Dynamic characteristics of autonomous wind-diesel systems

In this paper the dynamics of a small autonomous system, comprising a diese l generator and a wind turbine, are investigated. The analysis is performed both in the frequency and time domain, using simplified models of the syst em components and taking into account the diesel engine speed governor and the wind turbine pitch controller (for pitch regulated machines). The inves tigation is extended to include different types of wind turbines, equipped with induction or synchronous generator and using pitch or stall regulation , as well as operation of the wind turbine in an autonomous or infinite sys tem The objective is to determine the main factors affecting the behaviour of the system and to illustrate the effect of the speed governor and pitch controller settings on the expected performance. Particular emphasis is pla ced on identifying the main modes of the system and determining their depen dence on the controllers' parameters. A comparative assessment of the dynam ic characteristics of different types of wind turbines is also included and the operation of the wind turbine in a small system and against an infinit e bus is addressed and discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ail rights reserved.