Control Topologies for Induction Generation Micro-Hydroelectric Power Plant - Research Proposal Example

Control Topologies for Induction Generation Micro-hydroelectric Power proposal Student’s name Course name Instructor’s name Date of submission Control Topologies for Induction Generation Micro-hydroelectric Power proposal 1. Title: Control Topologies for Induction Generation Micro-hydroelectric Power plant 2. Abstract:  The proposed research involves development of a stand-alone induction generator hydro-electric power plant that involves improved operation of two micro hydro-electric power plant or MHPP. MHPP has frequency and voltage regulation and active and reactive management of power to achieve cost efficiency while reliably supplying renewable energy to rural residents. 3. Literature Review: The core concept under implementation is the control system’s theory. Control systems theory integrates the mathematics and engineering disciplines with the aim of identifying a set of actions needed to achieve a given behaviour. For there to be observable behaviour of systems, there has to be inputs into the system. Usually, the objective of control theory is to compute solutions for effective corrective action from the controller[Lys00]. The application of control systems in engineering spreads beyond a century with mathematical models of physical systems being used to influence communications and electronics development especially due to feedback control [Doy90]. With time, implementation of conventional electrical equipment, hydraulic and controllers in mini hydro scheme has turned out to be uneconomically expensive and this has prompted researchers to explore new alternatives and designs according to the new designs arising from control systems research involve formation of multivariable feedback design with intense consideration of limitations and achievements; uncertainty concept in the behaviour of plants; and synthesis of feedback for uncertainty models[Sko05]. The aim of such new designs is to boost the generation of electricity through renewable source of energy. Kalman [Kal60] highlights that the field of control systems has experienced numerous adaptations including stability analysis tools, optimal control strategies design, and strategies for self-regulation amongst other aspects. These achievements in the field of control systems theory are crucial given that they involve the creation of understanding on all system’s underlying concepts and then formulating problems in mathematical terms. Such modelling of dynamical systems through differential sets of equations is complex and application in linear systems has successfully been applied in control topologies[Kwa72]. One of the key areas of induction power generation is in the small hydro power plants[Gop11]. Mini hydro power schemes are increasingly gaining momentum for being readily accessible renewable power sources with the potential to produce electric power that is more reliable than solar. Relatively small water turbines are used in the in the production of significant amount of energy for use. In the small hydro schemes, implementation of induction generators is favoured by merits like low maintenance costs, availability, construction robustness, and less maintenance. Additionally, induction generators require no dc supply to prevent self-protection, ability to capitulate power at shifting speeds and simplicity in operation[Sin13]. Through the micro hydro power scheme, electricity production can be up to 100kW and since the cost of 1kW of three phase generator is often higher than single phase generator, the three-phase is designed to have the capacity to yield an output comparable to single-phase. This reduces the capital costs and the mechanisms to be used for control of voltage, and non-defined frequency. Additionally, numerous voltage and frequency controllers for induction generators are available including STATCOM or Static compensators, STATCOM with system for battery energy storage, generalized impedance controller, electronic load controller, and decoupled voltage and frequency DVFC controller[Sin13]. In this study, the proposed controller technique is intended to offer parallel operation of two micro-hydroelectric power plants or MHPP on islanded micro-grid and which ensures there is regulation of voltage and frequency. Each of the two power plants will contain an induction generator and synchronous generator and a control topology that facilitates reactive and active management of power. The proposed controller topology borrows heavily from previous research s including self-excited induction generator or SEIG[Sin13]. The induction generator topology also borrows heavily from studies on stand-alone three-phase induction generator supplying single-phase loads[Ion131]. 4. Design/Research Questions: 1. How can we obtain stand-alone three-phase induction generators supplying single-phase loads? 2. Is it possible to implement control topology improves parallel operation of two micro-hydroelectric power plants or MHPP? 3. How can we optimize the development of control systems that combine robustness and single-point operation of generators? 4. What can we learn about induction generator micro hydro scheme function using control systems? Rationale:  This project aims at offering support in the field of small hydro power schemes since it supports implementation of technologies that allow parallel operation of two micro-hydroelectric power plans or MHPP at minimized mini hydro development costs and cost effective technology. The advancement of numerous world nations is dependent on power especially supplemental electrical energy available from renewable sources of energy[Sin13]. Through the implementation of modern control system theory of controllers for induction generators with improved parallel operation, frequency and voltage regulation with load balancing and harmonic compensation, the provision of renewable energy from mini hydro schemes will be more cost effective hence highly reliable. The successful implementation of this project will result to cost efficient use of standalone power schemes especially in rural hilly areas[Sin13]. The community will benefit by easy, cost effective and reliable renewable energy for supply of electricity in their homes, and supplementary electricity source for use in domestic and industrial purposes. This will also lower the dependence on non-renewable energy sources that contribute to the nation’s carbon footprint while promoting green energy. Context in current body of knowledge: Recently, the study of standalone micro-hydroelectric power plants has gained momentum with more emphasis being on three-phase induction generator supplying single-phase loads[Gop11]. Stand-alone induction generators are essential especially for mini power plants supplying less than 10kW since they only supply isolated networks. Standalone induced generators are intended at ensuring stable operation for both transitory and steady-state regimes while ensuring that single-phase operation power obtained is close to three-phase mode generator operation rating. The next challenge is to develop the basic system that comprises the synchronous generator in parallel to the induction generator such that the SG’s voltage regulator can effectively control voltage and frequency regulation for stability[Ion13]. The challenge also includes the implementation and design of new feedback control systems such that the control system stabilizes the generation of renewable energy. While ensuring active and reactive power management, the control system will is expected to reduce losses of energy and optimization of hydraulic utilization of resources. The major challenges will be optimization of system reliability for the configuration. While using induction generators in small hydro schemes, the expectation performance is expected to improve compared to conventional electrical equipment hydraulic controllers. This is as a result of minimized total costs of plant development thereby making the technology cost efficient. This platform will be used for rural renewable electricity generation small hydro schemes hence supplementing non-renewable electricity sources. Outcomes: The expected outcomes will result to novel configuration of induction generator micro-hydroelectric power plants to support cost-efficient power production in rural areas. The system will result to production of electricity that will result to reduction of non-renewable energy thereby promoting green energy. References List Lys00: , (Lyshevski, 2000), Doy90: , (Doyle, et al., 1990), Sko05: , (Skogestad & Postlethwaite, 2005), Kal60: , (1960), Kwa72: , (Kwakernaak & Sivan, 1972), Gop11: , (Gopal & Singh, 2011), Sin13: , (Singh & Tiwari, 2013), Sin13: , (Singh & Tiwari, 2013; Mahato, et al., 2010), Ion131: , (Ion & Marinescu, 2013), Ion13: , (Ion & Marinescu, 2013), Read More