Structural Design Optimization of Doubly-Fed Induction Generators Using GeneratorSE

Latha Sethuraman, Lee Fingersh, Claire Arthurs, Katherine Dykes

Research output: NRELPoster

Abstract

A wind turbine with a larger rotor swept area can generate more electricity, however, this increases costs disproportionately for manufacturing, transportation, and installation. This poster presents analytical models for optimizing doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs), with the objective of reducing the costs and mass of wind turbine drivetrains. The structural design for the induction machine includes models for the casing, stator, rotor, and high-speed shaft developed within the DFIG module in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's wind turbine sizing tool, GeneratorSE. The mechanical integrity of the machine is verified by examining stresses, structural deflections, and modal properties. The optimization results are then validated using finite element analysis (FEA). The results suggest that our analytical model correlates with the FEA in some areas, such as radial deflection, differing by less than 20 percent. But the analytical model requires further development for axial deflections, torsional deflections, and stress calculations.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 2017

Publication series

NamePresented at International Conference on Future Technologies in Wind Energy, 24-26 October 2017, Boulder, Colorado

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PO-5000-70321

Keywords

  • analysis
  • finite element modeling
  • GeneratorSE
  • induction generator
  • structural design

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