Combined Controls and Energy Storage for Distributed Wind Turbine Grid Integration

The unpredictability of wind power generation prevents utilities from dispatching wind energy to meet demand requirements and also prevents wind energy from being generated during peak demand periods when it is most valuable. There is a need for an integrated wind turbine controller and energy storage system that is dispatchable by the utility, while also time-shifting wind power to maximize its value for the end customer. This project will develop a grid-tied Distrubuted Wind Turbine Controller (DWTC) with integrated battery backup. The DWTC will maximize energy capture in a low-cost package, while proprietary control algorithms dynamically store and discharge battery power to reduce peak demand and maximize the value of each kWh for the end user. Built-in communications will allow the utility to control each turbine as a dispatchable resource, including reactive power control, thereby maximizing the value of the turbine. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Dispatchable, predictable, wind power generation, which automatically minimizes user peak demand and provides power when it is most valuable to the utility, can significantly reduce the need for expensive, polluting ¿peak power¿ plants. In turn, demand for this non-polluting, renewable energy source will increase, thereby reducing reliance on foreign and fossil fuel sources, environmental impacts, and the long-term cost of electric power generation. The first target application for the DWTC will be new and retrofit installations of the most common small wind turbines at the 1.8 kW (Skystream) and 10 kW (Bergey XL10, etc) power levels.