1. Specialized power-electronic apparatus for harnessing electrical power from kinetic hydropower plants
- Author
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Filizadeh, Shaahin (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Bibeau, Eric (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering); Mohan, Ned (Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota), Gole, Ani (Electrical and Computer Engineering), Mosallat, Farid, Filizadeh, Shaahin (Electrical and Computer Engineering); Bibeau, Eric (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering); Mohan, Ned (Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota), Gole, Ani (Electrical and Computer Engineering), and Mosallat, Farid
- Abstract
This thesis introduces a power electronic interface for a kinetic hydropower generation platform that enables extraction of electric power from a free-flowing water source such as a river or a stream. The implemented system transfers power from a high-frequency permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) to a 60-Hz load. Special configurations and control techniques were developed to cater for the long distance between the generator and the power interface; and also to address the wide range of the PMSG frequency and voltage variations. The proposed power-electronic interface was constructed and tested in the laboratory as well as in the field. The thesis also introduces two feasible methods for controlling a hydrokinetic plant to supply islanded loads or to deliver the maximum power available from the turbine-generator to the utility network. Application of multiple turbines in a kinetic farm was also investigated, and different approaches to controlling hydrokinetic turbines were developed.
- Published
- 2012