Development of the Generator for a Small Capacity Bulb Hydropower Unit

Abstract

The generator design development matters for a small bulb hydropower unit is discussed. Synchronous units with a brushless exciter and a brush contact system, with excitation from permanent magnets, as well as an inductor generator were considered as design options. Electromagnetic, ventilation, and thermal analyses are performed, and the dynamics and strength of the main components of a synchronous generator with a brushless exciter are evaluated. The main technical problems have been solved: reducing the generator mass and dimension parameters, reducing its material intensity, decreasing the production cost, increasing the efficiency, and increasing installation readiness and maintainability, reducing windage losses, working out the ventilation system, and enhancement of operational autonomy. It is shown that the generator quantitative and qualitative characteristics can be improved significantly by applying the concept of a synchronous salient pole electrical machine. The possibility of stable generator operation in various modes of its use is shown.