A Novel Approach to Using Dual-Field Excited Synchronous Generators as Wind Power Generators

Abstract

Integrating wind power generators, whose frequency varies in a wide range due to varying wind speeds, into a grid is a formidable problem. At present, the use of permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG) and doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) as wind generators with suitable control is the best possible solution. However, a dual-field excited synchronous generator (DESG), which has two windings on the rotor, can also be used for the same purpose with appropriate control. A new control strategy, which essentially employs the d-axis and q-axis components of the alternator terminal voltage, is suggested here. This strategy essentially results in exciting the two field windings with a slip frequency. This eventually holds the stator frequency constant, irrespective of the rotor speed of the wind generator. The difference between the required frequency and the natural frequency, analogous to the rotor speed of the wind power generator, is the slip frequency. The ring modulator automatically adjusts the slip frequency depending on the actual speed of the generator’s rotor. This paper uses the ANSYS MAXWELL 2022 R1 software to design a DESG and uses a ring modulator as the control function generator for feedback with ANSYS TWIN BUILDER 2022 R1. Simulations are carried out using transient–transient co-simulation by combining both of these software tools for cases of both a constant-speed input and of a variable-speed input to the rotor of the machine. Moreover, a mathematical model of the DESG as a wind generator with the proposed controlled strategy is used to perform the stability analysis of a nine-bus three-machine system, and the results are compared with those of conventional wind generators.

Keywords

• dual-field excited synchronous generator (DESG)
• excitation control
• ring modulator
• slip frequency
• wind power generator