CHAPTER 1

Problem and its Setting

This chapter informs the reader of the problem being studied. It includes theBackground
of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Hypotheses, Significance of the Study, and the Scope
and Delimitations.
INTRODUCTION
1.1

Background of the Study

Civil society organizations and environmental networks have been continually
questioning the countrys current level of dependence to coal-based energy sources. Over
the years, there have been no concrete measures being undertaken by the national
government to venture alternative energy sources even after the passage of the Renewable
Energy Law of 1998. As a consequence, massive power shortages during the El Nioseason
have affected most parts of the country. (Western Times News, 2010)
Electrical energy prices are touching the sky limits. With each passing day, we are
feeling more uncomfortable because these raising energy prices have adverse effect on our
monthly home budget. Every month we have to spend the major chuck of our hard earned
income to pay the electric bills. Global warming is now almost universally accepted as a
serious problem caused by human activity mainly burning fossil fuels that demands
strong remedial action as soon as possible.

An alternative power source of less expenditures, low maintenance cost and not just
renewable but unlimited power source will end Mindanaos power crisis. Self-running
steam generator is one of the reliable and renewable energy sources. Based steam engine
with variable-speed variable-pitch control scheme is the most popular steam generator. This
machine can be operated either in grid connected or stand-alone mode.

A thorough

understanding of the modeling, control, and dynamic as well as the steady state analysis of
this machine in both operation modes is necessary to optimally extract the power from the
steam and accurately predict its performance.
In this research, a detailed electromechanical model of a based steam engine
connected to power motors with the use of integrated battery energy storage is developed
and its corresponding generator structure is implemented. A thorough explanation of this
control structure as well as the steady state behavior of the overall steam generator system
is presented. The steady state power output capability is studied for a single or multiple
household usage.
Typically, most of the steam model engines are characterized by under voltage
condition. Because of the limited reactive power capability, it cannot always supply
required power output; as a result, its terminal voltage fluctuates. Hence, a voltage
regulation device is required for the secure operation using a DC motor or alternator. To
improve steady state voltage and enhance power, the use of power inverters which is now
common among electric generators is also considered.

1.2

Statement of the Problem

This study was conducted to check the potential and capability of steam to produce
enough amount of electrical power and if it could power-up a household and serve as
substitute to the local gas generator.

1.2.1 Specific Objective

Specifically, the researchers would like to provide an answer to the following
questions:

1.3

1.4

Can a Steam Generator produce enough Electrical Energy that could sustain

the energy requirement of many different light appliances?

Can the Steam Generator serve as a substitute to the local gas generator?

Hypotheses

Steam Generator has the capacity to generate enough amount of Electrical Energy that

can sustain the energy requirement of many different light appliances.

The Steam Generator can serve as a substitute to the local gas generator.

Significance of the Study

Economy

This project is not costly so everyone is capable of providing themselves with

this power source. Given this project will be made possible; people will no longer
suffer the inconvenience of brown-outs nor black-outs. People that do not belong to the
urban areas can provide themselves with a reliable source of electricity and the said
source is hassle-free.
What is good about this project is that a number of families could be supported
by only one prototype such that the energy produced is directly proportional to the
required needs. This could also be used by the poor people in the society that cant
afford electricity or cant pay the bills because they may share with the neighboring
families concerning the cost of the materials for the completion of the prototype.

Environment
The environment is free from any possible hazards that the machine may cause.
In the very first place, it does not require the use of any chemical, whether organic or
inorganic. Hence, it does not emit any harmful radiation or dangerous chemicals that
can harm the environment. The machine also occupies a small area, unlike other
sources of electricity. Therefore, there will be more space that can be provided to other
commercial buildings and less forest space will be destroyed.

1.5

Scope and Delimitations

This study was conducted for economic purposes of a modern Steam Engine as a
source of Electrical Energy in the form of a Steam Generator. Multiple testing of this Steam
Generatorwith different household appliances has been done so it is assured that this Steam
Generator has the potential to be a new source of Electricity.
The gathering and buying of the materials took place in the City of Koronadal
while the assembling of the Steam Generator took place in the house of our co-researcher.
And the testing of this prototype was done at the Elective Room of Electricity at the
KNCHS.
This research study is only limited to a household. The material that was used in
the prototype is capable of supporting only a household. This is because there are no highquality materials here in the City of Koronadal that could generate very high Electrical
Energy. But still, the prototype could generate much electricity that could be use by a
household.