Utility-scale variable-speed wind turbines using a doubly-fed generator with a soft-switching power converter
- Electronic Power Conditioning, Inc., Corvallis, OR (United States)
Utility-scale wind turbines operating at variable RPM have been studied for a considerable period of time. Whereas the increase in energy output originally has been considered the principal benefit of variable-speed operation, the ability to tightly control the drive-train torque by electronic means is becoming another very important cost factor, especially for turbine ratings above 500 kilowatts. This cost benefit becomes even more significant as optimum turbine ratings today are approaching (and surpassing) 1 Megawatt. Having identified the benefits for the turbine, the designer is confronted with the task of finding the most cost-effective variable-speed generation system which allows him to make use of the benefits, yet does not introduce well-known electrical problems associated with state-of-the-art variable-speed generator controls, such as drastically reduced generator winding life, excessive harmonics on the utility, and poor utility power factor. This paper will indicate that for high-power (> 500 kW), utility-scale wind turbines a doubly-fed generator system in connection with a soft-switching resonant power converter is the least-cost variable-speed generation system offering all of the desired benefits, yet avoids the introduction of the potential electrical problems stated above. 3 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- US Department of Energy (USDOE), Washington DC (United States); National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 447462
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960630-; ON: DE97002833; TRN: 97:001056-0027
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Windpower `96: American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) conference, Denver, CO (United States), 23-27 Jun 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]; Related Information: Is Part Of Windpower `96 - Proceedings of the American Wind Energy Association; PB: 682 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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