Techniques to Increase the Efficiency of Small Hydro Power Plants with Induction Machine

A small hydro power plant (SHPP) is one possible type of renewable energy sources. It could be placed on small streams without any tall buildings, which makes the SHPP friendly to the environment. However, a SHPP has an induction generator which operates efficiency in nominal power but not in lower power. This paper deals with a method to increase the efficiency in low power with reducing the stator voltage. This method was described earlier and now the key point is to describe possible techniques to decrease the stator voltage. For each of these techniques energy savings in a year period will be calculated and financial savings will be demonstrated in comparison to the cost of the used technical system.