Comparison of doubly-fed induction generator and brushless doubly-fed reluctance generator for wind energy applications

Abstract

The Doubly-fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is the dominant technology for variable-speed wind power generation due in part to its cost-effective partially-rated power converter. However, the maintenance requirements and potential failure of brushes and slip rings is a significant disadvantage of DFIG. This has led to increased interest in brushless doubly-fed generators. In this thesis a Brushless Doubly-Fed Reluctance Generator (BDFRG) is compared with DFIG from a control performance point of view. To compare the performance of the two generators a flexible 7.5kW test facility has been constructed. Initially, a classical cascade vector controller is applied to both generators. This controller is based on the stator voltage field orientation method with an inner rotor (secondary stator) current control loop and an outer active and reactive power control loop. The dynamic and steady state performance of two generators are examined experimentally. The results confirm that the BDFRG has a slower dynamic response when compared to the DFIG due to the larger and variable inductance. Finally a sensorless Direct Power Control (DPC) scheme is applied to both the DFIG and BDFRG. The performance of this scheme is demonstrated with both simulation and experimental results.