Field Experimental Study on Electrical Power Generation Using AC Single-Phase Permanent Magnet Generator

A single-phase ac permanent magnet generator has been constructed by modifying a squirrel cage single-phase ac induction motor by embedding permanent magnet poles in the rotor and rewinding the armature stator windings. This single-phase ac permanent magnet generator is then used to generate electricity from small river with low speed of water flow by coupling it with a low head hydro turbine. The low head hydro turbine is installed in two different configurations i.e., tilted and non-tilted or parallel to the flow of the river, to increase rotation speed. A water guide vane is also used for the same purpose. Field experimental test results show that the single-phase ac permanent magnet generator able to produce highest output voltage at 32 V on rotation speed of 260 rpm.