Wind turbine torque-speed feature emulator using a DC motor

This paper presents the development of a wind turbine emulator to assist tests to be undertaken on wind energy conversion systems, which may include generator control, smart grid integration, stability analysis, among others. A DC motor delivers in its rotor the wind turbine torque versus speed characteristic. A dynamical model is used instead of steady state conditions, and typical values of wind turbine mechanical constants are presented. It is also investigated the adequacy of a thyristor six pulse three-phase rectifier for this application. The emulator has been designed to facilitate tests on wind energy systems under several wind speed conditions.