Options for variable speed operation of horizontal axis wind turbine generators.

摘要

The advantages and disadvantages of variable speed operation of horizontal axis wind turbine generators are quantified where possible. Among the attributes considered are increased energy capture, reduction in gearbox cost, noise, increased losses due to frequency conversion, increased structural costs, the cost of the actual variable speed generating equipment and a possible reduction in reliability. The comparisons are based on two detailed wind turbine designs, one of 250 KW and one of 2.4 MW. Further studies are desirable to resolve the remaining uncertainties. (U.K.).