Power electronic systems currently used with variable-speed wind turbines suffer from poor efficiency at power levels less than their rated power. Since wind turbines often operate at less than full rating, this inefficiency degrades the energy production and the economics. This project will address this fractional power inefficiency by partitioning the power electronics into several sub-systems that are only activated as power is required. Thus, each activated module would operate near its full-rated, optimally-efficient power point. The approach will combine advanced digital signal processors and associated digital logic in innovative ways to achieve enhanced system efficiency at all power levels. Phase1 consists of a trade analysis of competing semiconductor switch and circuit configurations, leading to the selection of optimal semiconductor and magnetic components. These will be integrated to form a complete power electronic system that will serve as an experimental hardware/software proof-of-concept demonstration unit. The unit will be tested and characterized in the laboratory.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should not only be applicable to wind turbine control and more efficient operation but also to other forms of renewable energy requiring power electronic conversion to utility-grade electricity. An enhanced system also should have applicability to the control of industrial electric motors. Together, these applications constitute markets in the billions of dollars per year
