Experimental Platform for Evaluation of Full-Scale Variable-Speed Wind Generators Under Stator Winding Faults

An experimental platform for internal fault application on the stator winding of synchronous and induction machines used as full-scale variable-speed wind generators is described. Machines with modified stator winding are employed to enable fault application during operation. This experimental rig allows on-line monitoring and recording of voltage and current waveforms, as well as control variables, therefore it can contribute significantly for control and protection developments specifically designed to attend variable-speed generator particularities. It could also be used for teaching renewable energy technology concepts. Equipment connections, sensing and conditioning stages, control algorithms and the fault application system are described in order to guide future projects. The control algorithms are tested under healthy and faulty conditions. Furthermore, the basic modeling of the machines under healthy and faulty conditions are presented as reference to the experimental results presented.