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U.S. Department of Energy
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Maximizing Energy Capture of Fixed-Pitch Variable-Speed Wind Turbines

Conference ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2000-32· OSTI ID:763310

Field tests of a variable-speed, stall-regulated wind turbine were conducted at a US Department of Energy Laboratory. A variable-speed generating system, comprising a doubly-fed generator and series-resonant power converter, was installed on a 275-kW, downwind, two-blade wind turbine. Gearbox, generator, and converter efficiency were measured in the laboratory so that rotor aerodynamic efficiency could be determined from field measurement of generator power. The turbine was operated at several discrete rotational speeds to develop power curves for use in formulating variable-speed control strategies. Test results for fixed-speed and variable-speed operation are presented along with discussion and comparison of the variable-speed control methodologies. Where possible, comparisons between fixed-speed and variable-speed operation are shown.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-99GO10337
OSTI ID:
763310
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-500-27551
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English