Abstract

The reactive power capability of a variable speed wind energy conversion system (WECS), based on an induction generator fed by a matrix converter is presented. A simplified analysis is performed neglecting the system losses. It is demonstrated that the maximum reactive power that can be supplied to the grid is ∼40 of the nominal power. The results obtained in this work are experimentally validated using a 3 kW experimental prototype. © 2008 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.