May 12, 2011

Induction generator troubleshooting

Induction generators are widely used in diverse places ranging from shops to household. They are popular because of their low cost and simplicity. However, they can face frequent problems as Induction generators are not designed with securities conventional generators have.

In this post I am going to describe how a small but frequent problem in induction generators can be solved. This is my first approach to a series of posts about induction generator troubleshooting.

PROBLEM:

Generator is not producing electricity though it is rotating, or it is not producing its usual power, or it is not powering all equipments as it did couple of days ago.

SOLUTION:

Simply connect the induction generator to  an existing conventional AC power source and run it as a motor for some times. This problem should be solved. 


If you wonder what was the problem and how my solution will solve above mentioned problem, keep reading. I am going to describe it in next paragraph.


Induction generators are constructionally same as induction motors except for the fact that induction generators has a prime mover. This prime mover is run by diesel and in same cases, by other petroleum oils.
However, induction generators exploits the residual magnetism in the rotor and produce electricity. This residual magnetism is the source of electric energy produced in induction generator. Residual magnetism can be lost for a number of reason and I am not going to describe these reasons in this article. However, if residual magnetism is lost, no electricity will be produced even if the generator is running. To restore residual magnetism, just make the generator working as motor for a while. This will recreate the residual magnetism and everything will be fine. And you will make everything okay just after a little troubleshooting.