Application of wireless communication to small WECS with induction generator

Abstract

Wind energy conversion systems (WECS) seem to be self-evident elements of the future smart grids. Among many generator types the squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG) characterizes robustness and low cost. A full-scale power converter can perform smooth grid connection over wide speed range of multiple-stage geared SCIG. Increasing number of sensors can improve the WECS control and diagnostics but increasing number of thin wires i.e. between a nacelle and the converter housing can reduce reliability. A wireless communication using ADF7020 transceiver for data acquisition and transmission is proposed in the paper.