Overview
This spoke is researching a small-scale wind generator for off-grid battery charging and exploring synchronous condenser technologies to stabilize grids with high solar and wind penetration.
Stellenbosch University is advancing wind energy research, focusing on drive train technology, power conversion, and grid integration. Drive train work includes developing and comparing non-permanent magnet (non-PM) and permanent magnet (PM) wind generators, slip synchronous generator systems, and brushless doubly fed induction generators (BDFIGs) to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost. Wind-powered motor-generator drive systems are also being explored. Grid integration research includes geospatial planning of wind and solar resources, gravity-based energy storage for output stabilization, and the use of synchronous condensers to enhance grid stability. These projects aim to boost renewable energy penetration and support a secure, resilient electricity grid for South Africa's transition to sustainable power.
Projects and Prototypes
Team
Prof Nkosinathi Gule
Stellenbosch University
nathie@sun.ac.za
Rong-Jie Wang
Stellenbosch University
rwang@sun.ac.za
Maarten J Kamper
Stellenbosch University
kamper@sun.ac.za



