e WEMPEG TINS Wisconsin Electric Machines and Power Electronics Consortium RESEARCH REPORT 84-4 Variable Speed Generator Technology Options for Wind Turbine Generators Tae Lipo University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin Department uf Electrical and Computer engineering University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin 53706 dune 1984VARIABLE SHEED GENEKATOR TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS FOR WIND TURBINE GENERATORS TA. Lipo Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Wisconsin Haatsison, Wisconsia ABSTRACT The electrical system options for variable speed operation of a wind lurbine generator is treated in this paper. The key operating characteristics of each system are discussed and the major advantages and disadvantages of each are identified INTRODUCTION Adjustable speed operation of AC motors by use of tre- queney convertors lo making rapid inroady in the DC dive market. On the other hand, the concept of variable speed ‘8 applied to power generation rather than power utilize on has, except for several prototype systems, not been widely euploited. The rapid development of AC adjustable Speed drives has, however, resulted in an array of allerna~ tives which also have potential application for variable speed power generetion. This paper will focus on the eptiona available for variable epeod wind turbine tors (WIGs) logether with the advantages and dist tages of each In particular, potential configurations for large wind turbine generators rated above 1 MW are ‘upliosize CANDIDATE VARIABLE SPEED SYSTEMS FOR LARGE WIND TURBINE GENERATORS tne Meld of agjustabie speea macuue systems ts au active and growing discipline such that @ completely comprehensive treatment of technology options is at ‘extremely dificult task. In particular the number of feasi- ‘Ble options appears to vary Inverse1y witn the pomer rating ‘of the WIG. This paper will be concerned primarily with identifying major technology options primarily at WIGS rated above 1 MW. A less comprehensive assessment of Technology options for lower power Wius are summarizes in the second portion of this paper. DC Generator with Line Commutated Inverter Bridge Probably the most straightforward variable speed sys- tem for a WIG ulilizes a DC generator with inversion of the generated DC power to AC by use of line commutated seedinee bride ax olurwn im Tag. i Currant Row ie in $90 blocks at line frequency on the AC side of the inverter and filtering at the AC terminals of the bridge is needed to ‘suppress harmonic current flow into the power system and Weturect Ue poner factor to unity, Decaue of the hoavy filtering required to eliminate unwanted harmonics of the simple. six pulse bridge of Fig. 1, other bridge ‘configurations are also in common use. For example. the Mitel Sia puloc Vinige etongement of Pig. yrorulte jn the elimination of the lowest frequencies, the S and 74" har- monic components inherent in the bridge configuration af Fig. t while halving the next lowest components, the 11 and 1948, Am advantage ofthe dual bridge configuration ot ig. 2 is that each bridge need only be rated at one-half the KVA rating of the single bridge of Fig. 1. It should be mentioned that such alternatives are generic to any of the systems to be discussed which ulilie six pulse bridge configurations C Carat Lin yr ra on ‘Step-Up Transformer FF Ne Correction aa fl Fig. 1 DC Generator with DC Current Link and DC/AC Inverter. DC Curren Link Harmanie rion “Cice O8St Thyratar 06 ee Bridges Generator Fig. 2 DC Generator with DC Current Link and Dual DC/AC Inverters, While not strictly necessary, some flllering of the DC voltage of the bridge is typically employed so as to minim Tze stray losses in the generator due to harmonic currents, ‘The cimplon! type of fter is to simply use a DC link induc or os shown in Fig 1 lo smooth the current. Such systems are said to utilize a DC current link and when the size of the inductor is large, the converter/generator systern cperatet much ike weurrant ears. An altarnative ta the Altering problem is the placement of a capacitor across the terminals of the machine and employ a much smaller ink Inductor which is now selected primarily to limut this case the current flow fram the machine is smoothed by providing a low impedance path to harmonic currents Such a configuration is said to employ 2 DC voltage linkarriving from the converter, When the capacitance is large the converter/generator system appears much like a vol tage source to the power system, Tyrisor veltese oc rege Generator Fig. 9 DC Generator with DC Voltage Link and DC/AC inverter. It is well known that the power factor of a inecommu- tated bridge varies in direct proportion to the ratio of DC to AC voltage. Hence. in order to maintain good power fac: tor at the lerminals of the bridge, the inverter must be contralied such that the voltage on the DC side of the bridge must be maintained constant near its maximum permissible value. In converter terminology such « com {rol ls usually called constant extinction angle control in ‘which the inverter is commutated such thal the inverter thyristors have just sufficient time to recover blocking ability hetore forward voltage is reapplied. Operation of the DC generator at a variable speed, however, implies a variable DC voltage since the internal feneroted FMF of the machine varies directly proportional, Etipecas ithe speed renge of the wit Sina (0 vo 8A) the DC side voltage can be maintained at its rated value, however, by simply inoreasing the eld exeitaton of the Bc generator as speed decreases, Such o contol sre (egy buble a sight overdesign of the generator in order {olaverfur the machine end-accomodate the extra felt Healing. Alternatively, for larger speed ranges the DC vol tge af Une inverter lrminals most be reduced to match {Re ating Be generator vottage by contcol ore taverter fnlineLcn angle Since the system power factor would then ary, such e control would imply larger capacitor bank Tor boner factor correction. Specie] advantages ofthis system Include 1) linimal Torgue Pusations. Since the generator is DD rather than AC the torque pulsations associated with Devownis currents die ta witching of the machine side Converter i emanated, Some rau argue pulations Srl remain depending upon the degree o DC side fering However, the frequency of these pulsations are 960 Hz and Taunipicc af 40 Hy witch are tnbcelv to cause resonance problems. °) "Straightforward Control Algorithm. Whereas the control of AC machines in a variable speed application Shion besomnoe rather sempine the corresoonding control Sia DC machine is simplicity itself and is a Tong esta ished technology Several unique disedvanteges which could influence siseuon ofthis system lea 9G oppication sro: spr faintainence and. Reliabity Concerns, ‘The shortcomings of DC machines in these important calsr Shnioc have been long cite, perhaps overly 20. Since most see ianudors of tin Sequise wontutus operation Svan and commutator maintainenee should not be partie Uloly dlcult However, relabiity questions concerming @ larye mechanically compiatated machine im the envoiti- thal ofa Wte reinain to ve weasiven 2) DE Fault Protection, ‘This system shares with most other configuelions the advantages. of qUickly isolating the machine from the AC aystem. Rapid control of the converter bride con prevent fault current contributions from the DC machine when taulls occur on the AC side of the converter. However. raid interruption of faults on the machine side ‘of the converter necessitates a DC breaker which is more expensive and requires more main tainence than an AC breaker. '8) Control Response Limitations. One of the potential advantages of variable speed systems over constant speed systems is the potential ability to damp torsional oseilla- of the WTG. Such an application would however. reauire torque control over @ wide bandwidth, In com parison to many AC systems which will be discussed, the speed of response of the system of Fig. 1 is relatively slow since torque control is accomplished by adjustment of the fleld current. The Inkerentiy large fleld time constant would be difficult to uvercame If rapid vhanges in torque were necessary. Problems involved with rapid control of torque could sleorly be avoided with armature central, However, since power factor is an important consideration, modulation of the voltage of the converter bridge of Fig. 1 would prob- ably be impractical, Use of a chopper intermediate Stage would eoramplith Unie teak but euch 4 forse commutated device is considered as impractical for WIGS of large Kilowatt rating, Such configurations are nore suitable for lower power applications which will be addressed later ‘Synchronous Generator with Thyristor Rectifier and Inverter Another class of system suitable for wind power gen eration is synenronous generator supplying power through a DC current link rectifier/inverter as illustrated im Fig. 4, Commutation of the line side inverter is again accomplished by taking VARs from the power system. Commutation of the machinw side couverter Is provited Yy taking VARS trom the synchronous machine. In this case, exeltation of the machine is by means of a brushless exeiter a He swore TILE] 4S rena cian Bre Fig, 4 Synchronous Generator with DC Current Link an DC/AC Inverter, een Hlectricel generated power must pass through the rectifier/inverter so that the converters must be rated al the full machine rating. In this ease {20° blocks of current flow on the AC sides of both the rectier and inerter Again, the harmonic content an either Une machine side or uillily side converters can be reduced by more elaborate bridge configurations. In particular, the synchronous get- feratar is frequently wound as dual three phase winding froups wherein each group feeds six pulse bridges in uch the same manner as Fig 2 If the speed range is again nar~ row (10-152) the line side inverter ean be maintained at ty Iainimiin ont inetion angle hy adjucing the Reld ser cet ot ike'synchroncus generstor with speed in auch the some ‘anuer as for the DC generator. Important special advantages of this system include 1) "Wide Epecd Tage. ia general ihe SMICMIng. Tre quency of the machine side converters is limited by the subtransient reactance of the machine. Wilh typical per Unit ‘numbers, frequencies of 150-200 Hz’ are readilycinnne 2) High Frequency Torque Pulsations. The torque pul- ee Gahan as” Sts gp Sey Sie ete ie enn lpn al ‘ee Tha hte ole ea Op En Sg B20 be res pies mae oe Saget saan srg among ot clita er entrant of the rectifier is relatively high (30-90 Hz), effective con- fr cs tare Se gd i ton ig a is scree ston toa oer iNav a eae wa Wa per ey sf Wl errs ds Sea a a tee ey a SESASSNEE 2s th Senay eee pensions uo ll ete nel ta Te Frtieny True Phen Ser Syetonse spo Fe BS at ie ee Te fhe sale cea fi' e Tatty i'm pei Sree et alert ee aerepugren erence ee sits Sie Una tangs p's he So as eis nar i a ea i eh alee a Sic! ie Sa ey, it re 2 ue mec out i oly the re opr on ade BEES a ahr cae SE na nn nour ane se fat tamer ti ithe Sa SE ete emt tae lye ec eer hee rea se Somes aie Gt a a atid Se mee Sea Biel he ran on a rnd Benes DiS gene soul the make Fea sete al SS ea Se ic Burl Sano ached Doubly Fed Induction Generator with DC Current Link Rectifier and invertor Another lype of system which bears a great similarity to the synchronous generator scheme of Fig. 4 is the dou- biy fed induction generator of Fig. 5. The system again Uees'a rectiner /inge: cer wir a DE current Hl wherein the machine side converter Is connected to three phase olor windings by means of slip rings. Current flow Is in P blocks at slip frequency on the AC side of Uke roter Gonineed conve: er ard 00 fle om the AC olde wt the stator connected converter. ‘In prineiple, operation either above or below syachro- nous speed is possible. Syachronous speed in this case is defined as the point at waich the Totor rotates synenro- ously with respect to the stator rolating MMF when the slip rings are shorted. When the machine generates power below synchronous speed, power is supplied to the Wty from the stator windings, However, power must still be supplied to the roter windings of the machine through the slip rings. The poser required fo seocntially proportional to the difference between rolor speed and rotor synchro- nous speed (slip frequency) limes rated power. Hence, if the speed range is limited the rectifier/inverter need only be ratod for a fraction of rated power (clip power). It can bbe noted from Fig. 5 that in this mode of operation the rotor side converter operates as a veriable frequency inverter. Conversely, when the machine generates power extracted from the rotor via the slip rings.” Again the con verters need have a rating equal only to slip power. The rolor side converter operates in this case as & rectifier a pera tal = Cy iT} 10 - ae Troster cornet tine Ty Generator Brae Fig, § Doubly Fed Induction Generator with DC Current Link and AC/DC/AC Rectifler-Inverter In addition to the usual step down transformer from the distribution voltage level, another transformer is typi cally provided to mateh the vollage level of the rotor wind- Sigs to that ot the stator. ‘This transformer provides 2dd- tional short circuit protection and helps reduce the ripple current content in the DC link. The turns ralio is usually felecied so that the extinction angle of the inverter and Feterd angle of the rectifier are at their minimum values ‘then ihe machine operates at maximum slip {requency. the partibular advantages of this eee nee Ratings Bowed Sip Downe ae above the converters need be rated only at. fraction of fated power. For example, if the expected speed range is 10-16¢ then the converter’ need be rated only at 0.10.18 #3) Control Response. Since the rotor connected brige must control power al slip frequency the response of this System Js not expected lo be as good os the synchronous eter syotem of Fig. 1. Nenethelens, the secpense con be narkedly improved compared with the DC generator confgurstion of Fg. 3). Harmonies. Since the bridges handle ony. slp Portioual to slip power and are more essly filtered thai previous systems. 4) VAR Control. While the VAR requirements of this eyotem are alwayo positive. (lagging VAC), > sertain amount of VAR contral is possible by coordinating the cor- ital angles of the rectifier and inverter. Hence, sity power factor operation could be achieved continuously Mina fined capecitor bank mithout the newd for cwiching capacitors This system has several particular drawbacks includ- 1) Restricted Speed Kange, ¥rom the above discussion It is apparent that Uke power flow into the rolor reverses direction as the machine passes through synchronous speed. As a result, the rotor side bridge looses commuta- lion energy and a‘dead spot" exists in which control is, lost. One possible solution to this problem is to provide forced commutation capability for the rotor side bridge A umber of such forced commutation eireuils are possibleDut a particulary simple arrangement is shown in Fig. 6 Since foreed commutation is only required near synchro- ous speea, the size of the eouunutatiol capacitor woul ot be substantial Note however that since the circuit Uulizes the neutral connection of the rotor an extra slip ring must be provided. 0 cairn Link Tastante a = “Trane Doubly -Fed ‘ne 668 naratctmmmnick Tne Techn wit inarir Fig. 6 Doubly Fed Induction Generator Arrangement with 12 Commutated Roelifer, spp azete th tomy, shove or be chen sgn unr ote ad aoe rien foc sociation reas ar a sree eal aa ome cure inlet etl oe eee Seneca ay ey “Siete dir erty mn a Sha ela in ene eaiaear ois yma eB ak cure epi pling erg ete ele ty le nS np ane, nn cet pau goer ee a eee Br eee cag oe i ee ee ela Sen de seg cen ane Septoria eect See eer ata ieee inverter must absorb VARs to effect commutation, the SUES Sa oie ate ae a cpr th Spd ate etre Moles Segre, eon an te fs maintained by means of the firing angle of the inverter bridge. However, the possibilty of starting the machine as fs moter fo ogoin lost. The VAR input inte the aystem son not be adjusted since the inverter control must be dedi- ated to control of power. Doubly Pod Induction Generator with DC Voltage Link Reelifler and Inverter Whereas DC current link converter configurations derive commutation volt-amperes from the connected sup Diy, De voltage unk systems typically (out nov inevitably) rely on commutation energy from special purpose capac tor cireults or by means of self commutating switches (transistors or CTOs). Such converters age inherently more expensive than Dc current hink converters. However, costs of these converters are decreasing rapidly with the evelopment of new high power transistor and gate turn off (GTO) switches. If the desired speed range is small the rotor connected converters need only handle a small irac- tion of rated power and the possiblity of using a DC vol- tage link may be practical. Such a voltage link confzuration is shown in Fig. 7 in which the rotor com ected converter is operated in foreed commutation wrile the stator connected converter commulates naturally Other.errangements are possible in which the stator side eanverter (or both) ure force couuutaled, dant IH ac oe =O ‘ipl EF Cametion Trentanet "haiiy-Fet Frrs-Conavaat Yori Harman’ Induction "Rucitior Tmeree Filme enarotae Fig. 7 Doubly Fed Induction Generator with DC Voltage Link ond Perec, Commutatod Bactifir In general, forced commulated converters can be operated in either of two modes. In the six step mode the rate to ensure a desired output frequency. In this case the ‘converter AC side line voltage assumes 6 quesi-rectangular, ‘waveshape of 120° voltage blocks which, in effect, forms he aval of the DG lak sunvertes. Meiiuvnic voltages of 5,7,11,13, times the fundamegtal are produced whieh, in ‘urn, “induce currents of these Irequencies in the corresponding AC current. In the pulse-width-modulated Sr TWil sudo Use smitvliing fequemey is uadulated au > to eliminate these undesirable harmonics The switching frequency is sufficiently high that harmonic torques which would be of concern in wind turbine generator applica tion me effectively eliniated, The preseuce uf bnionies plus the large DC filter requiremenis of the six step mode suggests that PWM operation would be the prelerred \eiggering scheme for this application, Special advantages of « voltage link system are 1) Smooth Transition Through oot ie i et Ghronous speed is thmnnated. Conseetesee ote 27 2) igh Frequency Torque Pulsations On the peas: of @ PWM ener ean Boint where the resulting torque heron the resonant frequencies ofthe noche In general, inverter is readily raised to the are well above system23), Smaller Per Unit Rating than Equivalent DC Current Link System Since a PWM converter is equally capable of rectilving oF inverting. operation af the geterrics teers oe Below synchronous speed is possble Hence, for's sivon variation In power {rom maximum to minimum speed: the Tating of the PYM converter need be rated only al the diference between maximun ‘and. micimm pater se gesting a sght saving in raling of the De voltage ink sya {em compared to the DC current lnk '4) VAR Control. Since the force commulated converter docs nol reauire VARs for suenrant) aparation toon eeter ally supply VARS to the Generator thereby permitting the control of VARS as well as power. Operation of the system tunity or leading power factor appears possible. with Proper attention tothe rating uf ie conven er. Important disadvantages ofthis system are: 1) Cost, There isa cost penally for this system due to the requirements of high grade switches and/or extra components needed to accomplish forced. commutalion However, the cort of such converters are rapidly droppin due to the emergence of new high power transistors and Tos.” Of all the configurations ‘under consideration this Syotein is perhaps tie anost dependent on charging techs ology 2), Complexity. Successful implementation of PHA schemes Wwpically require considerably more compl cated voilage control algorithm which invites questions oncerning relieblity. Operation of the PWM converter both above and below synchronous speed implies an extra diode. bridge. to supply power during. subsynchronous operation (frown im Fg. 8) a a THO sh eee Fig. 8 Doubly Fed Induction Generator Scheme Capable of Operation Above and Below Synchronous Speed, Doubly Fed Induction Generator and Cycloconverter An alternative ta DC current or willage line system io the eyeloconverter configuration of Fig 8 The cyclocon verter is a device which transtorms line frequency power to adjustable frequency power directly without use of an ne ink, syeloconrerter configurations have been proposed but the 36 thyristor arrangement shown in Fig. 9 is most widely used. This type of converter operates essentially as a vollage source. The Pycinennvarian se offarl wely + cammpling igpe ef eonverter where the input frequency is fied and the sagpling Iee- quency changes with output frequency. In order to con struct an output waveform, samples are taken from the three phase input” With proper Mmedulation ef the eyele converter the current is nearly sinusoids) with superim- posed harmonics related line frequency and to the switch Ing Trequency of the cycloconverter bridges. Because of the Timits linpwead hy the eanpling Uheerem, Une output becomes progressively distorted as the oulput frequency Js increased with about 1/2 the input frequency being the maximum oblainable with a 96 Uyristor configuration. F Hermanic iter Fig. 9 Doubly Fed induction Cenerator with Direct AC/AC Conver sion, ‘As was (he case for current and vollage DC link sys- tem, numerous types of eyelocanverters are useful, For exemple, an 18 thyristor welloge svuice syste Call be employed. In this case the useful frequency range is line ited to about 1/3 the input frequency Current source cyeloconverters are also in use. Such a eyclocorverter is ellen called a “hidden Link" sychauurctiet suee ine curcent source mechanism is obtained by use of a0 AC inductor on the input side of the eycloconverter. ice isclatation is needed to prevent short circuits, cycloconververs are generally accémpanied by an inpul transformer with Unree isolated secondaries. ‘The turns ralio is selected to provide maximum output voltege under the highest slip power condition In. principle, the (rausforiner could be omitea lf the Unree rotor phases of the machine were jsolated. However, this option is not considered practical for a WIG as il would require six rings rather than three. The most pertinent special advantages of the eyclo- converter fed, doubly fed induction generator schem. ‘appear to be: 1) Power Factor Control. With proper control of the voltege applied to the rotor af the machine, the VARS con summed or Supplied-by the machine can be adjusted at will ‘In particular, by proper adjustment the VARs required to provide switching of the cyclocomrter can be obtained Irom the stator of the machine itself so thal ihe enlire system is "self-supporting" and the machine is capable of supplying power at unily power factor 2) Smooth Transition Through Svichronous Speed This configurations shares with the PWM DC voltage link the capability of continuous operation at synehronous speed. The “dead zone” inherent in vaturally comenutated DC current link converter gystems is not oreseal in this arraagemenl. The WIG application appears to be a good match for the Inherent performance capabilities of the cycloconverter since the speed range of the WIG is rel narrow, requiring only a limited range of output [re- quencies froin the e¥eloconverter Since cotnunutation lakes place at a fixed rate (980 Hz), good control of the rolor current is maintained down ta DC frequency 0 that dumnping of torsional oscillations can be provided even when te output frequency is near (or at) zero Several important drawbacks exist for this scheme which restrict somewhat its usefulness. They are 1) ‘Tarque Palestine In gnnaral, harmania Yanquoe produced by the switching of the cyclocotverter are eoncern since the predominant frequencies are in ‘multiples of 360 Hz, which are well above the resonant frequencies of the mechanical system. However, because the ‘witching of the cycloconverter is nol synchronously tied tn the at tranny harman componente af the out Put are not rigorously tied to the fundamental frequen Af the input. Low frequency torque pulsations could arise which may induee mechanical oscillations. In particular, a "beating" phenomencn occur when the’ frequeiny approaches integer fractions of 60 Hz (2,2.6,10,12,15, #2). Amplitude of these pulsations are very small tor hight integer ratios of input to oulput frequencies (90:1, 20:1 ete) but may become eppreciavle at lower ratios (1.31 and 2:1). The most severe (2:1 and 3:1) can be avoided by restricting the frequency output (rotor slip frequency) (0 less than 20 hz. The next most severe conditions for a NTC fapplicauoit are ie 12 mid 19 Me eases mich Wold NAVE CO be'caretully examined. 2) Harmonic Structure of the Injected Line Currents. One property which distinguishes the eycloconverter from lie DC voltage ur current fink sysuein y Urat Ue harmonic structure of the vollage output is not an easily predictable function. Harmonics are dependent. not only upon the input frequency and switching instant but also upon the Inpeuance presenweu ts uve fyciveuiiveruer durliy EO ‘mutation (switching of the eycloconverter thyristors). Due 4e the asynchronous tie between Input and output Une har monie structure of the output spans « frequency band Tatler dass wnsioting uf diout ele lis unas eouspuncoa the input. As a result the filtering problem is somewhat more complicated. Since tuned filters are inappropriate, 8 low pass filter must be used which implies heavy fltering '9) Behavior During Single Phase Line Fault. In general, buffering of the machine from the utility by means of « converter provides an inherent benefit in the event of sys tem faults since the line side converter can be rapidly con trolled to greatly reduce the fault contribution from the wind turbine generator. However, the characteristic of single phase faull or single phase open circuit is perticu- larly uiticult for vycheuiver wer syste ance lage Mal ‘monic components including fundamental components of the line frequency are admitted into the outpul (ve appear on the rotor side of the cyeloconverter) upon a sin- Mle pluse teu. Wiereas sia pulse couverier Drge Schemes can be equipped to handle such occurances, & eycloconverter fed machine would probably require switching off the line resulting in a reliabilly concern rele Cycloconverters can also potentially replace the dual converter bridge of « synchronous generator system (Fig 4). However, because the ratio of input to output fre- Quency is restricted. such an application would imply that the frequency of the generator would have to be kept rela- Lively iow (below 19 H2) or relatively high (above 380 Hz) to provide for low harmonic distortion. Operation at such low br high frequencies would probably seniusly resirict the design of the synchronous generator. Also, since full rated power must now pass through the cycloconverter. severe fltering problems would occur. Finaly, serious power fac- {or cottection problems woulé also arse, particularly for the low frequency option in which commutating VARs are required from the utility side to provide commutation enerey Tor the evcloconverter. ‘VARIABLE SPEED OPTIONS FOR [SMALLER WIND TURBINE GENERATORS: Ae the voting of the WIC ie reduced the numhar af alternatives is enlarged. All of the previously mentioned schemes remain practical for lower power applications. However, in general, the per unit cosls of wound field ‘machines such as the synchronous and wound rotor induct on generator increase as ratings ‘of such systems Meviease, Ulereby perumuuing Vanous Uv and cage relat induction generator configurations utilizing force commu tation lo become more competitive. If variable speed sys- tems which require connection to passive loads rather iat te uebity grid are not considered, the following addir tional systems can be identified DC Generator with Chopper Based DC Voltage Link Figure 10 shows a DC WTG scheme in which the gener tor is buffered from the output by a DC voltage link formed by a'step down chopper. The voltage on the output side of the chopper (uliliy side) can be maintained constant by Pulse ‘width ‘modulation of he "chopper. Henee,_ the inverter bridge ean be maintained at ite minimum extinc- ton ral over @ wie vrai in generator speed Step up chopper arrangements are also possible in which varying weneralot DC voltage is inercased through the Chopper fo a higher constant level” Again current in the ullty side inverter flows in 120" Blocks. Filtering require- iments can again be reloxed by resorLing Lo more complex Converter configurations (Pig. 2) z ie un BF Hormone =a ‘TeartemerCoracisn Inverter Link SPP Gararaor Fig. 10 DC Generator with 2 Quadrant DC/DC Step Up Chopper. Induction Generator with DC Voltage Link An AC alternative the shepper/DC genorator is the DC voltage link system of Fig TT ullizmg a PWM inverter logether with a squirrel cage type induction generator Ageia, the DC link vllage can be maintained constant by Beceuse such an induction. generator requires. logging VARS, the converter must be foree commutated The wtity side converter can again be controlled for best power lac Sar Spenation (minimum autinalioh angle) avecooiating aly & minimal amount of power factor correction. ‘The above comments concerning Mtering again apply Operation of the machine side converter in the “six swep mode is agin possible. owever, since te ievet of excitation of a squirrel cage machine cannot be controlied by independent means as for the other machine types Une DC link voltage will necessarily change in direct proportion fo frequeneje Since the De hax vollage ‘cannot be maine {ined a9 constant, the utihty side iverler control angle ‘mUSL be adjusted continuously $0 accomodate this Vana tion, Hence, the power factor of the converter can not be ‘kept constant Dut changes with control angle ‘Mechine Fig. 11 Induction Generator with DC Voltage Link and AC/DC/AC Conversion.Induction Generator with DC Current Link ‘Another induction generator alternative ineoroorates the Use of a DC current link rather then a voltage link However, since excitation of the generator must egain be provided by tne machine side converter, forced commute tion is needed. Figure 12 shows such @ configuration utiliz~ lng an aute-sequential type of commutation scheme (ASC inverter). One problem which appears to be inherent in, the operation of this system Is that the DC side voltage varies widely with load and aporoaches zero when the Tachine is unloaded. As a result, the line side converter control angle varies widely resulting in a difficult power factor correction problem on the utlity side of the con- verter. Tyyser OF yale Fees Greta Begs Lim Sohacie Fig, 12 Induction Generator with DC Current Link and AC/DG/AC Conversion. Induction Generator with Cyeloconverter ‘The nycloranuertar tarme the thind olase of convertor which has been discussed and, indeed, as was the case for doubly fed induction generator and synchronous genera tors, this type of converter can also be utilized with a squirrel cage typs of induction generator. However, in this case the generator frequency must be kept at a frac: lion of line frequency (60 Hz). VARs must be supplied both to commutate the eycloconverter and magnelize the Induction generator and the numcrvus disadvantages appear to outweigh he benefits in this application Inc Ceneaar with ih Pree in oer SOREL rah eaotarys @ SE ps A ene og quency to a large value (10 KHz or more). Another cyclo- Sere Aree ety see a ee ea gy Be tee rey i eran Us eerie Ae Sey en tune age tnt obet rea Tran pl Satin nl ile eed Fe Batre oa poe tartonedar anit he Susi cera presario ee sere cera a eg Sey gee gue aca aah ods tg Sito athe Mee Sie Shae rea aes conerang ree f x Fig. 19 High Frequency Link Selt-Commutated Inverter (One Phase) Pertmanent Magnet Aeneratar fan fgwventions ‘When ratings Feach 10-20 Kw and less, the complexity of the cholees for variable speed operation again becames enlarged. In particular, such application ratings become Shiciale tw the uae cf permanent mnagnet gonsratore Busi “systems to those. discussed for synchronous and induction generators (Figs. and 11-13) become polertal Condidates to be examined. ‘The key diference’ between Ehronous generators is Ue lack of en independently con trollable excitation winding. Hence, the generator termi hal voltage varies with speed necessitating contrat of the Tne sie converter” hae reoult, povor factor wll shange under varying load conditions CONCLUSION ‘he electrical systems options for variable speed operation of a wind turbine generator are extensive and mmay even be inereasing as a resull of emerging high power transistors and CTOs. This paper has presented a sum- mary of the techology opuions and trade- offs velweens flternatives for variable speed electrical generating 3y- tems es applied lo a wind turbine generator. The peper should help clarify some of the major issues involved in this application and assist in tne selection of tne proper technology. REFERENCES 1. TA. Lipo, "Analysis and Control of Torque Pulsations in Current Fed Induction Motor Drives’, Electric Macluaes fand Flentramechaniae. Vol 3. Aprilslune 1978. pp. 957- 36a : 2 PM. Hapelage and BK, Bose, “High-Frequency Link Power Conversion’, (EEE Trans. ou industry Applica Cee SrA Ta, No 5, Sept-cOot 1677 pp WAT. 3. F. Schwartz, "A Doublesided Cycloconvertec”, (REE ‘Trans. on Industrial Electronics and Control instru- mentation, Vol. IECI28, No. 4, November 198, pp. e6e-201