wave output without using the batteries. You
may find that you can use such a UPS in place of an IGC, possibly
using some load compensation by two way switching for large loads.
You will need to provide capacitors across the motor terminals to
provide magnetising current. A UPS will also help if you want to
drive induction motors.
I have replaced dead UPS batteries with a much larger bank of good
batteries. This seems to work fine, the UPS acts as a battery charger
and inverter combined, but the charging rate is limited. The
manufacturer would object of course. If you are not certain on safety
aspects stick to low voltage DC.
Duncan Irvine.
--- In [email protected], Ricardo Tsukamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> Dear colleagues,
>
> I need to provide electricity to two houses used for biological
research
> in the Brazilian rainforest. For that, I�m assembling a picohydro
> installation using an induction motor (1 HP trif. 220 VAC) as
generator
> directly coupled to a turgo turbine (supplied by Joseph
Hartvigsen), and
> following instructions given in the books by Nigel Smith (Motors as
> Generators) and Phillip Maher (Pico Power Pack).
>
> I was able to acquire almost all the components, but just could�n
get
> the electronic load controller (Induction Generator Controller) of
the
> type devised by Prof. Nigel Smith.
>
> Accordingly, is such I.G.C. available in South America (especially
in
> Brazil) or is there a way to obtain a copy of its design ?
>
> Thanking for your kind cooperation,
>
> Best Regards,
> Ricardo Y. Tsukamoto, Ph.D.
> Sao Paulo, Brazil
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