Operation of a grid connected variable wind turbine with a flyback converter

The use of small-scale grid connected wind turbines offers the opportunity for consumers to meet their energy needs and also possibly sell excess energy to the grid. The power electronic converter controls the generator and obtains optimal energy transfer from the generator to the grid. Many converter topologies offer two controllable rectifiers for AC-DC and DC-AC conversion with a separate transformer providing electrical isolation. This research proposes a unique energy converter for a small-scale variable wind turbine that employs a simple open-loop control. The converter uses a flyback DC-DC boost stage that includes a transformer for electrical isolation between the generator and grid. A single-phase inverter completes the transfer of power to the grid, resulting in a cost efficient design with just three power electronic switches. The benefits of a controlled system have been verified in simulation and the final test rig has been tested experimentally.