Modeling and analyzing multi-megawatt direct-drive wind-turbine power system in offshore application: Power flow and short circuit

Abstract

Renewable energy is experiencing a dramatic growth, in which wind energy plays a key role. The design technique of wind turbines must change to meet high requirements for accuracy and auto-ability. A designed wind turbine must be evaluated with various operational scenarios, while the traditional calculation method could be less effective and time-consuming. Recently, the technical calculation and simulation for electrical power system of a wind turbine are rapidly developed and show the high effectivity in analysis and optimal design. This study performs crucial simulations and analyses, including load flow and short circuit, to evaluate the design of a five-megawatt offshore wind turbine according to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards using Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) software. The technique and methodology presented in this paper help engineers make the right decisions regarding equipment selection and design of a wind turbine’s power system. Therefore, the reliability of designed wind turbine power system is improved in comparison with that of the conventionally designed one.