Evaluation of an Induction Generator

This consultant was approached by a representative of a group of private investors willing to provide venture capital to a start-up company, which had intellectual property rights to a novel stand-alone induction generator. According to the company, the generator was characterized by unusually high power density, resulting in a low weight and bulk of the machine. As such, it could be employed as a convenient portable source of ac voltage, powered by a mechanical mover such as an internal combustion engine. The expert was asked to review the provided description of the generator and issue an opinion regarding technical viability of the proposed solution.

Based on the analysis of the available materials that included the relevant patent, the consultant found the 5-kW, 240-V, 1200 r/min machine technically viable. The generator, based on the sound principle of induction disc motors, constituted a cylindrical-to-linear-to-disc transposition of the classic squirrel-cage induction machine. However, without an experimental investigation, no conclusions could be drawn with respect to such issues as manufacturability or reliability.

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