Wind energy is a pillar of the strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and staving off catastrophic climate change, but the market is under tremendous pressure to reduce costs. This results in the need for optimising any new wind turbine to maximise the return on investment and keep the technology profitable and the sector thriving. Optimisation involves selecting the best component out of many, and then optimising the system as a whole.
This second volume of Wind Turbine System Design focuses on electrical systems, grid integration, control and monitoring. Chapters written by experts in the field cover electrical safety, generator and converter design, hardware in-loop testing, turbine control and automation, structural health monitoring, control of wind farm systems, and integration of local energy systems. Readers will be able to make systematic choices to design the best turbine system for the given situation.
Wind Turbine System Design: Volume 2: Electrical systems, grid integration, control and monitoring is a valuable reference for scientists, engineers and advanced students engaged in the design of wind turbines, offering a systematic guide to these components.
Chapters
Electrical Safety
Description:
The value of feed-in compensation for renewable energy is falling globally, increasing pressure on the wind energy sector. To offset investment costs, operating and maintenance expenses must be minimized, and unexpected downtimes due to electrical faults must be prevented. Key measures include monitoring insulation faults, recording lightning events, and implementing advanced sensors for safety and efficiency. Modern solutions aim to optimize wind turbine safety, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
Generator Design for Geared Turbines
Description:
This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of electrical drivetrain components, focusing on generators designed for geared turbines. It explores various generator concepts, both asynchronous and synchronous, and examines their theoretical, mathematical, and practical aspects. The focus is on medium- and high-speed applications, highlighting design considerations and optimization strategies.
Generator Design for Direct-Drive Turbines
Description:
Focusing on direct-drive generator systems for wind turbines, this chapter examines their robust, reliable, and efficient design. Emphasizing permanent-magnet excitation, it delves into optimization strategies for minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency. Key topics include stator winding systems, rotor configurations, and an outlook on future advancements in direct-drive systems.
Main Converter Design
Description:
The main converter of a wind turbine is critical for managing fluctuating stresses and grid requirements. This chapter covers the design and assembly of modern converters, addressing issues like grounding, pulse generation, and the impact of power electronics on service life. A detailed design of a six-megawatt converter illustrates practical applications.
Grid Compliance and Electrical System Characterization
Description:
This chapter outlines grid integration tests for wind turbines, detailing development methodologies and test practices. It explains the design and functionality of test benches such as DyNaLab and Hil-GridCoP, highlighting their role in addressing technological and economic challenges in grid integration and decentralized energy supply.
X-Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Methods for Validation
Description:
Discussing hardware-in-the-loop testing methodologies, this chapter focuses on validation processes for wind turbine components. It introduces test setups for mechanical, electrical, and controller hardware, providing insights into the challenges and future developments in wind energy testing.
Wind Turbine Control and Automation
Description:
This chapter presents a comprehensive guide to wind turbine control systems, including software architecture and design principles. It explores advanced control concepts for optimizing turbine operation and integrating them within larger wind farm systems.
Structural Health Monitoring
Description:
Continuous monitoring of wind turbine structures like rotor blades and towers has become essential for safety and operational efficiency. This chapter discusses methods, outcomes, and technologies for structural health monitoring, focusing on offshore and onshore wind turbine applications.
Advanced Concepts for Control of Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Systems
Description:
This chapter explores advanced control strategies for optimizing wind turbines and wind farms. It highlights the ecological and operational benefits of system-wide control, discussing lifetime planning, material usage, and environmental impact.
Integration of Local Energy Systems
Description:
Examining the integration of wind turbines in decentralized power networks, this chapter discusses local energy systems (LES) that combine renewable energy sources with grid stability. It addresses control architectures, system sizing, and solutions for maintaining stability in interconnected energy networks.
