A supersynchronous doubly fed induction generator option for wind turbine applications

Doubly fed induction generators are presently used in the large majority of high power wind turbine applications. The present technology specifies that the turbine operate subsynchronously to follow the desired power vs. wind speed profile and to operate only supersynchronously during brief periods where wind gusts exceed the nominal maximum value of thrust. This paper suggests that improved operation is possible if the generator is confined to always operate in the supersynchronous state resulting in improved efficiency, lower cost and greater output power.