The main purpose here is to explain the technology in common use for large-scale wind power generation. The evolution of turbine design is first of all placed in its historical context. The current design choices facing the industry are then considered. A simple analysis of the basic process of wind energy extraction is presented, leading to a discussion of the critical area of power regulation. It will be seen that the options here depend on whether fixed or variable-speed technology is adopted. The description of fixed-speed wind turbine technology includes a review of relevant induction machine theory. The induction (or asynchronous) machine is a key component of fixed-speed wind generators, as well as forming the basis for partial variable-speed designs. This section considers some of the shortcomings of the fixed-speed designs which dominated the industry's initial growth surge. The final section of the chapter reviews the arguments that have led to the growing dominance of variable-speed technology The section includes a detailed treatment of partial variable-speed (doubly fed induction generator [DFIG]) and full variable-speed wind turbine generator configurations.

Chapter Contents:

• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Historicalreview of wind power technology
• 3.3 Design choices for large wind turbine generators
• 3.4 Energy extraction and power regulation
• 3.4.1 Energy extraction across the rotor disc
• 3.4.2 Power regulation
• 3.5 Fixed-speed wind turbines
• 3.5.1 Review of the induction (asynchronous) machine
• 3.5.2 Fixed-speed induction generator-based wind turbine
• 3.6 Variable-speed wind turbines
• 3.6.1 DFIG wind turbine
• 3.6.2 Wide-range variable-speed synchronous generator wind turbine

Inspec keywords: wind turbines; wind power plants; asynchronous generators

Other keywords: wind power technology; variable-speed wind turbine generator configurations; machine theory; large-scale wind power generation; fixed-speed wind generators; wind energy extraction; fixed-speed wind turbine technology; power regulation; partial variable-speed designs

Subjects: Wind power plants