CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The focus of this chapter is to present the situations necessitating a study in the direction of the Self-Excited Two-Phase Reluctance Generator, SETPRG, and to introduce the succeeding chapters of this work.
1.1 Background of Study
Scarcity of electrical energy has become a reality in several parts of the world today and in Nigeria in particular. Unfortunately, this is the single factor driving development, technological breakthroughs, and industrialization in the world today. As such, any people with insufficient power available for use are classified as under-developed world. It is also a reflection of the GDP and poverty level of any particular people across the globe. The demand for electrical energy cuts across virtually every aspect of the human existence, from health, to agriculture, education, socialization, industrialization, and even recreation.
The grid power has often become inadequate, or not available to several areas, mainly those in remote and inaccessible locations. In Nigeria particularly, inconsistency and the erratic nature of the Utility (PHCN) power supply has led to most urban dwellers resorting to different alternatives to power their homes and business premises. This however has proved to be very expensive, and add to the cost of finished goods in the market. This has not favored the ordinary citizens.
In the rural and remote areas, several crucial activities exists, which eventually benefits the society at large, which are sadly hampered by shortage or complete absence of electric power. This is particularly in the area of agriculture, food preservation, medical care, education and technology transfer. This has introduced untold hardship, poverty, and social vices in the world today.
Moreover, conventional means of providing isolated power schemes is through the use of fossil fuel engines employing alternators. Not only that these are expensive and beyond the reach of the ordinary hard working masses, it has also raised concerns on depleting fossil fuels and environmental pollution. This concern has led to intensive research into, and the use of renewable and non-conventional energy sources such as wind, tidal and waves, bio-mass and solar sources, among others.
Along the line of non-conventional energy sources have come several scholarly researches, all relevant in solving the problem of electric power shortage in the world. Along this line also, suitable alternatives to conventional alternators are receiving close attention. Particularly in the remote and isolated areas, such alternatives must be electricity generating units that are economical, rugged, and maintenance-free, in addition to providing a reasonable power quality. This requirement has led to the search of appropriate energy conversion equipment in the low power range. It is against this backdrop that this humble study is presented.
1.2 Statement of Problem
Due to the overwhelming importance, and unfortunately, scarcity of electricity, the imperative is to develop small electricity generating units that are rugged, economical, with minimal maintenance, and capable of providing reasonable power at a good quality, which can be used in private homes, small businesses, and in the remote and isolated areas.
1.3 Objectives
The objectives of this humble effort are to design the stator winding, model, simulate, and analyze the performance of the self-excited two-phase reluctance generator under different loading conditions.
1.4 Motivation and Significance of Study
Several studies and researches have been carried out successfully in the line of developing stand-alone generating units. Particularly, many research works have been published on the single and three-phase reluctance generators. However, no work has been done on the development of a two-phase reluctance generator.
Besides contributing to knowledge, this effort will lead to a better utilization of the stator core and slots, which in turn will achieve more power output than a single-phase reluctance generator of the same size.
1.5 Methodology
Pursuant to this study, computer simulation of the developed model of the generator is closely studied for different loading conditions. The results of these simulations are then analyzed. Note that the developed model of the generator is based on the stator winding theoretically determined.
1.6 Presentation of work
The theory of the reluctance generators is presented in chapter 2, alongside a review of previous related studies which underscores the relevance and uniqueness of the present study. The scope of this study and the simulation tool employed are also presented in this chapter. Chapter 3 presents a unique design for the stator winding of the SETPRG under study, and the mathematical model of the machine. Magnetizing inductances were calculated and d-q transformation performed on the two-phase stationary variables of the machine to the d-q variables of a reference frame fixed in the rotor. In chapter 4, the dynamic model of the SETPRG was simulated, and results were analyzed for various loading conditions. The conclusion of these analyses was presented in chapter 5, alongside recommendations for further studies.
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