Simulation and testing of a low power wind system

This paper describes the implementation of a test bench intended to study low power wind systems. It is used with an energy conversion chain including a variable reluctance magnet machine (VRMM), used as a direct-driven generator. We first present the principle and working equations of the VRMM, and the converters associated with it. Equations used to model VRMM and PWM rectifier in a d, q rotating frame are then detailed and so are different control methods used to drive the VRMM. A Simulink model of the system including the wind turbine is proposed. We show simulation results computed with a short wind profile, which enable to estimate the efficiency of a control method of the VRMM. These models are used to implement the test bench. In this one, the wind turbine is emulated by a DC machine. The drive of the DC machine and of the VRMM is realized with the help of a real-time board. We use the bench to compare the association of VRMM with different AC/DC converters. We finally foresee the later developments of the system.