Lithium-Ion Ultracapacitors integrated with Wind Turbines Power Conversion Systems to Extend Operating Life and Improve Output Power Quality
In this project we designed and modeled a system for a full conversion wind turbine and built a scaled down model which utilizes Lithium-Ion Capacitors on the DC bus. One of the objectives is to reduce the mechanical stress on the gearbox and drivetrain of the wind turbine by adjusting the torque on generator side according to incoming wind power. Another objective is to provide short-term support for wind energy to be more grid friendly in order to ultimately increase wind energy penetration. These supports include power smoothing, power ramp rate limitation, low voltage ride through, and frequency (inertia) support. This research shows how energy storage in small scale and in an economical fashion can make a significant impact on performance of wind turbines. Gearbox and drivetrain premature failures are among high cost maintenance items for wind turbines. Since the capacitors are directly applied on the turbine DC bus and their integration does not require addition hardware, the cost of the additional system can be reasonable for the wind turbine manufacturers and utility companies.
- Research Organization:
- Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System for UW- Milwaukee
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE EE Office of Wind and Hydropower Technologies (EE-2B)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0001386
- OSTI ID:
- 1041041
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EE0001386
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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