An innovative generation system concept was developed in Phase I of this project, which has the potential to reduce the cost of energy from wind power plants by 20%. The generating system consists of a novel generator and a power electronics module using emerging technologies of high power Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors and Hybrid Integrated Circuits. This system can solve the challenging problem of finding a cost-effective generating scheme for direct drive, variable speed wind turbines. In Phase I, the technical feasibility of the concept was proved by detailed modeling and in depth analysis of the proposed generation system. Conceptual design of this system was developed in enough detail to provide a basis for calculating the projected cost of the system. This calculation showed that the cost of the system is in the same cost range as the equipment it is replacing in currently used, geared drive, constant speed systems. However, because it can generate significantly more energy, the cost of energy produced by the wind power systems is reduced. In Phase II, the new technology will be developed to the level of readiness required to launch commercial products in Phase III. This involves fabricating a 12.5 kW generating system and extensively testing it in house and also at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, where a sophisticated test facility has been built to test low speed generators. The 12.5 kW prototype can directly lead to a product serving village power markets. Technology developed in Phase II will be scaled up to a 100 kW modular unit. With this modular approach, the needs of utility scale wind power plants can be met.Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: One of the major advantages of the new system is that the largest gains are in low wind speeds (for example, a 20% gain in energy production at an annual average wind speed of 14 mph ). Much of the world's potential wind sites have speeds in a range that is currently too low for economic wind power generation, but is viable with a 20% reduction in the cost of energy. The machine and power electronics under development in this project also have direct applications in industrial speed control and energy conservation. Because of their potentially high efficiency and low cost, they are cost effective in industrial drives for pumps and fans. The Hybrid Integrated Circuit Power Electronics developed in this project can significantly increase efficiency and lower the cost of inverters for photovoltaic and battery storage systems.
