Operation of squirrel cage induction machine as wind turbine generator

Wind energy is one of the renewable energy solutions, and its development is growing very rapidly. The design of the wind turbine system will affect the efficiency of the wind power produced. In this project, a 7.5kW squirrel cage induction generator is operated as a wind turbine generator. A 11kW induction motor, which is controlled by the variable speed drive system (VSD), acts as the prime mover to provide mechanical power to the generator. The output power from the generator is converted by a series of commercial power conversion products, in order to provide a grid conforming AC voltage. The study and experiment on the power conversion system were conducted and the experimental results are shown in this report. When the induction machine worked as a generator, reactive power must be provided to it for voltage build up. A calculation method is used for estimation of the rating of the capacitor bank. Different capacitance value is chosen to examine the effect of the capacitance on the generator’s performance. The experimental results are discussed and concluded in this report. A Labview based programme is developed to control the VSD for the induction motor. With variable speed control, the induction machine is simulated as a wind turbine generator under varying wind condition.Bachelor of Engineerin