Electrical System associated with Small Scale Hydro Power Generator Design & Modeling

Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name

Dr. Adel El Shahat

Proposal Track

Student

Session Format

Poster

Abstract

Electrical System associated with Small Scale Hydro Power Generator Design & Modeling

Roman Coley, Clifford Saggus, Zack Floyd

Advisor: Dr. Adel El Shahat, (aahmed@georgiasouthern.edu)

Abstract

Energy is one of the most essential elements of our lives. In recent years, problems linked to the energy crisis have sparked many discussions and question. According to the World Energy Council, about 80 percent of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels and about 66 percent of the world’s electricity is generated from those fossil fuels. The advantage of using renewable energy sources rather than burning fossil fuel for energy is that there is no environmental pollution. Hydro-electric power is a form of renewable energy source. It is very efficient and inexpensive compared to other energy sources. This research proposal proposes the modeling, design and implementation of Electric System supplied from a small scale hydro power generator to supply a house near flowing water a sustainable power source. In brief, the project aims to build a self-sustainable house that utilizes electricity. A turbine will capture the kinetic energy from the falling water and convert it into mechanical energy. The generator connected to the turbine will convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A DC to DC converter will then be used to regulate the voltage level. A supercapacitor will be used to store the energy as a better choice in comparable with the battery. Supercapacitors store energy in an electric field, and can distribute energy more quickly. They can tolerate shocks, vibrations, and temperature changes better than batteries can. Supercapacitors can also be recharged hundreds of thousands of times before they wear out. This small scale hydro power generator can provide cheap electricity without producing greenhouse gases and polluting the atmosphere. This generator can be used to generate electricity at a constant rate as long as there is a source of water flowing downward. Also if there is no demand for electricity, the generator can be turned off to conserve electricity for later needs. All the system elements will be designed and simulated especially the DC-DC converter and the supercapacitors. Then, the system will be implemented as experimental test-bed. This is to make complete analysis to the proposed design. The simulation methods used for modeling and design are MATLAB software, Simulink and Power System toolbox. A complete analysis and prediction of the proposed system are shown in the form of well depicted characteristics. The charging/discharging characteristics of supercapacitors are shown with the electrical parameters related to DC-DC converter too.

Keywords

Hydro, Power, engineering

Award Consideration

1

Location

Concourse and Atrium

Presentation Year

2015

Start Date

11-7-2015 10:10 AM

End Date

11-7-2015 11:20 AM

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Nov 7th, 10:10 AM Nov 7th, 11:20 AM

Electrical System associated with Small Scale Hydro Power Generator Design & Modeling

Concourse and Atrium

Electrical System associated with Small Scale Hydro Power Generator Design & Modeling

Roman Coley, Clifford Saggus, Zack Floyd

Advisor: Dr. Adel El Shahat, (aahmed@georgiasouthern.edu)

Abstract

Energy is one of the most essential elements of our lives. In recent years, problems linked to the energy crisis have sparked many discussions and question. According to the World Energy Council, about 80 percent of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels and about 66 percent of the world’s electricity is generated from those fossil fuels. The advantage of using renewable energy sources rather than burning fossil fuel for energy is that there is no environmental pollution. Hydro-electric power is a form of renewable energy source. It is very efficient and inexpensive compared to other energy sources. This research proposal proposes the modeling, design and implementation of Electric System supplied from a small scale hydro power generator to supply a house near flowing water a sustainable power source. In brief, the project aims to build a self-sustainable house that utilizes electricity. A turbine will capture the kinetic energy from the falling water and convert it into mechanical energy. The generator connected to the turbine will convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A DC to DC converter will then be used to regulate the voltage level. A supercapacitor will be used to store the energy as a better choice in comparable with the battery. Supercapacitors store energy in an electric field, and can distribute energy more quickly. They can tolerate shocks, vibrations, and temperature changes better than batteries can. Supercapacitors can also be recharged hundreds of thousands of times before they wear out. This small scale hydro power generator can provide cheap electricity without producing greenhouse gases and polluting the atmosphere. This generator can be used to generate electricity at a constant rate as long as there is a source of water flowing downward. Also if there is no demand for electricity, the generator can be turned off to conserve electricity for later needs. All the system elements will be designed and simulated especially the DC-DC converter and the supercapacitors. Then, the system will be implemented as experimental test-bed. This is to make complete analysis to the proposed design. The simulation methods used for modeling and design are MATLAB software, Simulink and Power System toolbox. A complete analysis and prediction of the proposed system are shown in the form of well depicted characteristics. The charging/discharging characteristics of supercapacitors are shown with the electrical parameters related to DC-DC converter too.