Adjustable speed hybrid wind-diesel generation system

Purpose - Wind-diesel sets offered as a reliable hybrid isolated power systems with reduction of fuel consumption, consists of variable speed wind turbines and fixed speed diesel engines. Load and wind energy variations cause, that the load power of the diesel genset is varied in wide range. Fixed speed generation set operates with the best efficiency only in a narrow range of the load, therefore implementation of a load adaptive, adjustable speed genset may additionally reduce fuel consumption. Design/methodology/approach - Analysis of the system components model, simulation and laboratory tests on a small-scale model. Findings - Topology and output voltage control method of four-wire adjustable speed autonomous wind-diesel system dedicated for isolated power plants with high wind penetration. Research limitations/implications - The paper presents only part of the work which has to be done for the complete system. Load and energy management has to be applied in standalone system, as not in each operating point of proposed wind-diesel system, can rated load be supplied. To fully prove the proposed system and control concept, tests of megawatt range system are advisable. To evaluate the fuel saving, a real wind and load profile in a selected isolated place is needed. Practical implications - Every adjustable speed generation systems can save fuel. However, proposed topology in main part consists of known and implemented solutions, therefore costs of the new installation will not be increased significantly. Originality/value - Proposed costs effective topology of adjustable speed wind-diesel generation system has not been presented by any other authors. Standalone operation of doubly fed induction generator system is rarely reported in the papers.