Matching wind turbine rotors and loads: computational methods for designers

Technical Report · Fri Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5390198· OSTI ID:5390198

Seale, J. B.

This report provides a comprehensive method for matching wind energy conversion system (WECS) rotors with the load characteristics of common electrical and mechanical applications. The user must supply: (1) turbine aerodynamic efficiency as a function of tipspeed ratio; (2) mechanical load torque as a function of rotation speed; (3) useful delivered power as a function of incoming mechanical power; (4) site average windspeed and, for maximum accuracy, distribution data. The description of the data includes governing limits consistent with the capacities of components. The report develops, a step-by-step method for converting the data into useful results: (1) from turbine efficiency and load torque characteristics, turbine power is predicted as a function of windspeed; (2) a decision is made how turbine power is to be governed (it may self-govern) to insure safety of all components; (3) mechanical conversion efficiency comes into play to predict how useful delivered power varies with windspeed; (4) wind statistics come into play to predict longterm energy output. Most systems can be approximated by a graph-and-calculator approach: Computer-generated families of coefficient curves provide data for algebraic scaling formulas. The method leads not only to energy predictions, but also to insight into the processes being modeled. Direct use of a computer program provides more sophisticated calculations where a highly unusual system is to be modeled, where accuracy is at a premium, or where error analysis is required. The analysis is fleshed out witn in-depth case studies for induction generator and inverter utility systems; battery chargers; resistance heaters; positive displacement pumps, including three different load-compensation strategies; and centrifugal pumps with unregulated electric power transmission from turbine to pump.

• Research Organization: New Alchemy Inst., East Falmouth, MA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP03533
• OSTI ID: 5390198
• Report Number(s): RFP-3423; ON: DE84006921
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
WIND TURBINES
PERFORMANCE
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
ALTERNATORS
AVAILABILITY
CALCULATION METHODS
COMPUTER CODES
CONTROL
EFFICIENCY
INDUCTION GENERATORS
L CODES
TORQUE
WIND POWER
WIND-POWERED PUMPS
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ENERGY SOURCES
MACHINERY
POWER
PUMPS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
170602* - Wind Energy Engineering- Turbine Design & Operation
170603 - Wind Energy Engineering- Power-Conversion Systems