Journal article
Trends in Wind Turbine Generator Systems
Delft University of Technology1
Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark2
Center for Electric Power and Energy, Centers, Technical University of Denmark3
Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark4
Wind Energy Systems, Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark5
University of Sheffield6
University of Cambridge7
This paper reviews the trends in wind turbine generator systems. After discussing some important requirements and basic relations, it describes the currently used systems: the constant speed system with squirrel-cage induction generator, and the three variable speed systems with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), with gearbox and fully rated converter, and direct drive (DD).
Then, possible future generator systems are reviewed. Hydraulic transmissions are significantly lighter than gearboxes and enable continuously variable transmission, but their efficiency is lower. A brushless DFIG is a medium speed generator without brushes and with improved low-voltage ride-through characteristics compared with the DFIG.
Magnetic pseudo DDs are smaller and lighter than DD generators, but need a sufficiently low and stable magnet price to be successful. In addition, superconducting generators can be smaller and lighter than normal DD generators, but both cost and reliability need experimental demonstration. In power electronics, there is a trend toward reliable modular multilevel topologies.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | IEEE |
Year: | 2013 |
Pages: | 174-185 |
ISSN: | 21686785 and 21686777 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1109/JESTPE.2013.2280428 |
ORCIDs: | Abrahamsen, Asger Bech |