Investigation of Transient Electromagnetic Processes in Wind Energy Systems with Electromagnetic Slip Clutches

Abstract

One of the major challenges in wind power engineering is the occurrence of frequent transient operating modes caused by continuously varying wind speed. These conditions lead to dynamic mechanical stresses, oscillations of the wind wheel, instability in generator rotational speed, and increased wear on the components of transmission. In this regard, the application of Electromagnetic Slip Clutches (ESCs) is a promising solution for improving the dynamic performance and reliability of wind energy conversion systems. This study develops a mathematical model of transient electromagnetic processes in a wind energy conversion system incorporating an ESC. The proposed model is based on the Park–Gorev equations in the d–q–0 coordinate system and takes into account the influence of mechanical slip, excitation current, and electromagnetic coupling between the machine circuits. Analytical expressions for excitation currents, time constants, magnetic coupling coefficients, leakage inductances, and equivalent electromagnetic parameters were derived for different operating conditions. To verify the credibility of the developed analytical model, numerical simulations were performed using representative parameters of a medium-power wind energy conversion system. The transient responses of the excitation current, electromagnetic torque, and generator speed were investigated under transient operating conditions. A comparative analysis between a conventional rigidly coupled configuration and the proposed ESC-based system was also carried out. The obtained simulation results confirmed the validity of the proposed mathematical model and demonstrated that the ESC effectively reduces transient speed oscillations, improves damping characteristics, and enhances the dynamic stability of the wind energy conversion system.