Generator sensor


The Generator sensor can be added by toggling on the Sensor button shown in the following picture




Note that
  • The sensor name will also include the Type of generator used. In the picture in the example, a Variable speed generator is used
  • For Multi-rotor turbines, one generator sensor is available for each RNA
  • Another type of Generator sensor can be added: the Generator [electrical] sensor

The Generator sensor provides the following fields

FieldUnitDescription
Power (electrical)kWElectrical power output by the generator. This includes the generator losses
TorqueNmMechanical torque on the axis (shaft) of the generator. Typically called the high-speed shaft.
Torque on main shaftkNmMechanical torque on the main shaft (low-speed shaft) of the rotor. The Torque and the Torque on main shaft are linked through the Gearbox ratio. For direct drive (no gearbox) this is the same as the Torque. Note: The units are different (Nm vs. kNm).
Torque diff on main shaftkNmDifference between the aerodynamic torque (in the Rotor sensor) and the Torque on main shaft. A positive difference means that the aerodynamic torque is larger than the generator torque, and the rotor is accelerating.
RPM1/minRevolutions per minute of the generator axis (shaft). Linked to the RPM of the rotor through the Gearbox ratio. For direct drive (no gearbox) then the RPM of the genertator is identical to the RPM of the rotor.
Filtered RPM1/mSome controllers don't use the real RPM as an input, as this can induce high frequency excitation. This output shows the filtered RPM. If no filtering is applied, this will be the same as RPM. See Jonkman et al. (2009b) for more information. 
Efficiency-Ratio of output electrical power to input mechanical power. For the PMSG generator the efficiency is calculated and is dynamic (dependent on time). For all generators except the PMSG the efficiency of the generator is set in the 
Generator part as the input parameter 'Efficency factor' and this sensor field is constant (and thus in effect useless). 
Electricity productionkWhEnergy produced during the simulation, calculated by integrating the electrical power over the simulation. 
Region-Current region for the controller, only applicable to variable speed generators. See Jonkman et al. (2009b) for more information.
Estimated powerkWThis is only relevant for a Python script generator, for all other kinds og generators it is zero and thus useless.  A Python script generator can ask the Python script for estimated power. It is up to the script if an estimate is returned or not. 
Estimated windm/sThis is only relevant for a Python script generator, for all other kinds og generators it is zero and thus useless.  A Python script generator can ask the Python script for estimated wind speed. It is up to the script if an estimate is returned or not.