Fixed, Variable and
Two speed operation
of Wind turbines
By
Aravind K
212TH004
Introduction
The wind energy has experienced the biggest growth in the past few
years. This is because wind energy is a pollution-free resource, has an
unlimited potential. Wind power is capable of supplying hundreds of
megawatts of power, but the main challenge associated with wind
energy conversion is the wasted potential wind power due to changing
wind conditions. With each change in wind velocity, the system must be
corresponding adjusted to its optimum operating point to allow
maximum power transfer. Wind energy systems are either fixed-speed
or variable-speed wind turbine systems.
Fixed Speed Operation
• In this configuration Wind turbine runs at constant speed
• The rotor is coupled with an induction generator via speed increasing
gear as shown
• Induction generators require excitation power from the grid. This may
result in undesirable voltage variations, especially in weaker
networks. To avoid this problem, capacitors are provided in the circuit
as shown in the figure. With this configuration, the wind turbine will
run at constant (or nearly constant) speed and feed the grid with
power in a predetermined frequency ( 50 Hz or 60 Hz ).
• Regardless of the wind speed, the wind turbines rotor speed is fixed and
determined by the frequency of the supply grid, the gear ratio and the generator
design. It is characteristic of fixed-speed wind turbines that they are equipped
with an induction generator (squirrel cage or wound rotor) that is directly
connected to the grid, with a soft-starter and a capacitor bank for reducing
reactive power compensation. They are designed to achieve maximum efficiency
at one particular wind speed. The main drawback of overall system its poor
efficiency because it cannot track maximum power.
Advantages of Fixed Speed WT
Simple construction
Cheaper to implement
No complex power electronics needed to maintain standard grid frequency
Disadvantages Fixed Speed WT
Cannot track wind fluctuations
Less Energy capture than variable-speed operation
High loads on the drive train
Requirement of constant speed is rigid with only 1% fluctuations allowed.
Two Speed Operation
• In order to increase power production, the generator of some fixed speed wind
turbines has two winding sets: one is used at low wind speeds and the other at
medium and high wind speeds.
Variable Speed Wind Turbines
• Variable-speed wind turbines are designed to achieve maximum aerodynamic
efficiency over a wide range of wind speeds. With a variable-speed operation it has
become possible continuously to adapt (accelerate or decelerate) the rotational
speed ‘w’ of the wind turbine to the wind speed V. This way, the tip speed ratio λ is
kept constant at a predefined value that corresponds to the maximum power
coefficient. Contrary to a fixed-speed system, a variable-speed system keeps the
generator torque fairly constant and the variations in wind are absorbed by changes
in the generator speed.
• The electrical system of a variable-speed wind turbine is more complicated than
that of a fixed-speed wind turbine. It is typically equipped with an induction or
synchronous generator and connected to the grid through a power converter.
The power converter controls the generator speed; that is, the power
fluctuations caused by wind variations are absorbed mainly by changes in the
rotor generator speed and consequently in the wind turbine rotor speed. The
variable wind turbine increases the energy capture. This are improved the
power quality and reduced mechanical stress on the wind turbine system.
• Wind turbines which operate in variable speeds are equipped with either
synchronous generators or a doubly fed induction generators. In systems with
synchronous generator, the operating speed changes randomly with fluctuations in
the wind velocity and hence the output voltage and frequency would also vary. This
output cannot be directly fed to the grid due to its poor power quality. Thus the wind
turbine is totally decoupled from the grid in the variable speed option. The power is
fed to the grid after conditioning through a suitable interface. Thus, the AC generated
by the synchronous generator is first rectified into direct current and then inverted
back to AC at standard grid frequencies (50 Hz or 60 Hz), before feeding it to the grid.
• In variable speed turbines with doubly fed induction generators, the
stator winding is directly connected to the grid. However, the rotor
winding is fed through a converter which can vary the electrical
frequency as desired by the grid. Thus the electrical frequency is
differentiated from the mechanical frequency, which allows the
variable speed operation possible
Advantages
• Variable-speed operation allows the turbine to run at velocities that maximizes
the energy capture.
• Lower Structural loads since torque can be held constant over wide range of
operation.
• Turbine can be made lighter.
• Wind gust can be absorbed increasing power quality since flicker is reduced.
• Noise is reduced since turbine can be operated at low speed when wind velocity
is low.
Disadvantages
• Complex and expensive power electronics are needed.
• Excitation of structural resonance.
References
[1] Wind energy explained : theory, design, and application, James
Manwell, Jon McGowan, Anthony Rogers.
[2] Wind Energy Fundamentals Resource Analysis and Economics,
Sathyajith Mathew
[3] A Comparative Study of Constant Speed and Variable Speed Wind
Energy Conversion Systems, Mr. Datkhile S. N et al
