Showing papers on "Turbine published in 2004"

Optimum control strategies in energy conversion of PMSG wind turbine system without mechanical sensors

Abstract: The amount of energy obtained from a wind energy conversion system (WECS) depends not only on the characteristics of the wind regime at the site, but it also depends on the control strategy used for the WECS. In order to determine the gain in energy derived from one concept as compared against another, models of several autonomous WECS have been developed using Matlab Simulink software. These allow easy performance evaluations and comparisons on different control strategies used, and determine the amount of energy injected to the grid in the case of the grid-connected systems. This paper also proposes a prototype version of the control strategy of a 20-kW permanent-magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) for maximum power tracking and compares with the results produced by previous strategies. Advantages of this mechanical sensorless control strategy for maximum power estimation are demonstrated by digital simulation of the system.

Comparison of the response of doubly fed and fixed-speed induction generator wind turbines to changes in network frequency

Abstract: Synchronous and fixed-speed induction generators release the kinetic energy of their rotating mass when the power system frequency is reduced. In the case of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines, their control system operates to apply a restraining torque to the rotor according to a predetermined curve with respect to the rotor speed. This control system is not based on the power system frequency and there is negligible contribution to the inertia of the power system. A DFIG control system was modified to introduce inertia response to the DFIG wind turbine. Simulations were used to show that with the proposed control system, the DFIG wind turbine can supply considerably greater kinetic energy than a fixed-speed wind turbine.

An intelligent maximum power extraction algorithm for inverter-based variable speed wind turbine systems

Abstract: This paper focuses on the development of maximum wind power extraction algorithms for inverter-based variable speed wind power generation systems. A review of existing maximum wind power extraction algorithms is presented in this paper, based on which an intelligent maximum power extraction algorithm is developed by the authors to improve the system performance and to facilitate the control implementation. As an integral part of the max-power extraction algorithm, advanced hill-climb searching method has been developed to take into account the wind turbine inertia. The intelligent memory method with an on-line training process is described in this paper. The developed maximum wind power extraction algorithm has the capability of providing initial power demand based on error driven control, searching for the maximum wind turbine power at variable wind speeds, constructing an intelligent memory, and applying the intelligent memory data to control the inverter for maximum wind power extraction, without the need for either knowledge of wind turbine characteristics or the measurements of mechanical quantities such as wind speed and turbine rotor speed. System simulation results and test results have confirmed the functionality and performance of this method.

A Correlation-Based Transition Model Using Local Variables—Part II: Test Cases and Industrial Applications

Abstract: A new correlation-based transition model has been developed, which is built strictly on local variables. As a result, the transition model is compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods using unstructured grids and massive parallel execution. The model is based on two transport equations, one for the intermittency and one for the transition onset criteria in terms of momentum thickness Reynolds number. The proposed transport equations do not attempt to model the physics of the transition process (unlike, e.g., turbulence models), but form a framework for the implementation of correlation-based models into general-purpose CFD methods. Part I of this paper (Menter, F. R., Langtry, R. B., Likki, S. R., Suzen, Y. B., Huang, P. G., and Volker, S., 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128(3), pp. 413–422) gives a detailed description of the mathematical formulation of the model and some of the basic test cases used for model validation. Part II (this part) details a significant number of test cases that have been used to validate the transition model for turbomachinery and aerodynamic applications, including the drag crisis of a cylinder, separation-induced transition on a circular leading edge, and natural transition on a wind turbine airfoil. Turbomachinery test cases include a highly loaded compressor cascade, a low-pressure turbine blade, a transonic turbine guide vane, a 3D annular compressor cascade, and unsteady transition due to wake impingement. In addition, predictions are shown for an actual industrial application, namely, a GE low-pressure turbine vane. In all cases, good agreement with the experiments could be achieved and the authors believe that the current model is a significant step forward in engineering transition modeling.

Neural network based sensorless maximum wind energy capture with compensated power coefficient

Abstract: This work describes a small wind generation system where neural network principles are applied for wind speed estimation and robust maximum wind power extraction control against potential drift of wind turbine power coefficient curve. The new control system will deliver maximum electric power to a customer with lightweight, high efficiency, and high reliability without mechanical sensors. A turbine directly driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) is considered for the proposed small wind generation system in this paper. The new control system has been developed, analyzed and verified by simulation studies. Performance has then been evaluated in detail. Finally, the proposed method is also applied to a 15 kW variable speed cage induction machine wind generation (CIWG) system and the experimental results are presented.

Sensorless vector control of induction machines for variable-speed wind energy applications

Abstract: A sensorless vector-control strategy for an induction generator in a grid-connected wind energy conversion system is presented. The sensorless control system is based on a model reference adaptive system (MRAS) observer to estimate the rotational speed. In order to tune the MRAS observer and compensate for the parameter variation and uncertainties, a separate estimation of the speed is obtained from the rotor slot harmonics using an algorithm for spectral analysis. This algorithm can track fast dynamic changes in the rotational speed, with high accuracy. Two back-to-back pulse-width-modulated (PWM) inverters are used to interface the induction generator with the grid. The front-end converter is also vector controlled. The dc link voltage is regulated using a PI fuzzy controller. The proposed sensorless control strategy has been experimentally verified on a 2.5-kW experimental set up with an induction generator driven by a wind turbine emulator. The emulation of the wind turbine is performed using a novel strategy that allows the emulation of high-order wind turbine models, preserving all of the dynamic characteristics. The experimental results show the high level of performance obtained with the proposed sensorless vector-control method.

Millimeter-Scale, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Gas Turbine Engines

Abstract: The confluence of market demand for greatly improved compact power sources for portable electronics with the rapidly expanding capability of micromachining technology has made feasible the development of gas turbines in the millimeter-size range. With airfoil spans measured in 100's of microns rather than meters, these microengines have about 1 millionth the airflow of large gas turbines and thus should produce about one millionth the power, 10-100 W. Based on semiconductor industry-derived processing of materials such as silicon and silicon carbide to submicron accuracy, such devices are known as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Current millimeter-scale designs use centrifugal turbomachinery with pressure ratios in the range of 2:1 to 4:1 and turbine inlet temperatures of 1200-1600 K. The projected performance of these engines are on a par with gas turbines of the 1940s. The thermodynamics of MEMS gas turbines are the same as those for large engines but the mechanics differ due to scaling considerations and manufacturing constraints. The principal challenge is to arrive at a design which meets the thermodynamic and component functional requirements while staying within the realm of realizable micromachining technology. This paper reviews the state of the art of millimeter-size gas turbine engines, including system design and integration, manufacturing, materials, component design, accessories, applications, and economics. It discusses the underlying technical issues, reviews current design approaches, and discusses future development and applications.

Dynamic wind turbine models in power system simulation tool DIgSILENT

Abstract: This report presents a collection of models and control strategies developed and implemented in the power system simulation tool PowerFactory DIgSILENT for different wind turbine concepts. It is the second edition of Risoe-R-1400(EN) and it gathers and describes a whole wind turbine model database built-op and developed during several national research projects, carried out at Risoe DTU National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy and Aalborg University, in the period 2001-2007. The overall objective of these projects was to create a wind turbine model database able to support the analysis of the interaction between the mechanical structure of the wind turbine and the electrical grid during different operational modes. The report provides thus a description of the wind turbines modelling, both at a component level and at a system level. The report contains both the description of DIgSILENT built-in models for the electrical components of a grid connected wind turbine (e.g. induction generators, power converters, transformers) and the models developed by the user, in the dynamic simulation language DSL of DIgSILENT, for the non-electrical components of the wind turbine (wind model, aerodynamic model, mechanical model). The initialisation issues on the wind turbine models into the power system simulation are also presented. The main attention in the report is drawn to the modelling at the system level of the following wind turbine concepts: (1) Fixed speed active stall wind turbine concept (2) Variable speed doubly-fed induction generator wind turbine concept (3) Variable speed multi-pole permanent magnet synchronous generator wind turbine concept These wind turbine concept models can be used and even extended for the study of different aspects, e.g. the assessment of power quality, control strategies, connection of the wind turbine at different types of grid and storage systems. Different control strategies have been developed and implemented for these wind turbine concepts, their performance in normal or fault operation being assessed and discussed by means of simulations. The described control strategies have different goals e.g. fast response over disturbances, optimum power efficiency over a wider range of wind speeds, voltage ride-through capability including grid support. A dynamic model of a DC connection for active stall wind farms to the grid including the control is also implemented and presented. (au)

Variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier with scalar power control and dependent pitch control

Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine having a passive grid side rectifier using scalar power control and dependent pitch control is disclosed. The variable speed turbine may include an electrical generator to provide power for a power grid and a power conversion system coupled to the electrical generator. The power conversion system may include at least one passive grid side rectifier. The power conversion system may provide power to the electrical generator using the passive grid side rectifier. The variable speed wind turbine may also use scalar power control to provide more precise control of electrical quantities on the power grid. The variable speed wind turbine may further use dependent pitch control to improve responsiveness of the wind turbine.

Power generation system

Abstract: A system for generating an electrical power output from a subsea installation that includes at least one flowline, wherein the system includes a turbine that is operatively connected to the flowline, the turbine being rotatable by fluid flowing through the flowline, and the turbine generating the electrical power output when the turbine is rotated.

Power system frequency response from fixed speed and doubly fed induction generator-based wind turbines

Abstract: Throughout Europe there is an increasing trend of connecting high penetrations of wind turbines to the transmission networks. This has resulted in transmission system operators revising their grid code documents for the connection of large wind farms. These specifications require large MW capacity wind farms to have the ability to assist in some of the power system control services currently carried out by conventional synchronous generation. These services include voltage and frequency control. It is now recognized that much of this new wind generation plant will use either fixed speed induction generator (FSIG)- or doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind turbines. The addition of a control loop to synthesize inertia in the DFIG wind turbine using the power electronic control system has been described. The possibility of deloading wind turbines for frequency response using blade pitch angle control is discussed. A pitch control scheme to provide frequency response from FSIG and DFIG wind turbines is also described. A case study of an FSIG wind turbine with frequency response capabilities is investigated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Review of Contemporary Wind Turbine Concepts and Their Market Penetration

Abstract: The main aim of this paper is to investigate the market penetration and share of different wind turbine concepts during the years 1998-2002, a period when the increase in the wind power capacity is starting to mark an abrupt evolution (more than two GW per year). A detailed overview is performed based on suppliers market data and concept evaluation for each individual wind turbine type sold by the Top Ten suppliers over the selected five years. The investigation is processing information on a total number of approximately 90 wind turbine types from 13 different manufacturers, which have been on the Top Ten list of wind turbine suppliers during 1998 to 2002. The analysis is based on very comprehensive data, which cover approximately 76% of the accumulated world wind power installed at the end of 2002. The paper also provides an overall perspective on the contemporary wind turbine concepts, classified with respect to both their speed control ability and to their power control type. Trends for wind turbine c...

Numerical and analytical calculations of the temperature and flow field in the upwind power plant

Abstract: The upwind power plant is an interesting system to generate electrical power from free solar energy. The authors have carried out an analysis to improve the description of the operation mode and efficiency. The pressure drop at the turbine and the mass flow rate have a decisive influence on the efficiency. This can be determined only by coupling of all parts of an upwind power plant. In this study the parts ground, collector, chimney and turbine are modelled together numerically. The basis for all sections is the numerical CFD programme FLUENT. This programme solves the basic equations of the thermal fluid dynamics. Model development and parameter studies particularly arise with this tool. Additional to the calculations using FLUENT a simple model is developed for comparison purposes and parameter studies. The numerical results with FLUENT compare well with the results given by the simple model, therefore, we can use the simple model for parameter studies. The basis for the geometry is the prototype Manzanares. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of a novel wind turbine simulator for wind energy conversion systems using an inverter-controlled induction motor

Abstract: A wind turbine simulator for wind energy conversion systems has been developed with a view to design, evaluate, and test of actual wind turbine drive trains including generators, transmissions, power-electronic converters and controllers. The simulator consists of a 10-hp induction motor (IM) which drives a generator and is driven by a 10-kW variable speed drive inverter and real-time control software. In this simulator, a microcontroller, a PC interfaced to LAB Windows I/O board, and an IGBT inverter-controlled induction motor are used instead of a real wind turbine to supply shaft torque. A control program based on C language is developed that obtains wind profiles and, by using turbine characteristics and rotation speed of IM, calculates the theoretical shaft torque of a real wind turbine. Comparing with this torque value, the shaft torque of the IM is regulated accordingly by controlling stator current demand and frequency demand of the inverter. In this way, the inverter driven induction motor acts like a real wind turbine to the energy conversion system. The drive is controlled using the measured shaft torque directly, instead of estimating it as conventional drives do. The experimental results of the proposed simulator show that this scheme is viable and accurate. This paper reports the operating principles, theoretical analyses, and test results of this wind turbine simulator.

Feasibility of Floating Platform Systems for Wind Turbines: Preprint

Abstract: This paper provides a general technical description of several types of floating platforms for wind turbines. Platform topologies are classified into multiple- or single-turbine floaters and by mooring method. Platforms using catenary mooring systems are contrasted to vertical mooring systems and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Specific anchor types are described in detail. A rough cost comparison is performed for two different platform architectures using a generic 5-MW wind turbine. One platform is a Dutch study of a tri-floater platform using a catenary mooring system, and the other is a mono-column tension-leg platform developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Cost estimates showed that single unit production cost is $7.1 M for the Dutch tri-floater, and $6.5 M for the NREL TLP concept. However, value engineering, multiple unit series production, and platform/turbine system optimization can lower the unit platform costs to $4.26 M and $2.88 M, respectively, with significant potential to reduce cost further with system optimization. These foundation costs are within the range necessary to bring the cost of energy down to the DOE target range of $0.05/kWh for large-scale deployment of offshore floating wind turbines.

Wind turbine Generator modeling and Simulation where rotational speed is the controlled variable

Abstract: To optimize the power produced in a wind turbine, the speed of the turbine should vary with the wind speed. A simple control method is proposed that will allow an induction machine to run a turbine at its maximum power coefficient. Various types of power control strategies have been suggested for application in variable speed wind turbines. The usual strategy is to control the power or the torque acting on the wind turbine shafts. This paper presents an alternative control strategy, where the rotational speed is the controlled variable. The paper describes a model, which is being developed to simulate the interaction between a wind turbine and the power system. The model is intended to simulate the behavior of the wind turbine using induction generators both during transient grid fault events and during normal operation. Sample simulation results for two induction generators (2/0.5 MW) validate the fundamental issues.

Control of Variable Speed Wind Turbines with Doubly-Fed Induction Generators

Abstract: The paper presents an overall control method for variable speed pitch controlled wind turbines with doubly-fed induction generators (DFIG). Emphasis is on control strategies and algorithms applied at each hierarchical control level of the wind turbine. The objectives of the control system are: 1) to control the power drawn from the wind turbine in order to track the wind turbine maximum power operation point, 2) to limit the power in case of large wind speeds, and 3) to control the reactive power interchanged between the wind turbine generator and the grid. The present control method is designed for normal continuous operations. The strongest feature of the implemented control method is that it allows the turbine to operate with the optimum power efficiency over a wider range of wind speeds. The model of the variable speed, variable pitch wind turbine with doubly-fed induction generator is implemented in the dynamic power system simulation tool DIgSILENT PowerFactory which allows investigation of the dyna...

Methods and apparatus for rotor blade ice detection

Abstract: A method for detecting ice on a wind turbine having a rotor and one or more rotor blades each having blade roots includes monitoring meteorological conditions relating to icing conditions and monitoring one or more physical characteristics of the wind turbine in operation that vary in accordance with at least one of the mass of the one or more rotor blades or a mass imbalance between the rotor blades. The method also includes using the one or more monitored physical characteristics to determine whether a blade mass anomaly exists, determining whether the monitored meteorological conditions are consistent with blade icing; and signaling an icing-related blade mass anomaly when a blade mass anomaly is determined to exist and the monitored meteorological conditions are determined to be consistent with icing.

Thermal power plant with sequential combustion and reduced-co2 emission, and a method for operating a plant of this type

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal power plant with sequential combustion and reduced CO2 emissions, said plant having the following components that are connected in series by at least one flow channel (S): a combustion intake air compressor unit (1), a first combustion chamber (2), a high-pressure turbine stage (3), a second combustion chamber (4), in addition to a low-pressure turbine stage (5) The second combustion chamber (4) and/or the low-pressure turbine stage (5) can be supplied with a cooling gas stream for cooling purposes The invention also relates to a method for operating a thermal power plant of this type The invention is characterised in that the plant is equipped with a recirculation conduit (6), which feeds at least part of the exhaust gas stream that emerges from the low-pressure turbine stage (5) to a compressor unit (7), a cooling conduit (8), which feeds at least part of the compressed exhaust gas stream that emerges from the compressor unit (7) to the second combustion chamber (4) and/or the low-pressure turbine stage (5) for cooling purposes and a CO2 separation unit (9) that is located in the cooling conduit (8) and that separates at least portions of CO2 from the cooling gas stream

Development of the Risø wind turbine airfoils

Abstract: This paper presents the wind turbine airfoil development at Riso. The design method is described together with our target characteristics for wind turbine airfoils. The use of the CFD code Ellipsys2D for prediction of final target characteristics is described together with the VELUX wind tunnel testing setup. Three airfoil families were developed; Riso-A1, Riso-P and Riso-B1. The Riso-A1 airfoil family was developed for rotors of 600 kW and larger. Wind tunnel testing and field testing showed that this airfoil family is well suited for stall and active stall control. However, sensitivity to roughness was higher than expected. Field tests of a 600 kW active stall wind turbine showed an estimated reduction in blade fatigue loading of up to 15% at the same annual energy yield and at the same time reduced blade weight and blade solidity. The Riso-P airfoils were developed to replace the Riso-A1 airfoils for use on pitch controlled wind turbines. Improved design objectives should reduce the sensitivity to roughness, but measurements are not yet available. The Riso-B1 airfoil family was developed for variable speed operation with pitch control of large megawatt sized rotors. Wind tunnel testing verified the high maximum lift for these airfoils, and the airfoils were found to be very insensitive to leading edge roughness. Performance with vortex generators and Gurney flaps in combination was found to be attractive for the blade root part. Field testing of a 1·5 MW rotor is in progress. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Recent Studies in Turbine Blade Cooling

Abstract: Gas turbines are used extensively for aircraft propulsion, land-based power generation, and industrial applications. Developments in turbine cooling technology play a critical role in increasing the thermal efficiency and power output of advanced gas turbines. Gas turbine blades are cooled internally by passing the coolant through several rib-enhanced serpentine passages to remove heat conducted from the outside surface. External cooling of turbine blades by film cooling is achieved by injecting relatively cooler air from the internal coolant passages out of the blade surface in order to form a protective layer between the blade surface and hot gas-path flow. For internal cooling, this presentation focuses on the effect of rotation on rotor blade coolant passage heat transfer with rib turbulators and impinging jets. The computational flow and heat transfer results are also presented and compared to experimental data using the RANS method with various turbulence models such as k-e, and second-moment closure models. This presentation includes unsteady high free-stream turbulence effects on film cooling performance with a discussion of detailed heat transfer coef- ficient and film-cooling effectiveness distributions for standard and shaped film-hole geometry using the newly developed transient liquid crystal image method.

Turbine Blade Surface Deterioration by Erosion

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and computational research program to investigate turbine vane and blade material surface deterioration caused by solid particle impacts. Tests are conducted in the erosion wind tunnel for coated and uncoated blade materials at various impact conditions. Surface roughness measurements obtained prior and subsequent to the erosion tests are used to characterize the change in roughness caused by erosion. Numerical simulations for the three-dimensional flow field and particle trajectories through a low-pressure gas turbine are employed to determine the particle impact conditions with stator vanes and rotor blades using experimentally based particle restitution models. Experimental results are presented for the measured blade material/coating erosion and surface roughness. The measurements indicate that both erosion and surface roughness increase with impact angle and particle size. Computational results are presented for the particle trajectories through the first stage of a low-pressure turbine of a high bypass turbofan engine. The trajectories indicate that the particles impact the vane pressure surface and the aft part of the suction surface. The impacts reduce the particle momentum through the stator but increase it through the rotor. Vane and blade surface erosion patterns are predicted based on the computed trajectories and the experimentally measured blade coating erosion characteristics.

Aerofoil characteristics from 3D CFD rotor computations

Abstract: This article describes a method for extracting aerofoil characteristics from 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rotor computations. Based on the knowledge of the detailed flow in the rotor plane, the average sectional axial induction is determined for each wind speed. Based on this, the local angle of attack is determined when knowing the rotational speed and the local blade twist angle. The local aerofoil characteristics, i.e. Cl and Cd, are then computed from the forces acting on the blade. The extracted Cl and Cd are used in a standard blade element momentum (BEM) code, where no corrections are made for the rotational augmentation of forces or for the tip effect, since these are directly included in the aerofoil characteristics. Three stall-regulated wind turbine rotors are used as test cases. The computed mechanical power is overpredicted at high wind speeds using steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes computations, but using advanced turbulence models, e.g. detached eddy simulation, or a transition prediction model improves the computations. The agreement between the mechanical power (or low-speed shaft torque) predicted by CFD and BEM is good, even though a small but consistent difference in induction prediction is present. With the proposed method and a sufficiently accurate CFD computation it is possible to obtain aerofoil characteristics from a given wind turbine design without using empirical stall corrections models. Alternatively, new correction models can be derived using the extracted aerofoil characteristics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optimized Permanent Magnet Generator Topologies for Direct-Drive Wind Turbines

Abstract: The thesis deals with the issue of cost reduction in direct-drive generators for wind turbines. Today, the combination gearbox-medium-speed (1000-2000 rpm) induction generator largely dominates the market of MW-scale wind turbines. This is due to the lower costs of the gearbox option compared to the costs of gearless systems. Nevertheless, there is an acute interest among researchers and wind turbine suppliers in the possibility of removing gears and slip rings from the drive train, leading to lower maintenance (no oil is required and slip rings can be avoided) and higher reliability due to the absence of wear between gears. The direction followed by the thesis is the investigation and comparison of various permanent magnet (PM) machine topologies. The aim is to identify the topology(ies) with the lowest cost/torque and highest torque/ mass. A new TFPM geometry, called TFPM machine with toothed rotor, is derived in the. The new machine topology has the following characteristics: the stator is single-sided, the rotor PM and flux concentrators are independent from the build-up of mechanical tolerances, the installation of rotor parts (PM and flux concentrators) can be automated and the flux circulation allows laminated steel to be used in the stator core. A prototype of the TFPM machine with toothed rotor is presented. The comparison between TFPM machines with toothed rotor and conventional PM synchronous machines is discussed. Comparison of the cost/torque and torque/mass of the two machine topologies for diameters ranging between 0.5 m and 3.0 m showed favorable expected performances of the TFPM machine with toothed rotor for diameters of 0.5 m and 1.0 m. However, diameters larger than 1.0 m favored the conventional PM synchronous machine with/without flux-concentration. Using the results of the optimization process, the costs of active material are computed for a 1.5 MW wind turbine. It is found that active material represents about 5% of the total turbine cost, while previous estimates indicated that the generator costs are rather between 30% and 40% of a complete direct-drive wind turbine. Therefore, further optimiza¬tion of direct-drive machines should also include the costs of manufacturing and the costs of the mechanical structure.

3D Navier–Stokes computations of a stall‐regulated wind turbine

Abstract: Several 2D and 3D Navier–Stokes computations performed with the compressible elsA solver, developed at ONERA, on the wind turbine tested by NREL in the NASA Ames large wind tunnel are presented. After a brief description of the tools and methods used, the predictions of the S809 aerofoil performance are first discussed. Full 3D computations are then presented, analysed and compared with the experimental results. The successes and failures of the computations are highlighted and explained. The analysis focuses in particular on the 3D and unsteady effects. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Adaptive Torque Control of Variable Speed Wind Turbines

Abstract: The primary focus of this work is a new adaptive controller that is designed to resemble the standard non-adaptive controller used by the wind industry for variable speed wind turbines below rated power. This adaptive controller uses a simple, highly intuitive gain adaptation law designed to seek out the optimal gain for maximizing the turbine's energy capture. It is designed to work even in real, time-varying winds.

Multi-spool turbogenerator system and control method

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is driven by a multi-spool gas turbine engine including at least first and second spools The first spool comprises a turbine and a compressor mounted on a first shaft; the second spool has at least a turbine mounted on a second shaft that is not mechanically coupled to the first shaft A main generator is coupled with one of the spools, and an auxiliary generator/motor is also coupled with one of the spools Speed control of each of the generators is employed for controlling operation of the engine The auxiliary generator/motor can operate in either a generation mode to extract power from its spool or a motor mode to inject power into its spool