Induction Generator? 1

[pwrtran]

Are wind turbines induction generators? Is there a gear box that is used to adjust the rotor speed according to the wind speed? What mechanism is used to prevent it becoming a big motor? Thx!

 

[davidbeach]

Generally induction, others are possible. Many of the larger induction machines are wound rotor. Many of the larger units do use gear boxes. Control systems should shut down the unit before it starts turning too slowly to generate.

 

[alehman]

Also some use permanent magnet generators and a few of the smaller ones are direct drive. One manufacturer has a 100kW, PM direct-drive and is working on a 2.2MW PM direct-drive.

Alan
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"It’s always fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney

 

[ScottyUK]

You might want to look at the theory of the double-fed induction machine - at least one of the major manufacturers uses this design on the larger turbines. If you Google [blue]dfig generator[/blue] you will pick up out most of the subtle permutations of what the letters 'dfig' actually represent.

The wiki entry isn't a bad starting point.


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[Marmite]

The Danish windpower association has an excellent guided tour of wind power.
see

http://www.windpower.org/en/tour/wtrb/indirect.htm

Regards
Marmite

 

[itsmoked]

Marmite; Nice link.

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com