Design and Performance of a Scaled Electromechanical Wind Turbine Power Train Model

Many wind turbine designs employ induction machines, operating as fixed speed, squirrel cage generators, or as variable speed, wide slip and double fed induction generators (DFIG). In order to study, prototype, and demonstrate the effectiveness of each design, an electro-mechanical model of a wind turbine power train has been constructed at an approximate scale of 1:1000, relative to a utility-scale wind turbine. The power train model includes the rotor, the gearbox, and the generator. The model was characterized under a range of steady state conditions. Electrical measurements were made with a commercial power quality analyzer, and rotational speed measured with a contact tachometer.