An investigation into the grid compliance of the slip synchronous permanent magnet wind generator

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The slip synchronous permanent magnet generator (SSG) is a direct-driven direct-grid connected generator developed to alleviate the need for expensive gearboxes and solid-state power converters on wind turbine generators. This study identifies certain key areas where the current wind turbine generator (WTG) system does not comply with the grid code for wind energy facilities (WEF) as specified by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.The current WTG system does not have a reactive power compensation device. The main focus in this study is the development of an on-load tap changer (OLTC) transformer to control the terminal voltage of the generator. By controlling the terminal voltage of the generator the excitation-mode of the SSG can be changed allowing for control over the reactive power output of the SSG. An OLTC transformer utilising a solid-state assisted mechanical diverter circuit is built and tested to determine the viability of using an OLTC as a reactive power control device.Practical test results show that the OLTC can successfully control the terminal voltage of the SSG without interrupting the load current. The required accuracy regarding power factor control capability was not met due to the large change in reactive power output per tap change operation. A method of using small shunt capacitor banks to provide additional reactive power in between consecutive tap changes is evaluated in simulation. Simulation results show that the addition of these small shunt capacitor banks dramatically improves the reactive power control accuracy.Additionally the grid code specifies that a WEF must have the ability to curtail the active power output during frequency disturbances. The effects of frequency disturbances on the SSG output is simulated and it was found that the SSG will comply with the minimum connection requirements as specified in the grid code. A method of using an IGBT switched DC load to limit the active power output of the WEF is developed and simulated. From the simulation results it was found that the proposed active power curtailment device will meet the minimum power curtailment response time requirements as specified in the grid code.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University