generator with NdFeB magnets from the rare-earth magnet family is higher than that with the AlNiCo and ferrite magnets. This was expected because of the different B-H properties of these magnets.
The recycled generator in this thesis was designed using loudspeaker magnet that is from the ferrite family. These types of magnets are cheap and readily available, but their disadvantage is that they posses low surface flux density. The induced voltage was therefore expected to be much lower than the voltage induced in a generator with NdFeD magnets. <В
5.2 The rms output flux of the generator
The magnetic flux density in the gap of PM generators is limited by the remanent magnetic flux density of PMs and saturation magnetic flux density of ferromagnetic core. Hence, the simulated value of output flux is directly proportional to the remanent magnetic flux. In addition, permanent magnet machine cannot normally produce the high flux density of a wound pole rotor.
5.3 Factors that may have affected the recycled generator outputs
There are many factors that should be taken in consideration with regards to the induced voltage from the recycled generator. Some magnetic deterioration may have occurred after the magnets were thrown into the dump. But, due to the magnet's magnetic permanent properties, these magnets are expected to still have some surface flux density when found in the dumpsites.
This is evidence that any permanent magnet that is found in the dumpsites can be reused in a generator design to induce some voltage, of course depending on their B-H properties. p> The estimated properties of the speaker magnets that were used in this thesis were found from the loudspeaker manufacture, clearly these properties will not be the same as the properties of recycled magnets that were found in the rural area of ​​Ga-Rampuru. These recycled magnets have been affected by different conditions such as temperatures, climates, etc.
The exact properties of the recycled magnets can only be found by testing these magnets in the laboratory. For this thesis the author was unable to take the loudspeaker magnets found in the rural area of Ga-Rampuru to the laboratory. <В
5.4 Applications of voltage from the wind turbine
The induced voltage of the generator will vary with the wind speeds experienced in this village. The generator can be connected to a battery to store the power which can be utilized when there is little or no wind.
If more power is required, the voltage can be boosted by using any economical booster that can convert the output of the recycled generator to at least a minimum of 12V. The voltage from the booster can then be put through a cheap electronic regulator that will only charge the battery if the boosted voltage from the wind generator is sufficient to produce at least 12V direct current. p> To power the refrigerator in chapter 1, the store owner in the village will have to purchase an inverter that will convert the DC voltage to AC voltage. The inverter will convert the low-voltage from the battery (12V) into mains-type 230V alternating current.
5.5 Design using speaker magnets
Finally, the author investigated how speaker magnets can be used in the generator design, if they have to be smashed or used as they are.
As already investigated, loudspeaker magnets are commonly from the ferrite magnets family. Ferrite and rare-earth magnets are by nature very hard and brittle. Although they can be cut, drilled and machined this should only be done by individuals who are experienced with ceramics. If the magnets get over about 300 deg F, they will lose their magnetism permanently [17] .
Therefore, it will be very difficult for rural artisans to cut these magnets and use them. Due to limited time the author could not investigate if these magnets can be used as they are in the machine. p> In the next chapter the author attempts to assemble the wind generator in the laboratory.
Chapter 6. Practical comparison of the generators
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6.1 Introduction
The following chapter outlines the steps that were taken in order to assemble the permanent magnet generator discussed in the previous chapters. This is done in order to compare the practical outputs of the generator with the simulated ones. The other reason is to investigate the performance of recyclable magnets with irregular shapes.
This investigation will only concentrate on assembling the generator part of the wind turbine system. p> For the construction of the PM generator in this thesis two options were considered, the first was to collect readily available off-shelf materials to assemble a small generator. And the second was to convert an AC induction motor to a PM generator. Both options are discussed i...
