Simulation of variable speed wind turbines based on open-source solutions: Application to bachelor and master degrees

Abstract

This paper describes variable speed wind turbine (Types 3 and 4, IEC 61400–27-1) simulations based on an open-source solution to be applied to Bachelor and Master Degrees. It is an attempt to improve the education quality of such sustainable energy by giving an open-source experimental environment for both undergraduate and graduate students. Indeed, among the renewable sources, wind energy is currently becoming essential in most power systems. The simulations include both one–mass and two–mass mechanical models, as well as pitch angle control. A general overview of the structure, control, and operation of the variable speed wind turbine is provided by these easy-to-use interactive virtual experiments. In addition, a comparison between commercial and open-source software packages is described and discussed in detail. Examples and extensive results are also included in the paper. The models are available in Scilab-Xcos file exchange for power system education and researcher communities.