Low cost wind turbine controller

A significant market exists for small (<20 kW) wind turbines in both remote communities and also in grid connected applications as individuals seek to reduce their CO
₂
emissions. A low cost wind turbine controller is presented based around a standard electric drive circuit. This allows significant cost savings over current commercially available devices. Functions of maximum power tracking, dynamic braking of the turbine and output voltage regulation are achieved in the controller. The implementation of a 5 kW prototype is presented.