Are synchronous generators suitable for variable speed wind turbines?

Synchronous generators are commonly used for variable speed wind-turbine applications, due to their low rotational synchronous speeds that produce the voltage at grid frequency. Synchronous generators can be an appropriate selection for variable speed operation of wind turbines [166, 167]. They do not need a pitch control mechanism.

How does a synchronous wind turbine work?

When the wind turbine drives the rotor, three-phase power is produced in the stator windings that are connected to the grid via transformers and power converters. In the case of fixed-speed synchronous generators, the rotor speed needs to be at exactly the synchronous speed. Or else, the synchronism will be lost.

Why do wind turbines produce more power than fixed speed generators?

In theory, some wind turbine generators may be used to compensate the low power factor caused by neighboring consumers. In economic terms, variable speed wind turbine can produce 8-15% more power than fixed speed counterparts .

How do synchronous generators work?

When the rotor is driven by the wind turbine, a three-phase power is generated in the stator windings which are connected to the grid through transformers and power converters. For fixed speed synchronous generators, the rotor speed must be kept at exactly the synchronous speed. Otherwise synchronism will be lost.

How fast does a wind turbine run?

For instance, the wind turbine operates at a speed of 15 rpm and the generator is designed to operate 1200 rpm (for 60 Hz) . An up-speed gearbox of 1:80 is required to match the speed/torque of the turbine with these of the generator. However, historically, gearbox failures are major challenges to the operation of wind farms.

What type of generator does a wind turbine use?

AC Asynchronous Generators When the traditional way of power generation uses synchronous generators, modern wind power systems use induction machines, extensively in wind turbine applications.