Electronic load controller for micro hydral systems

Electronics Load Controller is an electronic device that functions as a frequency and voltage regulator on a generator. An ELC is designed to regulate the output power of a microhydropower system and the main objective of this project is to maintain a constant load on the generator

Project Title

Electronic load controller for micro hydral systems

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

Electronics Load Controller is an electronic device that functions as a frequency and voltage regulator on a generator. An ELC is designed to regulate the output power of a microhydropower system and the main objective of this project is to maintain a constant load on the generator irrespective of the variation in load on the consumer, to stabilize the frequency from the generator to be usable and attenuate fluctuations quickly. This project is simple and easy in installation and operation, with no setting or adjustment required. Frequency sensor is used to sense the frequency of Generator, to give it to the microcontroller to control the frequency(crosscheck with predetermined/defined frequency by applying PID controller to compensate then error) using Dump loads or by controlling the motor speed through PWM signal. LCD module provides a user friendly interface, to make it understandable.

Project Objectives

• To maintain a constant load on the generator irrespective of the variation in load on the consumer end.
• To stabilize the frequency from the generator to be usable.
• Simple and easy in installation and  operation, no setting or adjustment required.
• Attenuate fluctuations quickly
• Generator Rating = Consumer load + Dummy load

Project Implementation Method

For the implementation of this project we followed certain steps.

• First we studied the Electronic load controller research papers from google and IEEE site. After studying their thesis and project research we concluded that we can add more things in their project to improve it much better and have it be more efficient.
• we search for sensors (current,volage and frequency) and do simulation and programmed on Arduino accordingly for testing current, frequency and voltage detectors/sensors
• After that,the sensors/ detecttion circuit simulate properly then we want to do a Hardware part,
• first check it on breadboard, then applied it on Vero board. 
• The genrator and Dc motor coupled togethter, or The Sensors applied on generator output for testing, luckily it works properly.
• After implemetation, we programmed the controller for PID to Control the frequency or to compensate tthe error respectively through dump load.
• Also, we do speed controlling of motor through PID controller using pwm singal,, that would give us a desire frequncy what we set.

Benefits of the Project

• The benefit of ELCs is that they have no moving parts, are reliable and are virtually maintenance-free.
• At home main circuit board because the power losses in damp load is dissipated so that’s why we want to use this dissipated power in household things as charging the batteries or water heaters rather than use of damp load.
• ELC enables the use of simpler, cheaper turbine with less moving part.
• No hammer effect from load changes.
• ELC allows lighter, less robust penstock and
• imposes less wears and tears on machinery.
• High reliability, low maintenance and simple to operate.
• ELC can be fitted at any point in electrical system.
• Ballast load can usefully deployed example water and/or space heaters implying 100% load factor of the power plant.
• ELC is less expensive than equivalent flow control governor

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The programming would all be done on ArduinoIDE.

Simullation made up on proteus

Sensor provide us a current  and voltage values of generator 

frequncy sensor detect the frequncy gives it to arduino.

Arduino act as a controller in which we programmed  PID so that, the controller control the  frequncy flucuations through ballast loads due to invariation in consumer load.

Also we can control fluctations through speed controlling of motor by giving it PWM signal.

LCD and Keypad provide a user friendlly interface.

keypad used to set the setpoint of frequency.

All of these are monitored in lcd.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Others

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Others

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

If you need this project, please contact me on contact@adikhanofficial.com