WindDesigner: An open tool for analysis and design of wind generators

Among renewable energy sources, wind is one of the most exploited, due to the relative low cost and independence from the sun. However, to harvest the highest amount of energy, it is important to maximize the global efficiency of the wind generator. To do so it is necessary to understand the behavior of each mechanical and electrical component and specifically how they interact. In this work we present WindDesigner, an open tool for wind generators analysis and design. It allows to dynamically configure the composition of the generator and to estimate important parameters, like efficiency and energy production, according to the variation of wind speed. It is written in Matlab and its modular and open structure can be easily expanded and improved. The tool has been applied to the design of a specific wind generator, enabling design space exploration and selection of alternative implementation options. Thanks to WindDesigner it will be possible to design the optimum wind generator structure for every site condition and load needs.