Small Wind Turbine Off-Grid Power Generation Optimization

Abstract

In recent years, the wind has been widely used as a clean source of renewable energy. In cities and suburban areas, the wind speeds are relatively low therefore the Small Wind Turbines (SWT) are the most convenient solution for energy harvesting. To maximize the turbine's outcomes, it is important to achieve high efficiency in a wide range of operational points. Additionally, the cut-in speed should be as low as possible to allow electricity generation even for very low values of wind speeds. The main purpose of this work is to share the outcomes of an experimental investigation of the SWT generator's coils switching system based on the modified Dahlander pole changing circuit. Implementation of such a system improves machine performance, thus rises efficiency, reduces the cut-in speed, etc. The presented experimental results were validated during the International Small Wind Turbine Contest 2019 (ISWTC 2019) where the SWT with implemented coils switching system was tested in the wind tunnel.