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Wind Generator Facts
Introduction to Wind Generators
Wind generators, commonly known as wind turbines, convert wind energy into electricity. They consist of metal blades mounted on a pole connected to an electrical generator. The wind rotates the blades, turning a gear shaft connected to the generator, which moves a coil of wires around a magnetic core to generate an electric current2. Wind turbines are environmentally friendly as they do not consume fuel or emit greenhouse gases2.
Types of Wind Turbine Generator Systems
Constant Speed and Variable Speed Systems
Wind turbine generator systems can be categorized into constant speed and variable speed systems. Constant speed systems typically use a squirrel-cage induction generator. Variable speed systems include the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) with a gearbox, fully rated converter systems, and direct drive (DD) systems1.
Emerging Technologies
Emerging technologies in wind turbine generators include hydraulic transmissions, which are lighter but less efficient than gearboxes, and brushless DFIGs, which offer improved low-voltage ride-through characteristics1. Magnetic pseudo DDs and superconducting generators are also being explored for their potential to be smaller and lighter, though they require further cost and reliability validation1.
Environmental and Siting Considerations
The total energy potential of wind over the Earth's surface is estimated to be three times the world’s energy consumption3. However, siting large wind turbines in populated areas can pose environmental challenges. Offshore siting and the use of mountain passes to funnel air currents are potential solutions3. Wind turbines are particularly effective in remote locations for mechanical and electrical power generation, such as water pumping and energy storage through compressed air3.
Performance and Control of Wind Generators
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (PMSG)
PMSGs are a type of variable-speed wind generator connected to the power network via a fully controlled frequency converter. This setup includes a pulsewidth-modulation (PWM) rectifier, an intermediate DC circuit, and a PWM inverter. PMSGs are controlled to maximize power extraction from the wind and maintain efficiency under varying load conditions5.
Variable Pitch Control Systems
Variable pitch control systems are crucial for managing wind turbine performance, especially in regions prone to strong winds like Japan. These systems adjust the pitch angle of the blades to control the rotational speed and electrical load, ensuring stability and preventing damage during storms8.
Optimization and Future Trends
High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Generators
HTS generators are being optimized for large-scale wind turbines. Research indicates that increasing the rated revolution and stator outer diameter can reduce generator weight, making HTS generators superior to traditional copper and permanent magnet generators6.
Airborne Wind Energy
Innovative technologies like Kitenergy aim to harness high-altitude wind energy using airborne systems. These systems promise to generate large quantities of renewable energy at lower costs than fossil fuels, potentially revolutionizing wind energy generation9.
Stability and Modeling
The high penetration of wind power significantly impacts the stability of modern power systems. Extensive research has been conducted on modeling wind turbine generators to address various stability concerns. These models are essential for understanding the dynamic behaviors of power systems with high wind power integration and developing appropriate stability study methodologies10.
Conclusion
Wind generators are a vital component of renewable energy infrastructure, offering environmentally friendly electricity generation. Advances in technology, such as variable speed systems, PMSGs, and HTS generators, are enhancing the efficiency and performance of wind turbines. Addressing environmental and siting challenges, optimizing generator designs, and improving stability modeling are crucial for the continued growth and integration of wind energy into global power systems.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Trends in Wind Turbine Generator Systems
Wind turbine generator systems are evolving towards lighter, more efficient designs, with hydraulic transmissions, brushless DFIGs, magnetic pseudo DDs, and superconducting generators showing promise.
Highly CitedHow Can Wind Turn Into Electricity?
Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity, providing environmentally friendly and cost-effective energy for homes and businesses.
THE THEORY OF AN IDEAL WIND POWER GENERATOR
The vertical low-speed sailing wind generator offers a quiet, reliable, and relatively inexpensive solution for small wind speeds, overcoming the limitations of air-driven vane converters.
Control of permanent-magnet generators applied to variable-speed wind-energy systems connected to the grid
The control of variable-speed wind generators with a frequency converter optimizes power production and efficiency, allowing for power factor regulation in windmills.
Highly CitedOptimization study of the main parameters of different types of wind turbine generators
The HTS wind turbine generator is superior to its two counterparts in terms of performance and efficiency, with optimal rated revolution at 40 minutes.
Overview of different wind generator systems and their comparisons
Variable speed concepts with power electronics are the most promising for large wind farms, and future success depends on meeting market expectations and grid utility requirements.
Highly CitedPERFORMANCE OF A 3 KW WIND TURBINE GENERATOR WITH VARIABLE PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM
The 3 kW wind turbine with variable pitch control system shows a power coefficient of 0.257 under average wind speed of 7.3 m/s, demonstrating stability and performance under real wind conditions.
Highly CitedOptimization of airborne wind energy generators
Kitenergy, an innovative airborne wind energy technology, could revolutionize wind energy generation by providing large quantities of renewable energy at a lower cost than fossil energy.
Highly CitedModeling of wind turbine generators for power system stability studies: A review
This paper provides a comprehensive overview on wind turbine generator modeling for various stability studies, identifying unresolved issues and future research trends.
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