Inverter Performance for Small Wind Turbines When Connected In Paralled with the Low-Voltage Distribution System

Jonathan Blackledge*, Eugene Coyle**, Derek Kearney***, Eamonn Murphy****
* Stokes Professor, Dublin Institute of Technology.
** Head of External Research, Dublin Institute of Technology.
*** Lecturer, Dublin Institute of Technology.
**** Technician, Dublin Institute of Technology.
Periodicity:November - January'2013
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jes.1.4.2107

Abstract

Small wind turbines have been installed in urban and turbulent locations with surprisingly poor performance and this has been backed up by data from a trial at the Dublin Institute of Technology. In order to develop the small wind turbine industry, a careful examination of assessment methods for the wind resource is required. Small wind turbines are connected in parallel with the grid use inverters. As the wind turbine is not always at max output, a Weighted Average Efficiency for wind inverters is proposed. Pitfalls associated with developing an accurate weighted average efficiency for an inverter are identified and this will enable a more accurate sizing of the inverter for the turbine. The methodology for determining the performance of inverters and small wind turbines can be applied to any location.

Keywords

Inverter Efficiency, Micro-Wind Turbine, Weighted Average Efficiency, Sizing of Inverters, Wind Resource.

How to Cite this Article?

Blackledge,J., Coyle,E., Kearney,D., and Murphy,E. (2013). Inverter Performance for small Wind Turbines when Connected in Paralled with the Low-Voltage Distribution System. i-manager’s Journal on Embedded Systems, 1(4), 9-16. https://doi.org/10.26634/jes.1.4.2107

References

[1]. Blackledge, J., Rivas, M.-J., Kearney, D., & Murphy, E. (2012). A Techno-Economic Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems Design Applied to Commercial Buildings in Ireland. Sustainable Design and Research, 2.
[2]. Bower, W. (2004). Performance Test Protocol for Evaluating Inverters Used in Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems. San Ramon: Sandia National Laboratories.
[3]. Duarte, M.-J.R. (2011). The Viability of Photovoltaic Systems in Existing Commercial Buildings in Ireland, MSc in Energy Management. Dublin: Dublin Institute of Technology.
[4]. Dutton, A.G., Halliday, J.A., & Blanch, M.J. (2005). The Feasibility of Building Mounted/Integrated Wind Turbines (BIWTs): Achieving their Potential for Carbon Emission Reductions (Final Report). Carbon Trust.
[5]. EN50438. (2007). Requirements for the Connection of Micro-Generators in Parallel with Public Low-voltage Distribution Networks In B. Standards (Ed.).
[6]. EN50530. (2010). Overall Efficiency of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Inverters. In N. S. A. o. Ireland (Ed.).
[7]. EN61683. (2000). Photovoltaic Systems – Power Conditioners - Procedure For Measuring Efficiency.
[8]. Encraft. (2009). Warwick Wind Trials. Warwick: Warwick District Council.
[9]. ME. (2010). Climate of Ireland - Wind, from http://www.met.ie/climate/wind.asp
[10]. Oke, T.R. (2006). Initial Guidance to Obtain Representative Meteorological Observations at Urban Sites: World Meteorological Organization.
[11]. WMO. (2008). Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation. Geneva: World Meteorological Organization.
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.