Methodology for the low-cost optimisation of small-wind turbines

Abstract

The increasing use of small-wind energy has made it necessary to develop new methods that improve the efficiency of this technology. This is best done by considering the interaction between the various components, such as wind rotors, electrical generators, rectifiers and inverters, as opposed to studying the individual components in isolation. Hence, this chapter describes a methodology to increase the efficiency of small-wind turbines (SWTs) equipped with an electrical machine, rectifier and inverter. To achieve this objective, capacitor banks will be connected between the electrical machine and the rectifier. This methodology is motivated by two clear aims. The first one is to operate the SWT with its maximum power coefficient (Cp). The second one is to select the most suitable capacitor bank for each wind speed in order to optimise the energy supplied to the grid.