My project will explore the effect of varying slip, rotation frequencies, and system size/configuration on the energy output of an induction generator.  If time and resources permit, I will also be testing how efficiency varies with slip, and how this effects my final results of which configuration is best.  This question (of bigger versus smaller systems with higher or lower rotation frequencies) is currently a topic of much debate in the field of wind turbine design, and thus is an interesting area to conduct my research.

The traditional design for an induction generator includes a gearbox with which to convert the relatively slow rotor rotations provided by the mechanical source (wind, steam, etc.) into rotations at a frequency that will generate power.  However, a newer model forgoes this for a much larger ring of permanent magnets, creating a stronger magnetic field that does not require the rapid rotation rate provided by the gearbox to generate a sufficient amount of power.  The basic equations that will form the backbone of my simulations are described below.

I will apply these equations to relate slip and the relative size, position, and number of loops of wire to the amount of current generated, and run simulations to find the most efficient configuration.