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Forum Index : Other Stuff : bio and woodgas generator grid connect

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pakejotter

Newbie

Joined: 13/05/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 3
Posted: 12:29am 13 May 2011
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First I would like to introduce myself and say a big thanks to everone on this forum as it has quite a wealth of information in it.

Now I am going to hit you with my questions.

I am currently working for a winery who are looking at investing in a small to medium sized pyrolisis plant and biodigester to feed a genset and ammonia absorption chiller as we have access to very large quantities of organic matter and a need for compost and material to add carbon to our soil.

While the gas and electricity production side of things is relatively well sorted I am still a little unsure about the what is nessicery to legally connect the system to the grid. I received a less than conclusive answer from etsa stating that as long as the inverter was approved it should all be fine?

Since this system is essentialy the same as a grid connected wind turbine, the only difference is the energy source turning the alternator, I was hoping that some on on here could give me a bit of advice as to the standards that equipment on the generator side of the inverter need to comply to.

Cheers,

Jake

 
VK4AYQ
Guru

Joined: 02/12/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2539
Posted: 05:18am 13 May 2011
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Hi there

I would request the information they have given you in writing about the inverter then have an electrician install the hi voltage dc generator, or low voltage to inverter boost to hi voltage, or look for a low voltage approved inverter, as long as they give you in writing permission and it is installed by a licensed electrician that would cover both bases.

All the best

Bob
Foolin Around
 
pakejotter

Newbie

Joined: 13/05/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 3
Posted: 05:46am 13 May 2011
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Thanks for the reply Bob, I have an email from etsa but I will write a letter to them and it in a more permanent and legaly binding form.

Another question is why would I need to boost the dc voltage? Sorry if this ignorance on my behalf but I was under the impression that watching out for excessive high voltages if we were to use a genset capable of producing 3 phase at 410v by the time the ac was rectified to dc this would end up being noticably higher, I will grab the figures when I get back home. For this reason we have been considering an alternator wit an american 3 phase output in order to keep the voltage bellow the 500 that most inverters seem to be limited to.

I will most definetly be getting a liscensed electricitia to be conecting everything up. Green energy is pretty cool but most definetely not worth dying for.

Cheers,

Jake
 
VK4AYQ
Guru

Joined: 02/12/2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 2539
Posted: 07:17am 13 May 2011
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Hi jake

On most 3 phase alternators it is possible to pull three phases at 240 volts if they are star connected, so you have a neutral and three actives at 120 degrees phase shift by rectifying each phase with its own rectifier you should get around 325 - 350 volts DC under load. after its rectified it is ok to combine all three sources.

If you can get a 110 volt 3 phase unit then its a bit easier but they are hard to come by now, so the star and 3 phases is the easier option.

I have a 110 volt 3 phase 35 kva I have been hanging onto for just what you are doing, so will be interested in how you go with yours.

How much power are you looking at generating? Many years ago I set one up to run on methane from a pig sty it was very successful, generating 100KVA +

There is a guy running one on sugar cane waste, I read about him a few years ago but never was able to contact him.

best of luck with your project.

All the best

Bob
Foolin Around
 
Robb
Senior Member

Joined: 01/08/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 221
Posted: 07:37am 22 May 2011
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  pakejotter said   the only difference is the energy source turning the alternator


I would scrap the idea of an inverter and go for a grid connect induction alternator aka induction motor driven above slip.
 
pakejotter

Newbie

Joined: 13/05/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 3
Posted: 12:16am 23 May 2011
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Someone at work has suggested this as an option. We are currently looking into the legality of doing so and hoping that their is somekind of loophole. I would greatly apreciate it if someone has some experiance in doing so.

Cheers,

Jake
 
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