An Overview of Some Important Issues Related to Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS)

Abstract

Abstract--Wind power capacity has experienced tremendous growth in the past decade. There are many loads (such as remote villages, islands, ships etc) that are away from the main grid. They require stand-alone generator system (which can provide constant nominal voltage and frequency) to provide for their local electrification. This requirement has lead to widespread research on development of new technologies for stand-alone generators. Initially an overview of different existing generator technologies for grid connected operation is given. This paper presents the recent developments in wind energy conversion systems, their classifications, choice of generators and their social and environmental benefits , a review of the interconnection issues of distributed resources including wind power with electric power systems, hybrid power system and reports the developments of interconnection standards in Canada and IEEE. IndexTerms-wind energy conversion system, interconnection, power quality, renewable energy, wind turbine, Hybrid Power Systems.

Future research directions for the wind turbine generator system

“…As compared to the fixed speed wind generation systems, the variable speed wind generation systems produce more power [6,46,47] and provide less stress on the generator shaft, as the shaft speed can vary with the variation of wind speed [48]. The variable speed WECS is also cost effective and provide simple pitch control for the turbine [49].…”

“…Between the dc and ac generators, the dc generators are not popular in the wind energy conversion system due their higher expenditure and maintenance with lower rating [6]. The ac generators mostly dominate the market.…”

“…Most of the modern wind turbines use the horizontal axis configuration with two or three blades [6]. The turbine with three blades is more popular for its symmetrical loading, though its cost is around 50% higher than the two blade system [7].…”

Power Quality Analysis in 6 MW Wind Turbine Using Static Synchronous Compensator

“…However the disadvantage is the need for a reactive power source to establish the rotating magnetic field. This problem is easily solved by the use of modern power electronics along with a single capacitor (Mittal et al, 2010;Toledo and Xie, 2005). Also these power electronic devices can inject power back into the network if needed.…”

Grid Synchronization of Seven-Phase Wind Electric Generator Using d-q PLL

“…The variation in production and higher intermittency of wind generation makes it difficult for grid integration. Hence it is necessary to provide appropriate synchronization techniques such that the system maintains constant frequency and voltage to ensure stable and reliable operation of grid [20]. A good synchronization method must detect the frequency and phase angle variations proficiently in order to reduce the harmonics and disturbances for safe operation of the grid.…”