Optimizing Electrical Generators of Wind Energy Conversion System for Efficient Power Extraction

Abstract

Wind power generation capacity in India has significantly increased over the few decades andthe total installed wind power capacity has grown up to 32.72 GW (as on October 2017), whichranks fourth largest in the world. The scope for wind farm as assessed using GeographicInformation System (GIS) platform is found to be more than 2000 GW. So there is a lot ofscope for expansion wind power projects provided studies are conducted on the selection of itscomponents. One of the main components of Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS) is theelectrical generator apart from the prime mover and other structural parts. This paperintroduces an experimental setup for the study of different types of electrical generators andtheir feasibility for different wind conditions. In this setup, Squirrel Cage Induction Generator(SCIG), Slip Ring Induction Generator (SRIG), Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator(PMSG) and Permanent Magnet DC Generator (PMDC) are available for study. Thesegenerators are coupled to a Separately Excited DC motor via a portable coupling arrangement.The separately excited DC motor emulates the wind turbine. The results of the experimentalsetup are validated and presented.