Module-3

• Wind Energy: Sources and potentials, Evaluation of Wind Intensity,

Topography, General Classification of Wind Turbines-Rotor Turbines,
Multiple-Blade Turbines, Drag Turbines, Lifting Turbines, System
Toroidal Rotor Amplifier Platform (TARP)–Wind amplified rotor
platform (WARP), Generators and speed control used in wind power
energy: Fixed speed with capacitor bank, Rotor resistance control,
SCIG and DFIG, Synchronous Generator external magnetized,
Synchronous Generator-permanent magnets
• Wind energy is the kinetic energy associated with movement of
large masses of air. These motions result from uneven heating of
atmosphere by the sun, creating temperature, density and pressure
differences.
• It is estimated that 1 percent of all solar radiation falling on the face
of the earth is converted into kinetic energy of the atmosphere, 30
per cent of which occur in the lowest 1000 m of elevation. It is thus
an indirect form of solar energy.
• In contrast to diurnal availability of direct solar radiation, wind
energy can be available continuously throughout 24-hour day for
much longer periods, though it can vary to a great extent including
no-wind periods.
• It is a clean, cheap, and eco-friendly renewable source.
• Main disadvantages are: it is a dispersed, erratic and location-
specific source.
• Wind energy is harnessed as mechanical energy with the help of
wind turbine.
• The mechanical energy thus obtained can either be used as such to
operate farm appliances, water pumping, etc., or converted to
electric power and used locally or fed to a grid. A generator coupled
to wind turbine is known as aero-generator
• Very slow winds are useless, having no possibility of power
generation.
• On the other hand very strong stormy winds cannot be utilized due
to safety of turbine.
• Moderate to high-speed winds, typically from 5 m/s to about 25 m/s
are considered favourable for most wind turbines.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION
• ADVANTAGES
Renewable Energy Source:
Environmentally Friendly:
Low Operating Costs:
Scalable Technology
Land Use Efficiency:
Job Creation:
• DISADVANTAGES
Intermittent Energy Source
Wind is variable and unpredictable, leading to inconsistent energy
output.
High Initial Costs:
The upfront investment for turbines, infrastructure, and
installation is significant.
Noise Pollution:
The mechanical components and blade movement generate noise,
which may disturb nearby residents.
Land and Space Requirements:
Requires large open spaces with consistent wind flow, which may not
be available in all regions.
Evaluation of Wind Intensity
• To determine wind energy potential, evaluating wind intensity is
crucial. The main parameters include:
[Link]
wind power is proportional to cube of wind speed
• 2 Wind Distribution:
Wind speeds at a location are often modeled using a Weibull
distribution to estimate the frequency and variability of wind intensity.
3. Air Density:
Depends on altitude, temperature, and pressure. Higher density
increases wind power.
• 4. Turbulence:
• Measured by the turbulence intensity
• 5. Wind Speed Measurement:
• Anemometers: Used to measure wind speed and direction over
time.
• Data is collected at varying heights to determine wind shear and
adjust turbine hub heights.
• Wind Power Density:
• Represents the energy available per unit area:
 Topography
1. The analysis of topography is very important when choosing a site.
2. This is an important point when mountainous locations are under
consideration.
3. For those areas, the wind speed increases on the front side of the
mountain and decreases on the opposite side.
4. In plane areas, the position of tree barriers should be observed with
respect to the wind, as their proximity to the place chosen for turbine
installation is critical.
5. There should be a maximum of free space between tree barriers and
the power plant, to avoid any slowing down of the wind
 Topography
6. With increased altitude, the movement of a wind draft takes a more
complex form, due to different land shapes.
7. Thus, it is necessary to have a reasonable knowledge of the characteristics
of the soil to be occupied
8. The roughness of the ground surface causes wind shear, which changes
significantly with altitude
WIND TURBINE-COMPONENTS
Wind turbine components
• 1. Rotor is the rotating part of the wind turbine. It transfers the
energy in the wind to the shaft.
a) Blades are physical structures, which are aerodynamically
optimized to capture the maximum power from the wind
b) Rotor hub holds the wind turbine blades while connected to
the gearbox via the low-speed shaft.
2. Nacelle is the enclosure of the wind turbine generator, gearbox and
internal equipment. It protects the turbine‘s internal components from
the surrounding environment
a) Gearbox is a mechanical component that is used to increase
or decrease the rotational speed of generator
b) Generator is the component that converts the mechanical
energy from the rotor to electrical energy
 c) Controller is the brain of the wind turbine. It monitors constantly the
condition of the wind turbine and controls the pitch and yaw systems to
extract optimum power from the wind.
d) Brake:Stops the rotor in case of emergencies or when wind speeds
exceed safe operational limits.
e) Cooling System:Prevents overheating of the gearbox and generator.
3. Tower is the physical structure that holds the wind turbine
4. Yaw is the horizontal moving part of the turbine. It turns clockwise or
anticlockwise to face the wind. It has two main parts
Yaw drive motor rotates the nacelle as it has to face in the direction of
the wind to extract the maximum energy from [Link] motor is used to
move the yaw
 5. Pitch is the mechanism of adjusting the angle of attack of the rotor
blades. Blades are turned in their longitudinal axis to change the angle of
attack according to the wind directions
6. Shaft is divided into two.
low-speed shaft transfers mechanical energy from the rotor to the
gearbox,
high-speed shaft transfers mechanical energy from gearbox to generator
[Link] vane is a type of sensor that is used to measure the wind direction
[Link] is a type of sensor that is used to measure the wind speed.
 Working of wind power plant
1. Wind (moving air that contains kinetic energy) blows toward the turbine's rotor blades
2. The rotors spin around, capturing some of the kinetic energy from the wind, and turning the
central drive shaft that supports them
3. The rotor blades can swivel on the hub at the front so they meet the wind at the best angle (or
"pitch") for harvesting energy. This is called the pitch control mechanism.
4. Inside the nacelle, the gearbox converts the low-speed rotation of the drive shaft into high-speed
rotation fast enough to drive the generator efficiently
5. The generator, immediately behind the gearbox, takes kinetic energy from the spinning drive
shaft and turns it into electrical energy
[Link] (automatic speed measuring devices) and wind vanes on the back of the nacelle provide
measurements of the wind speed and direction.
[Link] these measurements, the entire top part of the turbine (the rotors and nacelle) can be rotated by a
yaw motor, mounted between the nacelle and the tower, so it faces directly into the oncoming wind and
captures the maximum amount of energy. If it is too windy or turbulent, brakes are applied to stop the rotors
from turning
8. The electric current produced by the generator flows through a cable running down through the inside
of
the turbine tower.
9.A step-up transformer converts the electricity to about 50 times higher voltage so it can be transmitted
efficiently to the power grid
[Link] consumer enjoy clean, green energy: the turbine has produced no greenhouse gas emissions or
pollution as it operates.
[Link] carries on blowing past the turbine, but with less speed and energy and more turbulence (since the
turbine has disrupted its flow).
lift and drag are two fundamental aerodynamic forces that play a
crucial role in how wind turbines capture energy from the wind.
Lift Force:Lift is the force that acts perpendicular to the wind direction
and causes the blades of the wind turbine to rotate.
Lift is generated due to the difference in air pressure between the
upper and lower surfaces of the turbine blade. This difference is
caused by the curved shape (airfoil) of the blades.
As wind flows over the blades, the airfoil design makes the wind move
faster over the top surface than the bottom surface. According to
Bernoulli's Principle, the faster-moving air creates lower pressure on
the top side of the blade, and the slower-moving air below creates
higher pressure. This pressure difference produces an upward force
(lift).
• Lift is the primary force that propels the rotor, as it helps the blades
move efficiently without stalling. The more lift produced, the more
power is generated.
• Lift maximizes the mechanical energy transferred from the wind to
the rotor, converting wind kinetic energy into rotational energy.
• The aerodynamic design of the blades, which generates lift, is
crucial for extracting the most energy from the wind, making lift an
essential component of wind turbine performance.
• Drag ForceDrag is the resistance force that acts opposite to the wind
direction and slows down the motion of the wind turbine blades.
• Drag is caused by the friction and pressure differences between the
air and the surface of the turbine blades. As the blades move
through the air, they experience resistance that opposes their
motion.
• Drag reduces the overall efficiency of the turbine by opposing the
rotation of the blades. High drag means more energy is required to
overcome the resistance, which decreases the power output.
• Minimizing drag through smooth blade surfaces and efficient shapes
is essential for optimizing turbine performance.
 Classification of Wind Turbines
Based on their axis,

● Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) : axis of rotation is parallel to the air stream (i.e.
horizontal)

Eg: Blade type with one, two, or three blades, Multiple-blade,

● Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) : axis of rotation is perpendicular to the air stream (i.e.
vertical)
VAWT
Eg: Drag and Lift turbine

HAWT
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT)
● Nacelle is placed at the top of the tower
● Lift is the main force
● Yaw mechanism is required
● 95% of the existing turbines are HAWTs
● High efficiency

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

● Nacelle is placed at the bottom.
● Drag/LIFT is the main force
● Yaw mechanism is not required
● Lower starting torque
● Difficulty in mounting the turbine
● Unwanted fluctuations in the power output
 HAWT
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• The tall tower base allows • Massive tower construction is required to support the
access to the stronger wind heavy blades, generator and gearbox.
in sites with wind shear. In • Components of a horizontal axis wind turbine
some wind shear sites, (gearbox, rotor shaft, and brake assembly) being
wind speeds can increase lifted into position. Their height makes them visible
by 20% every ten meters over large areas, disrupting the landscape’s
and power output by 34%. appearance and sometimes causing local opposition.
• High efficiency, since the • The downward variant suffers from fatigue and
blades always move structural failure caused by turbulence when a blade
perpendicularly to the passes through the wind shadows of the towers (for
wind, receiving power this reason, most HAWTs use an inverted design,
throughout the rotation. with the rotor facing the tower in front of the wind).
• HAWT’s require an additional yaw control mechanism
to turn the blades towards the wind.
 VAWT
ADVANTAGES: DISADVANTAGES:
• More of these types of • These types of turbines aren’t typically well
turbines can be installed on
suited for use in areas of high wind speeds.
the same amount of land.
• Due to the vertically oriented blade design,
• Due to the orientation of the blades flex and turn faster and faster as
these devices, the entire
the rotor assembly.
pole or shaft can be turned
• The centrifugal force generated by the
which makes it possible to
mount the generator and spinning blade has been reported to cause
other mechanisms at ground stress and fatigue on some blade designs,
level. which sometimes results in them breaking.
• Maintenance work relatively
easier.
Rotor turbines
Based on the type of rotor ,
● Depending on the number of blades, wind speed and nature of applications,
rotors have been developed in various types of shapes and sizes
● These rotors are high-speed ones, mainly used for electrical power generation
● Large HAWTs have been manufactured with two and three blades
● Single-blade rotor with a balancing counterweight is economical and has simple
controls
● But it is noisier and produces unbalanced forces
● It is used for low-power applications
Multiple-Blade Turbines
● They are low-speed rotors
● most suited for water lifting applications, which require high starting
torque.
● They can capture power even from very slow winds.
● Such a turbine is usually mounted on a horizontal shaft
● They have lower efficiency than that of blade (rotor) turbines
● They demand very high towers
Based on the type of active force that makes the turbines turn,
● When air flows around an object, two forces act on the object, drag and lift.
Lift : perpendicular to the air flow
Drag : along the direction of air flow
● Turbines that work based on either of these forces are lift turbines and drag
turbines.
Thrust is a force that pushes the object
forward. It can be generated by a propeller,
a rocket, a catapult--anything that makes
the object move. But lift and drag can only
arise as air moves past an object. Lift
pushes the object upward, and drag, a
type of air resistance, slows it down.
Lift Turbines
● The lift blade design make use of the same principle that enables aeroplanes, kites and birds to
fly.
● When air flows past the blade, a wind speed and pressure differential is created between the
upper and lower blade surfaces.
● The pressure at the lower surface is greater and thus acts to “lift” the blade.
● When blades are attached to a central axis, like a wind turbine
rotor, the lift is translated into rotational motion.
● Lift-powered wind turbines have much higher rotational speeds than drag types.
● Suitable for generating electricity.
● Lift devices are more efficient and turn faster than wind.
● They are able to benefit from high power densities available in strong winds.
● Eg: Darrieus turbine(VAWT)
Advantages of Lift Turbines
• High Efficiency:
• Better Performance at Higher Speeds:
• Scalability:
Challenges of Lift Turbines
Complex Blade Design:
Dependence on Wind Speed:
Yaw and Pitch Control:
 Drag Turbines
● For the drag design, the wind literally pushes the blades out of the way.
● The torque of a drag turbine is due to the difference in pressure between the concave and convex
surfaces of the blades and by the recirculation of wind coming from behind the convex surface
● Drag devices are less efficient and turn slower than wind.
● They produce high torque and thus are suitable for pumping applications.
● At high wind speeds they spill wind instead of producing more energy.
● Thus they do not benefit from high energy density available in wind.
● Eg:savonius turbine
Advantages of Drag Turbines
• Simple Design:
• Effective in Low Winds:
• Omnidirectional:
• Cost-Effective:
Challenges of Drag Turbines
Lower Efficiency:
Slower Rotation:
Limited Power Output:
Control methods
A turbine by controlling the generator speed, blade
angle adjustment, and rotation of the entire wind turbine.
Blade angle adjustment and turbine rotation are also
known as pitch and yaw control, respectively.
 wind energy conversion system
WECS based on the rotational speed of turbines
● Output power can be adjusted by controlling the pitch of the blade and speed of
the generator
● Rotational speed of turbine can be controlled by

• fixed-speed
fixed-pitch

• fixed-speed
variable-pitch

• variable-speed
fixed-pitch

• variable-speed
variable-pitch
 (1) Fixed-speed fixed-pitch (FS-FP)
● In this design, the turbine’s generator is directly coupled to the power grid, causing the generator speed to lock to
the power line frequency and fix the rotational speed.
● In this configuration performance cannot be improved with active control.
● These turbines are regulated using passive stall methods at high wind speeds.
● From the figure, it is seen that the actual power does not match the ideal power, implying that there is lower
energy capture.
● Turbine operates at maximum efficiency only at one wind speed in the low-speed region
● The rated power of the turbine is achieved only at one wind speed (poor power regulation)
(2) Fixed-speed variable-pitch (FS-VP)
● This configuration operates at a fixed pitch angle below the rated wind speed and continuously adjusts the angle
above the rated wind speed
● fixed-speed operation implies a maximum output power at one wind speed.
● Below the rated wind speed, the FS-VP turbine has a near optimum efficiency
● Exceeding the rated wind speed, the pitch angles are continuously changed, providing little to no loss in power.
(3) Variable-speed fixed-pitch (VS-FP)

● Continuously adjusts the rotor speed relative to the wind speed by controlling the synchronous speed
of the generator.
● Fixed-pitch relies heavily on the blade design to limit power through passive stalling.
● power efficiency is maximized at low wind speeds, and rated turbine power is attained only at one
wind speed.
● In lower wind speed cases, VS-FP can capture more energy and improve power quality.

(4) Variable-speed variable-pitch (VS-VP)

● It is a derivation of VS-FP and FS-VP.
● Below the rated wind speed, VS-FP is used to maximize energy capture and increase power quality.
● Above the rated wind speed, FS-VP permit efficient power regulation at the rated power.
● VS-VP is the only control strategy that theoretically achieves the ideal power curve
Basic components of wind energy conversion system (WECS)
● A wind energy conversion system converts wind energy into some form of electrical energy.
 wind energy conversion system (WECS)
● Aeroturbines convert wind energy to rotary mechanical energy.
Rotor and Blades
Function: The rotor captures the kinetic energy of the wind. The blades, attached to
the rotor, are designed to extract energy by using aerodynamic lift or drag principles.
● A mechanical interface consisting of a step up gear and a suitable coupling transmits the
rotary mechanical energy to an electrical generator.
Gearbox
Function: Increases the rotational speed of the low-speed shaft to match the
generator's operational speed.
Generator
Function: Converts mechanical energy from the rotor into electrical energy.
Types:
Synchronous Generator
Induction Generator
● The output of electrical generator is connected to the load or utility
grid
● The purpose of the controller is to
• sense wind speed, wind direction, shafts speeds and torques,
output power and generator temperature

• Send appropriate control signals for matching the electrical

output to the wind energy input and protect the system from
extreme conditions eg: strong winds, electrical faults
 System Toroidal Rotor Amplifier Platform (TARP)

● Toroidal Accelerator Rotor Platform (TARP) is a new technology for the

energy generation from wind
● TARP combines generation and transmission.
● This concept of wind capture is based on the Wind Amplified Rotor
Platform (WARP).
● Small wind turbines are grouped and installed in modules, to conform to the
needs of distributed generation.
● This entire platform consists of a determined number of TARPs piled up one on
top of another.
● Toroidal form of aerodynamic turbine shelter characterizes the working principle of
the TARP
● A twin rotor system of typical diameter 3 m or less are placed 180 apart
● Wind accelerates around the shelter, amplifying the density of wind power energy
available
● Rotors are coupled directly to the generator through a system of brakes but without
a speed multiplication gearbox
● If the wind changes from direction (a) to direction (b), a torque will form on the
rotating wheel shelter that moves until it is balanced in the new wind direction.
Components of TARAP
[Link] Design with TARPs
Small wind turbines are grouped into modules, forming a scalable
platform for energy generation. Multiple TARPs (Turbine Automatic
Regulation and Protection units) are stacked vertically or configured in
arrays to meet specific energy requirements. Each TARP manages its
turbine system for efficient and safe operation.
2. Toroidal Aerodynamic Shelter:
The toroidal shape (a doughnut-like form) of the turbine's shelter
plays a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of wind [Link]
shelter accelerates wind flow around it due to its aerodynamic design,
increasing the wind speed near the rotors. The increased wind velocity
boosts the available wind power, as wind power is proportional to the
cube of wind speed
• 3. Twin Rotor System:
Each TARP includes a twin rotor system, with two rotors
positioned 180° apart. These rotors typically have a diameter of 3
meters or less, making the setup compact and suitable for distributed
applications. The dual rotors balance the system dynamically and
maximize energy capture from wind flowing in both directions.
4. Gearless Direct Drive:
The rotors are directly coupled to the generator, eliminating the
need for a speed multiplication gearbox. This design reduces
mechanical complexity, minimizes maintenance, and improves
efficiency by reducing transmission losses. A brake system is
integrated for safe operation during high wind speeds or shutdown
scenarios.
• 5. Wind Direction Adaptability:
• The shelter can rotate to align itself with the wind direction:If
the wind direction changes from (a) to (b), a torque is generated on
the shelter due to its aerodynamic properties.
• The shelter rotates until it stabilizes in the new wind direction,
ensuring optimal wind flow over the rotors.
 Advantages

● Efficient than traditional blade-based wind turbines

● Design is quieter, lighter, and easier to maintain than traditional wind
turbines
● The bladeless design means that there are no large rotating blades,
which can be dangerous and noisy
● The lack of blades means that the TARP is lighter and easier to install
WARP(Wind amplified rotor platform )
• A larger platform that aggregates multiple TARPs (or toroidal
modules, with or without impellers) to generate wind energy
• WARP is the comprehensive system, incorporating both Toroidal
Rotor Amplified Platforms (TARP) and Toroidal Wind Frames (TWF),
to enhance overall wind energy conversion.
• So WARP is A complete energy conversion system consisting of
multiple TARPs stacked together, along with other supporting
toroidal wind frames (TWF) that do not have impellers.
TARP is a foundational unit designed to amplify wind and
generate energy at the module level, while WARP is a complete system
that integrates multiple TARPs and TWFs for large-scale wind energy
conversion.
 Wind amplified rotor platform (WARP)
● An energy conversion device comprises a stacked array of alternating yaw rotatable
and fixed toroidal modules about a central core structure
● mainly designed to amplify the wind which in turn increases the power
● Yawable toroids have typically four impact impellers mounted in their peripheral flow
regions for the purpose of capturing flow energy.
● Static toroids are mounted to complement and further enhance fluid flow impact
impeller energy capture
● The stacked array of toroids with impellers is termed as Toroidal Rotor Amplified
Platform (TRAP), and a toroid without impellers is Toroidal Wind Frame (TWF)
● The aggregate used for wind energy conversion is a Wind Amplified Rotor Platform
(WARP)
● More efficient and use less land than wind machines
● WARP rotors are 1-3m in diameter and are directly coupled (without step up gear
box) to a generator due to their high RPM
Wind amplified rotor
platform (WARP)
WARP yaw module
Advantages
● superior performance
● easy operation
● easy maintenance
● reliability
● needs little land area
● has less interference

Disadvantages
● high installation costs
● not economically feasible for small power applications
 Generators and speed control used in wind
power energy
Small wind turbines are equipped with DC generators of up to a few
kilowatts in capacity
Modern wind turbine systems use three phase AC generators
The common types of AC generator are
● Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator (SCIG)
● Wound-Rotor Induction Generator (WRIG)
● Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)
● Synchronous Generator (With external field excitation)
● Permanent Magnet Synchronous generator (PMSG)
Induction generator (IG) has been extensively used in commercial
wind turbine units because it provides some degree of flexibility when
the wind speed is fluctuating
INDUCTION GENERATORS
 INDUCTION GENERATORS
• Induction Generator is a popular type of 3-phase rotational machine that can be
used as the wind turbine generator.
• Induction Generators have similar stator winding arrangements which can energize
by a rotating magnetic field and produces a three-phase (or single phase) voltage
output.
• When an induction generator is connected to a source of mechanical power, such as
a wind turbine, and is driven over its synchronous speed, it can also be used to
generate electricity.
• Induction generators are much more reliable and require a lot less maintenance.
• This makes them a very practical option for wind turbines since the generator is housed inside
the nacelle, which sits on top of the wind turbine tower at around 70 meters in the air, making
it difficult to access.
• Its speed varies according to the amount of mechanical power that is applied to it.
• The speed at which the generator rotor turns is relative to wind speed, which puts less strain
on the gearbox.
Fixed speed wind turbines with capacitor bank
• Fixed-speed wind turbines are the first generation of wind turbines.
Even though they are directly connected to the grid, they require
additional components, such as a soft starter to reduce current
transients during the start-up and a capacitor bank to compensate
for reactive power.
Fixed speed wind turbines with capacitor bank
• Why are capacitors needed in wind farms? Wind farms are typically
required to be able to operate within a power factor of 0.95. In
order to achieve this range of operation, switched capacitor banks
are used to supply bulk reactive power to the system when the
generators approach their reactive power limits.
Reactive power (VARS) is
required to maintain the
voltage to deliver active
power (watts) through
transmission lines. Motor
loads and other loads require
reactive power to convert the
flow of electrons into useful
work.
Squirrel-Cage Induction Generator (SCIG)
• SCIG stands for Squirrel Cage Induction Generator, a type of
induction generator widely used in wind power generation systems.
It is particularly common in fixed-speed wind turbines due to its
simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• The rotor of an SCIG is a squirrel cage rotor, which consists of
conductive bars short-circuited by end rings. The stator is connected
to the grid and produces a rotating magnetic field when AC power is
supplied.
• When the rotor is driven by an external force (e.g., wind turbine), it
spins at a speed slightly faster than the synchronous speed of the
stator's magnetic field. This relative motion induces a current in the
rotor bars, generating torque and feeding power back into the grid.
ADVANTAGES
• Simplicity:
No brushes or slip rings (as in wound-rotor machines), making it robust
and maintenance-free.
Low Cost:
Cheaper to manufacture and operate compared to other generators
like synchronous generators or DFIGs.
Direct Grid Connection:
The SCIG can be directly connected to the grid without requiring
complex power electronics That is It make best use of available wind
power and it eliminates the requirement of the capacitor bank as it is
capable to draw its required reactive power from the grid
DISADVANTAGES
• high cost & losses of the full-scale converter, the efficiency of the
total system may be low
• SCIG operates at a nearly fixed speed, which makes it less efficient in
variable wind conditions.
• SCIGs have minimal control over voltage and power factor.
Fixed speed with capacitor bank
• Fixed-Speed Induction Generator (FSIG) based wind turbines employ a
squirrel-cage induction generator (SCIG) directly connected to grid
• The rotor of a fixed-speed wind turbine rotates at fixed speed determined
by the frequency of the grid.
• SCIG always draws reactive power from the grid
• So a capacitor bank is used to provide reactive power compensation
• It is typically achieved by continuously switching capacitor banks according
to the active power generated. ● Smoother grid connection was achieved
by a soft-starter
Fixed speed with capacitor bank
• In fixed speed, the wind fluctuations are converted into mechanical
fluctuations and further into electrical power fluctuations that leads
to voltage fluctuations. Because of these voltage fluctuations, the
fixed speed wind turbine draws fluctuating reactive power from the
utility grid (in the case of no use of capacitor bank), which increases
both the voltage fluctuations and the line losses
● Advantages: simplicity and low cost
● Disadvantages: the requirement of a stiff grid (fixed voltage and
frequency), a robust mechanical structure is required to support the
high mechanical stress caused by wind
gusts.
Wind turbine with Rotor resistance control
• ● Here a wound rotor induction generator (WRIG) with variable rotor resistance is
used
• ● The rotor windings of the generator are connected in series with a controlled
resistance, whose size defines the range of the variable speed (typically 0-10% above
the synchronous speed).
• ● Rotor resistance can be changed by an optical controlled converter mounted on the
rotor shaft.
• ● A capacitor bank performs reactive power compensation and a smoother grid
connection is obtained by including a soft starter.
• ● By varying the rotor resistance, the slip and thus the power output of the wind
turbine can be controlled.
WRIG WORKING
• In a WRIG, the rotor has windings connected to external terminals.
This allows external resistance to be inserted into the rotor circuit.
By varying the external resistance in the rotor circuit, the rotor
current can be controlled. This changes the slip of the generator,
enabling variable-speed operation while the stator remains
connected to the fixed-frequency grid.
DFIG
• Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is a widely used generator
technology in modern wind power generation systems, especially in
variable-speed wind turbines. The DFIG allows efficient energy
capture over a range of wind speeds and provides flexibility in
power control.
• WORKING
The DFIG is a wound rotor induction generator where both the stator
and rotor windings are actively involved in power generation. The
stator is directly connected to the grid. The rotor is connected to the
grid through a power electronic converter, which typically operates at
25-30% of the generator's rated power.
• The rotor's slip (the difference between rotor speed and
synchronous speed) can be controlled using the power converter.
This allows the turbine to operate at variable speeds while
maintaining a constant frequency output to the grid.
Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG)
• Doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is one of the main
technologies employed in wind energy conversion systems (WECSs).
• DFIG is equipped with a wound-rotor induction generator. A back-to-
back converter is connected between the rotor and AC network.
• The converter controls a variable frequency of the rotor currents by
exchanging energy between the rotor and the AC network.
Therefore, a DFIG can operate at variable rotor speed and control
the real power output smoothly.
ADVANTAGES &DISADVANTAGES
• Variable Speed Control:
• Reduced Converter Size:
• Reactive Power Control:
• High Efficiency:
DISADVANTAGES
Complexity:
Power Electronics Dependency:
Synchronous generator
• The synchronous generator is generally used in wind turbines when the
generator is connected directly to the grid and does not use an inverter. A
primary advantage of synchronous generators for wind turbines is that they
can receive a voltage from the grid and act as an electric motor if the blades
are not turning.
• Synchronous generators are commonly used for variable speed wind-
turbine applications, due to their low rotational synchronous speeds that
produce the voltage at grid frequency.
• Synchronous generators can be an appropriate selection for variable speed
operation of wind turbines .
• They do not need a pitch control mechanism. The pitch control mechanism
increases the cost of the turbine and causes stress on turbine and generator
• Synchronous generators in variable speed operation will generate variable
voltage and variable frequency power
Synchronous generator
• A synchronous machine that works like a generator is known as a
synchronous generator and also called an alternator. The main
function of this generator is to generate commercial frequency
current frequently by converting the mechanical energy from the
main mover to an AC electrical energy at a specific frequency &
voltage.
Permanent magnet Synchronous generator
• A permanent magnet synchronous generator is a generator where
the excitation field is provided by a permanent magnet instead of
a coil. The term synchronous refers here to the fact that the rotor
and magnetic field rotate with the same speed, because the
magnetic field is generated through a shaft mounted permanent
magnet mechanism and current is induced into the stationary
armature.
• Permanent magnet generators (PMGs) do not require a DC
supply for the excitation circuit, nor do they have slip rings and
contact brushes
 Permanent magnet Synchronous generator
• This is also a variable speed generator.
• Main components of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator :
• 1. Blade and turbine rotor assembly.
• 2. Permanent magnet synchronous generator.
• 3. Power converting unit rectifier and inverter.
• 4. 3-phase step-up transformer from which 3-phase A.C. power is fed to grid.
Blade turbine assembly (1) Is rotated by wind power. The rotation of steam turbine
rotor gives mechanical power to generator (2) for converting into electrical power.
WORKING:
• Wind power rotates rotor of wind turbine, it rotates rotor of permanent magnet type
synchronous generator. The field of rotor rotates with rotor and stator stationary coils cut the
flux of rotor magnet and emf Is Induced in stator coils.
• Rectifier/ Inverter unit converts variable voltage and variable frequency output into constant
frequency (50-60 Hz) and constant magnitude voltage. This stable voltage from stator goes to
grid circuit to connect the power from this wind power station to grid system.
Permanent magnet Synchronous generator
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Advantages of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator :
• 1. Construction is simple.
• 2. It is robust.
• 3. Cheaper In cost.
• 4. No excitation system is required (as permanent magnets).
• 5. High frequency.
• 6. Low loss.
• 7. No gear box is needed.
• 8. Power converters regulate voltage and active and reactive power flow.
• 9. Power factor is controlled.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Disadvantages of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator :
• 1. Difficulty of non-availability of large size permanent magnets, so
useful for small/ medium size wind power plants only.
• 2. There is a risk of demagnetization of the poles which may be
caused by a large armature current. Demagetization can also occurs
due to excessive heating and also when the motor is an overload for
a long period of time.
• 3. Complicated structural dynamics.
• 4. Need cooling system to maintain temperatures within limits
 SYNCHRONOUS GENERATOR
(WITH EXTERNAL FIELD
EXCITATION)

A synchronous generator is a synchronous machine which converts mechanical

power into AC electric power through the process of electromagnetic induction.
Synchronous generators are also referred to as alternators or AC generators. The
term "alternator" is used since it produces AC power.
Synchronous Generator (With external field excitation)
The synchronous generator is a synchronous electro-mechanical
machine used as a generator and consists of a magnetic field on the
rotor that rotates and a stationary stator containing multiple windings
that supplies the generated power.
The rotors magnetic field system (excitation) is created by using either
permanent magnets mounted directly onto the rotor or energised
electro-magnetically by an external DC current flowing in the rotor field
windings.
The Stator: – The stator carries the three separate ( 3-phase ) armature
windings physically and electrically displaced from each other by 120
degrees producing an AC voltage output.
The Rotor: – The rotor carries the magnetic field either as permanent
magnets or wound field coils connected to an external DC power
source via slip rings and carbon brushes
Advantages and disadvantages
• Draw the basic block diagram of a wind energy conversion
system.
• Explain the principle of DFIG?
• Explain the stand alone operation of a fixed speed wind energy
conversion system with a neat diagram.
• Classify the WECS based on the rotational speed of turbines
• Differentiate between TARP –WARP systems.
• Give the classification of wind turbines. Explain with neat
sketches.
THANK YOU