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Due to the capabilities of the full rated power converters, type 4 turbines
are slightly higher performing than type 3.
They are also more expensive, due the need for a larger power converter
rated to the same size as the generator.
An advantage of type 4 wind turbines is that the power system and the
generator are completely decoupled, unlike type 3 machines, where there is
a loose coupling between the generator and grid through stator windings.
The control of active and reactive power is completely determined by the
converter, and can be performed even faster than type 3 wind turbines.
The impact of power system voltage and frequency disturbances on the
generator and mechanical drive train is negligible.
TECHNOLOGY TRENDS
1. More efficient wind turbines
At present several newer commercial wind turbines are
available with a nominal power of 5 MW and above.
Most of these wind turbines are intended for use in offshore
wind farms, or high-wind onshore sites (IEC class I)
Type 4 design is expected to be predominantly used for these
new larger wind turbines. The use of multi-level
converters combined with a synchronous generator (either
wound field or permanent magnet) is expected to be the
dominant design.
Control changes
SCADA systems are commonly used for data acquisition,
remote monitoring, and wind farm level controls.
While fast-acting SCADA systems are available with a
resolution of one sample per second, most SCADA systems
used in practice have a slower action time of 410 s. This
results in under-utilisation of wind turbines reactive power
capability.
SCADA systems enhancements, or more accurate, fasteracting alternatives such as phasor measurement units (PMUs),
will provide opportunities for better utilisation of wind farm
capability, in particular voltage and reactive power
capabilities.