Wind energy conversion system simulator using variable speed induction motor

The conventional synchronous generator in wind energy conversion system are now getting replaced by variable speed induction generator to extract maximum power with wide range of wind speed limit. The design and performance of such system are required a simplified digital simulator, especially for development of optimal control solutions. The proposed work is to make a prototype of an variable speed wind conversion system simulator, to get a required operational condition under variable wind speed. In this paper variable speed induction motor drive using scalar control is interfaced in wind energy conversion system as an alternative to make the real time wind simulator for wind energy researchers. The basic power curve from wind generator is carried out through d-SPACE and interface of induction motor through an inverter control system. The induction motor is operated in wide speed range using Volt /Hertz speed control scheme. The laboratory prototype consists of 3 kW, 415 Volt, 50Hz induction motor controlled by voltage source inverter for various wind speed. The basic control strategy is implemented through hardware system. The result verifies that the wind turbine simulator can reproduce the steady state characteristics of a given wind turbine at various wind condition.