Low cost regulation and load control system for low power wind turbine

Abstract

Context: Electric power generation systems designed as a point solution to supply needs away from the power grid typically make use of the energy resources available in the area. These systems are custom designed to supply a specific need, and with high efficiency criteria in mind. A fundamental element in these systems are the batteries charge and control circuits. Method: The regulation system was designed for the wind turbine prototype of the Francisco Jos de Caldas District University, campus of the Technological Faculty, and considering its use in low-income housing. The module has three intermediate stages of regulation: rectification and conditioning, DC/DC regulation and battery charging, and voltage inversion. Results: We achieved a prototype of high efficiency, low cost and high performance in laboratory tests. Conclusions: The load control and regulation system is a low-cost, high-performance alternative to solve problems of supplying electric power in non-interconnected areas of the Colombian power grid.