Wind-driven self-excited induction generator with voltage and frequency regulated by a reduced-rating voltage source inverter

This paper discusses the regulation of the voltage and frequency of a stand-alone fixed-pitch wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a self-excited squirrel-cage induction machine. A shunt connected voltage source inverter (VSI) and a controllable dump load are used for regulation purposes. A battery bank is included in the dc side of the VSI so that it can absorb and inject active power thus increasing the efficiency and availability of the system. A control scheme for the VSI with independent control of active and reactive power allows the state of charge of the batteries to be kept in a safe range while maximizing the voltage regulating capabilities of the VSI. The characteristics of the wind turbine, self-excited generator, and the ratings of the VSI are considered in order to determine the load range for which voltage and frequency can be regulated for a given wind speed range. The feasibility of the proposed system is verified by simulations.