Variable speed wind turbine having a matrix converter

• US 6,856,038 B2
• Filed: 03/24/2003
• Issued: 02/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
• Original Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
• Inventors: Helle, Lars, Rebsdorf, Anders V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US10/394,263
• Publication Number:
  US 20040026929A1
• Time in Patent Office: 694 Days
• Field of Search: 290/44, 290/55, 322/19, 322/24, 322/30, 322/37
• US Class Current: 290/44
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 7/0284 in relation to the state of the electric grid
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/255 connected to electrical distribution networks; Arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2270/1016 in variable speed operation
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 1/42 Circuits or arrangements for compensating for or adjusting power factor in converters or inverters
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 5/297 for conversion of frequency
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 2101/15 for wind-driven turbines
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 9/007 Control circuits for doubly fed generators
• CPC Class Codes: H02P 9/42 to obtain desired frequency without varying speed of the generator
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 70/10 Technologies improving the efficiency by using switched-mode power supplies [SMPS], i.e. efficient power electronics conversion e.g. power factor correction or reduction of losses in power supplies or efficient standby modes
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/72 Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/76 Power conversion electric or electronic aspects

Abstract

A variable speed wind turbine is disclosed comprising a turbine rotor that drives a doubly-fed induction generator, a matrix converter which converts variable frequency output into constant frequency output, and a control unit and a protection circuit for the matrix converter. Power is circulated in the system allowing for sensorless detection of rotor position and better output ratios of power from the system.

Claims

1. A method for operating a variable speed wind turbine comprising:

configuring a generator for connection to a utility grid;

connecting a matrix converter with a plurality of switches connected to the generator;

supplying power from generator to the utility grid using the matrix converter; and

actively damping drive-train oscillations.