Dual-Speed Wind Turbine Generation

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

Induction generator has been used since the early development of utility-scale wind turbine generation. An induction generator is the generator of choice because of its ruggedness and low cost. With an induction generator, the operating speed of the wind turbine is limited to a narrow range (almost constant speed). Dualspeed operation can be accomplished by using an induction generator with twodifferent sets of winding configurations or by using a dual output drive train to drive two induction generators with two different rated speeds. With single-speed operation, the wind turbine operates at different power coefficients (Cp) as the wind speed varies. Operation at maximum Cp can occur only at a single wind speed. However, if the wind speed varies across a wider range, the operatingCp will vary significantly. Dual-speed operation has the advantage of enabling the wind turbine to operate at near maximum Cp over a wider range of wind speeds. Thus, annual energy production can be increased. The dual-speed mode may generate less energy than a variable-speed mode; nevertheless, it offers an alternative which captures more energy than single-speed operation. In this paper,dual-speed operation of a wind turbine is investigated. Annual energy production is compared between single-speed and dual-speed operation. One type of control algorithm for dual-speed operation is proposed. Some results from a dynamic simulation will be presented to show how the control algorithm works as the wind turbine is exposed to varying wind speeds.
Original languageAmerican English
Number of pages11
StatePublished - 1996
EventAWEA Windpower '96 - Denver, Colorado
Duration: 23 Jun 199627 Jun 1996

Conference

ConferenceAWEA Windpower '96
CityDenver, Colorado
Period23/06/9627/06/96

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/CP-440-21408

Keywords

  • dual-speed
  • induction generator
  • turbines
  • wind

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