Validation of Solar-Powered Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Driven Electric Generators: A Soft Testing Approach

A. R. Sulemana, Erwin Normanyo

Abstract


Abstract

Recent research endeavours favour use of solar-powered squirrel cage induction motors as prime movers of electric generators. The use is to mitigate the high fuel, operating and maintenance costs, air and noise pollution and low performance efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Successful soft testing of a system minimizes associated costs and could culminate in practical implementation of system. This paper reports validation outcomes on soft testing conducted on a solar-powered squirrel-cage induction motor-driven electric generator. The solar irradiations considered were 1000 W/m2, 750 W/m2 and 250 W/m2 at temperatures of 25 oC and 20 oC. The soft tests in MATLAB/Simulink software environment were conducted on four models namely, the solar PV array, DC-AC converter, squirrel cage induction motor and the synchronous electric generator. For the three solar irradiance values, the output power and output voltage of the generator remained same at 24.7 kW and 400 V, respectively. However, the reductions in solar irradiance from 750 W/m2 to 250 W/ m2 at same temperature of 20 oC gave a reduction of 2.75 V from 36.57 V to 33.82 V. This reduction could not prevent the motor from rotating at the nominal speed of 1500 rpm.

Keywords: Electric Generator, Squirrel Cage Induction Motor, Manufacturer’s Data, Soft Testing, Solar Power 


Keywords


Electric Generator, Squirrel Cage Induction Motor, Manufacturer’s Data, Soft Testing, Solar Power

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References


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