Efficiency improvement of small hydroelectric power stations with a permanent-magnet synchronous generator

Abstract

The Climate change, the growing shortage of fossil raw materials and the requirements for CO2 emission reduction forces the thrust to design energy-efficient powertrain topologies for power generation. The share of renewable energies to 2030 will be increased to 20% of the total energy demand in Europe. This includes not only wind energy, solar energy and biomass, but also the hydroelectric power. Not only in Europe in general but also in Bavaria in particular, the use of hydropower is to be further developed. The Bavarian state government has decided in a framework paper to maintain and enhance the use of hydropower. To achieve the energy improvement a permanentmagnet synchronous generator has to be developed especially for small hydropower. The use of permanent-magnet low-speed synchronous generators for small hydropower stations is to be made economically by new manufacturing methods even in small quantities.