Generators convert the rotational motion made by to electric power.

They are the key to the operation of any hydropower system. There are two types of generators used in micro hydropower system. These are synchronous and asynchronous generators. Synchronous generators are standard in most power generators. On the other hand, asynchronous, or induction generators, are also used. For this article, we will tackle the second type in detail An asynchronous or induction generator is available in three phase or single phase systems. The hydroelectric systems capacity, its type of load and the systems transmission and distribution of electrical power are the determining factors of what system should be used. It is easy to understand how it works. A conductor is placed and exposed in a moving magnetic field. When the conductor moves, it generates voltage. For small hydropower systems, an induction generator is preferred. Thats because they are rugged, more compact and cheaper than synchronous generators. Most of these types of generators have a three phase induction motor installed in them. The capacitors that are used to charge an induction generator for small hydropower systems generate less than 10 to 15 kilowatts. Induction generators should be operated and maintained at a constant. The number of poles determines the speed; the more poles, the lesser the speed. 4-pole generators that have a rotational speed of 1,800 rounds per minute are ideal on small hydropower systems. 2 pole generators produce 3,600 rounds per minute which is too powerful for such a strong system. For induction generators that operate at less than 1,200 rounds per minute, are quite expensive and for it to match the speed of the turbine, a gearbox or a belt might be needed. The electrical power that is generated from an induction generator can either be alternating current or direct current. Direct current has the advantage of storing electric power into batteries easily. Alternating current allows the user to power up common household appliance and powered tools. Alternating current also is much more economical and efficient with regards to the transmission of electrical power.

Induction generators that produce alternating current are also referred to as alternators. The alternators vary the voltages, from above to below zero voltage. It is this process that produces alternating current. This is the same process that is used in large hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants and even your car. Only the speed varies ust like petrol or diesel engines, the power of a water turbine in a micro hydropower system fluctuates in speed as an electrical load is applied or disconnected. Usually, this is not a problem with an engine that uses direct shaft power. However, there is still a chance that the fluctuation in speed will affect the frequency and voltage output of a generator negatively. In fact, it could harm and damage the generator by overloading it with high power or over speeding it with a light or no load at all. To prevent damage, electric load controllers or ELCs are used. For smaller micro hydropower systems that use an induction generator, induction generator controllers are used. An induction generator controller is a device that regulates the power of an induction generator that turns a turbine. It helps keep a constant load of power to a turbine of a micro hydropower system. Because of the constant load, the turbine can generate stable voltage and electricity. To understand how an induction generator controller works, lets look at how an ELC regulates power. An ELC, which is used by synchronous generators instead of induction generators, counteracts the main load. Counteracting involves varying the amount of power that is dispersed in a resistive load, called a ballast or dump load. Usually, the ballast or dump load are in the form of water heaters. The distribution keeps the electrical load of the turbine and the generator constant. The electric load, or frequency, is directly proportional to the speed of the turbine. An induction generator controller basically works like an ELC, only that it is used in an induction generator. Also, an induction generator controller can be used as a load management system. It does this by assigning a secondary load. Thus, excess power is diverted to other utilities such as water heating or space heating system, rather than sending it to the ballast load.

Due to this function, it is possible to hook up other loads by a sequence of priority. Induction generator controllers that are available in the market can be used for micro hydropower systems that generate between 1 kilowatt to a hundred kilowatts of power. They are contained in weatherproof enclosures that can contain power meters, safety devices, switchgears and connection outlets. One last note about controllers, when activated, can cause some radio frequency interference. So, it is important to keep radios and walkie talkies away from them Most of us dont know what an induction generator is. An induction generator is one of the many types of electrical generators that produce or generate electrical power. These power generating machine are mostly used to power wind turbine generators and other small scale water generators. Induction generators are primarily designed as an electric engine. Electric engines (more known as electric motors) are mostly found on various electrical machine or appliances such as pumps, fans, compressors, etc. As a matter of fact, electric motors consume more than one third of the worlds electricity. Induction generators are highly reliable types of power generating machines and cost less than other types of power generators. Electric motors that can be used as an induction generator are available to almost every home in the United States. These motors are mostly found on pumps, driers and washing machines. These mechanical devices are commonly as squirrel cage turbines. Induction generators come in wide variety and can generate Alternating Current voltage. Also, these types of electrical devices do not generate interference in the radio frequency. Ordinary household electrical engines that are transformed into an induction generation can provide sufficient power to light up incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights, provide electrical energy to run television, home entertainment systems, etc. The turbine of the induction generator is made up of number of bars that are either copper or aluminum. These copper or aluminum bars are linked electrically by end rings made up of aluminum. The turbine will start revolving similar that of a motor once electric current flows through it. The speed of the revolution is somewhat below the speed of the rotating magnetic field. The turbines of the motor will then create its own magnetic pole/s and is pulled along by the force of the rotating magnetic field. Once the turbine rotates faster than the

electromagnetic field of the stator; the stator then will generate powerful current in the turbine. The faster the turbines rotate the more power the stator will generate. The electromagnetic field is then converted into electrical energy and is supplied into the electrical grid. An induction generator is a self exciting device, which means that these devices require outside source of energy in order to generate a revolving magnetic flux. The outside source of energy can either come from the local utility grid or from the unit itself (once the unit starts to generate its own power).