Reduced converter topology for integrated wind and small-hydro energy generation system

Abstract

This study presents a robust and cost-effective microgrid topology for integrating two commonly available wind and small-hydro renewable energy sources. The proposed topology has two generators, one of them is self-excited squirrel cage induction generator driven by a small-hydro turbine and other one is permanent magnet brushless DC generator driven by a small-scale wind turbine. The proposed system is integrated using a voltage source converter and a boost converter which are maintaining voltage and frequency, mitigating power quality problems and performing mechanical sensorless maximum power point tracking, respectively. A battery bank is also used to balance the load and supply power mismatch and to ensure the supply for critical loads. The proposed control algorithm is tested and verified on a developed laboratory prototype of the system. Test results verify that voltage and frequency of the system are regulated and the power-quality-related issues are also resolved in this microgrid.