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Globally competitive variable-speed wind turbines

Conference ·
OSTI ID:269394
 [1]; ; ;  [2]
  1. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY (United States)
  2. Atlantic Orient Corp., Norwich, VT (United States)

This paper focuses on the design issues which must be addressed if variable-speed wind turbines are to compete in the global marketplace. The paper examines how component-specific design decisions must be made on a system level if an optimized system is to be the result. The relationships among the blades, the generator and the utility interface are considered in detail, using the conceptual design of a 12 kW variable-speed wind turbine (the AOC 8/12) as a running example. The turbine is based on a direct-drive variable-reluctance generator (VRG), a single- or three-phase utility interface as appropriate, and a three-bladed rotor with fixed pitch. A preliminary turbine specification is provided, along with candidate power-speed curves and annual energy output. This paper documents the continuing development and commercialization of this technology which is being taken from the proof-of-concept stage and is now headed for field testing.

Research Organization:
American Wind Energy Association, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI ID:
269394
Report Number(s):
CONF-950309--; ON: DE96011159
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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