Resumo:
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.
