Application of maximum power point tracker method in wind energy conversion system based on the switched reluctance generator

Abstract

Switched reluctance electric drive functioning in motor mode is actively introduced in different field and production processes. Nowadays this type of electric drive working in generator mode find application in wind energy. However, there are some issues due non-linear characteristics of these motors type, such as ripples of electromagnetic flux and torque, which directly influence on extracting energy quality. The growing costs of generating electricity and exhausting supplies of traditional carbon fuels are increasingly prompting us to think about the development of alternative energy sources. Alternative energy is aimed at obtaining the necessary type of energy due to natural renewable and inexhaustible phenomena and resources. It should be noted that alternative energy does not emit greenhouse gases and is environmentally friendly. The wind is the main source of energy for wind turbines, but as is known, the value of wind speed varies throughout the day, and as a result, the generated power of the wind generator changes with it. There are systems that allows by various methods to track the point on the curve of the I-V characteristic, which will correspond to the maximum power of the wind turbine at the current wind speed. Such control systems are based on method uses maximum power point tracking. With the help of on-line training mode, it is able to determine and remember the values of current and voltage corresponding to the point of maximum power of the wind generator. Switched reluctance generators can reduce the cost of generating electricity by wind farms, and reduce the cost of maintenance of wind generators because of their simple and reliable construction. Joint application of switched reluctance generator and maximum power point tracker will allow improving energy performances of wind energy conversion system.