Abstract
With the exception of solar-powered systems, the electricity produced in off-grid systems is provided by a rotating generator. The operating principles, frequency, and voltage control aspects, circuit model, and efficiency of synchronous generators are described in this chapter. The mechanical power provided to the generator can come from several sources, including wind turbines, hydro turbines, and internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines are especially common. The operating principles, efficiency, and fuel consumption of internal combustion engine-coupled generators are described in this chapter. Biomass systems are also covered as they produce biogas and syngas that can be used as fuel for internal combustion engines. In particular, anaerobic and gasification processes are detailed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Notes
- 1.
An exception to this is if the WECS utilizes an induction generator. AC coupling is common in large-capacity WECS connected to the national grid where other generators form the AC bus voltage.
- 2.
The parameter k f will decrease at high levels of field current as the ferrous material making up the rotor saturates and its permeability drops.
- 3.
We use the term “plant matter” in a broader sense so that it includes all algae, even those species not classified as plants.
References
Bhattacharyya, S.C. (ed.): Rural Electrification Through Decentralised Off-Grid Systems in Developing Countries. Springer (2013)
Boyle, G. (ed.): Renewable Energy, 2nd edn. Oxford University Press (2004)
Caton, J.: An Introduction to Thermodynamic Cycle Simulations for Internal Combustion Engines. Wiley (2016)
Goswami, Y. (ed.): Alternative Energy in Agriculture, vol. 2. CRC Press (1983)
McLean, G.: Chapter 5 - generators. In: Warne, D. (ed.) Newnes Electrical Power Engineer’s Handbook, 2nd edn., pp. 105–133. Newnes, Oxford (2005). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-075066268-0/50005-6. URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780750662680500056
Sørensen, B.: Renewable Energy, 3rd edn. Elsevier Academic Press (2004)
Twidell, J., Weir, A.: Renewable Energy Resources, 2nd edn. Taylor & Francis (2006)
Wilkie, A.C.: Biomethane from biomass, biowaste, and biofuels. In: Bioenergy, pp. 195–205. American Society of Microbiology (2008). URL http://www.asmscience.org/content/book/10.1128/9781555815547.ch16
Wong, E., Whitall, H., Dailey, P.: Distributed Generation: The Power Paradigm for the New Millennium, chap. 2. CRC Press (2001)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Louie, H. (2018). Off-Grid Generators, Gen Sets, and Biomass Systems. In: Off-Grid Electrical Systems in Developing Countries. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91890-7_5
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-91890-7_5
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-91889-1
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-91890-7
eBook Packages: EnergyEnergy (R0)