Frequency of Wind-generated electricity

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    Electricity Frequency
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the synchronization of wind turbines and the frequency of electricity they generate, particularly in relation to their connection to the power grid. Participants explore the implications of turbine synchronization on electricity production and the technical aspects of frequency conversion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes that two turbines appear to be in sync at times but then gradually fall out of sync, suggesting a beat pattern in the electricity produced.
  • The same participant questions whether all turbines should oscillate at the same frequency to ensure consistent electricity output at 50Hz.
  • Another participant explains that wind farms typically synchronize their turbines with the local grid when generating power, implying that they should be in sync when connected.
  • This participant also raises the possibility that the observed out-of-sync behavior could occur if the turbines were not connected to the grid during moderate wind conditions.
  • A further contribution mentions the use of AC-DC-AC converters in some setups, although the participant is not aware of this being common in larger wind farms.
  • Another participant shares an example of a school using a small wind turbine setup that operates in sync with the grid and describes the conversion process from AC to DC and back to AC.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the synchronization of turbines and the conditions under which they operate. There is no consensus on whether all turbines should be made to oscillate at the same frequency or the implications of being disconnected from the grid.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about turbine operation and grid connection are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the technical details of frequency conversion methods used in different wind turbine designs.

Archduke
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Hey, I've made an observation about the turbines on a local wind farm. I've noticed that, in one instance, two turbines seem to be in sync; but a short time afterwards they get gradually more out of sync, and then become in sync again.

Surely, then, if we just consider these two turbines in isolation, the electricty produced will show a beat pattern, since the frequencies must be similar. Shouldn't the all the turbines be made to oscillate at the same frequency, so all the electricity is varying at 50Hz (I'm in the UK)? Or am I not understanding the way the electricity is produced by wind turbines?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
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frequency conversion
 
The wind farms that I'm familiar with run the windmills in synch with the local grid. When generating power and connected to the grid, they are all in perfect sync. If they are not connected to the grid, then they just free-wheel. If the wind is not blowing real hard, the windmills are disconnected from the power grid to avoid sinking power instead of sourcing it. Could it be that you saw this during moderate wind conditions, when the windmills were not connected to the power grid?

I suppose it's possible that some windmill designs would use AC-DC-AC converters, but I'm not aware of any at this time. I believe that the straight AC connection to the grid is more efficient (at least in areas where there is often steady, strong wind).
 
Ac-DC-AC used at a small house at this school:
http://www.energy-now.com/lakerschools/
Unfortunately, you can't see it in this image, the three big fellas (210 Kw) there are for powering the school. They run in synch with the grid like berkeman was talking about. But the school super is required to have his house on campus, so they hooked him up with a 50k and some PVC's. The 50 generates AC, rectifies it to DC, then converts it to AC 60.
If you check the link regularly, you can see the power being generated at different times. The school sometimes generates more than it's using. The house (which is not on the website) generates a LOT more than it uses.
I was there last Spring as a field trip.
 

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