Design and constructing of a small scale wind power generating system by converting a single-phase ac motor (ceiling fan) to a wind turbine a case study of the northern region of Ghana

Abstract

The main aim of any electric power supply system in the world is to provide uninterrupted power supply to all its consumers at all times. But in developing countries like Ghana, the electric power generated does not meet the demands of the growing number of consumers of electricity hence there is inadequate power supply which results from frequent power outages. This does not promote development in the public and private business sectors it has left many people without electricity. Even investors do not feel secure to come into a country with constant or frequent power failure. In addition, there are processes that cannot be interrupted because of their importance for instance, surgery in hospitals, transfer of money between banks and lots more. Power instability and outage in developing countries (like Ghana) creates the need for the exploration of alternative sources of power for off-grid premises or to backup the existing supply. Wind power generating system can be used for light and to power domestic appliances. Whenever continuity of supply is needed, wind power can be used as an alternative source. This project designed and constructed a Small Scale Wind Power Generating System by converting a single-phase AC motor (ceiling fan) to a wind turbine. The purpose of this project was to provide an alternative electric power source to supply those without electricity such as the villages without light, hospitals, hotels, schools and even consumers who may need backup for the main supply during power outages. The design comprised a generator (wind turbine made up of a coil and magnet), a rectifier circuit, battery charge controller unit, battery bank, circuit breaker, DC to AC inverter, step up transformer and finally connected to the load.