Wind turbine emulation using an inverter-controlled induction motor

Abstract

The focus of this work is on the wind turbine emulation, using an induction motor (IM) driven by a variable speed drive and real time control software, to supply a mechanical power to the generator’ shaft. From a given wind profile, using the turbine characteristics and the rotational speed of the generator, the theoretical mechanical power is calculated and regulated at the output of the induction motor. The drive train was designed for small scale power systems, and it is based on a variable speed wind energy system, using a permanent magnet synchronous generator, decoupled from the grid by a power rectifier bridge and a photovoltaic (PV) inverter. The inverter approach aims to provide cost effective solutions and technological independence, aiming at exploring a large amount of feasible sites. In order to corroborate the proposed design, the experimental platform has been tested with two different PV inverters.