Wind turbine generator system

• US 4,357,542 A
• Filed: 07/12/1979
• Issued: 11/02/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (Brookfield Asset Management Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (Brookfield Asset Management Incorporated)
• Inventors: Kirschbaum, Herbert S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dobeck, B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Wade, Shelley
• Application Number:
  US06/057,055
• Time in Patent Office: 1,209 Days
• Field of Search: 290/4 R, 290/4 C, 290/43, 290/44, 290/54, 290/55, 307/45, 307/86, 307/87, 322/35, 322/95, 322/96
• US Class Current: 290/44
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 15/00 Transmission of mechanical power
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 7/0272 by measures acting on the electrical generator
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/255 connected to electrical distribution networks; Arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/706 an electrical generator
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/7062 of the direct current (D.C.) type
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2270/1016 in variable speed operation
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/72 Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 174/15 in a power generation system, e.g. prime-mover dynamo, generator system

Abstract

Wind turbine generator systems incorporating a multi-speed pole amplitude modulated type dynamo electric machine allowing efficient operation at consecutive speeds in a ratio preferably less than 2:1. A current limiting reactor, preferably including an inductance coil, and an over-running clutch, are utilized in conjunction with any multi-speed generation system to alleviate impact on a utility grid during switching among operational speeds.

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling the transfer of electrical energy from a multi-speed pole amplitude modulated type dynamo electric machine powered by a wind machine generating alternating current to a primary electrical circuit comprising:

a. an electrical conduit between said dynamo electric machine and said circuit;

b. a breaker for selectively opening and closing the flow of electrical energy through said conduit; and

c. a current limiting reactor and associated means for connecting said reactor in series with said conduit during a transition from a low rotational speed to a high rotational speed of said dynamo electric machine.