Abstract

In MW-sized wind turbines, the most widely-used generator is the wound rotor induction machine, with a partially-rated voltage source converter connected to the rotor. This generator is a significant cause of wind turbine fault modes. In this paper, a harmonic time-stepped generator model is applied to derive wound rotor induction generator electrical & mechanical signals for fault measurement, and propose simple closed-form analytical expressions to describe them. Predictions are then validated with tests on a 30 kW induction generator test rig. Results show that generator rotor unbalance produces substantial increases in the side-bands of supply frequency and slotting harmonic frequencies in the spectra of current, power, speed, mechanical torque and vibration measurements. It is believed that this is the first occasion in which such comprehensive approach has been presented for this type of machine, with healthy & faulty conditions at varying loads and rotor faults. Clear recommendations of the relative merits of various electrical & mechanical signals for detecting rotor faults are given, and reliable fault indicators are identified for incorporation into wind turbine condition monitoring systems. Finally, the paper proposes that fault detectability and reliability could be improved by data fusion of some of these electrical & mechanical signals.

Highlights

  • Wind energy has a crucial role in providing sustainable energy

  • By the end of 2017, the worldwide wind power installed capacity has risen to 540 GW [1], of which 169 GW are in the EU, approximately 153 GW onshore and 16 GW offshore [2]

  • Optimising operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy through the adoption of cost-effective and reliable condition monitoring (CM) techniques is a clear target for competitive offshore wind development [3][4][5]

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Summary

Introduction

Wind energy has a crucial role in providing sustainable energy. By the end of 2017, the worldwide wind power installed capacity has risen to 540 GW [1], of which 169 GW are in the EU, approximately 153 GW onshore and 16 GW offshore [2]. Offshore wind has significant generation potential in Europe, especially in the UK, thanks to beneficial wind resources and seabed conditions. Optimising operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy through the adoption of cost-effective and reliable condition monitoring (CM) techniques is a clear target for competitive offshore wind development [3][4][5]. One of the main challenges currently facing the wind CM AC C EP Wound Rotor Induction Generators (WRIG), using a partially-rated Voltage

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