A utilização de bombas operando como turbinas e geradores de indução na geração de energia elétrica

Abstract

The use of pumps working as turbines (PATs) in micro hydropower plants - MHP in order to replace conventional turbines like Pelton, Francis and Propeller is very common in the USA, Germany and France. Meanwhile, in Brazil the utilization of induction generators working with PATís still stand in laboratory scope and experiments, as in the Hydromechanics Laboratory for Small Hydropower Plants ñ LHPCH ñ UNIFEI, (VIANA, 1987) and (NOGUEIRA, 1990). This work, based on experimental results carried on the LHPCH, describe and recommend the utilization of induction motors working as generators (inductions generators) and operating with PATís in the electric generating in isolated systems. Tests were realized, on a pump and a motor in the Label Laboratory of Pumps ñ LEB in UNIFEI, to built a curve that describes their behavior on water pumping. Tests in the PATís and the induction generator were also realized to assemble the operational characteristics in the electric generating. Experimental matching were obtained between pumpís and PATís head and flow, as shown in the induction generatorís and PATís tecnical feasibility. Moreover this paper demonstrate the financial attractiveness in micro hydropower plants, as presented in the example of Boa EsperanÁa MHP, located in Delfim Moreira, Minas Gerais. Where a comparison cost was developed between the synchronous generator group working with a Michell-Banki turbine and a assynchrounous generator group operating with a PAT.