Speed and torque control strategies for loss reduction of vertical axis wind turbines

Argent, Michael and McDonald, Alasdair and Leithead, Bill and Giles, Alexander (2016) Speed and torque control strategies for loss reduction of vertical axis wind turbines. In: The Science of Making Torque from Wind 2016, 2016-10-05 - 2016-10-07, Technische Universität München (TUM), Campus Garching. (In Press)

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Abstract

Modelling Generator Losses due to intrinsic torque cycling for Direct Drive Permanent Magnet Generator in Offshore VAWT. Previous work established relationships for Copper & Iron losses based on cyclic variation of torque and rotor speed based on chosen torque control strategy (defined by q ratio). Varying mechanical torque modelled in terms of Fourier harmonics. This work looks into effect of varying rotor speed on the aerodynamic wake (from the VAWT rotor blades) and the inefficiencies that manifest in additional generator losses. Work presented is part of 3 year PhD into VAWT Drivetrains.