Variable speed operation of micro-hydroelectric power generators

During the last years, energy efficiency has become one more and more important problem. Therefore, it is important to exploit the energy sources at best. The potential hydroelectric energy is almost totally exploited in Italy, but it still exists the possibility to manufacture new micro-hydroelectric plants. Nevertheless, design costs are very burdensome because it needs to consider a specific design for each plant. In this paper, a only system has been designed in order to adapt it at different operating conditions and, therefore, to reduce the pay-back period. Particular attention is paid to the efficiency of the generator.