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Soft-Stall Control versus Furling Control for Small Wind Turbine Power Regulation

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1114068· OSTI ID:1114068
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Many small wind turbines are designed to furl (turn) in high winds to regulate power and provide overspeed protection. Furling control results in poor energy capture at high wind speeds. This paper proposes an alternative control strategy for small wind turbines -- the soft-stall method. The furling and soft-stall control strategies are compared using steady state analysis and dynamic simulation analysis. The soft-stall method is found to offer several advantages: increased energy production at high wind speeds, energy production which tracks the maximum power coefficient at low to medium wind speeds, reduced furling noise, and reduced thrust.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1114068
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP--500-25100
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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