An Integrative Framework for Design and Control Optimization of a Variable-Ratio Gearbox in a Wind Turbine with Active Blades

The main objective of this thesis is to establish a framework for the design of a variable ratio gearbox (VRG) for a small wind turbine based on the wind profile of the installation site and to create the control framework for operating the gear ratio and pitch angle based on wind speed. Further, it is concluded that addition of a VRG to a simple, fixed speed, low-cost turbine operating at discrete speeds results in improved efficiency and hence increased economic viability. Simulations are conducted in MATLAB for a the 300kW wind turbine as it would operate at two different sites. These studies simulate performance using three years of wind data of a low wind speed site as well as for a high wind speed site provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL). The ultimate goal is to optimize power production and reduce stress at the blade root.