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Generator and Electrical System

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Small Wind Turbines

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

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Abstract

Most small wind turbines use a permanent magnet generator (PMG). Its main characteristics are described along with those of induction generators. After a brief look at gearboxes, the remainder of the electrical system is described. This comprises the rectifier to convert the generator’s fluctuating AC output into DC and then the inverter to produce uniform voltage and frequency AC. Control of the generator in the form of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is outlines before exploring the various controller roles in safety and protection. Specific safety issues like lightning, the need for circuit breakers and fuses, and dump loads, are considered.

This chapter was co-authored by Dr. Peter Freere and Professor Ed Nowicki.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For example, http://www.sustainability.ofm.uwa.edu.au/

  2. 2.

    Since PMG cogging torque would be multiplied by the gearbox ratio it is unlikely that a gearbox would be used in conjunction with a low-pole PMG for small wind turbines.

  3. 3.

    http://www.din.de/

  4. 4.

    http://www.ul.com/

  5. 5.

    http://www.sma.de/en_US/products/wind-power-inverters/

  6. 6.

    The data sheet for one range of these resistors can be found at http://www.welwyn-tt.com/pdf/datasheet/WDBR.PDF(accessed 20 Sept 2010).

  7. 7.

    For example, the map for Australia can be downloaded from: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/thunder-lightning/ (accessed 30 Sept 2010).

  8. 8.

    For the USA this information is shown in Fig. 8 of [17].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary, University Dr NW 2500, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    David Wood

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  1. David Wood
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Correspondence to David Wood .

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© 2011 Springer-Verlag London Limited

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Wood, D. (2011). Generator and Electrical System. In: Small Wind Turbines. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-175-2_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84996-175-2_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-84996-174-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-84996-175-2

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