Performance Evaluation of Fixed-speed and Variable-speed Stand-alone Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Abstract

This article deals with the performance evaluation of fixed-speed and variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion systems using an isolated asynchronous generator. A voltage and frequency controller for an isolated asynchronous generator based variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion system is investigated using two back-to-back connected voltage source converters and a battery energy storage system. A three-leg insulated-gate bipolar transistor based voltage source converter is used at the machine side for variable-voltage–variable-frequency energy conversion, and a four-leg insulated-gate bipolar transistor based voltage source converter is used between the load terminals and intermediate DC link for feeding regulated voltage and frequency supply. A voltage and frequency controller for an isolated asynchronous generator based fixed-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion system is also designed and modeled using a four-leg voltage source converter and battery energy storage system. A detailed performance evaluation is made between fixed-speed and variable-speed stand-alone wind energy conversion systems using wind data obtained for Jakhau (Gujarat) situated in India.