Andrés Enrique Zappa

This work addresses the main results of a test site for small wind turbines (SWTs) located in Patagonia, and the development of the measurement systems involved, including the uncertainties calculations according to applicable IEC standards. Due to market evolution for over a decade, the test systems evolved from battery-charging SWTs to grid-connected units. The test site, developed and managed by state-owned INTI (National Institute for Industrial Technology), was established in 2012 and received support from the local Curtail-Co municipality and other institutions. Since its creation, it has thrived in aiding local manufacturers of SWTs in certifying their machines, providing power-curve measurement facilities, duration testing, and sound emissions testing. It has also provided design recommendations and improvements related to optimizing energy capture and reliability of SWTs.

Small wind turbines (SWTs) have been a common option for rural electrification during recent decades. Recently, an application for connecting these devices to the grid was proposed. This requires an AC-coupled configuration, which brings the need for a power converter necessary for connection to the AC bus. This publication analyzes the requirements and commercial availability of such power converters, coming first to a conclusion on the lack of existing electronic power converters for SWTs, mainly in the lowest power range (<1 kW). As a result of this need, PV power converters were proposed, as they are both economically competitive and commercially available. The use of PV power converters for SWT AC-coupled applications is therefore analyzed as well, bringing a second conclusion: their use is possible but not straightforward, as some adaptations have to be taken into account. Finally, a suggested adaptation is proposed, in terms of hardware and software; the first field results of a prototype are presented, and they look very promising.