Real-Time Wind Turbine Emulator Suitable for Power Quality and Dynamic Control Studies

Wind turbines are increasingly becoming significant components of power systems. To evaluate competing wind energy conversion technologies, a real-time Wind Turbine Emulator, which emulates the dynamic torque produced by an actual turbine has been developed. This is necessary since the real world performance of a wind turbine, subjected to variable wind conditions is more difficult to evaluate than a standard turbine generator system operating in near steady state. This emulator is capable of reproducing both the static and dynamic torque of an actual wind turbine. It models the torque oscillations caused by wind shear, tower shadow, and the obvious pulsations caused by variable wind speed. Also included are the dynamic effects of a large turbine inertia. This emulator will allow testing without the costly construction of the actual turbine blades and tower to determine the strengths and weaknesses of competing energy conversion and control technologies.