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Description
The aim of the research project is to develop a globally novel product - an electricity generator based on permanent magnets and ferroresonance.
Summary of project results
The technology developed addresses the electricity supply problem and will provide households with access to energy (especially those in remote locations without access to a centralised electricity system). The technology developed under the project (stand-alone power generation plant prototype) will therefore enable these households to improve their quality of life, prepare warm and quality food, practice good hygiene and have access to other standard products (internet, TV, etc.) that are now standard in the 21st century. Given that the technology to be developed will be more economical to use (it will be possible to generate electricity more cheaply than alternative solutions), it will save financial resources for the final consumer. Thus, aiming to develop a new product - an electricity generator based on permanent magnets and ferroresonance.
When positioning the developed power generator as a replacement or supplement to the power supply system, it should provide an output voltage that meets the voltage quality requirements of public networks, as specified in Cabinet Regulation No. 759 (04.10.2011) “Regulations on the Voltage Requirements of Public Power Supply Networks” and the applicable standard LVS EN 50160:2010 “Voltage Characteristics of Electricity Supplied by Public Distribution Systems”. This standard specifies the effective value, frequency, and form of the voltage to ensure the normal operation of household electrical appliances. The project partner indicates the voltage (180-240V) but does not specify the frequency. The prototype device was observed to have a variable voltage of around 160V with a periodic, non-sinusoidal waveform and a frequency of 60-80 Hz. Such a regime does not ensure the normal operation of all household electrical appliances when connected directly to the generator without additional devices.
During the laboratory prototype demonstration, the prototype’s output power did not exceed 10W, and the bulb continuously flickered. The project partner also indicates this power value. The project partner describes the prototype most comprehensively and technically accurately, providing conclusions about its application and operating principle. The project partner also provides the specification of the components used and their main parameters, and the prototype described in it was demonstrated during the laboratory visit.
The laboratory prototype described in the project application and Feasibility study differs from the manufactured and demonstrated laboratory prototype during the visit. Within the project, a functional AC power generator prototype with an output power of 9-24 W was developed. However, without additional equipment, the prototype is not suitable for ensuring the normal operation of any household electrical appliance, even within the mentioned power range. The output power of 2 kW, as planned in the project application, was not achieved, which is justified by the lack of human resource capacity and the reduction of project intensity without fully utilizing the funding.
Regarding its construction and prepared documentation, the manufactured prototype does not exceed the technology readiness level TRL 6 (remains at TRL6) (technology demonstration in an artificial environment: the system model or prototype has been tested in an artificial environment). The developer justifies this by reducing project intensity without fully utilizing the funding. Efforts in developing the prototype were directed towards improving the technology in a lower-power prototype.
Thus, the project is considered partially completed, meaning that certain activities have been completed.
Summary of bilateral results
The project partner provided know-how in developing and improving electric motors by enhancing their efficiency and providing expertise for prototype development.